gun shops, low-ball offers?

[mr.72]

I plan to buy a new gun in the next two weeks.

This particular gun is available online for $340 + shipping and transfer fees that add up to less than $30. This is like an "out the door" price of $370.

The lowest price I can find for one locally is $399 on the tag. The local gun shop by my house has it for $409.

So is it bad etiquette to go in and offer something like $340 + tax for a gun in the local shop? Do they typically negotiate those prices? This would be about $70 below their labeled price.

I figure I may hit the Saxet gun show and see if one is on hand at the show. If so I bet they are more likely to take a low-ball offer.

Just trying to get a handle on gun shop etiquette.

[BobCat]

I do not know in general, but a few years ago Carter's County matched the price on a Ruger Vaquero that I told the salesman my friend had bought one for, at a gun show.

I was not pushy or rude, just asked if they could meet that number, and they were happy to. Quite a bit less than the number on the tag, too.

If you ask in a polite way, and the worst that happens is they say "no".

Regards,
Andrew

[ShilohShooters]

When you buy from your local guys, you should become part of the "Range family". The benefits from that should last a lifetime. Plus, I don't like to wait, I like instant gratification, I want to shoot my new gun. The hassle of transfers, shipping, etc. make it worth a few extra bucks to support your local range and buy and fire-away!

[Mike from Texas]

Just be respectful when you ask and don't get offended if they say no. Most gun shop owners understand that you are trying to get the best deal you can, but you also have to realize that they have to make a profit to stay in business.

[aardwolf]

Everything is negotiable.

[USMC-COL]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. The etiquette is not in whether you ask or not, the etiquette is in how you ask the question. I will normally support my local "merchant" absent a significant difference in price for me.

[KBCraig]

Start off your negotiation reasonably: "Yanno, I can get this much cheaper, but I really like spending my money with local guys. The other guy will sell it to me for $340 plus shipping, and I'd have to pay a transfer fee too, so how about $370 out the door?"

At best, he'll pop for it on the spot. Probably the worst he'd settle for would be the $370 plus sales tax, which would make it about $400 out the door or less, depending on your local rate.

[Lumberjack98]

Everything is negotiable.

You'll be amazed by how much money you will save with the following (thank you Dave Ramsey):

1. Is that you're best price?

2. That's not good enough.

[Emmett]

I think you would be OK to ask for the deal. The worst thing that will happen is they will say no, can't go that low. Then just launghingly say, had to give it a shot you know.
If you don't mind me asking, what gun are you looking at?

Good Luck,
Emmett

[SCone]

Is that you're best price?

Best question you can ever ask no matter what you're buying. It got $50 off my last firearm & $1500 off my last car.

Jsut get ready for the only bad answer.... Yes, that as low as I can go.

[mr.72]

If you don't mind me asking, what gun are you looking at?

Kahr CW9.

I would like to buy it from this local shop just because they are about 1 mile from my house and it'd be nice to be able to do business with them. But it's not worth paying 20% more to do business with them.

[bryang]

I buy from my local gun store. This is where I have been going for sometime now, and I use their range. I know them and they know me, and besides he will meet the price of any thing I might see some where else. I have bought two guns from him and always received great service and a very good price. I had rather support my local gun store than save a couple of bucks, they have to make a living and most will be more than happy to work with you and have you as a regular customer. Talk with them, you may be pleasantly surprised.

-geo

[RiverRat]

I went in on Thursday...... to my locally owned gun store and found a matched pair of nickel Colt SAA's. I made an offer of a reasonable amount less, and he agreed. This has been successful, particularly when buying several items. I also have the advantage of being known by name (I know owner and the staff by name) when I shop there (because I regularly shop there; spend money, give him business, give him income, feed his children, etc.). He and staff know I am a regular customer and treat me with that respect.

Austin is quickly turning into a big city with all of the lower levels of civilization that come with it. IMHO, Lack of support of local businesses is a good way to guarantee that happening.

I support buying from my neighbors, even if it's slightly more....this proved itself during the gasoline shortage many years ago.....they took care of their regular customers....and many, many times since...they will remember you when Wallyworld doesn't. Low balling is for garage sales without overhead, not businesses. Good luck.