Want So Bad To Buy From a LGS...

[stonecutter2]

But it's very difficult to foot the extra freight.

Fondled an HK VP9 yesterday. My small hand and short fingers were right at home with the grip, and it had the medium front and back straps and side panels installed. In spite of the grip width being the same as the Walther PPQ it felt much smaller and I could get my trigger finger placed properly on the trigger.

More than I wanted to spend for a HD and range gun, I wanted to talk turkey, nonetheless. Their price, $629.99 and no negotiation. AZ tax of ~9% would be added to that. Find it listed online for $550.00 in many places, free shipping and no tax!

Factoring in the $20.00 FFL fee from my neighbor, the two sources are ~$116.00 apart. Other than the instant gratification factor, the store offers little except some nice guys with which to deal. I sorta drew the line at a $50.00 premium that I'd be willing to pay to do business locally on a gun in that price range, so I left the premises.

Where do you folks draw the line?

Your entire first paragraph would never have occurred without the local gun shop. That's part of what they're charging. You essentially took their service for free and then saved yourself money elsewhere. This is exactly what is also causing Best Buy financial issues - come to look and play, go home and buy online elsewhere.

The time will come when you have no local option and you just have to blindly order online and hope you like what you get. Buy hey, you'll save some cash.

 

[psyopspec]

I'm still thinking about it, but generally I'm willing to go about 10% over the average online price.

I recently shopped for a Surefire E2D. I walked into the LGS knowing that I could get one for less than $200 online, and that the MSRP was $265. Wanting to support the shop, I was prepared to go for around 220-230. They wouldn't budge from MSRP, and gave me the spiel about how online shops have no overhead. Got it, understood. However, I don't pay retail on clothing, cars, bikes, or sports equipment and I sure won't on a flashlight. And my desire to support the local guy goes only so far when you're asking me to pay a full 35% more.

Example 2, I'm in the market for a Shield 9mm. Shop 1 has it for $450, and they've got a clean organized store with a great staff and a very welcome feel. Shop 2 down the block has it for $410. Dimly lit, unorganized and dusty like a garage sale that's been going on since 1989. Finally, I have a kitchen table dealer down the block where I could be OTD for around $400 with an online order. I haven't decided what to do yet. I really want to go with Shop 1, but again retail is for suckers. I'd be happy to split the difference and come in around $400 before taxes, or might ask for ammo/accessories to get me there. Haven't decided yet, but if there's no middle ground to be reached it's a great time to be a consumer with options.

 

[Ankeny]

A friend of mine owns a LGS. I have ordered rifles from him several times even though they cost over $100.00 more than they would cost on-line. I have also bought guns that he stocks even though they were more than on-line. The trade off? If I find a gun that he doesn't have in stock, he accepts delivery with absolutely no cost to me. He took delivery on three guns in the past two months. Loyalty works both ways.

 

[Rex B]

I'm in the middle of DFW. Most of the gun stores here are Cabelas, Bass Pro, and GM. There are some independents, but I don't go in those just to fondle a gun. Honestly, you can do that better at a gun show, and often the prices are comparable or better to online prices.
I have visited all the local gun stores that I know of. Only one or two were friendly professional, and knowledgable enough to be of interest, but their prices on the gun I was most recently shopping was 20% over online prices. In this case that was $200.

Trying to think back to the last few guns I bought:

LGS-online purchase, store pickup
LGS-online ditto
Online GB
Private party
Cabelas
online
gun show
gun show

Online sales support my local "kitchen table" FFL, who charges $10 for a transfer, and $25 to ship a pistol. And he is a great guy who I enjoy visiting.

In answer to the original question, I will pay a small premium to buy locally and walk out of the store with it. I'd call it 3%-5% max.

 

[PCFlorida]

If my LGS doesn't have what I want in stock he tells me to order it from Bud's. He is happy with the $$ from the transfer.

 

[Rex B]

Coming from a marketing background, it amazes me that LGSs charge $25 and up to do a transfer for a CHL holder when the Kitchen table FFLs typically charge $10. If a LGS would cheerfully advertise that service, it would bring in vetted buyers that buy guns. They would have the advantage of retail hours, and would get the opportunity to (1) establish a relationship and (2) sell accessories. For a competitive store, those accessories are likely where the profit lies. That kind of traffic is the lifeblood of a small business.
Two new independent gun stores recently opened up in a strip center close to my house. I guess I need to go check them out.

 

[FireInCairo]

There is a successful model for brick and mortar gun shops in this age of the internet, but most haven't come upon it. The singular factor for success is volume, which means newer shops have a tougher time because they don't get preference for what comes down the pike from distributors.

higher volume + lower prices = successful local gunshop

 

[carbine85]

I treat all my purchases as investments. It's either a good deal or bad deal end of story. I consider the out the door price, transfer fees, shipping and any other costs. Gun stores are entitled to make what ever they can if someone is willing to pay it. Many of them have a tendency to reference Gunbroker asking prices as the going rate.
Most of the larger gun shops around here are screw jobs. You have to know where the little shops are.
I tried to buy a DPMS AR10 locally. The local shops marked it up higher than MSRP plus sales tax. I bought it from Cheaper than Dirt and saved $300, $10 shipping, $10 transfer, no sales tax and they shipped it in 5 days.
The bottom line is you have to know where to draw your line.

