BimmerFreak

So, what you are saying you will just come to the shop dressed as usual?

When used with a combo of soft and hard lines, and when using terrain appropriate colors, it helps make flat surfaces "bend" or become dimensional which when done properly allows something as unnatural as a black rifle blend into it's natural surroundings. (plus it looks cool )

I think that Frank has more than received enough free passes and consideration on the many message boards where he posted and stepped on his crank. So, I would say that Frank has earned 105% of his reputation, and that people are fully justified in their feelings towards him. Frank has done many things in the years that I have know him: Stolen from people Lied to them Sold raffle tickets to machineguns and then never held the raffle Promised items he never delivered etc etc etc Frank sucks at running a business, which is why he is no longer in business. One thing that Frank is though, is a combat Vet and a former NCO in the US Army, where he served with honor. What the hell happened to him after he got out, who knows, but I can verify that he IS a Veteran.

WHAT!!! ???? !!!! Just kidding. This event is going to kick major ass!

Dude. I really was a cook.....

I bet he will be PISSED when he comes back to work tomorrow.

Wow. Just when you thought you knew someone...they come out of the closet! (I bet Mike remembers to log out of TGO next time he takes a day off....lol)

Wow. I just checked both Sig and S&W prices, and not only are they where they should be for a normal gunshop, they are actually HIGHER than what you would find at 85% of the shops out there! 987.00 for a XDm? http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_24/products_id/56443 922.00 for a Glock 17? http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_43/products_id/13706

That has to be a mistake. If not, they are crazy! **I have the same guns in stock for 489.00 plus tax/tics

So. what yo saying is; I gots skillz

Imbel? Kits are going for 350.00+

good one.

That sucks man. What did you order from him?

We have a web meeting on Wed. to discuss

Wolf shirt is the way to go for sure! The "web" design you are talking about is called Ripstop. It is available in 100% cotton and a 64/40 blend of nylon/cotton. If you want something less "paramilitary" and "I shop at Army Surplus stores" you can look at things like; 5.11 Tactical which provides all of the utility, and looks more casual and civilian that BDU pants.

Greg As you said, you don't know me, so I could see how my words could be interpenetrated as arrogance. I can say with all confidence that I am far from arrogant, but you shouldnt take my word for it, take the word of any of my loyal customers, or come see for yourself. This thread has drifted way off topic, but then again, this IS General Off-Topic

There are two ways to find out: Ask any of the 100s of very happy and satisfied TGO members that consider themselves Hero-Gear customers -or- Take the time to actually shop at Hero-Gear

Nope, thats NOT what I am saying. What I am saying is the general attitude that when you walk in a gun store, the prices are merely suggestions and that its perfectly acceptable to take any and every gun in the store, and offer about 80% of the asking price. If you come in my shop and select a gun that you want, but for some reason think it may be a tad high, make me an offer. DO NOT assume before you even step in the door that the prices listed have "haggling" factored in.

Thats actually the DARK Elite Or as I like to call it; P220DS (Death Star)

Congrats! (there goes the neighborhood....)

Don't take it personally. My comments are not meant specifically for you, but are general comments intended for anyone where the shoe fits. This "discussion" is about as old as the firearms industry, and it certainly won't be resolved tonight.

I guess my point is; WHO ARE YOU to decide what that level is? So, lets take a common firearm, and you guys can voice your opinion of what it should sell for: Dealer Cost: 440.00 MSRP: 599.00 So, how much are you "willing" to let a dealer make? Should he sell it to you at cost? Should he make 50 bucks? 100 bucks? 200 bucks? Why do people assume that when they shop for guns or cars the dealer has a sign on the door that says "I know my price tag says one thing...but please come in and tell me what my product is really worth" You dont do that when you buy cookies, notebook paper, movie tickets, or fish tacos, so what gives you the right to play this "acceptable level" bs? Im not saying I sell the gun mentioned above at 599.00, but what if I did? The manufacturer feels that the gun should sell for 599.00, so why would I be an evil and greedy shop owner if I priced my gun at the MSRP? (for the record, my price on that gun is 525.00) I would love to come to some of your jobs, and tell you "you know, I appreciate the hard work you did, the time you took to provide me this service, but I just dont think you should receive this level of compensation" Better yet, how about a note in your next paycheck "I know that your employer suggests that you receive this amount of money for your work this week, but I really think that level of compensation is too much...here is a lower wage that I feel more comfortable with" Anyway, I realize this is a lost cause and argument. There will only be groups of buyers (and gun buyers are some of the worst) that feel they are somehow entitled to better deals, more selection, cheaper prices, or that free box of ammo any time they grace a dealer with their presence. /Rant PS: To all the fair and loyal customers that understand the value of a good shop and good service.... This Buds for you!

