Rottweiler
Member
does Midsouth offer dealer prices to C&R license holders?
Midway USA too expensive
- Thread starter Quickdraw McGraw
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UnderDawgAl
Member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2005
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- 64
I agree with the original poster. When starting up reloading, I ordered twice from Midway, and the shipping was a large percentage of my total costs. Since then, I've ordered from Lock, Stock, and Barrel <www.lockstock.com> and Graf & Sons.
Lock, Stock, and Barrel was GREAT! --> 2000 rounds of Hornady wadcutters, weighing about 45 pounds total, for $11 shipping, and it came Priority Mail through the USPS!! If only I would have thought to add a couple of things to the order, for minimal additional shipping.
Graf & Sons was great, as well. ---> one flat-rate shipping charge for everything. Even their "higher" prices added up to about $4 less than Midway for the same things, based on Midway's shipping estimator.
I've decided that, from now on, I'm going to have a little spreadsheet handy. When I'm ready to order something, I'm going to list the prices of the items and the shipping for the various online places so that I can quickly determine the lowest-priced place. The few extra minutes are worth saving 10-30% on shipping.
As others have pointed out, Midway is fast, has everything, and has a great website--and they're obviously not hurting on business. My wise use of limited resources, however, dictates that I comparison shop.
Lock, Stock, and Barrel was GREAT! --> 2000 rounds of Hornady wadcutters, weighing about 45 pounds total, for $11 shipping, and it came Priority Mail through the USPS!! If only I would have thought to add a couple of things to the order, for minimal additional shipping.
Graf & Sons was great, as well. ---> one flat-rate shipping charge for everything. Even their "higher" prices added up to about $4 less than Midway for the same things, based on Midway's shipping estimator.
I've decided that, from now on, I'm going to have a little spreadsheet handy. When I'm ready to order something, I'm going to list the prices of the items and the shipping for the various online places so that I can quickly determine the lowest-priced place. The few extra minutes are worth saving 10-30% on shipping.
As others have pointed out, Midway is fast, has everything, and has a great website--and they're obviously not hurting on business. My wise use of limited resources, however, dictates that I comparison shop.
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345 DeSoto
Member
Powder, primers, etc. with a $20 Haz Mat charge, I buy locally...no extra $20 charge. Buy the way, when Hazerdous Materials are Shipped, no extra precautions are taken (except non-air transport) for the extra money. It all gets thrown into the same truck(s) and Shipped, so what does the extra $20 get used for? As an aside, I ordered 1,000 185 grn bullets from TJConeverra, got free Shipping (USPS Priority, 35lbs?), and it was here in 2 days (Florida). Exorbetant Shipping APPEARS to be a trick used by sellers to recoup the low discount prices....
Zeke/PA
Member
It was not that long ago, 5 years or so, that Midway shipped free.
Shipping costs are killers.
I purchased a non-gun item last week for $6.00, the shipping costs were $8.00.
My last couple of purchases were from Graff and if you order enough stuff the standard shipping costs seem negligable.
Powder? I'm still able to fill my needs with a local FFL.
Zeke
Shipping costs are killers.
I purchased a non-gun item last week for $6.00, the shipping costs were $8.00.
My last couple of purchases were from Graff and if you order enough stuff the standard shipping costs seem negligable.
Powder? I'm still able to fill my needs with a local FFL.
Zeke
Used Lockstock about year ago, but they were dishonest in my experience with their shipping policy.
I did a small initial order with them and shipping cost was clearly stated on their internet order page, I ordered, and also got an email confirmation with the same total. Few days later I go to check my online CC account to see if the order processed, and shipping magically went up about $4. Thought I would wait till the order got to me, and sure enough the invoice showed the additional, unauthorised charge.
I contacted LSB, and they basically said pound sand. I did contact my CC company, got the amount refunded, and let them know about how one of their representatives does business. Yep, it's only 4 bux, just the same I don't let someone steal from me. If you can't/won't give me an accurate shipping cost, then don't give one, period! I try to look at it as an honest mistake, but IMO, it's nothing more than sleazy business, especially after the reply I got back from them. I wish Cabela's would go full tilt into reloading, and leave alot of these thieving jokers in the dust.
