I went yesterday to a shop here and looked at an AR-15. Just was in the mood for one. Took my less than a month old Marlin 1895g, never fired to try to work a trade deal. 29 days ago they were willing to charge me $480 for the 1895. Today only $270 on trade. IT HAS NEVER BEEN LOADED!!!! I understand they must make something and sell it as used but that little? Give me a break!!!! I was hoping for $400 on a trade is that so bad?
gun shop=don't want my business?
- Thread starter Ed
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Just like a car dealer, many gun shops (assuming they accept trades) like to own the merchandise they are buying at low prices. One of the dealer's I go to flat out said once "you might as well try and sell it privately because we are going to rob you" (at least he was being honest). 
Did you counter their number with something higher?
Did you counter their number with something higher?
Badger Arms
Member
Yes, that is too much to ask. You want about wholesale for a used gun that they have to turn around and sell. I think that $280 is reasonable for a shop that has to handle two transactions... two sets of paperwork and all of this with no warranty from you or guarantee that there isn't something wrong with it. Beyond that, they aren't getting any cash for the gun you want in return. $480 is retail, $280 is reasonable for trade value. These people have to make a living. If you don't like it, take your business elsewhere but don't expect any sympahty. Sure, you can go through the work and probably sell it for $400... so go ahead.
10-Ring
Member
Ouch, that's a pretty big hit to take. But, you were able to trade it for something you preferred. Try and focus on the new AR rather than the trade
Turning stuff in for trade is never going to net you the value of the piece. The shop has to have the room to mark it up enough that their time in dealing with it, including examining the piece and dealing with warranty or customer issues down the road, is not a waste of time. That margin, which is not a scientific formula, means you will never get what it's worth. What you get with the trade-in route is convienience, not cash.
- Gabe
- Gabe
I don't know what dealer price is on the Marlin, but chances are it is less than the $400 you were expecting on a trade. So... the dealer isn't gonna give you more for a used gun than what a new one would cost him. Regardless of whether or not you loaded or shot it - it is still now a "used" firearm. In general, I'd say expect to get around 50-60% of the price on a new firearm for any trade in - the $270 you got back is pretty much in that range.
I never much saw the sense in trading in a gun myself - I've never needed to buy another gun now so much that I'd be willing to take that much of a hit on it. You'll always make out much better selling it yourself or even putting it on consignment at a shop.
Rocko
I never much saw the sense in trading in a gun myself - I've never needed to buy another gun now so much that I'd be willing to take that much of a hit on it. You'll always make out much better selling it yourself or even putting it on consignment at a shop.
Rocko
Omaha-BeenGlockin
Member
Goes back to the lesson on getting what you REALLY want the first time.
Yup--I've taken beatings on trades too----Now I don't buy anything unless I REALLY want it or have the slightest feeling I'll dump it in the future.
Yup--I've taken beatings on trades too----Now I don't buy anything unless I REALLY want it or have the slightest feeling I'll dump it in the future.
Double Naught Spy
Sus Venator
Bottom line is that if you want the best money for your stuff, YOU sell it to a 3rd party. If you sell to the gun shop, then they assume a lot of risk for the item (as it may be stolen) and have to then hold it inventory until cleared by the cops, then have it on the shelf for X amount of time until sold. So you aren't going to get nearly as much value out of the gun. The fact that you have never loaded it sounds great, but it also still counts as a used gun and unless it is rare or special, used but never loaded doesn't make that much difference.
Contrary to what was said, you aren't being 'robbed' is you trade in the gun to the gun shop (or car to the dealer). Being robbed suggests that it is against your will. It isn't as you have to agree to the transaction for it to happen.
If you have the time, inclination, and want the risk, sell the gun yourself as the car dealer mentioned about used cars. Then all you have to worry about over the next few years is whether or not the guy to whom you sold the gun doesn't go on a murderous rampage or leave the gun unsecured so some teenager doesn't take it on a murderous rampage. You will end up with 'some 'spainin' todo, Lucy!' if that happens, lots of hassles, and then hopefully will be cleared of any wrong doing.
