Mr. Mysterious
Member
Car=haggle
New gun = shop around buy lowest ticket price
Used gun = some haggling depending on what they are asking
New gun = shop around buy lowest ticket price
Used gun = some haggling depending on what they are asking
Who Doesn't Haggle?
- Thread starter Soap
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sm
member
Well growing up folks priced stuff fair and one paid it. Later the marketing boys starting running "sales". Not the sales like in seasonal sales...but marking stuff up and giving a "discount". then the credit cards hit and the credit card fees had to be figured in.
Yes I learned to haggle. My first job in the real world in the 7th grade was with a Orthodox Jew. I learned a LOT about people and business. Even learned some bad words in Yiddish.
[ Hint - do not bring a ham sandwich to work for lunch...]
I then went to work for a Reformed Jew, ham sandwiches okay , but they haggle different. Again I learned a LOT about people and business.
So I learned culture is a part of why some folks haggle...it is expected, and one is to "respect" this culture by knowing how to haggle.
Times changed and learning what I did from previous businesses ...to my benefit to use these tools.
If a guy has figured in the % fee his bank charges for use of credit cards on the sales ticket...and I pay cash...I get it for less. Only fair.
Plus there is a unwritten acceptance in polite courteous haggling...like respect. Unwritten rules ... does keep one fro being taken advantage of.
Case in point- why do people think women are dumb? I don't. Lady wants to buy a car is different than a man. They expect the female to just pay the sticker, they expect a guy to haggle.
Culture, gender...no matter if on "sale" credit card fees, legitimate end of season sale for hunting gear, to kids shoes...or white sales. Pays to be savvy and smart. Haggling is just part of this.
Don't insult when haggling, don't insult when pricing goods and services. $200 gun is a $200 gun. I don't care if marked $400 and half off or not.
It all boils down to how much did I pay for the item or service.
Yes I learned to haggle. My first job in the real world in the 7th grade was with a Orthodox Jew. I learned a LOT about people and business. Even learned some bad words in Yiddish.
[ Hint - do not bring a ham sandwich to work for lunch...]I then went to work for a Reformed Jew, ham sandwiches okay , but they haggle different. Again I learned a LOT about people and business.
So I learned culture is a part of why some folks haggle...it is expected, and one is to "respect" this culture by knowing how to haggle.
Times changed and learning what I did from previous businesses ...to my benefit to use these tools.
If a guy has figured in the % fee his bank charges for use of credit cards on the sales ticket...and I pay cash...I get it for less. Only fair.
Plus there is a unwritten acceptance in polite courteous haggling...like respect. Unwritten rules ... does keep one fro being taken advantage of.
Case in point- why do people think women are dumb? I don't. Lady wants to buy a car is different than a man. They expect the female to just pay the sticker, they expect a guy to haggle.
Culture, gender...no matter if on "sale" credit card fees, legitimate end of season sale for hunting gear, to kids shoes...or white sales. Pays to be savvy and smart. Haggling is just part of this.
Don't insult when haggling, don't insult when pricing goods and services. $200 gun is a $200 gun. I don't care if marked $400 and half off or not.
It all boils down to how much did I pay for the item or service.
I have haggled, but don't make a practice of it. The only times I can think of that I haggled was when I was buying more than one gun at once.
I buy most of my guns at the same place. When I ask to look at something he almost always immediately knocks the price down before he even hands it to me because he knows I will buy it if I want it. If I think the price is high, I won't even ask to see it. If there is something that I want to see just because I never saw one or something, I tell them that from the get go. "I am not going to buy that, but could I please look at it".
I have never stood there and haggled. The few times I did it, I made one offer and they accepted. But it wasn't a ridiculous offer, it was maybe $30 off a purchase of two guns.
I buy most of my guns at the same place. When I ask to look at something he almost always immediately knocks the price down before he even hands it to me because he knows I will buy it if I want it. If I think the price is high, I won't even ask to see it. If there is something that I want to see just because I never saw one or something, I tell them that from the get go. "I am not going to buy that, but could I please look at it".
I have never stood there and haggled. The few times I did it, I made one offer and they accepted. But it wasn't a ridiculous offer, it was maybe $30 off a purchase of two guns.
If there is room in the price for haggling you should be buying somewhere else because the shop is ripping you. My local shop sells for cost+shipping+10%. That is about as fair as you can get. They sell guns hand over fist(except for Glock 37s! ).
If buying a used gun I will work the deal hard. Especially in a pawn shop they expect it. Know exactly what a good price is before you go in the door. Leave if you don't get that or better. I won't haggle friends who sell guns, I expect that they'll cut me a deal, much as I would make sure they got something extra when buying from me.