I did a small initial order with them and shipping cost was clearly stated on their internet order page, I ordered, and also got an email confirmation with the same total. Few days later I go to check my online CC account to see if the order processed, and shipping magically went up about $4. Thought I would wait till the order got to me, and sure enough the invoice showed the additional, unauthorised charge.
I contacted LSB, and they basically said pound sand. I did contact my CC company, got the amount refunded, and let them know about how one of their representatives does business. Yep, it's only 4 bux, just the same I don't let someone steal from me. If you can't/won't give me an accurate shipping cost, then don't give one, period! I try to look at it as an honest mistake, but IMO, it's nothing more than sleazy business, especially after the reply I got back from them. I wish Cabela's would go full tilt into reloading, and leave alot of these thieving jokers in the dust.
Master Blaster
Member
After spending thousands of dollars over the last few years at midway, I will never give them another nickle. My credit card number was ripped off by one of their employees, I called them and they denied it, and even refused to discuss it with me, they were rude and nasty. My CC bank confirmed that it was someone at midway, and I recieved a call from the local sherriff about a month later, as the bank and sveral other customers had complained to local law enforcement. A couple of other customers lost a couple thousand dollars.
Midway knows that this happened, and hasn't even apologized, or offered any compensation.
Midway sucks.
Order from Natchez, Grafs, wideners, powder valley, please dont be a fool and do businees with midway.
Midway knows that this happened, and hasn't even apologized, or offered any compensation.
Midway sucks.
Order from Natchez, Grafs, wideners, powder valley, please dont be a fool and do businees with midway.
Seafarer12
Member
I like midway because they get the orders out fast and usually have what I need in stock. Natchez has better prices on stuff but a lot of the time they are out of stock.
Peter M. Eick
Member
I was another who used to order everything from midway. Shipping used to be included in the price so when you checked out there was no extra fees. When they switched I started shopping around. Midway now gets about 30% of my business because Grafs, Midsouth, Cabela's, Powder Valley get the rest.
Bullets in particular are much cheaper other places when shipping is factored in.
Bullets in particular are much cheaper other places when shipping is factored in.
ADKWOODSMAN
Member
I've always found midway over priced on shipping.
They have some unique items.
Most of my orders are with MIDSOUTH.
They have some unique items.
Most of my orders are with MIDSOUTH.
BsChoy
Member
I too have been going to Wideners more lately. Midway still has more stuff just better prices especially for the Nosler partitions I have decided to go with for my 30-06.
RustyFN
Member
Not sure but Graf's gives a nice C&R discount. I guess that's why I buy a lot from them. For example 5,000 Wolf primers are $10 cheaper with the C&R. Midway offers C&R discounts but I have never found it to be more than 10 cents on any item.
Just wondering what you pay for primers locally? I get them for $16 per thousand and powder for around $11 per pound online and that makes the $20 hazmat look real good to me.
Rusty
Asherdan
Member
UnderDawgAl said:
I do that before every order now. With sales and price variations it can make a real difference on the over all cost. Never had a problem with Midway from a service or product standpoint but the shipping cost can just be silly sometimes. I'll cycle through Midway, Graf's, Lock, Stock & Barrel, Midsouth and Cabelas checking cost and shipping for best deal. Heck, it's worth it usually. I just bought an extra Stack-On security cabinet that Cabelas is shipping for $16.95. Next lowest price was $29.95 with a high of $50.
Shop a little and don't get locked into one supplier, is all I'm saying here.
Although Midway uses the US Postal System, they refuse to utilize Flat Rate shipping at $9.85. This makes purchasing bullets from them very expensive.
I complained about this to customer service and they couldn't have cared less.
I've been getting my bullets from Precision Delta (FMJ) and Missouri Bullet (cast). My order today from Precision, 2k, 54# was flat rate. These are two good companies you should consider next time you order. Due to location they might not be the cheapest for you, but it is worth a look IMO.
I complained about this to customer service and they couldn't have cared less.