 

[Sunray]

Listed online usually means at a non-brick and mortar shop. As in no actual store, just a reseller with no overhead or other costs related to having a business. If you want that shop to be there in the future, he needs your business.
"...who sell their inventory for wholesale plus..." They ever tell you what their wholesale is? 8% isn't enough to stay in business.

 

[2ifbyC]

Most, if not all, of the small gun shops near me use Davidson’s (Gallery of Guns) to advertise their gun prices. Davidson’s warehouse is only a few miles away and they can get the gun the same day. I use a pawn shop that usually has the best price from them. Price is near what I can purchase on-line but I do have to pay the state tax of 8.35%.

The pawn shop will accept transfers for $15 for guns that Davidson’s do not stock (no state sales tax). He will also allow me to sell my guns on consignment for 10%.

Maintaining inventory is expense. Add to that the overhead of owning a shop, I can see why most LGS sell retail. I am glad to see the small shops are expanding their business model to stay competitive.

 

[oneounceload]

Coming from a marketing background, it amazes me that LGSs charge $25 and up to do a transfer for a CHL holder when the Kitchen table FFLs typically charge $10.

Maybe where YOU live, but that is NOT typical of the rest of the country' $20-$25 seems to be more the norm. It matters not whether you have a CWL or not.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Coming from a marketing background, it amazes me that LGSs charge $25 and up to do a transfer for a CHL holder when the Kitchen table FFLs typically charge $10. If a LGS would cheerfully advertise that service, it would bring in vetted buyers that buy guns. They would have the advantage of retail hours, and would get the opportunity to (1) establish a relationship and (2) sell accessories. For a competitive store, those accessories are likely where the profit lies. That kind of traffic is the lifeblood of a small business.
Two new independent gun stores recently opened up in a strip center close to my house. I guess I need to go check them out.

Are you really amazed at the price difference? The "kitchen table FFLs" don't have any extra overhead to cover, like other employees, insurance and rent for a brick and mortor store, and a large inventory. They are free to charge lower prices as a result.

 

[Rock185]

I'd prefer to buy locally, but unfortunately it seems to be getting tougher all the time. I've been in many gun shops that were run exactly as jhb describes. As to prices, last year I was interested in buying a particular current production gun, and wanted to try to do business locally. I think the msrp was about $1400.00. The LGS was $300.00 higher on the base price of the gun. Once all fees, shipping,taxes,etc. were figured in, the difference was even more. I fully realize that business owners have a right to do as well financially as possible, I certainly would want to were I in business. But as I said, it's getting tougher....

BTW, I continually hear about the "services" provided by LGSs. Over many years, many stores and much money spent, I have very rarely received, or been offered, any service of value to me. Some of these stores have definitely attempted to "service" me though.......

 

[TennJed]

Are you really amazed at the price difference? The "kitchen table FFLs" don't have any extra overhead to cover, like other employees, insurance and rent for a brick and mortor store, and a large inventory. They are free to charge lower prices as a result.

I don't see $10 transfer fees from anyone around here, tabletop or LGS. That being said most tabletop charge $25. Most of the LGS charge about that, but a couple charge $50.

I understand they have more overhead, but it is strange to me that they are not competitive. If you charge the same as the tabletop you then have an opportunity to get people in the door to see your inventory and they then have a chance to win the customer's future business with good customer service.

Business pay good money in advertising and strategies to get people in the doors. Not being competitive with transfers doesn't do anything but pass up opportunities to show off what you got in inventory AND service

 

[Jaybird78]

LGS charges $48 for a transfer fee if you have a firearm shipped to them.
Hardware store does it for $15

My experience has shown that the LGS tries to push what he has on hand and not what I want.

First AR I bought in 2008 the LGS didn't even have mags for sale in the store and they sell AR's off the shelf. ***? Later I had TWO different shops that wouldn't (REFUSED) to do a transfer on just a stripped lower receiver. Said they could get in trouble with the ATF????

Bought a Xd (have two now) and the guy trying to tell me they are made in the states when it shows in Croatia. ***? And then argued with me about it when the side of the guns shows it in black in white.

Don't give me started on Gander Mt. They sell used guns that have wear for more than you can buy a new one someplace else. ***?

Easier to just get what you want online in my experience to date. The last LGS I was in was 45 mins away with little inventory (understandable having money just sitting on a shelf), I was impressed they had some accessories for ARs and he was a Gunsmith which was also a plus.

I'm not bitter, just less hassle and easier to get one shipped from KentuckyGun or Buds to my local hardware store. in my area.

