I'm wondering what your experience has been with this option on GB. Certainly, it will depend on the vendor. But, I'm wondering what's happening for you guys. I would plan, if I ever do it, to offer maybe 20% less, maybe 10%. Let me know what has happened for you.
Your experience with the "Take A Shot" option on GunBroker.com?
- Thread starter Sniper66
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Barr
Member
I have not had any success with this option.
forward observer
Member
I haven't tried to use it yet but about 10 or more years ago when I first started using Gunbroker, I sent them a cordial but businesslike email suggesting that they consider adding the feature of "Make me an offer" which was a common practice on eBay. It was to allow for minor bargaining options for sellers and potential buyers. Since this would be part of the Gunbroker system, it would avoid abuse or outside bargaining and would only be used if the seller chose the option when they set up their listing. This was essentially exactly the same thing as "Take a shot" only with a little less cryptic name.
Maybe I struck a nerve by using eBay as an example but I got the rudest and most insulting response one could imagine. It was unsigned, but in no uncertain terms, the anonymous sender from Gunbroker told me that the idea was idiotic and would lead to fraud and unacceptable phishing. The response was about as unbusinesslike and unprofessional as one could imagine. It was also one of those types of emails that said no one would respond if I tried to reply.
I wish I had saved the email so I could have sent it back to them when they added the exact thing I had been so rudely castigated for suggesting a few years prior.
I stopped even visiting their site for a few years but eventually came back. I used to look at my searches every day but since the selection and volume seem to
have fallen off through the pandemic, I rarely even sign on anymore.
Cheers
Maybe I struck a nerve by using eBay as an example but I got the rudest and most insulting response one could imagine. It was unsigned, but in no uncertain terms, the anonymous sender from Gunbroker told me that the idea was idiotic and would lead to fraud and unacceptable phishing. The response was about as unbusinesslike and unprofessional as one could imagine. It was also one of those types of emails that said no one would respond if I tried to reply.
I wish I had saved the email so I could have sent it back to them when they added the exact thing I had been so rudely castigated for suggesting a few years prior.
I stopped even visiting their site for a few years but eventually came back. I used to look at my searches every day but since the selection and volume seem to
have fallen off through the pandemic, I rarely even sign on anymore.
Cheers
GHinNH
Member
I have had it work multiple times, but I don't make lowball offers. I'll generally subtract 10% or what it's worth to me and make the offer. If it comes back immediately as not accepted, it just means it was not enough to satisfy the sellers minimum price so no harm done.
Ks5shooter
Contributing Member
Take a shot is basically a reserve set on a buy now.
CopperClad
Member
One in ten success with 'take a shot'. It's worked out good a couple times. Otherwise well, you gave it your best shot, right?
earlthegoat2
Member
I used it a few months ago to buy some 20 ga Remington Slugger 5/8 oz slugs. 75 of them. The price was already good at $60 but there was a Take a Shot option so I offered $40 and it was accepted. Best deal on ammo I have gotten in awhile except that Buds deal on Fiocchi slugs a week back.
Just had my first "Take A Shot" experience. The gun I liked was listed at $1029.00. So I'm thinking 10% less, but settled on $950, which came back "unsuccessful", as did $975 and $995. So, I'm thinking, fine, I'll pay the $1,000, which I guessed was the minimum that had in mind and at least cover the $30 shipping. No dice. Still comes back as "unsuccessful". It appears that the company does not understand the concept of haggling. What to do?? You guessed it, I bought the gun from someone else. I won't mention the lame company, but will say that Reed's in Minnesota are great and they made another sale today. And charged $20 shipping!!. This is the 5th gun I've bought from Reed's.
captain awesome
Member
I've used it with success and some unsuccessful. It depends on the seller. I have also used the info I found on auction listings and found the sellers website or google business listing and contacted them over the phone and ask if they have said item in stock, not mentioning gun broker. If the say yes (they always do) then I make an offer, and most of the time they have accepted my offer if it's reasonable. I do not advise doing this unless it is a seller with a high rating on gunbroker and/or they have an legit FFL, preferably with a brick and mortar store. I Also use a credit card with good fraud protection on these transactions, so I have recourse if someone doesn't deliver.
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