Midway USA too expensive

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Quickdraw McGraw

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Ordered some reloading and gun cleaning stuff tonight. I've always ordered from Midway USA with a few exceptions. I've ordered from Natchez and Midsouth before but mostly Miday USA, I really like their web site as it's easy to use. I've had a few things in my wish list and decided to order tonight. I always knew that their shipping was ridiculus. So tonight I figured I'd play around a little. Put the same EXACT things in my wish list for Midsouth Shooters Supply here's the link -> http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/ and compared them. My order ended up being a 4lb package of some bullets, reloading tools, gun cleaning supplies, etc.

Midway USA order totaled $71.64 with estimated shipping of $12.76 for a total of $84.40.

Midsouth Shooters Supply order totaled $62.50 with shipping to regular address of $7 something (can't remember exact amt). I only paid shipping of $5.84 to business address (I use my work address). They give a small break to business adresses. Total due = $68.34.

Just a small order of some reloading and shooting supplies and I saved $16.06! I'm sure a lot of you are aware of this but just wanted to pass it along! I'm sure Midway USA's advertising has something to do with it!!
 
Midways shipping has caused some lost orders from me lately. I have used other vendors. Grafs the last two times.
 
I agree Midway is not cheap, even on sale their shipping kills most incentive to buy from them. I have pretty much switched to Graf & Sons for general supplies simply because of their fix rate shipping. Powder and bullets I always shop around. This week Natchez was best for 40 cal 135 gr HP, Midsouth for 22 cal 55 gr PSP and Widener's for 2330 powder.
 
I got so fed up with Midway's shipping charges, I emailed the president of the company. To his credit, he replied; however, all he had to say was (essentially) "sorry, that's how it is." Not for me....
 
I got so fed up with Midway's shipping charges, I emailed the president of the company. To his credit, he replied; however, all he had to say was (essentially) "sorry, that's how it is." Not for me....
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You sure he didn't say "And thanks for the business"
 
3 nights ago I worked up an order on midway, and then went to Midsouth and worked up the exact same order.

Midway shipping actually came out ten cents cheaper than Midsouth, although Midsouth's total was $2.21 cheaper than Midway.

Of the items in my order, Midsouth was cheaper on everything, except for the Lee dies. Midway has better prices than most other places on Lee stuff.
 
The only time I order from midway any more is if I am in a hurry to get it, since I only live a few hours away I usually get it the next day, if I can wait an extra day I order from grafs.
 
I only order from Midway when I want my stuff to be in stock when their website says it is, and have it ship in a timely manner.
 
I only order from Midway when I want my stuff to be in stock when their website says it is, and have it ship in a timely manner.
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Midway obviously pays a staff dedicated to getting online orders shipped out so customers get their product on time. Many other internet sites do not and so you are slightly delayed but a little more reasonable to actual shipping cost.

So you hit it on the head. The trade-off.

:)
 
Shipping fees are not set by the retailer. They're set by the carrier. The weight and size of the package is where they start. Then add in any Hazmat fees and sometimes distance. Mind you, buying any components on-line/mail order is going to cost more just because there are shipping costs involved.
 
I've noticed that Midway is high also. But, the last several times that I've needed to place an order, Grafs is out of stock on at least half of the items that I need.

One of the reasons that I continue to use Midway is that they have so much and they keep it in stock! Any cost savings that might be realized by using someone else are lost by splitting the order and incurring multiple shipping charges.
 
Shipping fees are not set by the retailer. They're set by the carrier.
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This is only true when the retailer charges actual shipping costs. I don't claim to know what Midway's policy is on their shipping charge but many retailers make a profit on their shipping. Midway earned much of their reputation a decade ago when their shipping was either free or a fixed price (I can't remember which). At that time I purchased literally everything from them. I do remember that the president of the company sent out a letter at that time telling of the need to change their shipping policies. They took a serious hit in sales. I remember the nature of the letter and I'm sure what he was telling their customers was accurate but it was a huge blow to their existing customer base. They've managed to not only survive but do quite well since that time.
 
Shipping fees are not set by the retailer.
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Not quite. Cabelas charges by the order amount; Midway by the item. I was lucky enough to get 1,000 Laser-Cast bullets on sale from Cableas, and because the order came to less than $50, I paid $8 for shipping. Try that with Midway and see what they want to ship.
 
I have never really found any deals at Midway. I buy everything from Powder Valley or Graf's. Midway also won't ship powder and primers together because they have the powder drop shipped from Powder Valley so they charge two hazmat fees where you will only pay one at other places.
Rusty
 
I have ordered thousands of dollars worth of stuff from Midway. Almost without exception it has been packed well, arrived on time and has tracking numbers. I love the reviews, I always know if it is in stock and they are very helpful with questions.

Sometimes they are more expensive and if it isn't excessive I try and buy from them. Top notch company! Some items I absolutely refuse to buy from them such as powder and primers. Always a balence between price and service.
 
I have ordered thousands of dollars worth of stuff from Midway. Almost without exception it has been packed well, arrived on time and has tracking numbers. I love the reviews, I always know if it is in stock and they are very helpful with questions.
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Can't dispute that!! It's just with the price of other things (gas, etc) I just try to squeeze out everthing I can from a dollar! If I can get the same exact thing for less (and the company is reputable) I will buy it there. I'm not going to buy from anyone just to save a buck! :uhoh:
 
Although Midway uses the US Postal System, they refuse to utilize Flat Rate shipping at $9.85. This makes purchasing bullets from them very expensive.

I complained about this to customer service and they couldn't have cared less.
 
Midway has everything though and great website, sales, and fliers.

I buy my bullets, powder, primers, brass locally. But I get most everything else from Midway.

Locally, brand name bullets are much cheaper and no wait or shipping costs. Powder and primers are about the same, but without haz mat, shipping charges and wait.

It's hard to find a place that has all the Lee pieces, mostly RCBS around here.
 
I got raped for $32 in shipping for 2000 115 grn 9mm bullets in november. Needless to say, they will not see my business again. I can buy from local retailers for less. Regardless of size and reputation, they can keep their stock if they refuse to use resources such as Flat rate USPS.
 
Silent Army,
You got Raped?? Geeze everytime I order from Midway the shipping charge is clearly shown. In fact, I will typically check it with each item added to see where the sweet spot is.

It's not really fair to say THEY raped you, after all you clicked the order button. How is it rape if you consented:confused:
 
I buy alot from Midway, I have noticed that since they have become television personalitys that their prices have soared. I need to shop around more before my next order. I agree that Powder Valley has great prices on the items they stock.
 
I complained about this to customer service and they couldn't have cared less.
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Business must be good for Midway.


Luckily, it is the nature of free enterprise that people can buy from whoever they want to buy. I too have noticed Midway's prices to be on the increase, even more than Natchez.

I've been buying from other sources:

Powder Valley
Natchez
Midsouth
TNT
local gunshows
 
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