Why I work part time at a gun shop

[Laketime]

Sorry iPhone issues

 

[Hawg Rider]

The 686 came in yesterday, he wanted money for a Glock. He took $300.00 in trade value.

The other group was from last week, it was to help pay for a Sig, I got all three for $450.00. I added the T Grip.

And I WILL sleep fine, dummy's don't keep me up at night.

I agree with some other Forum members..."dummy's" (BTW...should be "dummies") is probably not an accurate assessment of the sellers, and a little harsh coming from someone working part-time mostly to take advantage of them! Ease up...there are many reasons why the customers either want to or have to trade-in firearms and it doesn't mean that they are dumb.

My son manages several local gun stores (retail and LEO/Military), and I must admit that I have had the inside track on picking up some nice vintage trade-ins. Some were widows or surviving family members that had no interest in keeping the guns around or simply wanted something more modern. Others just couldn't wait to get their hands on some new firearm and were willing to take a beating on their trade-in. Some folks just don't want to be bothered and want the gun shop to do the sales work. Most gun shops are honest businesses, but they are businesses and they must make a modest profit on trade-ins to survive. If you can't negotiate or are unwiling to accept their offer, there are options. Several times in the past I have refused to trade-in a firearm for what I was offered by a gun store and instead took my firearm to a local gun show and quickly sold it for substantially more money. Most gun shops will also sell a firearm on consignment...just another option.

 

[Buick]

Ive been doing consignments on my gun collection with a local shop over the past year. I could definitely get more if I listed them myself, but just dropping them off and returning in a couple of weeks to pick up a check for 80% of the auction has been worth it for me. No regrets at all.

 

[csurp34]

I get why many don't want to deal with the general public in order to sell their guns; tire kickers, no shows, schemers and scammers all mixed in with the good guys.

With today's crazy, fast moving prices many want guidance on what to sell for.

So, the seller goes to a gun show hoping to be educated and meets a salesman who pulls out a book knowing that it is not accurate in order to convince the seller why he should take his offer.

I wonder if the salesman said, "If I'm lying I'm dying" to enhance his chops?

After, the salesman brags about taking advantage of a dummy.

Something "off" about all that.

As has been stated, this is why many turn to sites like GB.

 

[Telecaster]

Not my monkeys, not my circus.

I went to a new LGS a few years ago just to see what they had, and there was a BHP Mark 2 with Crimson Trace laser grip in the used case. It was the store owner's. I took it home for $365 without negotiating a thing. If he was ok with that, who am I to question it.

 

[RWPBR]

I get asked alot to value guns from friends, family, co-workers etc. Gunbroker isn't an option for someone in their 70s who may lack internet savvy. I have also learned that $400 to a 70+ year old is worth more in his mind than $400 to a 40 year old... Heck he only paid $100 for it back in 1972 etc.

 

[BillBro]

Ooooo you dirty dog!! Im looking for a part time job at my LGS right now!

Heck of a score. Good for you my friend.

Ive been in probably 10 different gun shops in the DelMarVa area and in those stores Ive never seen a gun for those kinds of prices, yes, used guns. They might be,the used guns, $150-$200 cheaper than the new guns. And revolvers? Alot of times theyre as much or more.
I went in to one and picked up a -3 M27 with maybe a 6" barrel,asking price $1499, went to cycly the action and guess what, it wouldnt cycle correctly. If I remember right the trigger would not return. It was pretty. I jist handed it back and asked if that was their best price. He was willing to knock $50 off.

Wish I had your job/luck. Still happy for you.

 

[csurp34]

I get asked alot to value guns from friends, family, co-workers etc. Gunbroker isn't an option for someone in their 70s who may lack internet savvy. I have also learned that $400 to a 70+ year old is worth more in his mind than $400 to a 40 year old... Heck he only paid $100 for it back in 1972 etc.

How many people in their 70's do you know? LOL

I am about to be 75 and most of my friends are within 5 years of that either way.

We all are very savvy about the internet and auctions which don't intimidate us at all.

So far I have bought at Rock Island Auction, Guns America, Guns International, Hessney Auctions, GB, Florida Gun Trader, many different gun shows and a few I have forgotten.

I have sold here on this site, gun shows, 24 Hour Campfire and Florida Gun Trader many multiple times.

In today's market the Blue Book is a joke and any salesman that used it to justify price would be deservedly mocked and ridiculed.

We got this.

For those that don't, consider consignment. Sure there are fees but you mostly get on GB.

I just shipped two pieces to a well known auction house in KY. People who buy from them, myself included pay a price fair to both sides. The bargain part is the high quality of the purchase and the integrity of the auction house.

With the caliber of buyer there being A+++, if you have a truly terrific piece it will do very well in their penny start auctions.

Will let you know how it goes.

 

[jordanka16]

Some people are just impatient and want money now for whatever they have. Whether it's because they don't care or really need the money for something only the guy that sold it knows.

I have an FFL and sell guns all the time for people. I give them a choice between me selling for them and taking my cut whatever it may be, or I'll offer them some fraction of the value in cash then and there and I take the risk selling, the majority go for the quick cash.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

If the stars line up right, I may work at a gunshop for a while someday.

 

[Buford57]

Somewhere years ago I recall hearing that true value is whatever a reasonably anxious buyer and a reasonably anxious seller agree is reasonable. When I started frequenting this site conventional wisdom held that any Triplelock or RM in good mechanical condition was worth $500; then any N frame (except a HP); then any high condition K. Now that seems to be the floor if the cylinder rotates, regardless of frame size. Let's have a show of hands of those who hope to never be offered a gun for less than full retail. I'll wait.

 

[Model 15-4ever]

The 686 came in yesterday, he wanted money for a Glock. He took $300.00 in trade value.

The other group was from last week, it was to help pay for a Sig, I got all three for $450.00. I added the T Grip.

And the boss was OK with that?

 

[Skeet 028]

When I had my shop I was amazed by the people who brought me guns to sell. I was not in a real handgun area so I kinda focused on 22 rifles.. Win Rem Marlins...with a few others thrown in. When I moved here to Wyoming I brought over 145 22 rifles oh and Remington shotguns...over 100 I really didn't need. Some I bought for very reasonable prices...some on trades. When people trade they WANT something new...and whether y'all know it or not...there was not a large profit margin on new guns...much better percentagewise on used

 

[triaxle]

I got a mint SW ASP , with custom shoulder holster , 3 mags for 275 bucks , thats what they wanted , also a Ruger single six 4 5/8 mint 3 screw 1970 22lr 22 mag for 259 bucks I jumped on that on .a deal is a deal .