Ethics in Firearms Sales?

[McKnife]

I have an acquaintance that comes to me whenever he wants firearms advice… he told me he wants to sell his current pistol for a 1911… but the conversation was cut short due to both of our busy schedules.

I feel like he got scammed big-time due to lack of industry knowledge and questionable dealer sales tactics.

He went into McBride’s in Austin to get a feel for which 1911 he wanted, and preferred the Kimber Ultra Carry II. His current pistol is an HK USP .40 Compact! (I had no idea this was his current pistol)

He told me that the dealer's words were “No one in town will give you more than $300; I’ll give you $325 if you buy some ammo as well.� Trusting the dealer’s expertise and morality, he agreed to the deal and was credited $325 towards the purchase of the Ultra Carry w/ night sights for $800, plus 50 rounds of ammo…

He could tell by my facial expression that he messed up. He wouldn’t even tell me the final price of everything. I was disappointed with the con-like practices of McBride’s salesman more than his loss. (He is well-off)

Has anyone had a similar experience?

[AFJailor]

ouch... well a buddy of mine got convinced by a pawn shop owner that Hi-points were better than glocks and bought a .380 (pretty much the biggest and ugliest .380 ever) for $300, ill say that again THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS for a HI POINT. When he told me I felt really bad for him...but not bad enough to not tease him about it.

[flintknapper]

You are certainly welcome to your opinion, but your friends mistake was not selling the pistol to an individual and then using those funds to purchase the new firearm that he wanted.

Even though he may not be familiar with industry practices....we will assume he is a "big boy" and understands that a gun shop is a "business". This means they must make a profit on every transaction if they hope to keep the doors open.

Basically, if you take a used gun to a gun shop or a used car to the car dealer...you are going to take a beating. I am sure McBrides did not mean that he couldn't get more than $300.00 for the pistol from "anybody", but meant that other gun shops would likely make the same offer. A private sale could have brought a couple hundred more. That is the sellers fault.

New in the box HK compacts sell for $700.00 a lot places. McBrides can probably buy new ones for 400-450, your friend took in a used firearm.

Just saying.....before you slam the oldest and most respected gun store around Austin...consider that your friend ultimately had the final say so. If either you or he didn't like the deal offered then refuse it, bargain it, or go elsewhere and try. Like you, I know...the price offered was very much on the low side....and either one of us would have declined or made a counter offer. But, McBrides isn't there to "tutor" everyone about guns sales/trades.

Just my .02 on it.

[McKnife]

your friends mistake was not selling the pistol to an individual and then using those funds to purchase the new firearm that he wanted.

Exactly what I told him. Don't give it back to the dealers... keep it paperwork free.

He regrets doing what he did.

[flintknapper]

your friends mistake was not selling the pistol to an individual and then using those funds to purchase the new firearm that he wanted.

Exactly what I told him. Don't give it back to the dealers... keep it paperwork free.

He regrets doing what he did.

Unfortunately...he sold a rather desirable pistol.

It would have turned quickly in the private market.

Sorry he didn't end up with a better deal.

[Kalrog]

.....before you slam the oldest and most respected gun store around Austin...

I won't go so far as to say that this was unethical, but I also won't go so far as to say that McBride's is the most respected gun store around Austin. I haven't checked, but I'll take your word that they are the oldest, but I know too many people (myself included) that find other places to shop for a reason.

[dukesean]

any idea what McBride's is trying to sell it for?

[McKnife]

I was just slightly irked at what the dealer supposedly said about not getting more than $300... I don't care how he said it... that's a lie.

Heck, I said I would have given him more without hesitation.

[McKnife]

any idea what McBride's is trying to sell it for?

I'm willing to bet it's more than double... since the gun was practically new. (shot 2 boxes, never cleaned)

[flintknapper]

I won't go so far as to say that this was unethical, but I also won't go so far as to say that McBride's is the most respected gun store around Austin.

They enjoy a mighty good clientèle base not to be. "Respected" doesn't mean the best selection, the best pricing, or any other "single" attribute. It means over the years, selection, service, pricing, gun-smithing, advice, and dedication to their business has resulted in generations of people shopping there (nearly all repeat customers). Now, either they are doing something right (albeit not perfect) or there really is "a fool born every minute". You pick.

I haven't checked, but I'll take your word that they are the oldest,

They've been there for 48 yrs., nothing else in Austin comes close.
http://www.mcbridesguns.com/about_us.htm

but I know too many people (myself included) that find other places to shop for a reason.

And thats your prerogative, people shop different places for many reasons. As long as you're happy...I am.

[Kalrog]

Now, either they are doing something right (albeit not perfect) or there really is "a fool born every minute". You pick.

Do I have to choose? The 2 are not mutually exclusive.

I agree that they aren't horrible, but being big or old doesn't make you respected either. I know that being respected is one of those intangibles that is hard to identify so we are talking semantics at this point mostly... I'm glad that they are there and I certainly wish them no ill will.

[flintknapper]

Do I have to choose? The 2 are not mutually exclusive.

No you don't have to choose. The point is: 48 yrs. in the same business tells me that a cross section of the public (some fools, some not) have continued to be patrons of their business. Its a reasonable conclusion they are doing something right, else the problem would be self correcting.


Of course... you don't have to go that far. I believe the "Gun Store" is just down the hwy. from you in Cedar Park. I would wager we could find an unsatisfied customer or two that shopped there as well.

As always....it is best if the customer will do a little research before making firearm purchases....or trading one for another. And folks...don't be afraid to "bargain" at small gun shops, you won't hurt anyones feelings...and will probably get a better deal.

If you take a firearm in to sell or trade... whatever they offer you... is generally a "starting point", go from there. Come on folks.....make 'em work for your business.

[HighVelocity]

The lesson here is....

If you're going to sell something, the only way you're going to get a fair price is to know what it's worth BEFORE you strike a deal. Guns, cars, boats, knives, etc, etc.

On the other side, if you sell or trade something, not knowing it's value beforehand, then you cannot complain about the outcome.

My .02

[Commander Cody]

[dukesean]

On the other side, if you sell or trade something, not knowing it's value beforehand, then you cannot complain about the outcome.

Agreed, it's like the person who sells a Jackson Pollock painting for $10 at a garage sale, only to find out later it's worth millions.