Question about selling a handgun as a package deal

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AStone

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I'll be clear right up front: I'm not creating this thread to sell my handgun. I'll do that in the appropriate board when I'm ready. (Private Sales: Buy, Sell and Trade Handguns).

I'm starting this thread to ask advice from members and mods about how to best sell what I have. No need at this point to discuss specifics; I'll keep this general.

In the past, I've sold several guns online, including on THR. (This is a new user name for me. I retired my old one. No I was not banned; I was a long term member in good standing, but was away for several years and went through some life changes, so decided to start fresh. Mods/admins, feel free to contact me if you wish.)

When selling those guns, I've always sold it as gun only.

But in this case, I have a revolver that I'd like to offer as a package deal with the following items:
  • the gun (of course)
  • two holsters: one pocket, one OWB
  • two sets of grips: one stock, one aftermarket
  • extra ammo
Why? All items pertain to that gun and that caliber, and I'm getting out of that caliber, moving to semi-auto. I'd prefer to make someone a good deal on all items in one sale rather than piecemeal it. Saves time.

I'm going to consider selling it on consignment at a local shop, but A) they probably won't want to do it this way, and B) they get 20%. I'd rather sell it here straight up.

Questions:
1) am I allowed to do that on THR?
2) what do members think of this idea?

If I am allowed to try it out, and do so, if it doesn't sell this way, then of course, I'll split it up.

Feedback welcome. Thanks in advance.
 
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...
  • the gun (of course)
  • two holsters: one pocket, one OWB
  • two sets of grips: one stock, one aftermarket
  • extra ammo
...
Extra ammo is always welcome, but I rarely pay much for it, unless it is an odd or uncommon cartridge.

Holsters and grips, to me, they are personal items and your taste may not match mine, probably won't. I usually toss the grips on a revolver and fit the ones that best work in my hand. Same with holsters, I do not use IWB, so that is a loss. I like certain holsters and while I am willing to try things, I am not willing to do so at an inflated price.

Years ago, things like holsters, ammo etc were tossed in to sweeten the pot. Nowadays, they are added to the price.

Kevin
 
I've only done it once (not on THR but through a newspaper ad). It was the only gun of its caliber I owned. I threw in a holster and a partial box of ammo for free just to get rid of them. Sold the thing in less than 3 hours.
 
As far as I know you're allowed to do that on THR. However as a buyer about the only thing I'll pay extra for are magazines. Unless I want that specific holster or set of grips, they're just gonna wind up in my pile of gun junk anyway, so I don't feel the need to pay extra for things I won't use. Ammo is nice but it gets expensive to ship in any quantity that matters.

I think your best return would be to split it up and sell it as individual items (maybe with right of first refusal to the guy who buys the gun). That way you get paid for each portion of the setup.
 
I've sold packages several times when getting rid of a one off gun or caliber, or getting out of a particular platform or caliber altogether. Just this morning I sold a S&W snubby along with a pocket holster, speed strip, range and carry ammo to a friend who is just getting into concealed carry.

It's a good way to sweeten the pot and move guns that are harder to sell or too get rid of a lot of stuff in one transaction, but the deal generally favors the buyer, not the seller. If you want to ring every penny you can out of the things you're selling, move them individually. If you want to move things in the most expeditious manner, package deals are the way to go.
 
Thanks for the feedback so far. It's useful. I'll just keep reading, and thinking about the best way to do this. Fortunately, I'm not in a hurry to make a decision.
 
Keep in mind there are special requiements for sending ammo. Can't go in the mail. Has to go UPS with ORM-D and "cartridges, small arms" on the side. Just like you get it when you buy it commercially
 
Thanks for pointing that out, yugorpk. I did indeed look into that last week, because I sold another revolver (.357) and have some ammo left over, so I'm looking to sell/send it to friends. Kind of a hassle, but doable.
 
Ammo can also go FedEx ground, the labeling requirements are the same.
 
I've sold a number of guns on a local "gun sale" board. Anything "extra" that I throw in is just stuff to sweeten the deal. That stuff is more something to separate your gun from every other gun just like it. "And it comes with..." is never a bad thing.

Same when I'm buying. If you got a holster, ammo, etc., it's just frosting on the cake. I won't turn it down, but I'm not paying much for it. I'm buying a gun.

Now, I will pay more for the original box, and papers. How much depends on the gun, box, condition, and most of all, how bad I want it.
 
Thanks again to all for your input.

I think what I'll do is try it for a few days as a package and see if it goes.
If no one's interested, I'll split it up.

So I've got the following:
  • the revolver (a popular Smith Wesson)
  • stock grips
  • a set of Hogue monogrips (on it now): ~$20 new
  • Robert Mica pocket holster ($30 new)
  • DeSantis Style 002 OWB holster, well broken in but good condition (goes for $43 new on line)
So I'm thinking I'll try gun price at current average used price + $40.

That'll be just a few bucks shy of what I need for its replacement.

Does that sound fair?
 
I would pay extra for some accessories- factory ammo, night sights (with date of manufacture known), and magazines.

I would not pay extra for most grips unless they were from a reputable manufacturer and were to my taste. Like Herrett's, Esmeralda, etc. Not going to pay any extra for a rubber Hogue grip set, for example.

I consider paying extra for holsters, but in practice rarely do because most of the ones I see sold as a package with guns are either low quality, low value, or both. You don't see, for example, Alessi or Sparks leather for sale with guns often because it sells well enough on its own, and there are more people looking for those holsters than there are looking for both the gun and the holster.
 
