Who were making the big $$$ when ARs were in short supply? Manufacturers, distributors or retailers?

[Solomonson]

Just before Sandy Hook a dealer friend had ARs from $650 to $1200. Just after Sandy Hook the same rifles were $1800 to $2500. I asked him about it and he told me his replacement prices about tripled so if he didn't go up in price he wouldn't be able to restock.

That's ridiculous. If he was being honest, he would have based the pricing of his stock in part on what it cost him. Just as he would base his future prices in part on what his future costs would be.

 

[Hanzo581]

Oh you can critique businesses all you want, swear not to shop there, boycott etc, but I also have the right to laugh at you.

It's the same mindset as the Springfield Arms issue going on right now, it's like people forget these companies are out to make money, not be 2a crusaders. Sure there are exceptions out there.

 

[PaFrank]

There is a Dealer here in Delaware, shop is in his house, but it's BIG. My buddy ands had bought a several guns from him and he was showing us the ATI polymer AR lowers he had for I think it was $130... we didn't have enough cash at that visit, we were only planning on the other stuff we bought, so we told him we would see him that coming weekend.
Well in between Newtown happened... When we went back for the Lowers, the price was then $200.. I expressed my displeasure, he looked at me and said take it or leave it.. I took it anyway, like a fool, but I have not been back to him since, nor will I ever purchase anything from him ever again..

So Yeah, gouging does create a lot of ill will. Its a shame because between the two of us we probably bought $7K in guns since then.

 

[wojownik]

Oh you can critique businesses all you want, swear not to shop there, boycott etc, but I also have the right to laugh at you.

It's the same mindset as the Springfield Arms issue going on right now, it's like people forget these companies are out to make money, not be 2a crusaders. Sure there are exceptions out there.

I'm not sure what you're laughing at. And I'm not sure you're understanding the post.

First of all, to "critique" means to evaluate something in a detailed and analytical way. Critique does not mean "criticize."

Secondly, I never referenced anything about boycotting, etc.

Thirdly, what I am talking about is a critique (analysis) of market inefficiencies and distortions, and how economic actors behave. You're talking about something else. Paying what the market will bear is what the free market is all about. Price low and you leave money on the table due to underpricing relative to demand. Price too high and you lose the sale because your pricing has exceeded demand. That's how we all understand market efficiencies.

Market distortions are the problem, for example where there is mass non-rational behavior by market participants (panic buying). Or a related issue of imperfect information or uncertainty cause by a government that mucking around with potential restrictions (again, the whisper of a ban however unfounded can cause a market distortion). That's

And the Springfield issue, again, that's a different topic. Non sequitor.

 

[Solomonson]

Oh you can critique businesses all you want, swear not to shop there, boycott etc, but I also have the right to laugh at you.

It's the same mindset as the Springfield Arms issue going on right now, it's like people forget these companies are out to make money, not be 2a crusaders. Sure there are exceptions out there.

Gouging customers and making money are two different things. I watched one major small arms maker continue to increase the MSRP of its wares -- it has an impact when the curve hits the old inflection point and it becomes a buyer's market.

I didn't say anything about swearing or boycotting, but I will laugh at your comments.

 

[mag1911]

That's ridiculous. If he was being honest, he would have based the pricing of his stock in part on what it cost him. Just as he would base his future prices in part on what his future costs would be.

He was retired and had to get the money for his next order up front otherwise he'd have to sell three to reorder one. When he sold that one he wouldn't have enough money to order any more when they went up again. He'd have been out of business. Same guy is now selling Anderson lowers with parts kits for about $80 as a package so he tries to do the best he can depending on the current situation.

 

[basicblur]

For our local "low cost" gun shop, it was the distributors.

The shop owner has built a helluva business over the years by taking the long-term approach, and I've seen him refuse to order from distributors when their prices rose to the point he thought it would damage his business / reputation.

I've also heard Tom Gresham talk about distributors hoarding supplies, figuring HRC was going to win the election, resulting in a gold mine for them.

How's that working out for 'em...

 

[Walkalong]

We have gotten off topic and are having that same old tired argument again, so..........