To start off with, look for bargains. As has been stated, the profit margin
on new firearms is very slim; especially for shops like ours that has a lot
of overhead expenses. We employ several PT employees (like myself) too
assist the full time sales staff with their daily routines; and this helps some
as we don't receive any benefits, and a reduced salary which happens to
be the best in the business in our area. I am not complaining, as we are
treated more fairly than some of the other employees at other shops. We
operate in a small, competitive market here in central Alabama. Our CEO
is a very fair person, and doesn't try to "make a killing" based on any one
individual sale.
Haggling for a better price is considered normal; but our prices are fair
and in line with other dealers country wide. Don't try and haggle on any
merchandise that is hard for dealers too obtain. If only 500 of brand X
is available country wide, and the MSRP is $899; but the shops price is
$759, folks that is 'bout the bottom line. If any more discounts are taken,
that cuts into the dealer's profit margin. Often times, if a firearm has sat
for an extended period of time; a dealer may decide to "blow it out", just
to move that particular piece. I have seen this happen, but usually occurs
on "discountinued" firearms. Used firearms have more haggling room; but
still dealers are not going to give these firearms away~!