Should Retailers/Wholesalers Use THRs Classifieds?

Just my opinion, but I don't have a problem with it as long as it doesn't become like spam. And I especially appreciate a wholesaler letting us know when they have a good deal in stock, because good deals normally don't last very long. I've noticed Top Gun Supply and Lois at Centerfire Systems posting deals in the past.

At the end of the day, it's Oleg's forum though, so he sets the rules and I respect them.

I don't think so, as I'm looking for secondhand stuff whenever I go to a classified forum or something, but I can understand the want for it. I wish gunbroker would let you filter private from commercial auctions too.

If it were up to me I'd say no. There are plenty of other places for dealers to post. Although if I did decide to do it I would set up a seperate section and likely charge a nominal fee to post there. Might make the site pay for itself.

I would personally prefer not to see commercial ads for firearms on the THR classifieds. I think there is a growing # of people who are not willing to do a 4473 (registration) anymore, and while I can always to Gunbroker and find anything I want, I can come to THR and find private sellers in my state.

My favorite thing about the THR classifieds is that it is a requirement to list your state in the title. My least favorite thing is that nobody in TN ever wants to sell their guns! :banghead:

Back to the point. Classifieds are for used, secondhand, special deals. Retail stuff is just clutter to wade through.

I don't mind seeing the retailers/wholesalers listings mixed in with the private listings.

Though, maybe a commercial sales subforum would be better. If not, maybe have the commercial ads include a COMM in the subject line.

If retailers are allowed then I would prefer to see separate sections for used and new firearms or accessories to differentiate.

I'm with geojap: if a retailer wants to occasionally post a special price or particularly good deal, that's fine, but we shouldn't turn the classifieds into another storefront.

Private Only

Else it will turn into AR15.com where the 'Sponsors' hog the whole equipment Exchange with a BTT every other day.

I'd be fine with a retailers section and a private sale section.

I am looking for non-dealer sales in my area when I buy stuff from there, and I don't want to wade through tons of commercial ads to do it. If I want that, I can go to gunbroker. Obviously, Oleg can do what he wants, but if commercial ads are going to be allowed, I would prefer to see them in their own subforum.

I'd be fine with a retailers section and a private sale section.
Glen

No retailers period. Possibly an exception for used guns only, but still on a separate forum. You can always find a new gun retailer if you need one. Most already have a web site of their own. Make THR private citizens only.

+1 on private only

Nope, create another forum specifically for authorized vendors only. Charge vendors to use the forum. Gives a bit of money into the site. It's worked well at other sites I've seen.

Later,
Chrome...

As long as the owner/operators have no problem why should anyone else. A deal is a deal no matter who offers it.

Dunno. If I check the classifieds, I'm looking for a deal on a gun, and I don't really care if it is new or used. However, the dealers can quickly crowd out the individuals trying to convert a gun into cash or a gun they'd love more.

If we retain only one classified section, I say private sales only. If the mods are up to it, I wouldn't say no to a dealers section where they can post their wares (with maybe a small fee involved).

I'm not crazy about the idea of gun dealers advertising new guns in the classifieds as I fear the arfcom EE syndrome as Flame Red has already alluded to.

That said, the commercial interests who do sometimes post here seem to be using good judgement and restraint, confining offerings to specials and one-off used stuff. If it can continue in this manner and self regulate within the existing posting rules I say live and let live.

Things are fine the way they are now, as long as the dealers do not take control of the site. Having said that, I am not crazy about 4473s, especially with our current political climate(tinfoil,anyone?). Oleg has done a super job with this forum, I'm sure he has this under control, as well.

TWO sections would be nice.

One for retailers.

One for private sales.

NEW and USED guns for sale listed in both areas and the "State".

Disclaimer:

I have never bought a gun 'online' and only bought NIB from my local dealers.

Catherine

I don't really care if retailers post their their offerings--as long as Wal-Mart is ever prohibited from doing so!

As a retailer, I say no.
I'd feel like I was taking unfair advantage of them in some way.
I'll discuss thing that they have already bought, but I never do business here.

Sam