Who Do I Buy From? A Dilemma.

[dsgrntldPW]

After checking out the Kel-Tec P3AT for a friend I've decided to buy one for myself. Two shops I deal with have it. One shop has it for $240, the other is $270. My dilemma is the higher priced shop helps to sponsor a local firearms related radio talk show here in the Phoenix area. I enjoy the show and want to support it by buying products from its sponsors. (Another of the shows sponsors has it for $300, which is out of the question.) But to me the $30 difference in a pistol in this price range is significant.

I'll go in to the higher priced dealer and ask what's the best he can do; but how much extra (if any) should I pay for the gun in order to support a sponsor of the radio program? I'm thinking $10-12, but not much more. Or should I be willing to pay an extra 10+% or so for their sponsorship? Both are very good shops who treat their customers well.

 

[Greg L]

In this situation I would go into the sponsor's place & tell the manager/owner that you could get it for $240 over at "x" store but because he is a sponsor of the radio show & you appreciate what he is doing will he sell it to you for $255. Chances are that he will go with that for a couple of reasons. First you aren't asking him to match the price (make it known that the reason that you aren't asking him to match it is so that he continues to sponsor the show) & second that his sponsorship of the show is working as it is bringing customers in his door as a direct result of it.

See if he'll also throw in a box of ammo to help cover the $15 difference, can't hurt to ask .

Greg

 

[Majic]

By being a sponsor he gets advertising that the other dealer doesn't. He should compete with the prices in the area and not charge to get his sponsorship money back from his customers. Ask him for a lower price due to you hearing of him on the media and he should agree. If not, buy from the other dealer. That's the way of economics and free enterprise. Advertising gets you into his business. The prices is what makes you his customer.

 

[Black92LX]

i would go buy the gun from the place with the cheaper price. then i would go buy 250-500 rounds of ammo from the other place.

 

[nipprdog]

tell him you'll buy it for 270, with an extra mag.

 

[spooky1]

The shop I use in Tempe has them for 250, But said they would sell it to me for 240 when I was looking at it. I opted for the Ruger KP95 instead.

 

[Josey]

I would go to the cheaper shop and ask for the pistol, a box of Speer Gold Dot and a gun rug. Order at least three extra clips and ask about a Hogue Hand-All slip-on grip. I imagine you will get a deal. The dealer who is sponsoring the radio show ISN'T! You are. High prices are not the way to bring in more business.

 

[Treylis]

What's this radio show? Channel and time?

 

[dsgrntldPW]

The radio program is 'High Noon Saturday' on KXEM AM1010 in Phoenix. It's on Saturdays from noon to 2:00 pm and is hosted by Steve Cates. For three Saturdays each month the program deals with firearms related topics as well as current political and personal rights/freedoms issues that would be of interest to gun owners. The last Saturday of the month is dedicated to astronomy and space related topics. Steve's AKA 'Dr. Sky' and is frequently seen and heard on Valley radio & television on this subject. The radio show has been on about a year and I find it to be informative and interesting. He has many guests on the show, including Ted Nugent and Charlie Daniels. They also have give-aways to people who call into the show. They usually give out a $50 gift certificate for Galco holsters, as well as other items, each week.

It is really difficult to get a local firearms related radio program going in a major market. 'Gun Talk' has been very successful nationally, but local programs struggle. Steve deserves our support to make 'High Noon' a successful show that will grow and get better with age. If you have a couple hours available on Saturdays give the program a listen for a month or so. You should find it informative and entertaining.

 

[Mikul]

I'll usually pay 5% more at a shop that I like, but not always.

I had the same thing happen with a lamp I just ordered. The store that helped me and had a nice owner wanted $50 more than another store that I just called up. I called the first guy back up and asked if he could do any better. He wound up being $50 CHEAPER all because I asked.

 

[cratz2]

Well, my favorite shop almost always has the best prices on brand new, commonly available guns.

If I were in your situation, I'd very politely ask for the P3AT for $240 from the shop you want to support. Tell him you'd like to support him and want to give him your business but you want the gun for $240.

Or go to the shop that doesn't support the show and ask why he doesn't support them. Might be a reason that hasn't been thought of though I can't really imagine what.

 

[harpethriver]

Did either of these shops provide an "education" for you on this particular buy? Do they both have it in stock? If one of the shops spent more time with you than the other and had the gun in stock, I'd do business with them, however I would ask the owner/mgr. if they would "deal" with me. This is a tough question. Let your conscience be your guide.

 

[dsgrntldPW]

I went to the shop that originally quoted the higher price to me, but sponsored the show. They gave it to me for $260 AND threw in a box of Golden Sabers. I also wound up buying a spare mag. I think I got a fair deal and was happy to be able to support them this time, as I have in the past.

 

[Josey]

A happy ending! I hope your friend buys his at the same shop.

 

[dsgrntldPW]

He will as soon as he saves up the cash.

 

[cratz2]

Yep... sounds like all ended well.