Point to consider. With sales or use taxes now being required on internet sales, that reduces the gap between the local shop and an out of state internet seller.
Done buying from my
- Thread starter Irn-Bru
- Start date
jeffsmith
Member
The Question was Raised (Approximately)
Why buy Locally when I can Save money from the Internet?
OK
Where will FFL Transfers be done if all the Local Guys Pack up Shop?
Why buy Locally when I can Save money from the Internet?
OK
Where will FFL Transfers be done if all the Local Guys Pack up Shop?
GUNMIKE
US Veteran
Your post is confusing to me. It appears that your did your due diligence on the price, except for what your dealers price was. If so how can you be angry with your local LGS?
Florida Guy
Member
The lgs where I've been receiving my online purchases for about 8 years is closing next week after about 10 years in business.
He is going back to his home state (OK), so I'm losing a friendly owner who greets me by name when i walk into his store.
He was charging me $15 for a transfer, and after looking around, I found another pawn shop only 2 blocks away from him that also charges $15. I hope they're as nice to work with, but only time will tell.
He is going back to his home state (OK), so I'm losing a friendly owner who greets me by name when i walk into his store.
He was charging me $15 for a transfer, and after looking around, I found another pawn shop only 2 blocks away from him that also charges $15. I hope they're as nice to work with, but only time will tell.
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Some folks don't understand just how much money is tied up in inventory, rent, taxes etc for the LGS. Some years back I was looking for a used 700 for a donor action for a build. A LGS asked what I was trying to build and then checked inventory. Guy disappeared for awhile came back with a box with about 1/2 inch of dust on it. I ended up buying new (at a substantial discount from that years prices) rather than building. When I checked the build date on the rifle, it'd been gathering dust for 7 years! That's a lot of time to tie up money for no return.
Rastoff
US Veteran
I guess I understand, but this is why the local guy won't be around much longer. The internet has changed the face of retail forever.
Gun stores make very little on guns. The only way they stay in business is from ammo and accessories. If they only sold guns, they'd go out of business quick.
I'll bet the deal the OP saw online was less than the local FFL could get it for from his distributor.
Gun stores make very little on guns. The only way they stay in business is from ammo and accessories. If they only sold guns, they'd go out of business quick.
I'll bet the deal the OP saw online was less than the local FFL could get it for from his distributor.
I basically agree with the OP. The shop knew him as a regular and knows he knows how to shop online for a bargain. They should have treated him well and given him a decent price rather than full list retail, recognizing that he was throwing them some business, to show him that they can be fair and reasonable. I'll buy local and pay a premium for it, within reason. I don't expect to pay full list retail as no frequent gun buyer does, other than those in a totally different economic category than I'm in. Yes, it was the OP's mistake to trust that the shop would return his good will and apparently a mistake he's learned from.
One of my local dealers is basically a kitchen table FFL who runs his business out of his basement. He has an excellent online store with the best prices locally but he can't quite meet what the big online outfits sell for. They're below his cost. Plus there is the sales tax thing. But if his OTD price is less than $100 difference between him and the big outfits by the time shipping and a transfer fee is added on I'll order from him. He does my transfers for $25 plus I have a copy of his license on my computer so I can purchase a gun, email his license to the seller, and he'll let me know when it's ready to pick up. Couldn't get much easier.
642_PC
Member
My FFL guy works out of his home on a part time basis and also has another full time job. I assume there are gunsmiths who also do FFL transfers. If there is a vacuum, it will get filled.
No internet sales taxes required in my state as far as buying firearms where I live.
For one, pawn shops.
Firearm businesses are just like any other commodity and business, and subject to the same market forces, despite what some gun owners think. They have to adapt to the changing market place, if they don't they won't survive.
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jeffsmith
Member
Well I must be "Old School"
I'd still rather deal with Folks I know Face to face than just Online
at least where Firearm Purchases are Involved
I will support actual Gun Shops for as long as I can
Rather than Pawnshops or someones House Business
I'd still rather deal with Folks I know Face to face than just Online
at least where Firearm Purchases are Involved
I will support actual Gun Shops for as long as I can
Rather than Pawnshops or someones House Business
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Appreciate all the input and opinions from you guys and gals. I don't feel angry with the guy, just slightly taken advantage off. I'll still use him to do my transfers and buy the odd box of ammo, just won't ever buy from him at full retail again. He had a golden goose that would buy 2-3 guns a year from him. He decided to gut the goose and kill it, that ones on him.
Rastoff
US Veteran
Seriously? Do you honestly believe that 2-3 guns and a couple boxes of ammo over a year's time made any difference in his bottom line? Golden goose? Wow.
Don't you know there are plenty of FFL that operate out of their homes. Many do not sell anything. Their fees are usually less and their hours are very flexible. I have one 2 houses down from me and just walk there. Have 6 more of them in a 2 mile radius that operate out of their homes. Look around for some like that in your area. Not hard to find.
So, back to the question that several of us have asked,
Did you or did you not confirm a price with your FFL before you had them order the gun????
If you did not, suck it up and quit whining about it.
Most of us have learned by our mistakes over the years...........
but if we don't do it again, life is good.
