Why NOT to support the local gun dealer.

[tetchaje1]

I have a shop about an hour away that has good service and excellent prices. I happily make that drive to see what is new (used to do it once a week when I had money... ) in his shop.

There is a shop closer to me that is at least a hundred dollars more expensive than all of the other shops in the area. Needless to say I have never bought a gun from them.

I agree with supporting local businesses, but when it comes to getting a NIB USP Compact for $495 or a NIB Bushmaster for $625, I'll go to the internet, thank you.

I have gotten some of my best deals from gunshops though. The trick is to visit frequently and to be patient.

 

[hksw]

I've seen both types of gun shops where I normally buy stuff. One place (where I had previously purchased some higher end stuff a few years back oddly enough) seems to think it is a bother to deal with customers. They are usually too busy playing cards right in front of the main display case and give a big sigh when you ask for assistance before someone puts their hand down to see what the trouble is. I now go to a shop a few miles down the street and do almost all of my business there. Prices are slightly higher than a gun show but lower than the first shop's but I get great service and a break or two on occassion.

Mass market department stores may offer lower cost for high volume mainstream items, but I find it difficult to persuade myself into ordering a higher end item like an Anschütz 2013 with a 2313 stock through Wal·Mart. I can just imagine the item arriving, the 18 year old senior high schooler clerk opening it up, incorrectly assembling it, dry firing it a few times, letting the other clerks try it out, dinging it up, putting it back in the box, and leave it for me to pick up. At the shop, I know it will not be opened until I get there.

 

[ajacobs]

I am lucky enough to have a great gun shop very near to where I live and they have good prices generally speaking and great customer service.

Bad buisness practices are bad buisness practices but people who order off the internet to save a few bucks are going to be disapointed when all the local shops go out of buisness. Walmart will not order you hand guns anymore. They will not take receipt of your les bear or act as a transfer dealer.

There used to be a bait shop near me ran by a nice older guy. He was in buisness for years and years before he died. People would come in for minow and he would often ask them where they got their bait bucket. If the Answer was "Ames" the reply was "why don't you get your bate from them then" as he sent them on there way. Harsh way to make a point but a legitimate one.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

I buy my stuff at one particular gun shop...

..and a couple others also. I realize that I could purchase most things "on-line" for less. However, I *WANT my local gun shops to *STAY IN BUSINESS. Personally, all I require is a good attitude and an appreciation of my business. A fair price to *BOTH parties is what comes from this. They're glad to see me and I'm glad to see them. I have a great relationship with the local gunshops. I like friends, I like sleep.

KR

 

[larryw]

Swingset: outstanding post!

There are a few local dealers who take excellent care of their customers, I go there often. They get the first opportunity for my business, and as I place a real value on the service offered, I look at more than simply the dollar sign when deciding whether to buy from them or not. (In No. CA, I favor Kerley's, Reeds, Bullets Bullets Bullets, Imbert & Smithers)

There are several who don't offer good service or knowledgeable people: I don't go there any more. They've also earned the business I bring to them.

I also buy from several places on the internet, primarily for availability. My local dealers couldn't possibly stock everything that Natchez does, so I have no qualms buying mail-order. Here again I value great service and reasonable prices (Natchez) over terrible service with great prices (Botach).

BTW: doing a transfer costs the dealer more than just a stamp if you place ANY value on your own time.