The original grips are a plus. The holsters, maybe, maybe not depending on type and condition. The Hogue grip may be a plus to a buyer if the gun is a heavy caliber. Personally, I have a box full of holsters and a large ziplock bag full of rubber grips.
 
Depends on the buyer.

To some, it'll sweeten the deal, but to others it'll be a hindrance.

I think it would createb a smaller market for your gun.
 
I have found that I was always better off selling the gun first, then selling accessories separately on a popular auction site or in forum classifieds.
Last weekend alone I sold a couple of Milt Sparks holsters that brought me a bit over $160.
 
Questions:
1) am I allowed to do that on THR?
2) what do members think of this idea?

1. I certainly don't see why not.
2. I see it as a great idea.

I recently listed a Ruger Model 77 Left Hand Bolt gun with 400 plus rounds of ammunition (7mm Remington Magnum). Getting older and the rifle is punishing to shoot. I will have no use for 400 plus rounds of ammunition and for that matter the loading dies. So I absolutely see your point and see looking to sell the package as a good idea. While I can understand where a few may balk wanting the gun and only the gun I would look to sell as a package deal. Makes sense to me anyway.

Ron
 
Thanks to all for sharing your opinions, pro or con. It's been helpful.

Ron, I especially appreciate your perspective here.

I think what I'm going to do is try it first as a package deal. If it works, great: someone will get a good deal. If not, I'll punt, and repost as package option and gun only option.

Fortunately, I'm in no hurry, so I can give it some time.

And, it's a bit of an experiment, also: we'll gather more data about whether package deals on used gear works well or not.
 
Personally, unless you're throwing it in for free or still charging less than average real-world retail, I won't look at it. Let's say I'm selling a CZ 75D PCR, six mags, a holster, and 100rnds of ammo. I'd likely ask $650. I can buy the gun new today for around $530. As a buyer, I'd look at that $650 and only see the comparison to $530-depreciation. I wouldn't pay that amount. As the seller, I would sell that gun for $500. When conversation starts and the buy is arranged, I'd say "hey, I've got four extra mags...interested? Say $80? Also, I have a holster....$40? Ammo....$20?"
 
Thanks to all for sharing your opinions, pro or con. It's been helpful.

Ron, I especially appreciate your perspective here.

I think what I'm going to do is try it first as a package deal. If it works, great: someone will get a good deal. If not, I'll punt, and repost as package option and gun only option.

Fortunately, I'm in no hurry, so I can give it some time.

And, it's a bit of an experiment, also: we'll gather more data about whether package deals on used gear works well or not.
I would try that approach. Consider you aren't in a rush to sell so it's not like you need it gone ASAP. I have a truck sitting in my driveway. Older GMC Yukon XL, excellent work truck. Has a For Sale sign on it. Not advertised anywhere else. Truck is still fully insured and has valid plates. If it sells it sells, if not? I'll drive it through another NE Ohio winter. :)

Ron
 
I'd do what Ohio suggests above. Even if you want to be rid of the stuff, you can probably swap it for some other odds and ends that the other guy has in his parts bin. Extra mags and such are always useful. Heck I've even traded for an old broken printer to use as a target.
 
I probably could "do better" selling individually. I don't dispute that.

But for me, it's really also a convenience thing. I'm so pressed for time, and I just don't want to take the time to write up all the ads, interact with several buyers, do multiple shippings, etc. It's honestly not worth the extra bucks to me right now. I'd rather just do one sale and be done.

But again, we'll see if it flies.

And Ibis (and Ohio), I think that's a great suggestion for most, but not for me. I only own three guns -- once I sell the one in question here, it'll temporarily be only 2, then I'll replace it and get back to three.

So there's just not many other parts and accessories that I need.
 
Just my $.02, but I don't think holsters and grips sweeten the deal very much. People have personal preferences for those things, and it's not likely that somebody will want that gun with exactly the grips and holster that you're offering.

But I could be wrong -- it has happened before.
 
Toivo, I suspect that in general, you're more right than wrong. I think most would only want the gun, not the extras.

But in this case, I'm happy to say that you were wrong. Not in a "rub your nose in it" kind of way -- not at all, but in a "I'm glad it worked this time because it was just easier, which I needed right now." It was just easier, even though maybe -- maybe -- I could have made a few more $ with individual sales.

Let's just chalk it up to luck: right person looking at the right time. Next week, it might not work.

But I was prepared to try it, and go individual if it didn't go as a package, so I'd lose nothing. It was an interesting experiment with a positive result. Maybe it'll help others.

Here's the full story in the sale thread.

me said:
Sale complete. Check cleared. Gun is shipping with all extras plus a few other goodies today. I won't close the thread until the package arrives at its destination and confirmed that all is good, that the buyer is happy, etc. Then I'll close it as per instructions for this sub-forum.

The buyer is a fine THR person. Very comfortable transaction. Excellent communication, cordial interaction, lots of patience.

And I'm happy to note that the package deal I proposed here went within 2 hours of posting. This made it easier for both of us. I'll post a note about this in a thread in Handguns: General (I think), where we were having a (helpful) discussion about whether package deals work or not. This is certainly not the definitive proof, but a bit of evidence that at least they can work.

For the record, the "few extra goodies" were paid extra, in addition to my asking price. (I had some ammo.)

I'll be back to discuss this more with you guys later ...
 
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Congrats ~ I'm glad it worked out for you, and I'm happy to be wrong in this case.

I'm facing the same issue -- I'm thinking of selling a SIG P938 with the .22 conversion kit and three sets of grips. Do I try to sell it all as one, or break it up?
 
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