Negotiating a fair price on used firearm in a gun shop?

Question

Serious question - There are several gun shops in my area that have some nice used rifles. How can I negotiate a fair price? These rifles are used but marked will the full LIST price. I can get the same rifle new at Big 5, for less.

I don't want to come across with an attitude but man, they are way too high for a used rifle. Got some "negotiating skills" that you can share with me for getting a fair deal for all involved?

Answer 1

I buy a lot of guns from gun shows and pawn shops and everyone always puts prices too high on them. It's hard to deal with sometimes....people get emotional about money!

Try this:

Make a list of the guns you like with details like inventory number if he has one, then do your research by the blue book and also check to see what similar guns are selling for on AuctionArms.com etc. (actually SELLING FOR not what someone's ASKING).

Calculate a fair price you are willing to pay based on these, write these on a note card with your name and phone number and go back to the shop. Also note (New, Big 5, $230) for those that you know the new price for.

Just tell the man you calculated what you think is a fair price that you'd be willing to pay for these guns based on your own research and would he mind reviewing your offers. Tell him a "No" won't hurt your fellings...... but if there are any where you and he are close, let's talk.

It takes some of the emotion out of the negotiation and he doesn't have to get his chest all puffed out and say stupid stuff like "the tag says $399 and that's how much it is!"

I just bought a 85% Marlin Model 60 for $65 from a pawn that had a little price tag of $149.99 on it. I know he paid no more than $40 for it, it just took him a while to warm up to my lowball offer!

Good luck and happy shooting!

Answer 2

Sometimes rifles are collectibles and the gun shop is going by a book. Ask them where they got their price from and the book if any. It will have a price of excellent, good or fair. If the rifle at Big 5 is the same make and model, then that is where you need to get your rifle. You could also let the gun shops know you can get same rifle at the price at Big 5. Then start negotiating a price.

Answer 3

Bound's hubby here:

Sounds like you are describing my departed gunsmith!

Bill had vintage Colt, S&W, and Bauer handguns from the 1950s, NIB, that had been discontinued in the '60s and '70s that he SOLD for 1990 and later prices before he died.

What you need to consider is current market value and availability of that particular make, model, and caliber of firearm on the rack. Keep in mind, used Winchester 94s are commanding more money used today, than they sold for new before Winchester announced they were going out of business!

Also, please keep in mind, your local gun shop (staffed by "gun experts", not minimum wage sales clerks) has higher per item sold overhead than your local buy-it-all-here store! Consider this, where have you gotten better service before and after the sale? Where, other than on Y!A, have you asked your gun related questions and gotten answers you felt you could trust?

I would suggest that you do the following. Fixate on a couple of firearms that you would seriously like to purchase. Hoard some money away, so you can buy that firearm when you feel the price is right or you feel the firearm is about to escape your grasp. What I tend to do is make a weekly visit, perhaps every Saturday. Figuratively, drool over the firearm, and let the owner or salesman know you are interested. After visiting like this for three or four weeks, approach the shop owner and say "hey, I noticed this gun here for x weeks, and it hasn't moved ..." Offer him a reasonable (not insulting) offer on the firearm. If business is slow and this is his sole source of income, he will give your offer serious consideration ... but don't insult the man with a ridiculously low offer! In order to keep your offer realistic, consider purchasing a copy of the Gun Blue Book. Base your offer on condition, and temper it with the current reality of availability!

Remember, you get what you pay for ... sometimes the higher price is the cheaper price when you need a scope installed, a trigger adjusted, or whatever! Plus, remember all those questions you asked that got "free answers" ... you don't want those "free answers" to go the same way as "free air" at your local service station!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Hi..good question. I am a little puzzled tho..if you can get the same rifle NEW for less then why would you consider USED?

Personally, I would check the current value by going to www.gunbroker.com and comparing current and completed auction for the same gun. Be sure to match closely the condition and accesories with your interest to be fair. Also, www.gunsamerica.com will show you similar offerings from other dealers for your interest. Print the pages you look at and bring them with you to the dealer to verify your findings.

Remembe, the guy who's door you walk thru has light bills, rent and wages to consider when he prices his guns.He also doesnt get volume discounts like Big 5 stores. If he wasnt there you wouldnt have a gunshop to visit. They have more overhead than an online sales broker.

Be nice but let him know youre serious and not just window shopping and most gun dealers are fair and like to see satisfied customers.

Answer 5

Shops make more money on accessories. Go for a package deal such as scope or sling or bipod maybe a case or some ammo.
Got Ammo?

Answer 6

when you findout let me know, I am always the one who buys high and sells low.

Usually make them an offer in cash and they may take less. Works for me, especailly in pawn shops

Answer 7

Throw them 60% of the list value... they'll come back with what they need to sell it. :)

Oh, having cash instead of a check or credit card will carry weight, too... !