I've been getting my bullets from Precision Delta (FMJ) and Missouri Bullet (cast). My order today from Precision, 2k, 54# was flat rate. These are two good companies you should consider next time you order. Due to location they might not be the cheapest for you, but it is worth a look IMO.
pinkymingeo
Member
- Joined
- May 31, 2007
- Messages
- 591
I just ordered a couple hundred bucks worth of press accessories from Hornady. I checked Midway, but several items were out of stock, and the price difference was only $18. Even Hornady ships cheaper, so the net difference was only about ten dollars. No backorders. No spending half an hour wading through one of history's slowest websites. Midway doesn't get much of my business anymore, and in the future probably less, or none.
RugerGuy
Member
Asherdan has it right. Shop around before you hit the order button. I've bought alot from Midway over the years but lately the stuff marked "On Sale" seemed to be the regular price. Buyer beware.
Here's the deal boys and girls,
In most larger companies/corporationss (I know this because I am a manager in one) in which mail order is a large part of their business (whether ordered by phone or web) shipping is considered a profit cente and a way to increase the profit margin. If I increase shipping from say $5 to $6 even when the actual cost of the shipping is $3 (actual shipping costs,cost of shipping department, etc) , then I have added an addition $1 to the bottom line. In return I know that I need to make sure that my shipping success (% of orders shipped correctly in a timely manner) is high. That's not really hard because that was part of my original $3 overhead.
Shipping is another way of increasing cost and profit marging.
In most larger companies/corporationss (I know this because I am a manager in one) in which mail order is a large part of their business (whether ordered by phone or web) shipping is considered a profit cente and a way to increase the profit margin. If I increase shipping from say $5 to $6 even when the actual cost of the shipping is $3 (actual shipping costs,cost of shipping department, etc) , then I have added an addition $1 to the bottom line. In return I know that I need to make sure that my shipping success (% of orders shipped correctly in a timely manner) is high. That's not really hard because that was part of my original $3 overhead.
Shipping is another way of increasing cost and profit marging.
Quickdraw McGraw
Member
Understood - $5 to $6 ain't bad but $5 to $15 
$5 to $6 wasn't my point. Regardless of the increase in shipping, if all else remains the same you just added that increase to your bottom line.
Here is the most probable reason that Midway has higher prices. By the size of their catalog and the fast shipping they apparently have a huge inventory expense. In this day and age a company doesn't want to have a huge inventory on hand as that is cash sitting in the warehouse on the shelves, instead of cash working real time (i.e that cash could be making money in other investments). To maintain that amount of inventory is really expensive.
So if you, the potential customer, want a company like Midway to be able to offer you all of the things they offer, with a pretty good rule of usually having most of the stuff in stock or a quick resolution of back-order, then you will have to accept somewhat higher costs. Add up (just kidding because this would take a long time) the total price of all of the items in their catalog, assume that they have at least 5 of each so multiply by 5. Then figure they are buying it from the original manufacturers at about 35% discount and you will realize the huge cash investment they have to be able to supply all of that good stuff. In other words their costs will be somewhat higher than smaller suppliers who don't have the huge investment.
To help offset the higher overhead, they will charge more on shipping and cetain products with a hope that their large choice of goods and customer service will result in enough equity in you the customers part that you will be willing to pay the extra price. They know that some of you will shop around but most of us like 1 stop shopping so they are betting on that.
Nuff Said.
Here is the most probable reason that Midway has higher prices. By the size of their catalog and the fast shipping they apparently have a huge inventory expense. In this day and age a company doesn't want to have a huge inventory on hand as that is cash sitting in the warehouse on the shelves, instead of cash working real time (i.e that cash could be making money in other investments). To maintain that amount of inventory is really expensive.
So if you, the potential customer, want a company like Midway to be able to offer you all of the things they offer, with a pretty good rule of usually having most of the stuff in stock or a quick resolution of back-order, then you will have to accept somewhat higher costs. Add up (just kidding because this would take a long time) the total price of all of the items in their catalog, assume that they have at least 5 of each so multiply by 5. Then figure they are buying it from the original manufacturers at about 35% discount and you will realize the huge cash investment they have to be able to supply all of that good stuff. In other words their costs will be somewhat higher than smaller suppliers who don't have the huge investment.
To help offset the higher overhead, they will charge more on shipping and cetain products with a hope that their large choice of goods and customer service will result in enough equity in you the customers part that you will be willing to pay the extra price. They know that some of you will shop around but most of us like 1 stop shopping so they are betting on that.
Nuff Said.
