Why do people ask more for used guns then they cost new?

[Mike1234567]

Folks, too many are over-thinking the OP's question. He isn't asking about guns that have any kind of "value added" such as increased new pricing, rarity, add-ons, special features, etc. He's just talking about someone who buys a gun and, whether they shoot it or not, they want to get all or more of their money back even though it's just a plain old used gun. What happens is that some ignorant sucker comes along and gets reemed. He's just saying it's not an honorable thing to do and I agree with him.

 

[USAF_Vet]

If someone is selling a used Hi Point for $250, that is their choice. If someone buys it at that price, that also is their choice. Ignorance of the facts does not equate getting ripped off. I can buy a brand new in the box Hi Point .45 for $169.50 plus tax, which I did. But I did my homework, too. If someone fails to do their homework, and overpays $100 on a gun, that is entirely on their shoulders as a buyer.

A lot of people may think a seller trying to seel something for an outrageous price is unscrupulous, I do not. If the item is misrepresented, then yeah, it would be a rip off.

In five minutes online, I could find out the going price for any number of guns I'm interested in buying. If a buyer can't/ won't spare that five minutes to do the same, then maybe they deserve what they get.

 

[Rail Driver]

Folks, too many are over-thinking the OP's question. He isn't asking about guns that have any kind of "value added" such as increased new pricing, rarity, add-ons, special features, etc. He's just talking about someone who buys a gun and, whether they shoot it or not, they want to get all or more of their money back even though it's just a plain old used gun. What happens is that some ignorant sucker comes along and gets reemed. He's just saying it's not an honorable thing to do and I agree with him.

What we're saying is that not all of the used guns that are priced at or above retail are "just a plain old used gun". FWIW, everything I've sold recently has sold for close to or above retail due to upgrades or extras included with the gun, and I'm not out to rip anyone off or "be dishonorable" or anything like that.

 

[Mike1234567]

Maybe my choice of words such as "dishonerable" was harsh. I apologize if I offended anyone. However, "I" would feel dishonerable if I took advantage of another's ignorance. But... I'm broke much of the time too. So I guess I "get what I deserve".

 

[XxWINxX94]

I'm not sure how many rounds my Model 1873 has had through it, but I am very sure if I were to sell it, my asking price would honorably be well over 10 times what it originally cost new, because of things like age, condition, significance.

As far as comparing the scenario to new guns, my asking price could be considered high because they don't make that model anymore (not counting replicas), and to get another one would be much tougher than walking down to your LGS and picking one out.

Thats just how the market for certain guns works, especially antiques or historical/collectable guns. People will pay what they want to pay, whether it be $100, or $1000.

I've also found that I, personally have overpaid for certain guns I really really liked, or have been after.
I've told myself tons of excuses to overpay like "there might not be another oppertunity to get one of these in person," or "This one is very unique because of......" Its really a mental thing, IMO, why people pay X price for X gun in X condition.

Also proves true from somewhat recent guns too. Browning made several Winchester replicas like model 12, 65, etc and some of those copys in 98%+ condtion are fetching more $ than the MSRP (from a few years ago), according to blue book. My guess is that the originals are too expensive and hard to find, (for some), and now the limited production replicas have somewhat dried up and people want these types of guns, but there is no supply for the increased demand.

 

[Mike1234567]

Why is it that people post without ever reading even one tenth of the previous posts? It's exasperating! Lazy, lazy, lazy... and too quick to just argue...

 

[XxWINxX94]

Why is it that people post without ever reading even one tenth of the previous posts? It's exasperating! Lazy, lazy, lazy... and too quick to just argue...

Assuming this was directed at me?

I'm glad I'm lazy for reading the entire thread, and I did not know that I had to post based on the subject that you brought up? I was attempting to give my own different/fresh input based on my view of the OP's question.

 

[k96t]

I have a few guns I picked up used and paid slightly more than I could over the counter. But I believe it worked out close to even with the ink I didn't waste on any paperwork.

 

[Mike1234567]

Assuming this was directed at me?

I'm glad I'm lazy for reading the entire thread, and I did not know that I had to post based on the subject that you brought up? I was attempting to give my own different/fresh input based on my view of the OP's question.

It was directed at any post in which one wishes to defend a point of view without addressing the actual question originally posted just to justify what many perceive as taking advantage of others. If you don't like my point of view I really don't care.

ETA: Toned down my verbiage.

 

[Shaky]

Maybe they do it in retaliation for the asinine trade offers people send. So help me, I swear you could dig up Wyatt Earp, steal his (mythical...or is it?) Buntline along with the documentation everyone's looking for, post it for sale or trade, and someone will offer you a (insert your favorite weapon to bash here---"those people" always seem to have one) for it AND freak when you ask how much cash they will put up with it.

I guess the door swings both ways.

 

[Mike1234567]

I'm a bit too inebriated tonight to post more comments. Goodnight, ya'll, and peace be with you.

 

[CZguy]

The last few posts have brought up an interesting point. Is it honorable to sell a used gun for more than it's current value.

Under the free market system, that we as American's hold dear, You wouldn't be ripping someone off if you priced it to high, it just wouldn't sell.

You would only be dishonorable if you sold a gun with a hidden flaw or damage, without disclosing it.

