Factoring accessories / ammo into price of used gun...

[JT1JT1]

If you're looking to buy (sell) a used gun, and ammo and accessories could be in be part of the deal, how do you normally value and factor in the latter?

I'm curious because it's relatively easy to get a range of values for a used gun alone, via the internet or whatever. But what about the stuff that could go with it?

I'm asking because when I rode motorcycles (and bought and sold them), the convention seemed to be that any "farkles" would be discounted heavily. There was some variance, of course, but you would almost never expect to get back anywhere near what you put into the extras, with bling being more heavily discounted than, say, practical additions such as panniers.

In that context, what about guns and related stuff?

I suppose I would value any included factory ammo at Wal-mart prices, but discount more heavily most other extras, such as holsters, extra mags/speedloaders, aftermarket grips, etc.

What say you?

 

[Trebor]

With guns the accessories are also usually discounted heavily. In many cases you are pratically giving them away to sell the gun.

As a seller, the best way to maximize your profit is to separate out the accessories. Post the bare gun with just the accessories that normally come with it (box, original mags, etc) at a specific price and then list the accessories at a separate price. Say that you would give the buyer of the gun first choice as to whether he wants to buy the accessories or not, and then you'd list whatever remains seperately.

As a buyer, the reason I'm not willing to pay more for a gun with accessories is because I want the *gun* not all that other stuff. I've already got enough crappy holsters, cheap scopes, etc. (Yeah, sometimes the stuff added is quality, but still, it's not usually what I'm looking for. I'd rather pay a little extra for that good holster you have with the gun if I *want* the holster then see that you jacked the price up to include the holster value in the sale, because that way, if I don't want the holster, I'm not paying for it.)

 

[huntsman]

In that context, what about guns and related stuff?

Take a used guitar to Guitar Center to sell and they won’t pay anything for the case even though everybody uses guitar cases.

If you’re the buyer don’t pay for extras, you’re dealing from a position of strength. I would add the only exception is ammo and only factory loads and only because of the inconsistent supplies (you know the whole bird in a had thing).

 

[trimore]

When I buy used stuff and there are accessories, in most case they are just there to sweeten the deal but I won't pay anything more than the item is worth.

There are exceptions of course such as accessories that truly have some value but just odds and ends a box of ammo, etc., not going to pay for those but it might enable the seller to sell more quickly.

 

[bearmgc]

I'm a lefty, and most of the holster accessories mean nothing to me. If the ammo is cheap plinking ammo, I don't place alot of value on that either, when considering a purchase of a gun with accessories. When I see someone trying to recoup all their accessorizing money, I'm immediately turned off, and won't consider buying at all.

 

[catspa]

I can't remember the last time I sold a gun, but if I wanted to, I'd be inclined to take the potential buyer out and let them shoot it first. That way I'd get an idea of their gun safety attitude, and they'd get to make a more informed decision before buying. If they shot up half a box or so, I'd give them the rest of that box.

I tend to get quite fond of a good holster, but if they didn't have any and needed one, I'd sell them a cheap one for another 10 bucks or so, just to get them started. Or a soft case for a long gun, same thing.

I'd send any extra parts I had with the gun, unless I had another of the same gun or planned to get one soon.

Parker

 

[security6]

Accessories and ammo are two different things. Kind of like selling a motorcycle with a helmet and extra gas. Be prepared to take a loss on the accessories, but you shouldn't have to take much of a loss on the ammo (assuming it is still in the factory boxes). If you have enough ammo, you might consider selling it separately.