Meh.

I think the same rules apply in face to face deals; think the price is too high? Dont buy it.

I normally don't jump into these threads, as it usually isnt worth my time to try and bring reason and common sense to the ones that are the most vocal. So, let me preface this by saying that ALL consumers should ALWAYS factor the multitude of factors that come into play when making a major purchase. Off the top of my head: Quality Convenience Proximity Customer Service Price Warranty Service after the sale Availability and the list goes on. I know that when I shop for an item, I cant just look at ONE variable. Does that guy down the street have the best price, but zero availability? Well, then I guess its not such a good deal! Does the guy on the other side of the State have a great price on a product that is in stock, yet is a complete prick? Well, perhaps I dont like to give pricks my money. We could go on and on with different scenarios, but the bottomline is: If you arent comfortable with the sale, THEN DON'T BUY IT! Now, time for me to get on my soapbox just a little bit... Who in the hell do we (im including myself, since I too am a consumer) think we are by dictating what an acceptable margin for a retailer should be? Each retailer's personal, financial, and business situation is different. Who are we to tell him what he can or cant make? Again; if you dont feel comfortable with the total scenario; WALK AWAY! I tell my own customers this. If they dont feel comfortable with a purchase (from me or any other dealer) then dont buy. I would rather you not spend money with me, then have you buy something you think you got "taken" on. What assumes me is that there are so many "experts" out there. The internet (and this forum) is full of them. Guys that pick their nose for a living, yet think they have my business plan mapped out, knowing exactly how I should run my business, what inventory items I should have, and what they should be priced at. Think you got it all figured out? Come bring a big check on Monday, and I will leave you the keys as I walk out the door! (I will even throw a black Ferrari into the deal.... ) Lastly, its pretty funny that some of the people that I find are the most vocal about things like "outstanding customer service should be free..." and "you shouldnt have to pay extra for great service" are the ones that require the most hands on service, need the most favors, and seem to want to spend the least amount of money. Now, dont get me wrong. I totally agree with the comments above! I feel that outstanding customer service before, during, and after the sale IS the standard. It shouldnt be an exception, but should be the rule. This is something I live by, and its how I run my shop. Ask most people that have spent money with you, and they would confirm this. So, what I am supposed to do when I get a customer that wants the ability to call, email, or PM me at night, on the weekends, or on my day off as they need my expert advice or input? Thats just part of the deal. Right? What about the guys that ask you to give them the best "cash price" and then wants to put it on layaway for the next 6 months? We should just do that because we are cool guys....right? How about when I have a customer that really cant afford the Rifle/Pistorl/EoTech/etc he so badly wants, so you sell it to him AT COST! and then have him ask if he can make payments? Just part of the deal? What about letting that same customer take said item home with him without paying? Accepting his word that he will make payments on it as he has the money? All dealers do that? Right? My point? 1. The guys that bitch and moan about prices, and are sometimes willing to cut a dealers throat for a better deal are normally not customers worth having. Gun stores are a FOR PROFIT enterprise. We don't operate the "Rabid Gun Nuts Without Money Foundation" 2. Im all for getting and giving great deals. Remember, a dealer need to make money at some point. Don't let a dealer make money, and sooner or later you will find your favorite "hook up" out of business because they couldnt pay the bills. 3. Think you're smarter than me? Think you have this industry all figured out? Step up and put your money where your mouth is! Bring me a check and I will give you the alarm codes and keys to the door.