). If buying a used gun I will work the deal hard. Especially in a pawn shop they expect it. Know exactly what a good price is before you go in the door. Leave if you don't get that or better. I won't haggle friends who sell guns, I expect that they'll cut me a deal, much as I would make sure they got something extra when buying from me.
I have a buddy who works at a gunshop, so he usually gives me a good deal without much haggling. At other gun shops I don't go overboard , but I'll ask for a better price. Can't hurt to ask. At gunshows I always haggle a little. I think it's expected and it's part of the fun of going to a gunshow.
DMK
Member
I don't really haggle, I make an offer. It's either accepted or it's not. That's the end of it either way.
I always buy guns cash and I will always make an offer below the marked price. Like sm says, cash cuts out a lot of the middleman stuff. If they don't accept the offer, usually they will counter with a compromise. If they are firm in their price, I don't get offended. I evaluate whether it's still worthwhile to me and either buy or thank them for their time.
I always buy guns cash and I will always make an offer below the marked price. Like sm says, cash cuts out a lot of the middleman stuff. If they don't accept the offer, usually they will counter with a compromise. If they are firm in their price, I don't get offended. I evaluate whether it's still worthwhile to me and either buy or thank them for their time.
XLMiguel
Member
Depends on what "haggle" means. I do my homework, shop hard, and 'feel 'em up' (politely) to see if there's any room for negotiation or a 'package deal'. If that be 'haggling', that woud be me.
OTOH, sometimes, the deal/value is obvious, other times, I need to probe to see where the shop is coming from (salesperson's attitude counts here, too). In any event, I don't get pushy or obnoxious. I know my price point, and if we can't get close, we won't do business. It doesn't cost anything to ask (and if you don't ask, you don't get), but if they act like it's an insult, I go elsewhere.
OTOH, sometimes, the deal/value is obvious, other times, I need to probe to see where the shop is coming from (salesperson's attitude counts here, too). In any event, I don't get pushy or obnoxious. I know my price point, and if we can't get close, we won't do business. It doesn't cost anything to ask (and if you don't ask, you don't get), but if they act like it's an insult, I go elsewhere.
I lived around the Med for years and it got to be a habit to haggle about prices, actually it got to be fun. I've always belived in being an informed shopper and with that knowledge you know the average price for an item. I'll settle for average price but it's fun trying to get below it. There are some shops I know I'm getting a fair deal in and don't dicker with them. I do business with them regularly and we know and respect each other.
P.S. Most fun I ever had was watching an Engish women trying to haggle with a gold dealer in Saudi for an 8 band puzzle ring. He wouldn't budge off the price for her, then came down over a 3rd for me in under 5 minutes. I've seldom seen a woman that mad.
P.S. Most fun I ever had was watching an Engish women trying to haggle with a gold dealer in Saudi for an 8 band puzzle ring. He wouldn't budge off the price for her, then came down over a 3rd for me in under 5 minutes. I've seldom seen a woman that mad.
HogRider
Member
I usually don't do it in a gun store, because I have already done my home work and shopped around comparing prices when looking for a NEW gun.
I sometimes " politely discuss" the price on a USED gun.
I definitely haggle a lot at gun show tables.
I sometimes " politely discuss" the price on a USED gun.
I definitely haggle a lot at gun show tables.
Here's my take. I generally find one or two gun shops I like to shop at. My criteria for this selection is inventory and staff. I really don't mind paying a few dollars extra to their bottom line if it's going to help keep them in business. Generally, once they get to know you they're going to give you the best deal anyhow.
Fortunately, I can drive about 40 minutes to a great shop that gives outstanding deals and great quality service: Ed's Guns in Vass, NC.
Mark
Fortunately, I can drive about 40 minutes to a great shop that gives outstanding deals and great quality service: Ed's Guns in Vass, NC.
Mark
Pete45
Member
I usually make it clear up front that I don't want to be talked into a more expensive gun or something different than what I want. I return the favor by not trying to chew them down at the end.
- Pete45
- Pete45
Ryder
Member
Don't feel too lonely. I don't haggle either. I'm willing to pay more for quality but not to the point where the cost outweighs the value.
A lot of times an expensive item will have no price tag. If it's not convenient to ask I won't. When told the price I'll either whip out my wallet on the spot or nod and walk away without comment.
I don't feel pressured to buy anything. Depends on how bad they want to sell it.
A lot of times an expensive item will have no price tag. If it's not convenient to ask I won't. When told the price I'll either whip out my wallet on the spot or nod and walk away without comment.
I don't feel pressured to buy anything. Depends on how bad they want to sell it.
bpisler
Member
If it's a decent price that i'am willing to pay then i just buy.I do ask most of the time if i can get it OTD for the price on the tag.
