reasonable counter-offer

[ross1]

I don't know if this is the specific forum for this question ( if not could a mod. please move it?) A local gun store has a used CZ 97B for $599.99, I was wondering what a reasonable counter offer would be. Their ask price seems right up there with buying it NIB prices.

Thank you,

Ross

 

[Papaster]

Tough to say without seeing the gun. You should look it up in the Blue Book of Gun Values. That's a pretty standard pricing reference. Though not perfect for all markets, it should give you a good approximation for the value of the gun on the open market. I wouldn't offer any more than the Blue Book values it at its current condition.

Aside from the Blue Book value, you can always go in with an offer that's 10-20% below their asking price, just be ready to dicker if they seem willing, and have your cash in hand. I have often had my best experience taking a certain amount of cash (less than offering price) and just telling them that's all I've got, and asking them to come down enough to help cover the tax too.

On another note, many of the used guns behind dealer counters in my area are on consignment. Those are pretty much priced as marked, since the actual owner isn't there to haggle with.

 

[Ron James]

Blue book shows the 97B in excellent condition at $555. When dickering gun prices the big factor is " How badly does the buyer want it, and how badly does the seller need the rent money". You are the only one to be able to determine a counter offer. We have no ideal how badly you want the gun nor how badly the seller wants to sell it.

 

[Jim Watson]

Just as a reference point, wholesale on the CZ97B is $698 delivered from Bud's.

 

[rmfnla]

Keep your eye on the "out the door" price; tax, FFL fees, etc. can run that bargain price up pretty fast!

 

[Storm]

There's a lot of variables involved, but from what I know of the 97B (had one, never should have traded it) if the gun is in excellent condition I'd counter at $425 and hope to end up south of $500. It's a fine weapon if you've got large enough hands to handle it.

BTW, around these parts the price of a used 97B is right around $500. I know as it's on my short list of gun trading mistakes to correct, and I have been watching closely. Assuming condition, $550 isn't all that high at all.

 

[ross1]

I want but not in any huge hurry, and I also don't think this place is in any hurry to move it... they have a Bren-Ten sitting in the list... and it hasn't moved in a while. Thought people scoop those up quick. I didn't have access to the blue book for guns... that's why I was asking here, this would also be the first time I've bought a used gun from a store. I didn't know how much they generally overprice things at to leave haggle room and still make a buck. By the two responses, I would think (with cash in hand) my lowball counter offer could be around $475 and hope to meet somewhere around $525?

Thanks

Ross

 

[Storm]

According to Fjestad 26th edition (2005) the gun has an MSRP of $663, 100%:$555, 98%: $480, 95%: $400, 90%: $345. Sorry my info isn't more recent.

These guns don't seem to jump off the shelf but they do move. I think that the size of the gun scares some off.

 

[oneounceload]

A simple Google search has found prices ranging up to 750.00. You need to do your research for your geographic area to determine what that gun is selling for there. You can make any offer you want, but if you feel their price is still too much, walk away

 

[Storm]

BTW, I just noticed that the asking price is $599. For some reason I thought it was $555. At $599 I would walk and just buy one new.

BTW, if you take a look at Gubroker you can see that $500 is a pretty common asking price, but then you add shipping and FFL and you are getting pretty close to your current asking price although you will pay tax locally.

 

[schmeky]

Ross1,

I tried to answer your question on the CZ Forum and a moderator yanked it. I'm not going there, but I have pulled my membership from that site.

Lots of good advice, but make a reasonable offer, and if the seller does not bite, leave your contact info and give them time to think it over.

Besides, this is great opportunity to handle the pistol before you buy. One thing you can be certain of, if it fits your grip, it will be a superb shooter.

 

[Tacoma]

IMHO, it's not what you get off the gun ,it's what you get off compared to the price of a new one. My general rule of thumb is that if I can get a price that puts me into a "like new" gun at or below 75% of a new one, then I'm doing OK. ("OK" meaning it's fair for both of us and I won't loose my shirt in resale if I decide I'm not in love with it.) If I can get down in the 65% range and it's still VG or better, then I'm even happier and will not even haggle. ( I'm not there to insult or rob the guy, just get a fair deal!) On the occasion that I find a gun I like but the price is to high and /or firm, then I just walk. Patience pays off in the end. I never go too long without getting what I want at the price I want it at.

 

[ross1]

Thanks guys, I'm also not trying to rip the shop off or anything. In my area there aren't to many shops that carry CZ new or used... Like I said I'm in no hurry to buy, I was just looking for an idea on what people would think is a reasonable counter-offer. I appreciate all the help, now I feel better "armed" when I go in. I didn't want to go in with a completely unrespectable lowball, but didn't want to go in and ask with something they would automatically say yes to, knowing that there was a chance at getting it lower.

Thanks again,

Ross