Personally I research the going price of a gun before I sell it, because I usually want to purchase another firearm with the proceeds, and don't want to wait a year before I purchase it. I go out of my way to accurately describe the condition of a firearm, and that is reflected in my feedback on GunBroker.

 

[blue_ridge]

I agree with the OP. Obviously the original question was geared towards modern guns that are still available new. Otherwise there wouldn't be a "new" price to compare to. It isn't just guns either. It goes for scopes and all gun related gear.

Here is the thing that bothers me the most. I DON'T KNOW YOU. Why would I pay $100 to you when I could buy it for $110 brand new, from a reputable business, with full warranty and return policy? 10% price difference is a small price to pay for peace of mind that if there are any problems you can get your money back. If "John Doe" is selling the same thing in the classifieds section, it should be priced at a very nice discount to be worth the risk, IMO.

 

[valnar]

Sometimes the guns for sale on the auction sites have one unique feature which may make it worth more than a new one. The lack of a trigger-lock on S&W revolvers. Maybe a common gun with a rare barrel length, like 3". Maybe some parts in the newer models are MIM instead of forged. In the case of a Marlin lever gun, only three years ago they were made in a different factory which is now (instantly) much more desirable than the new crop.

Or maybe, as other have said, both the seller and buyer are ignorant of current pricing. It takes two wrongs to make a sale in that case. If the buyer knows the true value and the seller does not, no sale.

 

[Mike1234567]

Let's see if we can make this clearer...

Same exact gun as new offerings
No increase in new price
No different features
No difference in markings
Nada, nada, not a bit of difference... at all
Exactly, precisely, completely the same

Except it's just a plain old used gun.

 

[valnar]

Yep, I stand by my post.

Either
1) You and I looking at the gun, we miss something unique someone else sees.
2) One of the two parties is ignorant.

Not much else to say./

 

[Brockak47]

Anyone is allowed to sell anything for whatever price they wish to, if you think it's too expensive or a rip off don't buy it.

but most of the time you aren't paying our communist gov. tax money and having to go through all hoops

Also I think people most people are out to not lose money so if they can get what they paid or have into the gun why wouldnt they? Just cause someone cannot do their homework before they buy a gun to know if it a good deal or not should not be the sellers problem. Another thing I would assume is most gun owners are reluctant to thin down their arsenal of firearms so you see prices higher because of that. Or it could depend on upcoming elections or speculation.
BUT.
regarding hidden flaws ect.. I feel it is wrong to knowingly rip them off when it comes to stuff like that.

Thats my two cents on this ordeal

 

[blue_ridge]

No one is saying they can't over-price their guns, just that it is stupid. A pet-peeve more than anything else. If you're interested in the gun, you have to make a lower offer, then go through the hassle of educating the seller about the value of the gun.

Most people with some knowledge and common sense take their $500 gun with 100 rounds through it and list it for $425 or so. Maybe you'll take $400 if offered, maybe not. But listing it for $500 is stupid. Even $475 is waste of time more often than not.

 

[WinThePennant]

I agree with the OP. Obviously the original question was geared towards modern guns that are still available new. Otherwise there wouldn't be a "new" price to compare to. It isn't just guns either. It goes for scopes and all gun related gear.

Here is the thing that bothers me the most. I DON'T KNOW YOU. Why would I pay $100 to you when I could buy it for $110 brand new, from a reputable business, with full warranty and return policy? 10% price difference is a small price to pay for peace of mind that if there are any problems you can get your money back. If "John Doe" is selling the same thing in the classifieds section, it should be priced at a very nice discount to be worth the risk, IMO.

Yup, I agree. That's why I never buy used.

 

[CZguy]

Most people with some knowledge and common sense take their $500 gun with 100 rounds through it and list it for $425 or so. Maybe you'll take $400 if offered, maybe not. But listing it for $500 is stupid. Even $475 is waste of time more often than not.

I agree that it's foolish to list something too high for the market, but remember you'll never be happy if you worry about other peoples mistakes.

I try to stay focused on my own mistakes. After all those are the only ones that I can affect change on.

 

[welldoya]

Mike, I understand exactly what you are saying and I agree with you.
There's a statewide gun classifieds that has a lot of dealers trolling for a sucker and it really ruins the site. It's a pet peeve of mine also.

 

[Balrog]

Some people are willing to pay more for a used gun from a private seller because of the lack of a paper trail associated with the purchase.

 

[jhco50]

What I have noticed is all used guns are collectors pieces. You can't go out and buy an old .22 to teach your grandson anymore because even the cheapies like the Marlin M60 is a collectors piece worth an ungodly amount of money...probably used by Chief Fallalot at the battle of the big little horn. It does get irritating when sellers are trying to scalp the buyer for a few bucks more.

 

[788Ham]

Kliegl,

I bought a NIB 6" Colt Python, Royal Blued revolver back in 1985 for $250.00 OTD. Now, after these revolvers are no longer being made, this one hasn't been shot more than 500 times, mostly .38 Spl., never been jacked with, 99%, plus still have the box and all papers........... you think I'm going to sell it to you for $200.00 because its been shot and not 100% ? Not when I know I can get $1500 - $1700 for it. You think I'm being out of line for asking this, because you work so hard for your paycheck and don't want any overhead? Dream on, ain't gonna be no days like that!

 

[Mike1234567]

See post #90.