On something new or common, I don't usually. If it is used and I want it, I will see if they are willing to come down in price. One thing that I will NOT do is tell a salesman " the store down the road has it for $whatever Cheaper. " If I was a seller and someone said that to me I'd tell them to go get it there then. I think that is very rude.
BluesBear
member
Unless I am just buying 2 or 3 small items. I always try to get a better price. That's part of the fun. About 96% of the time it works.
I went into a shop a month or so ago. I needed 2 Dockocil Pistol Cases. O prefer the old style ones that were square with the sliding latches. They had a stack of them for $7.95 each. I picked up 2 and then asked if I could get a better price if I bought 3. The clerk looked at them and said, "If you buy four or more I'll let you have them for $5 each." I picked up 4 more. He says, "If you take 'em all I'll throw in the tax." Now tax around here is 8.8%! So I bought all 11 that they had.
I went into a shop a month or so ago. I needed 2 Dockocil Pistol Cases. O prefer the old style ones that were square with the sliding latches. They had a stack of them for $7.95 each. I picked up 2 and then asked if I could get a better price if I bought 3. The clerk looked at them and said, "If you buy four or more I'll let you have them for $5 each." I picked up 4 more. He says, "If you take 'em all I'll throw in the tax." Now tax around here is 8.8%! So I bought all 11 that they had.
Model520Fan
Member
I dislike haggling, so I do it as little as possible. I usually look at the price, and buy or don't. At my local gun shop, the owner and I have a sort of understanding, and it DOES include that he is going to make money on the sale. Nevertheless, I have gotten some outstanding deals, like a 98% Official Police for $100, and 90% (finish) 5-screw pre-15 clean and probably never fired outside the factory. It had $200 on the tag, because he leaves haggle room, and I walked over to him and just asked how much it was. I had no intention of haggling with him, and he knew that if I didn't like the price I wouldn't buy it. He said $150 and I paid it.
As some have pointed out, haggling is part of some cultures. It is practically a social ritual, and everybody is supposed to know what the thing is worth to begin with, anyway. I could tell my long stories about haggling in Morocco, but the end of the whole thing is that it's just money, and if you don't want to spend it, you don't have to.
As some have pointed out, haggling is part of some cultures. It is practically a social ritual, and everybody is supposed to know what the thing is worth to begin with, anyway. I could tell my long stories about haggling in Morocco, but the end of the whole thing is that it's just money, and if you don't want to spend it, you don't have to.
The gunshop I normally shop at is one of my distributors...it would be silly for me to haggle...I get better than normal prices anyway...
Funny story...
Guy calls me last week...
caller.."ahh is this the guy that makes holsters??
me..."yup thats me, what can I do for you??
Caller.."can you make me 10 of those discount holsters like you made for &^%$??
me.."yea sure can, the cost is &^%$, I can have them done in a day or two..I will drop them off at such and such..
Caller..."is that the best price you can do?? you sure you cant knock off a little bit for me??"
me..."welllll that IS my discounted price!"
Caller...Well ok then, thanks anyway"
me... "no worries I will talk to ya later"
guy hangs up, I go back to cutting some holsters and watching Barney..(dont ask!!)
Phone rings and YOU GUESSED IT!!!
Caller...hey there Dave, I got an idea...how about you knock off &&& and I will come and get them??How does that sound??
me..."you got cash"??
Caller...Sure do if you have a reciept"
me..."Ok give me your name and number and what you want them cut for and I will call you when they are done"
Caller..."Ok will do etc.etc.etc.) <~~~rather smugly I might add..
He comes by as promised and pays me with a grin on his face, I as well have a big grin on mine..
He got to save about $2.00 with the order, however he DROVE 40 something miles to save that $2.00 and save me time and money dropping them off.....I love customers like that
Funny story...
Guy calls me last week...
caller.."ahh is this the guy that makes holsters??
me..."yup thats me, what can I do for you??
Caller.."can you make me 10 of those discount holsters like you made for &^%$??
me.."yea sure can, the cost is &^%$, I can have them done in a day or two..I will drop them off at such and such..
Caller..."is that the best price you can do?? you sure you cant knock off a little bit for me??"
me..."welllll that IS my discounted price!"
Caller...Well ok then, thanks anyway"
me... "no worries I will talk to ya later"
guy hangs up, I go back to cutting some holsters and watching Barney..(dont ask!!)
Phone rings and YOU GUESSED IT!!!
Caller...hey there Dave, I got an idea...how about you knock off &&& and I will come and get them??How does that sound??
me..."you got cash"??
Caller...Sure do if you have a reciept"
me..."Ok give me your name and number and what you want them cut for and I will call you when they are done"
Caller..."Ok will do etc.etc.etc.) <~~~rather smugly I might add..
He comes by as promised and pays me with a grin on his face, I as well have a big grin on mine..
