Prices on firearms in a gun shop?

[jeff43]

When you go in to a gun shop to buy a firearm , do most of them negotiate on the price or are they pretty firm?I was in a certain shop a few days ago trying to buy a pistol, and they were really hard to work with. Acted like they didn't care if I bought at all.Which I didn't , I went elsewhere.

[Guest Razz]

If they know they can get asking price from someone else, they're not going to take less.

If you're looking for a small break in the price, a lot of shops will give a cash discount. Never hurts to ask.

It helps if you know what you want to spend on a specific firearm ahead if time. It also helps to know what the cost of the firearms is to the dealer.

[hipower]

Probably not the answer you'd like to hear, but it depends on so many different things these days. Some will negotiate, others won't.

Kinda depends on the gun, and its popularity. The margin on pricing over cost. The shop's overhead. New or used product. Are you a first time buyer from that shop? Spend much there?

Do you know the owners? Get along with them?

So much goes into the "sale" that it is really difficult to give a flat yes or no answer to your question.

[jeff43]

Probably not the answer you'd like to hear, but it depends on so many different things these days. Some will negotiate, others won't.Kinda depends on the gun, and its popularity. The margin on pricing over cost. The shop's overhead. New or used product. Are you a first time buyer from that shop? Spend much there?Do you know the owners? Get along with them?So much goes into the "sale" that it is really difficult to give a flat yes or no answer to your question.

Yeah I know what you mean,but they act like "screw you". But anyway got a better deal somewhere else.

[hipower]

Yeah I know what you mean,but they act like "screw you". But anyway got a better deal somewhere else.

Some will do that, but those usually don't do much selling or stay in business for very long. Word gets around pretty fast, especially on here, about less than pleasant places to spend our money. Edited November 13, 2013 by hipower

[Joe357]

Some stores will negotiate some will not. If a shop wants me to be a steady customer they cut me a break or give something, for example: a free range pass. If the store will not, I will find a store that will or find excellent deals online that will cost less even with shipping and transfer fee. I like supporting LGS but I don't like to be over charged. I always do my research before buying, be it guns, cars, etc.

[jeff43]

Ok, Thanks everybody.

[tartanphantom]

My experience is has been that many of the smaller shops are more prone to wheeling & dealing, while the bigger independent shops are less apt to do so... not always the case, but that's how it's usually been for me.

[jeff43]

Your right tartanphantom

[Steelharp]

There's not a lot of markup on new guns, so the wiggle room is small. We will give 3% on a cash purchase, because there are no card fees. Shops that can buy a bunch at one time from a distributor can get a better base price, so they can wiggle a little more.

[TMF]

If a shop puts a low markup on the sticker in order to make it more attractive to potential buyers I don't see how there would be any wiggle room for haggling anyway. I wouldn't take that as them being rude about it.

[Murgatroy]

I haggle on EVERYTHING. If the shop says they can't do it, I am fine. But I am always looking to get a better deal.

[Caster]

I'm right the opposite and despise haggling. I just don't get the dancing and lies. Just name your price, pay or leave. Simple.

[TripleDigitRide]

I don't haggle in a gun store. Quote me your lowest, and I'll buy or walk. That's one reason I prefer online shopping.

[R1100R]

Same here. No haggle. If I don't like the price I pass. I shop online also.

Edited November 13, 2013 by R1100R

[Murgatroy]

I don't think it hurts to ask "Is that the best you can do on that?"

 

I do it for nearly every large purchase. If the seller says no, that doesn't mean we don't do business, but if he says yes, it makes the business sweeter.

 

I grew up horsetrading. When both parties walk away feeling they got the better deal, it is a good day all around.

[TMF]

I don't think it hurts to ask "Is that the best you can do on that?"
 
I do it for nearly every large purchase. If the seller says no, that doesn't mean we don't do business, but if he says yes, it makes the business sweeter.
 
I grew up horsetrading. When both parties walk away feeling they got the better deal, it is a good day all around.

I think the Internet has changed the traditional gun shop haggling. Now you have a more educated customer that can find a deal online from a wholesaler, which makes it difficult for a physical store to bring them through the door, let alone price their stock in such a manner to account for negotiating it down at sale time. It's a tough spot for the store and the customer. Some folks out there still feel like haggling is standard, but when there is barely any markup how could a gunshop do this and stay in business?

I hate buying a new car for this reason. I don't enjoy haggling with a sales person because I feel like we're both full of sh** as we dance around a conversation and pretend to be pleasant to one another. I simply give a reasonable offer and tell them they will absolutely make a sale at that price. Chances are I'm getting screwed at that price anyway. It isn't as if I don't have experience with it. I've spent many years in the Middle East where everything is haggled over; it's just part of their culture, and being American doesn't help as the starting price is gonna be two or three times what their normal starting price is. It's a pain in the butt and my tactic is to simply walk away when they don't come down to a price that is still way higher than what it normally sells for.

[tennessee01tacoma]

I'm not much of a wheeler dealer as some would say I'm more of a name your price and I'll name mine and if we can meet then fine if not ill buy elsewhere. My best friend is one of those who won't stop until the deal is beat to death.

[Jonnin]

Most gun shops probably do not make a lot on new guns.  Used guns are profitable --- they tend to give you 50% of what you paid and then sell it for 85% of a new one.  Ammo is profitable, esp last year or so.  New guns probably are the lowest profit margin the place has, at a guess. 

 

Small places can't get the same bulk purchase rates that big ones get.  Bigger firearms companies do not even deal with small places, the small shops have to buy the guns via a distributor who marks it up over wholesale.   The local store has rent, employees, security, and more overhead per gun than a big warehouse, another issue.

 

Bottom line is, you may be able to find a gun for less online than a small shop is willing to sell it to you for.  But remember, when you do that, to add in the shipping cost and transfer fees.  Also remember that supporting a local shop has benefits above the $20 you saved --- some have ranges, or gunsmith access, some will help you ship a gun more cheaply if you need service, some can order you things that you can't find online due to shortages, and more.   So you have to consider all that when you buy.   For sure, see what your bottom line will be when you order it online and use that to bargain if the store price is much higher.