If you can support your local shop then by all means do so every chance you get.

 

[12many]

The service you receive from a LGS is the ability to get it same day and the ability to hold it and see it. One gun I ordered online arrived but it was not in great shape. Wood looked like plastic, did not fit well, trigger was unpleasant. Not enough to refuse it but I would not have bought it had I held it first. Every time you hold a LGS gun in your hand or look at it in person you are receiving a service, a free service. My problem is finding the guns that I want local.

 

[DHJenkins]

I want the best price, period. I research almost everything I buy, to the point where I know more about what I'm buying than the person selling it; be it guns, cars, tools, etc... and all it costs me is time - which is all I'm willing to spend on advice.

 

[Teachu2]

No worries. A compelling life document well worth reading. A lot of good lessons can be learned in your excellent post. Thank you, Teach!

Thank you, Red Wind!

 

[Red Wind]

You are very welcome. Being a California resident for 6 years (San Francisco, Castro Valley), I can well understand where you are coming from ,gun wise and all wise.

Peace. With great memories of the Golden State. (1958-1964).

 

[strambo]

I used the LGS's early on in my gun-owning days. Made use of their service, knowledge, and ability to fondle, even rent and shoot, various guns and bought from them.

Nowdays, my knowledge far exceeds theirs, I know exactly what I want and don't need to fondle or shoot it first...so I just buy online. Every once in a while I'll stop by one out of curiosity and see they are still the same. In general; mediocre service, selection, prices and customer service.

If I had a good and close LGS, I would go there and order what they didn't have in stock through them and be willing to pay a small premium. None are good enough for that though. If I decided I wanted a fairly vanilla gun like a Glock 42 or something easy to find and typically priced decent, I'd get it at a LGS.

I also homebrew and the best local store has sorta a typical gun-store intimidating to newcomers feel. Oh well, they actually beat online prices and offer a military discount, I'll put up with the dis-organization and slight stand offish-ness for that!

 

[Delford]

I've been fortunate because my LGS is large and has a good web presence as well. I bought my first gun - a .45 acp - after researching on line and fondling in the store. I bought my shotgun on-line and went to the store and found it to be better than expected. It was "used" but was really brand new. It was stiff and it took some breaking in but was $100 cheaper than brand new, yet it was truly like brand new. I saved even more on my 2nd .45. I found it on their website after having shot several similar guns (Glock, Springfield Armory) and not liking them. I asked the owner's son who runs the web side and he looked it up and told me it was 2 years old (3 years left on warranty) and traded in by the original owner. It was also LNIB and I wonder if it was ever shot it was so clean and stiff. We have several LGSs and they all are helpful and friendly. Price wins but it's nice to have a relationship with real people as well.

 

[evan price]

One thing about pricing- the shop gets discounts from distributors based on volume. I know smaller shops that can't buy some guns at wholesale cheaper than the huge gun store in the city sells them for at retail. It's not always huge markup.

The local ffls charge $30 for transfers. The one closer to me used to charge $30 plus $5 for each extra gun in the same shipment. That was nice when I bought boxes of receivers. The last time I did that they charged the full $30 each. I asked why, they said they get so many transfers now that they don't discount. Ok. Next time they told me they charge the difference between cost and retail. So my $50 lowers will have a $50 transfer. Each. Nope, no more. His shop gets dirtier and dustier and emptier. No more transfers. Not much inventory. Heck with it, why should I support him? He's not helping me.

 

[JSH1]

and when there is no competition that 20 bucks can turn to 200. (look at DC for an example)

I'll worry about lack of competition when it starts happening. The number of FFL's set up primarily to do transfers only seems to be growing. Bud's lists 71 FFL's willing to do transfers within 25 miles of my house. Fees range from $15 to $35.

 

[sarge83]

I have a local gun/pawn establishment I have done a lot of business with over the years. When I first went in there I couldn't get the time of day. Eventually had a couple of employees who would take time to help me on my weapons of interest. I know the first couple of items I bought I ended up paying asking price, one with tax and the other without taxes. After they figured I would buy and not just look and hand it back to them the better deals started flowing.

 

[Rocketmedic]

For me, it's about how I'm treated. I'm a youngin' of only 26, but I know my way around and I know what I like.

Henry's in Yukon used to be OK, but they grew sort of an elitist attitude that turned me off to them with a quickness- they seem to be all about upsaling and I felt like I was being judged when I took my revolvers out to the range. Their cardinal sin though was cost- literally everything was $80-100 more than any of their competition.

Gunworx in NW OKC was awesome- they had what I wanted at a fair price (+$25 from online) and they were helpful with ammunition and a sling. Most importantly, they didn't try to upsale me and they didn't pester me.

Big Boy in Mustang was another class act; the salesman literally rummaged through their entire inventory to find the specific thing I liked and they actually matched the lowest Internet price on it.

H&H was fair and low-pressure. Marc is a great salesman, very knowledgeable and low-pressure.