I think Midway has gotten (is getting?) complacent. For umpteen years, Midway and Brownells pretty much ruled the roost. They had some overlap but each had their niches to fill.
Fast forward to the 21st century where anybody and everybody can hang their shingle and run a website. I am more than happy to look elsewhere because it takes just a few keystrokes to check any of a dozen reloading suppliers.
I'm going to go out on a limb and say the average reloader is frugal. Some more than others, and a few reload just for accuracy, regardless of price. When dealing with a segment of the market that places price as a very high priority, a company must work to deliver low prices.
I agree with Vacek that Midway probably has the best inventory of any shooting supplier. I also agree that some people are willing to pay the premium for the selection. However, more and more people are not. Reloaders are frustrated by the recession and by the skyrocketing cost of materials. Thus, price is even more important. I also refuse to subsidize the cost of their inventory for products I have no interest in.
Department stores are seeing this same trend. Your average JCPenney, Sears, or Macys carries a wide variety of products. However, most specialty retailers kill them on price. Why? Because a TV consumer isn't paying for the jewelry inventory at a place like Best Buy.
Part of this ties in with inventory turnover as well. And frankly, I think Midway offers too many options. Go try to buy a cleaning rod and some bore cleaner. Your brain will explode at all of the choices. I can't believe that Midway is turning over all types of inventory at roughly the same rate. Increasing prices across the board to subsidize slow movers is a bad idea.
People aren't as dumb as they used to be. People can find UPS and FedEx shipping rates. People know about flat rate USPS shipping. Personally, I find it unethical for Midway to offer "free shipping" on (1) 4000 round order of bullets but then charge me $20 for (2) 2000 round orders of the same bullets because they're out of stock of the 4K item but have the 2K item in stock. If you want to increase your bottom line, raise the price. Do not inflate the shipping charge. Do not blow smoke up my butt.
And what are their inflated shipping prices getting them? Trashed on internet forums and trashed at gun clubs. Graf & Sons offers C&R discounts and I just signed up for an account with them 2 weeks ago. I foresee a lot of my reloading business going to them. I'd probably use Brownells for other stuff but they have, quite possibly, the WORST website in the industry. Take note, business students: Good prices and good service are wasted if the customer cannot find the product they are looking for.
Fast forward to the 21st century where anybody and everybody can hang their shingle and run a website. I am more than happy to look elsewhere because it takes just a few keystrokes to check any of a dozen reloading suppliers.
I'm going to go out on a limb and say the average reloader is frugal. Some more than others, and a few reload just for accuracy, regardless of price. When dealing with a segment of the market that places price as a very high priority, a company must work to deliver low prices.
I agree with Vacek that Midway probably has the best inventory of any shooting supplier. I also agree that some people are willing to pay the premium for the selection. However, more and more people are not. Reloaders are frustrated by the recession and by the skyrocketing cost of materials. Thus, price is even more important. I also refuse to subsidize the cost of their inventory for products I have no interest in.
Department stores are seeing this same trend. Your average JCPenney, Sears, or Macys carries a wide variety of products. However, most specialty retailers kill them on price. Why? Because a TV consumer isn't paying for the jewelry inventory at a place like Best Buy.
Part of this ties in with inventory turnover as well. And frankly, I think Midway offers too many options. Go try to buy a cleaning rod and some bore cleaner. Your brain will explode at all of the choices. I can't believe that Midway is turning over all types of inventory at roughly the same rate. Increasing prices across the board to subsidize slow movers is a bad idea.
People aren't as dumb as they used to be. People can find UPS and FedEx shipping rates. People know about flat rate USPS shipping. Personally, I find it unethical for Midway to offer "free shipping" on (1) 4000 round order of bullets but then charge me $20 for (2) 2000 round orders of the same bullets because they're out of stock of the 4K item but have the 2K item in stock. If you want to increase your bottom line, raise the price. Do not inflate the shipping charge. Do not blow smoke up my butt.
And what are their inflated shipping prices getting them? Trashed on internet forums and trashed at gun clubs. Graf & Sons offers C&R discounts and I just signed up for an account with them 2 weeks ago. I foresee a lot of my reloading business going to them. I'd probably use Brownells for other stuff but they have, quite possibly, the WORST website in the industry. Take note, business students: Good prices and good service are wasted if the customer cannot find the product they are looking for.
