Questions on gun show ettiquette...

Art Doc

Art Doc

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Situation #1: Looking over a dealer's table when a man approaches and offers a gun to the dealer. The dealer looks it over and passes, handing it back to the owner. I'm thinking I might like it. Is it OK for me to attempt a purchase at that point?

Situation #2: While holding a gun picked up from a dealer's table another shopper standing next to me tells the dealer he'll buy it at the full asking price. IMO the gun is mine until I decide to put it down. I can buy it at the full asking price or lay it down and let the other fellow buy it. Am I wrong?

I have experienced both of these situations. In #1 the dealer became very angry that I was buying a gun in front of his table. I politely pointed out that I said nothing to the seller until after he (the dealer) had declined to purchase it. He remained angry. I think he was mad because I had cash and was willing to buy a gun but I wasn't buying one of HIS guns. But that's just supposition on my part.

In situation #2 The dealer told the man waving cash at him that he could buy the gun once I had decided to pass on it. The potential buyer was not happy and wanted the dealer to tell me to hand the gun over as he had made the first offer on it. The dealer told him I was looking at it first, and thus had the right of first refusal. I never said anything during this time. The fact was that I wasn't seriously interested in buying the gun and was just admiring it. I handed it to the anxious buyer and wished for him to enjoy his new gun.

I'd like to hear any comments. I would also be interested in hearing about experiences anyone else has had.
 
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#1 - I see no issue if one party already said no. I guess I would have said something like "if XYZ isn't interested I might be".

#2 - IMO it was your responsibility to immediately inform both parties you have no interest and hand the merchandise over for the table owner to sell the product. That's why he has paid to be there.
SaxonPig said:
Situation #1: Looking over a dealer's table when a man approaches and offers a gun to the dealer. The dealer looks it over and passes, handing it back to the owner. I'm thinking I might like it. Is it OK for me to attempt a purchase at that point?

Situation #2: While holding a gun picked up from a dealer's table another shopper standing next to me tells the dealer he'll buy it at the full asking price. IMO the gun is mine until I decide to put it down. I can buy it at the full asking price or lay it down and let the other fellow buy it. Am I wrong?

I have experienced both of these situations. In #1 the dealer became very angry that I was buying a gun in front of his table. I politely pointed out that I said nothing to the seller until after he (the dealer) had declined to purchase it. He remained angry. I think he was mad because I had cash and was willing to buy a gun but I wasn't buying one of HIS guns. But that's just supposition on my part.

In situation #2 The dealer told the man waving cash at him that he could buy the gun once I had decided to pass on it. The potential buyer was not happy and wanted the dealer to tell me to hand the gun over as he had made the first offer on it. The dealer told him I was looking at it first, and thus had the right of first refusal. I never said anything during this time. The fact was that I wasn't seriously interested in buying the gun and was just admiring it. I handed it to the anxious buyer and wished for him to enjoy his new gun.

I'd like to hear any comments. I would also be interested in hearing about experiences anyone else has had.
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I found out once your holding a gun looking at it a crowd gathers around us. Your right. Seems everyone gets greedy sellers and buyers. I'd buy it even if I didn't want it just to piss them off. I'd dig in like a Alabama tick. I'd make there day. Rules there are none. Respect there is none.
Or we get the clown who darts over to see where we live while filling out the paperwork? Not only at gun shows but gun shops too.
 
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I think you did right in both situations. Dealer #1 acted badly. I have seen similar situations where the dealer just shrugged and allowed the transaction with words of approval. Perhaps the angry dealer you encountered has his life savings tied up in this gun show and it's a make or break situation for him. Or he is just the type that gets mad about everything. We don't know anyone like that of course! :D

Dealer #2 handled that situation perfectly. If I were in your shoes, I would be tempted to buy the gun just for spite. Except I don't have "just for spite" money. The other patron was very rude. Not that that's uncommon at a gun show. :o
 
Grown men getting bent our of shape over chunks of metal.

1. Yes absolutely. He didn't want it, you do.

2. Eh.. I can see how it's a bad move but if it were me I'd thank him for saving me X amount of money and just hand it over

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#1 Yes - once the dealer has passed the item becomes fair game. Whether the transaction takes place in front of his table, down the aisle or out in the parking lot is of no concern to the dealer. He passed.

#2 No - If I see an item on a table at a gun show that I may have an interest in purchasing I pick it up and DO NOT put it back down until the negotiations have ended. The bad etiquette being displayed in this case is the buyer attempting to make the deal while you are holding the item, full price offer or not.
 
#1 Yes, but obviously getting clear of the table so as to not block his other customers.

#2 No, but I suppose if you knew you were not going to buy it handing it over right away would be the better way. The guy with the table is there to sell guns and if a real buyer does walk up that is the point.

I know when I found my 617 no dash a couple years ago that baby wasn't going to touch the table again if I didn't spot anything that I felt was wrong regardless of who else might walk up and take an interest.
 
I think you handled both appropriately...............

