LGS makes their money on the transfer fee. Lets face it, if the GCA of 1968 didn't exist there wouldn't be many LGS.
Buying online vs supporting LGS
I wanted to get everyone opinion on buying online vs buying from a LGS.
I was recently looking at a M&P Shield and was doing a price comparison. At the LGS, I can find them for around $400 NIB + sales tax. Online I saw one yesterday for right at $300, no sales tax due to buying from out of state dealer + FFL transfer fee at LGS.
Although I really want to buy form LGS, I really can’t justify the cost difference.
If I could get it at the LGS for 5-!0% more (bottom line price) than online, I think it is worth the money to keep the LGS in business.
Just wanted to see what other people’s buying point decision is?
Thanks.
I was recently looking at a M&P Shield and was doing a price comparison. At the LGS, I can find them for around $400 NIB + sales tax. Online I saw one yesterday for right at $300, no sales tax due to buying from out of state dealer + FFL transfer fee at LGS.
Although I really want to buy form LGS, I really can’t justify the cost difference.
If I could get it at the LGS for 5-!0% more (bottom line price) than online, I think it is worth the money to keep the LGS in business.
Just wanted to see what other people’s buying point decision is?
Thanks.
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
Where are you located?
Adventure Outdoors currently has the 9mm Shields for $329.99 and the 40s&w Shields for $339.99.
Adventure Outdoors currently has the 9mm Shields for $329.99 and the 40s&w Shields for $339.99.
Middle Georgia.Where are you located?
Adventure Outdoors currently has the 9mm Shields for $329.99 and the 40s&w Shields for $339.99.
Which LGS you looking at in Houston county?
Was in Clyde's last night and saw it. Pretty sure Chucks is $20-$30 cheaper.Which LGS you looking at in Houston county?
I am curious on what limit in price difference will make you buy online vs LGS.
Was in Clyde's last night and saw it. Pretty sure Chucks is cheaper but nowhere near online prices.Which LGS you looking at in Houston county?
I asked the question because I am interested in what other peoples limit in price difference will make you buy online vs LGS.
Any amount will make the difference for me. I buy as cheaply as I can for anything from beans to guns to boot laces.
After factoring in the transfer fee, saving $20 is worth buying on line. You have to pick it up in person anyway either way, unless you're buying an antique that can be shipped to your door.
My loyalty is to the company that respects my wallet the most.
My loyalty is to the company that respects my wallet the most.
I say $20 extra is worth it to me to keep the LGS in business to I can go in there and fondle the merchandise from time to time. I am thinking if LGS is 5% over it is worth it to keep them in business.
For any common NGIB, if my LGS is running 10% more than what looks to be the lowest common price on Gunbroker then I'm looking for a different LGS.
For uncommon or used, a deal is a deal is a deal. My LGS will get a transfer fee unless it's an in-state face to face sale. It would save me the effort and concern of a box sitting on my front porch all day anyway.
For uncommon or used, a deal is a deal is a deal. My LGS will get a transfer fee unless it's an in-state face to face sale. It would save me the effort and concern of a box sitting on my front porch all day anyway.
I'll use my savings to buy other goodies at the LGS. ;-)
I say $20 extra is worth it to me to keep the LGS in business to I can go in there and fondle the merchandise from time to time. I am thinking if LGS is 5% over it is worth it to keep them in business.
go by Centerville gun and pawn and see if the have what your looking for and take cash. they will usually take $20-$30 off the sticker for cash. the more $$$ the more you can ask for. I was looking at a $900 gun in there and offered $750 he countered with $825. I didn't have the $825.:|Was in Clyde's last night and saw it. Pretty sure Chucks is cheaper but nowhere near online prices.
I asked the question because I am interested in what other peoples limit in price difference will make you buy online vs LGS.
This is a real and valid question. And of course, every deals gonna be different. I'd not fault someone for whatever they decide. I have a great relationship with my LGS. And I do pay more for it. The upside is when I call they know my name and I can tell them order this or that and they'll do so with no money down and I'll drop by in a few days and work out the price and profit. If I need to work out a layaway that's no problem ether. Although it does cost me more, the LGS isn't making a killing, the owner employs both his sons and his dad and runs the shop to be with his family and because he loves guns. They are all honest and stand up guys. To me the people are more important than the money. I'll make more money, I could never replace these guys as friends. I love going in the shop and talking guns. The last Glock I bought (G41) I gave these guys 40 dollars more than I could have bought it for elsewhere. The buying experience was worth that to me. I don't know that I'd have paid $100 more than elsewhere. Real Mom and Pop gun stores are a dying breed. My fondest memories of growing up were going with my dad to his local gun store. I'd like to preserve that for the next generation as much as possible.
Maybe I have been spoiled when it comes to local stores. Between Adventure Outdoors and GA Firing Line, I have found very few "common" guns cheaper online than locally, especially after paying shipping and FFL.
I just went through the same issue when I bought my new 45. $150 more at my LGS than at CDNN. My other LGS said they couldnt get the model. Shipping was free from CDNN and the transfer fee at my 2nd LGS was free. Easy decision for me. I would have paid 5-10% to buy local, but not 35+%.
My breaking point is about 10-15%... maybe a little more if Ijust really want it right now. I try to buy all my ammo at GA Arms, which is right down the road from me. The ammo has proven to be excellent quality, and very well priced. I also like paying cash and having no paper trail, but that's just my inner conspiracy theorist peekin out. I really wish they sold more .300 winmag though... I've been ordering it online.
I won't pay $100 more for the identical new gun at the local gun store.
Not when that's a 33.3% increase over the online price of $300, and after calculating shipping, handling, and FFL transfer fees.
I might do 10% more or about $40 on most guns in the $400 ballpark.
Not when that's a 33.3% increase over the online price of $300, and after calculating shipping, handling, and FFL transfer fees.
I might do 10% more or about $40 on most guns in the $400 ballpark.
Figure up what the Online deal will cost after shipping and FFL fees, then talk with the LGS and see if they can come close.I was recently looking at a M&P Shield and was doing a price comparison. At the LGS, I can find them for around $400 NIB + sales tax. Online I saw one yesterday for right at $300, no sales tax due to buying from out of state dealer + FFL transfer fee at LGS.
Always a good idea. Unfortunately, I tried that and was told that the price I had from CDNN was $70 lower than the LGS's price from their distributor. It's always worth a try, but don't be surprised if you have a great deal in hand when you LGS just can't even get close.Figure up what the Online deal will cost after shipping and FFL fees, then talk with the LGS and see if they can come close.
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
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