RugerGuy
Member
Very well said Stra81. Alot of us have learned the hard way it pays to shop around.
TEDDY
Member
midsouth
when I lived in Mass I found midsouth.monday morn order came thursday.and the price was right.my dealer friend stated using them and he got a discount.
so they do give discounts.I find midsouth is about 30% cheaper than the lee cat.C&R is same as FFL except not a dealer.
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when I lived in Mass I found midsouth.monday morn order came thursday.and the price was right.my dealer friend stated using them and he got a discount.
so they do give discounts.I find midsouth is about 30% cheaper than the lee cat.C&R is same as FFL except not a dealer.
-------jjohnson
Member
Not What They Used to Be
Yep, I used to buy thousands of bucks worth of stuff from them each year, but it seems like their prices have gone up and their website has slowed way down. They do have maybe the best website in the industry, so I use them for reference all the time, but I just can't seem to find a "good deal" there anymore. The 'specials' aren't so special as they used to be, and they're often out of stock on the stuff that really is well priced. I go to the same folks mentioned here - Graf's, Widener's, Powder Valley, Natchez, Midsouth whenever possible and am happy with them. I still buy from Midway on occasion, but as several of you do, only when I'm in a hurry and everybody else is out of stock. They're reliable - but they're not cheap anymore.
Yep, I used to buy thousands of bucks worth of stuff from them each year, but it seems like their prices have gone up and their website has slowed way down. They do have maybe the best website in the industry, so I use them for reference all the time, but I just can't seem to find a "good deal" there anymore. The 'specials' aren't so special as they used to be, and they're often out of stock on the stuff that really is well priced. I go to the same folks mentioned here - Graf's, Widener's, Powder Valley, Natchez, Midsouth whenever possible and am happy with them. I still buy from Midway on occasion, but as several of you do, only when I'm in a hurry and everybody else is out of stock. They're reliable - but they're not cheap anymore.
Unless it has recently changed at Midway, but you could buy say a recoil spring, or some such light, small item, and they would let you choose much lower cost first class mail as a shipping option... Hell of a lot better than Top Gun Supply and simmilar places that have a flat rate $7.95 or higher charge for a tiny spring. 
Like everyone else, I hate being gouged on shipping!
Like everyone else, I hate being gouged on shipping!
I've been buying stuff from Midway since the early 90's. I remember when they started sending out letters about their free shipping. For a year or two they had a problem with customers ordering inexpensive items every other day and Midway was losing money on those orders. They even gave examples of people ordering twice a week for $2 or $3 per order. Their free shipping was basically abused by cheap people until it was no longer a good business decision. I am not defending what they've become. I don't like it anymore than the rest of you. I just thought some of you would want to know how it happened.
I also have noticed they advertise 99 percent of orders recieved by 4pm ship same day. This is simply not true. A friend and myself order almost every week and I'd say we get a little over half shipped same day. Sometimes I can buy it at my local Scheel's with 7% tax and still come out ahead of Midway's pricing. I hope Larry Potterfield ends up reading this thread and takes it seriously. His company became a success because he had great prices above all else. If I'm gonna pay too much I can buy stuff anywhere.
I also have noticed they advertise 99 percent of orders recieved by 4pm ship same day. This is simply not true. A friend and myself order almost every week and I'd say we get a little over half shipped same day. Sometimes I can buy it at my local Scheel's with 7% tax and still come out ahead of Midway's pricing. I hope Larry Potterfield ends up reading this thread and takes it seriously. His company became a success because he had great prices above all else. If I'm gonna pay too much I can buy stuff anywhere.
An awful lot of whining on this thread. Aren't you people familiar with the concept of comparison shopping?
Midway is not always the best deal. But, they tend to have a good selection, fast and accurate shipping, and I especially like their reviews.
I don't always order from Midway but I do so fairly often. I figure that if I'm too lazy or pressed for time to comparison shop I can't complain if I don't always get the lowest price.
Midway is not always the best deal. But, they tend to have a good selection, fast and accurate shipping, and I especially like their reviews.
I don't always order from Midway but I do so fairly often. I figure that if I'm too lazy or pressed for time to comparison shop I can't complain if I don't always get the lowest price.
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