He got to save about $2.00 with the order, however he DROVE 40 something miles to save that $2.00 and save me time and money dropping them off.....I love customers like that
Eskimo Jim
Member
At shops I don't haggle. I don't haggle at supermarkets so I don't haggle at sporting goods stores or gun shops.
At gunshows, there is a flea market-like atmosphere that gives me the feeling that it is ok to haggle. Sometimes I'll haggle unless I am willing to pay the posted price or the item isn't worth haggling over (a $5 do-hicky). At one show there was something I wanted for $15. The show was so large, I had been there so long that I just ponied up the $15. The seller said, I'll just take $12 for it. That was in Baltimore, Maryland about 3-4 years ago.
I've found that most dealers at a gunshow come there expecting to haggle over the price.
-Jim
At gunshows, there is a flea market-like atmosphere that gives me the feeling that it is ok to haggle. Sometimes I'll haggle unless I am willing to pay the posted price or the item isn't worth haggling over (a $5 do-hicky). At one show there was something I wanted for $15. The show was so large, I had been there so long that I just ponied up the $15. The seller said, I'll just take $12 for it. That was in Baltimore, Maryland about 3-4 years ago.
I've found that most dealers at a gunshow come there expecting to haggle over the price.
-Jim
cratz2
Member
The shop I shop at has new guns listed at about 10% over his cost and there isn't really room for haggling. Used guns not on consignment have about 10% wiggle room (mostly for credit card payment or trades) built in so I just ask if that's the best cash deal he can do or if there's any wiggle room.
I've never asked or received ammo to close a deal.
I've never asked or received ammo to close a deal.
JohnBT
Member
I've bought most(half maybe) of my new guns at one store for the past 32 years. They do not discount new guns from the marked price, but I still ask and good customers are usually rewarded in some small fashion.
Regarding haggling in general, let's put it this way - I have friends and coworkers who ask me to go new car shopping with them.
John...I'd rather buy used than pay full MSRP.
Regarding haggling in general, let's put it this way - I have friends and coworkers who ask me to go new car shopping with them.
John...I'd rather buy used than pay full MSRP.
jade
Member
I would never haggle. I'm too shy. If the price isn't right, I move on. There are many other shops, not to mention the Internet.
Nathanael_Greene
Member
I'm pretty introverted, but ever since I took a class on negotiating, I haggle just to stay in practice. As they taught us, you negotiate for information, not concessions.
Once I learned how to read pawn shop tags to see what they paid for an item, I've done better at negotiating lower prices.
Along the way, I learned never to ask if they'll take $XXX. I just ask for their lowest cash price. Frequently they quote me less than I was going to offer. (True of all items, not just guns.)
I'd sure like to know the name of that pawnshop in Irving that will order guns for cost + 10%, though.
Once I learned how to read pawn shop tags to see what they paid for an item, I've done better at negotiating lower prices.
Along the way, I learned never to ask if they'll take $XXX. I just ask for their lowest cash price. Frequently they quote me less than I was going to offer. (True of all items, not just guns.)
I'd sure like to know the name of that pawnshop in Irving that will order guns for cost + 10%, though.
Harold Mayo
Member
I don't really haggle if the price is fair, though I always ask, at the minimum, if the listed price is the best that they can do.
If the price is NOT fair, then the haggling begins. For example, a certain large gun store in Indianapolis always had outrageous prices on firearms. Back in 1997 or so, they had $799 on Glocks. People would actually buy them at that price if they weren't aware of the actual value. The store preyed upon people, IMO. If you demonstrated a knowledge of a true fair value, they would take it down to that level. I could normally get them to knock at least 25% off of anything in the store and generally it was up in the 1/3 off range. As another example of price, they had an HK91 with no accessories on the wall listed for $4,000 several years ago.
My father, whose gun collection numbers at least around 200 but is probably pushing 300 or so by now, decides on a price and offers it. He is always fair about the price that he offers but will walk away from a deal over $5 in $1000 if he doesn't get his way. He normally gets his way, though.
If the price is NOT fair, then the haggling begins. For example, a certain large gun store in Indianapolis always had outrageous prices on firearms. Back in 1997 or so, they had $799 on Glocks. People would actually buy them at that price if they weren't aware of the actual value. The store preyed upon people, IMO. If you demonstrated a knowledge of a true fair value, they would take it down to that level. I could normally get them to knock at least 25% off of anything in the store and generally it was up in the 1/3 off range. As another example of price, they had an HK91 with no accessories on the wall listed for $4,000 several years ago.
My father, whose gun collection numbers at least around 200 but is probably pushing 300 or so by now, decides on a price and offers it. He is always fair about the price that he offers but will walk away from a deal over $5 in $1000 if he doesn't get his way. He normally gets his way, though.
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