Cuda, wooda, shuda, happen now and then......
we just have to suck it up, learn how to fix the problem and move on.
I also try to give all the local shops business, if possible.
It is nice to just drive1-3 miles to get your equipment, eye to eye.
Sometimes seeing the item is better than a picture and having in in your hand
is priceless.
Some of my shops even let me open and see what the bullets look like, before buying them.
A nice thing when buying an item for the very 1st time.
Some stores are chained but if a Mom & Pop store, they can sometime
drop the price if you ask, before buying.
Chains just have a sale or coupons and they are still making a good profit.
In college, a business retail class first rule was.........
50% Mark Up !!
Don't feel guilty on getting a better deal if possible.
but if we don't do it again, life is good.
Cuda, wooda, shuda, happen now and then......
we just have to suck it up, learn how to fix the problem and move on.
I also try to give all the local shops business, if possible.
It is nice to just drive1-3 miles to get your equipment, eye to eye.
Sometimes seeing the item is better than a picture and having in in your hand
is priceless.
Some of my shops even let me open and see what the bullets look like, before buying them.
A nice thing when buying an item for the very 1st time.
Some stores are chained but if a Mom & Pop store, they can sometime
drop the price if you ask, before buying.
Chains just have a sale or coupons and they are still making a good profit.
In college, a business retail class first rule was.........
50% Mark Up !!
Don't feel guilty on getting a better deal if possible.
4506517
Member
Compared to what I've read on this (and many other boards) I wouldn't say he's whining about it.
I've given up doing business locally at all. Period. I'm a high volume (I think) purchaser/builder of firearms. I probably build/buy at least 12-15 yearly. Even the ones I build require a receiver/restricted upper to be built.
We all agree in capitalism, correct? Supply and demand, right? Then let the chips fall where they may. Want to/have to charge outrageous prices/fees? Ok. Wonder what kind of nail place the landlord is going to put in your location by this time next year.
The WORST by far in my opinion (mine and mine alone) are pawnshops. I don't even really consider them legit sources for firearms. Every single one in my area are RIDICULOUS when it comes to prices. The vast majority of firearms they sell are complete junk. They are hocked for a quick buck by desperate folks.
I think the OP understands that "this one's on him". So what? He paid. Folks are acting like he's the first person to come here and vent. Sad thing is I know EXACTLY what he's talking about. I had a guy that did my transfers and I tried to buy at least $200 worth of ammo from him everytime. He kept screwing me up to the point where the transfer fee went up everytime. When it got to $50 I walked. Bye. Was I ticked? You bet.
Point is, who cares if he asked? He didn't. So what? I refuse to believe that NO ONE else on this board has had the same experience at lease once.
I've given up doing business locally at all. Period. I'm a high volume (I think) purchaser/builder of firearms. I probably build/buy at least 12-15 yearly. Even the ones I build require a receiver/restricted upper to be built.
We all agree in capitalism, correct? Supply and demand, right? Then let the chips fall where they may. Want to/have to charge outrageous prices/fees? Ok. Wonder what kind of nail place the landlord is going to put in your location by this time next year.
The WORST by far in my opinion (mine and mine alone) are pawnshops. I don't even really consider them legit sources for firearms. Every single one in my area are RIDICULOUS when it comes to prices. The vast majority of firearms they sell are complete junk. They are hocked for a quick buck by desperate folks.
I think the OP understands that "this one's on him". So what? He paid. Folks are acting like he's the first person to come here and vent. Sad thing is I know EXACTLY what he's talking about. I had a guy that did my transfers and I tried to buy at least $200 worth of ammo from him everytime. He kept screwing me up to the point where the transfer fee went up everytime. When it got to $50 I walked. Bye. Was I ticked? You bet.
Point is, who cares if he asked? He didn't. So what? I refuse to believe that NO ONE else on this board has had the same experience at lease once.
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cherrypointmarine
Member
I used to use an FFL right here in town , about 2 miles from my house .I've bought a few guns from him , but I mostly used him for transfers . He even told me once , I brought him more transfers than anyone else . Short story , I bought a S&W from a member on this forum . He never stated that he was sending it himself , not through an FFL . My FFL got it , told me he does not accept from individuals . I contacted the guy , he said too bad . My gun sat there , he wouldn't send it back , no FFL . Anyways , I gave up , told him to keep it . I have NEVER stepped back in that shop . I found another FFL close by , $10 cheaper on transfers , and extremely honest , and accepts from individuals . I am good for 1-2 transfers a month , so he really missed out . The bad thing ? I ran the gun and it was not stolen . I called the ATF , they said just transfer it to an FFL accepts from individuals . He wouldn't do it , said it would be on his books . Anyone out there top that ? The gun ? A m3914 LNIB .
I would at least talk to him politely first about your pricing issue.
You likely do not know his supplier. I do business at a couple local shops and each draws off a different warehouse.
One place is a very high volume shop and you can get great pricing on hunting guns as they sell hundreds a year. They call the warehouse and find out there cost and then add whatever.
Second place is very much a hand gun and AR shop. This shop gets better prices than the first if its available.
Both shops really cannot compete against each other as there suppliers are different.
If your guy is relatively small or doesn't sell much his warehouse pricing may not be the best.