Contrary to what was said, you aren't being 'robbed' is you trade in the gun to the gun shop (or car to the dealer). Being robbed suggests that it is against your will. It isn't as you have to agree to the transaction for it to happen.
If you have the time, inclination, and want the risk, sell the gun yourself as the car dealer mentioned about used cars. Then all you have to worry about over the next few years is whether or not the guy to whom you sold the gun doesn't go on a murderous rampage or leave the gun unsecured so some teenager doesn't take it on a murderous rampage. You will end up with 'some 'spainin' todo, Lucy!' if that happens, lots of hassles, and then hopefully will be cleared of any wrong doing.
You only gave us half of the situation. How much would he charge you for the AR15 you were looking at? Since he is making money on the Marlin, he might give you a better than average price on the AR15.
There are two sides to the deal, tell him that if he is making so much from your Marlin, he owes you a price reduction on the AR15.
Or he can give you a deal on ammo or accessories. Maybe he has something lying around his store he wants to dump that you just happen to want.
Talk to him and see what he says. If he is trying to make too much from the deal, he doesn't deserve your loyalty. If so, start doing your business at gun shows.
There are two sides to the deal, tell him that if he is making so much from your Marlin, he owes you a price reduction on the AR15.
Or he can give you a deal on ammo or accessories. Maybe he has something lying around his store he wants to dump that you just happen to want.
Talk to him and see what he says. If he is trying to make too much from the deal, he doesn't deserve your loyalty. If so, start doing your business at gun shows.
Cosmoline
Member
Why not consign the 1895G or sell it on gunbroker?
BigDeeeeeeee
Member
Ed, are you saying you bought a perfectly fine Marlin a month ago and now you no longer want it? What makes you think that you won't want it back in another month? You must have wanted it when you bought it.
I've gotten rid of 2 firearms in my life and I deeply regret both. One was a single shot lever action 22 that was my first firearm, and the other was a S&W model 19 that I got in a trade from a friend.:banghead:
I will never get rid of another.
I've gotten rid of 2 firearms in my life and I deeply regret both. One was a single shot lever action 22 that was my first firearm, and the other was a S&W model 19 that I got in a trade from a friend.:banghead:
I will never get rid of another.
When I lived in the PRK, the CPA firm I worked for did the accounting and tax work for one of the largest gun shops in town. They were barely making it. The owner took a salary that was pretty sorry. With the overhead, rent, utilities, employees, inventory, and Govt. regulations, they were having a tough time. Now this was before the "recession" started. I moved away so I don't know if they are making it now. So, I can see why they will not offer you as much as the gun is really worth. Put an ad in the paper and sell it yourself.
You get the same screw job when you try to trade in a car for the most part. I had one of the old Grand Wagoneer Jeeps. I went to trade it in and they insulted me by their trade in offer. I sold it privately and made an additional $2,500 over what they would give me on a trade in.
That's a nice rifle from what I have seen and you should be able to private sell it for alot more than $270.
I like the way they look and if I were in the market for one, I would pay $400 for an unfired one. Good luck.
You get the same screw job when you try to trade in a car for the most part. I had one of the old Grand Wagoneer Jeeps. I went to trade it in and they insulted me by their trade in offer. I sold it privately and made an additional $2,500 over what they would give me on a trade in.
That's a nice rifle from what I have seen and you should be able to private sell it for alot more than $270.
I like the way they look and if I were in the market for one, I would pay $400 for an unfired one. Good luck.
I don't think the price he quoted you was really all that bad for a gunshop. When I was reading your post I was expecting something much worse. They are a business and they are going to make a profit or they will go under.
The problem I have with gunshops is, most likely, they will sell this gun as new. I have seen them do it many times. I have seen just about every underhanded low down slimey act that you could imagine from a gun dealer. They are for the most part SCUM. I know a few that are really good guys and they get almost all of my business.
You must be new to guns if this experience surprised you in any way. Buyer beware is most apt when you are dealing with a gun store. You better know your stuff before you enter or you are going to be taken on a long painful ride.
