Why do gun shops try to take advantage of you?

[HotLeadSolutions]

I had a horrible experience today at the local gun shop. (B&S Guns in Mesquite) I was in the market for a new toy (.40 compact) and went in to do some dealing. I waiting patiently for the gentleman behind the counter to finish his sales pitch to the woman in front of me (which caught my attention because he was trying to sell her the same weapon I wanted to trade in... Ruger LCR .38+p)
Oh how he raved about the LCR. "We have a hard time keeping them in stock...yada yada yada" We very rarely see any used ones come in...yada yada yada"

After the lady left, I approached the counter and tried to make a deal. He offered a whopping 125 for my LCR (like new condition, box lock etc...) against a laser equipped .40 compact costing $849.00
As if what he was offering wasnt an insult enough, he tried to justify the low ball offer with "LCR's are hard to sell...We'll sit on that one for a long time....yada yada yada."

I know I do not have a new weapon. I know weapons depreciate as soon as you buy them. But when you are offering a full $160.00 less than others in the same area, something is wrong!

To make matters worse, I found out tonight while ranting to my wife, that she wanted to buy me a .40 compact for Christmas from this same shop. When she asked to see the .40 compact the salesman told her it was too much gun for a girl, perhaps she should consider a .380

The list of shops in the Dallas area that I am willing to spend my money at just decreased by 1.

[C-dub]

I'm hoping you asked, but what did he say when you mentioned that you overheard him telling the other woman that they can hardly keep them in stock?

[HotLeadSolutions]

I'm hoping you asked, but what did he say when you mentioned that you overheard him telling the other woman that they can hardly keep them in stock?

He simply had a dumb expression on his face, and kinda walked off...

Also noteworthy: He told me they sell new for 380.00...When I looked at the new tags they were listed for 479.00

[mrvmax]

I keep these things in mind every time I hear them, hopefully I treat all my customers better. I'm a small time FFL now, but hopefully one day I can own a store that treats people like they want to be treated.

[USA1]

Question...Why do gun shops try to take advantage of you?

Answer...$$$

end of transmission.

[Winchster]

I would have chased the lady down and offered to sell her yours.

[Oldgringo]

I am tickled to death with my local gun shop. If you're in the area or at the major shows, look up ACE of PAWNs. They've certainly treated me right.

I spend slightly more time in a price gouger gun store than I do in a 30.06 posted place. I don't go in 30.06 posted places.

[KaiserB]

I had a horrible experience today at the local gun shop. (B&S Guns in Mesquite) I was in the market for a new toy (.40 compact) and went in to do some dealing. I waiting patiently for the gentleman behind the counter to finish his sales pitch to the woman in front of me (which caught my attention because he was trying to sell her the same weapon I wanted to trade in... Ruger LCR .38+p)
Oh how he raved about the LCR. "We have a hard time keeping them in stock...yada yada yada" We very rarely see any used ones come in...yada yada yada"

I had a similar experience trying to purchase a part for an M&P. S&W referred me to B&S to get a part and they treated me like crap because I did not buy the gun from them. As far as I am concerned B&S goes on my list of gun shops that can die under the principles of economics. If B&S were the last gun store on earth I would give up shooting sports before spending a penny with them.

[Hos]

Supply and demand - and the demand offered by uneducated customers that will fall for these tricks will keep them doing it.
Thanks for posting so maybe their reputation is affected.
One more reason why it's better to buy, sell, and trade right here on TexasCHLForum.com.

[Pawpaw]

In my opinion, B&S is full of jerks and they'll never see me again.

The next time, I recommend you go a bit further East on I-30 (exit 85) to Ammo Depot. There you will find an old-time gun store, full of great people who want to help you.

The selection is smaller, but they'll order what you want. As an added bonus, you won't feel like you need a shower when you walk out.

[HotLeadSolutions]

The way I look at it is...

One has a need to for a gun they go to a gun store, but you shouldnt feel the need to carry a gun on your person to protect you from the crooks at the gun store. Ill give Ammo Depot a try. I am missing the old timey stores like we had back home.
Thanks for the suggestion.

[RAM4171]

Hey Hotleadsolutions,
I see that you are in Rowlett, I'm a gunnut and live in Mesquite. I frequent the gunshows and all of the local gun shops, and look at pricing on all of the different models. For best price and service drive a little past B&S West bound on I30, take the Galloway exit, go through the light staying on the service road once you pass under 635 drive about another 1/4 mile or so and look to your right and you'll see Gun Zone, big red letters. It's in the same building as a Plumbing shop, if you get to Gus Thomason you've gone to far loop around and try it again. Next on the list would be S.A.W. in Sunnyvale, East bound on 80 from 635 exit Collins rd. turn right at the light and look to your left they are the fist lease in the stip center if you get to the light at Clay Rd. you went too far, their pricing is on the same level as the Gun Zone, just not quite as friendly, both shops have an amazing selection.The way I rate them, friendly service= Gun Zone, price=close to the same, selection=S.A.W. I hope this helps you in your quest, for the record I will never buy anything at B&S most of their stuff is priced full retail. FWIW both of the shops that I recomend do drop their prices buy about 5%-7% when they are at the gun show, there is one at Big Town this weekend and one at Market Hall next weekend. I know, I know, I am absolutely sick with my obsession.

[alvins]

personally what i hate it when i go in and try to buy the gun i want they try to sell you somthing else saying "this one is better". yea well thats not the one i wanted.

their is a few gun shops in houston that i refuse to do any business with because of how they do things.

If your getting low balled on a trade in try to find a private party to buy it you will get more money that way.

[Katygunnut]

I had a similar experience with Collectors firearms in Houston. Their prices are always at the high end when they are selling. I took a gun there to sell and they gave me an extreme low ball offer.

I actually like the place otherwise as they are pretty friendly, they don't try to pressure you and have a great selection. Its close to my work and I like to go there alot during lunch just to check out various guns. They seem to have a fair amount of overhead with alot of staff, etc. I think they are just really trying to maximize their profit on each sale. Personally, I think they should worry more about the volume of sales they are losing with their pricing, but its their store, not mine.