More than once over the years I've been in a LGS where the owner turned down buying a gun cus the seller wanted close to retail on the sale or trade...

Behind the sellers back I've signaled the LGS owner for permission to approach the seller and in most instances have been given the "nod".....

Generally the money I pay never left the shop...................
 
I've actually done the #2 thing once. The gun in question was an engraved and silver inlaid K22. The jerk was fondling it when I walked up and at one glance, I knew it was worth buying. So I stood there watching. And the guy couldn't make up his mind. Remember lengthy inspections are a kind of negotiating tactic. He's trying to wear down the seller and while so doing, he's taking up all the guys time and space. So the lengthy inspection took at least 20 minutes. I was getting antsy, and the dealer annoyed. Then the guy holding the gun started with a low ball offer, then another not significantly better. At about the half hour mark, I'd had enough. So I pulled off one of my better moves. It was a great gun, and worth more (to me)than the asking price. I just reached in my pocket and pulled out the asking price, counting it where the seller could see but the other guy was consumed with the gun. Then I smiled at the dealer and shoved the bills in my front shirt pocket.

Clearly the dealer had enough of the BS and opened up to the guy, telling him to either buy it for full price or the next guy in line would. It really shocked the guy. Then he gave in and paid, grumbling something about a proper inspection.

And I've waited for sellers to leave a table before approaching them. One was how I got my 44-40 Triple Lock. The dealer was dumb and told the guy $700 was too much for that old chrome plated thing. I stepped back and as he was leaving, I asked him what he had. He told me it was just an old family gun they wanted gone. So I was smiling and said it was a nice gun, but probably wouldn't bring his full price. He said he understood that and would I pay $600? Sure, since it was worth 4 or 5 times that much. Yes, Roy did letter it.

Manners are kind of self enforcing at "Guy" events. You break the rules too badly and the other guy might just punch you out. There is no law that says some indecisive jerk can't tie up the space in front of a table for an extended period. But I've seen vendors tell buyers to pay up or move along. Its just a way to clear things out for serious buyers. The vast majority of gun show vendors are successful in life. They have a significant investment in their gun collection and most of us do the shows for fun. Do something that impairs that fun and incur their wrath. Worse, any good feeling that might translate into a better price is gone.
 
Jack Flash said:
Dealer #2 handled that situation perfectly. If I were in your shoes, I would be tempted to buy the gun just for spite.

The other patron was very rude. Not that that's uncommon at a gun show. :o
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That others want what you're considering to purchase can be a significant motivator.

Would't you be surprised that the "rude patron" was the dealer's partner. :D
 
I've been on a self-imposed gun show moratorium for the better part of a year. When I did attend, the overwhelming majority were there to fondle AK's, AR's and Glocks or just to kick tires. Can't say I ever saw either scenario you describe. Closest I ever came was at the LGS. A woman was trading in a Colt Police Positive for an auto pistol of undetermined make. As the shop owner was looking it over, I told him not to bother putting it in the showcase. As soon as the safety check was complete and the paperwork in order, I'd buy it. It's residing in my safe as I type.
 
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Happened to me twice. A Mauser dealer had a rifle I wanted badly/now own/ but wouldn't let me make two payments as I never carried the amount he was asking at either time. Next table from his, I bought a Walther P-38, got a deadly glare from the Mauser guy. Tant pis. About a year later, same two dealers were next to each other. Again I didn't have his asking price on hand, so would have to do two payments. No deal, so next guy had a Krag carbine on his table that was begging me to take it home. Again, frown and glare from Mauser guy.

A year later, a VERY pregnant Mauser guy's wife was at the table too. They needed money, rifle price dropped to $600.00 and I got to make two payments. Mind you, this was about 20 years ago. The wife forced him to allow me two payments of $450.00and $200.00 respectively.
 
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SPEEDGUNNER said:
#1 Yes - once the dealer has passed the item becomes fair game. Whether the transaction takes place in front of his table, down the aisle or out in the parking lot is of no concern to the dealer. He passed.

#2 No - If I see an item on a table at a gun show that I may have an interest in purchasing I pick it up and DO NOT put it back down until the negotiations have ended. The bad etiquette being displayed in this case is the buyer attempting to make the deal while you are holding the item, full price offer or not.
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^^^ This ^^^ Saved me some typing...;)
 
At MY table

NOT QUITE Situation #2

A couple of years ago a seller came to table offering a 308 BLR with nice scope for $600. I already has two at home and really DIDN'T need a third. Another attendee was watching and looking like he might want the rifle. I told him to take a look at it. I had already looked it over and was satisfied with the price.

Looker seemed satisfied. I told him "If you want it; buy it."
He told me that I had looked and spotted it first. I repeated if you want it buy it message in slightly different words a few times.

Finally he said he would pass. I counted out the cash and slipped the rifle into a case. Looker offered to buy it for $625 - giving me a quick profit. Told him sorry. "I knew if I bought it I would be taking it home with me. " I had given him several chances to buy it. (and remove the temptation)

That rifle is still standing with the other two.

Bekeart
 
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