The problem I have with gunshops is, most likely, they will sell this gun as new. I have seen them do it many times. I have seen just about every underhanded low down slimey act that you could imagine from a gun dealer. They are for the most part SCUM. I know a few that are really good guys and they get almost all of my business.
You must be new to guns if this experience surprised you in any way. Buyer beware is most apt when you are dealing with a gun store. You better know your stuff before you enter or you are going to be taken on a long painful ride.
Brad Johnson
Member
Dealer cost on an 1895G is about $410 (plus freight). Most of the dealers I do business will will normally pay you about 75% of wholesale value on a used-but-still-"new" gun. This would come to about $305 on your Marlin.
Regardless of what you are "paying" for the AR and getting "in trade" for the Marlin, the important number is the cash difference. In addition to the gun how much boot were they asking?
Brad
Regardless of what you are "paying" for the AR and getting "in trade" for the Marlin, the important number is the cash difference. In addition to the gun how much boot were they asking?
Brad
Ok, I see where everyone is coming from, I was told that for $600 plus my gun I could get the AR. It was a basic Bushmaster with 20" barrel. I'll blame the want on everyone in the rifle forum who keeps me thinking about getting one! JK I did a lot of gun buying and trading about 6 or 7 years ago in Mississippi in College and with one dealer who would give me about 85% of what I had paid. So I guess I am spoiled. I guess since I work in sales and deal with selling all the time I'm under the impression that making money is better than making none. To answer another post, They know it wasn't stolen, I bought it from them. I guess I really do need to keep it. I'll end up missing it later and I'd hate to own a gun I never shot. Guess I just needed a reality check. Oh and when I bought it they told me their cost was $470 so I couldn't get it cheaper. Guess I'll live and learn. Thanks for the replies.
redneck2
Member
I'm usually on the other end of these...
I'll buy the "used, but never used" gun
I end up getting maybe 15-25% off for a still new gun.
I'll buy the "used, but never used" gun
I end up getting maybe 15-25% off for a still new gun.
J Miller
Member
Ed,
Some years ago I was sitting in a gunshop bullshooting with the owner. I had bought and traded and even sold some guns there so we were fairly familiar with each other.
I asked him what formula he used to calculate his offer when someone wanted to trade or sell a used gun.
He told me, "I figure out what I can sell the gun for, then I offer half of that in trade value or cash. By doing that I can make some profit."
The fact that someone may or may not have bought the gun from him was irrelivant. Once out the door, it was used. He admitted that from a customers standpoint it wasn't a great deal, but he was in the business to make money. By the time you add up all the paperwork, and other business expenses, it doesn't come out to much profit at all.
I'd suggest keeping the rifle. In my experiance, I've regretted almost, every trade I ever did.
Some years ago I was sitting in a gunshop bullshooting with the owner. I had bought and traded and even sold some guns there so we were fairly familiar with each other.
I asked him what formula he used to calculate his offer when someone wanted to trade or sell a used gun.
He told me, "I figure out what I can sell the gun for, then I offer half of that in trade value or cash. By doing that I can make some profit."
The fact that someone may or may not have bought the gun from him was irrelivant. Once out the door, it was used. He admitted that from a customers standpoint it wasn't a great deal, but he was in the business to make money. By the time you add up all the paperwork, and other business expenses, it doesn't come out to much profit at all.
I'd suggest keeping the rifle. In my experiance, I've regretted almost, every trade I ever did.
blades67
Member
Yes. If you think you could sell it for $400, go sell it. Better yet, try running your own business. I think you'll be very tired of you coming in and being that unresonable.
I seem to have offended som epeople it seems. I just posed wanting to know if I was mistaken, and learned that I was. I am keeping the gun. I do not run my own business and have no want to so I don't know the particulars. That is why I asked. I now know. I will still frequent the shop. I will keep my guns though Thanks again for the helpful responses.
Thanks again for the helpful responses.blades67
Member
Good enough for us Ed. Happy shooting.
sixgun_symphony
member
I would hang on to that Marlin 1895g rifle Ed. Its a good hunting rifle.
Put in some overtime and save for that AR-15, then you will have both.
Put in some overtime and save for that AR-15, then you will have both.
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