Negotiate price on a handgun?

Question

It seems like when you walk into a gun shop, the prices are set and there is little negotiating, especially since the MSRP of new guns is so much higher than the store's price tag. Do you negotiate to get the price lower, or do you just ask for some free accessories, like holsters or free magazines?

Also, is it much easier to bargain for a better price on used handguns or consignment items?

Answer 1

Consignment guns are the worse deals out there, the owners usually are asking more than the gun is worth because they're trying to recoup the gunshop fees, and the gunshop can't bargain on the price unless the owner agrees. A used handgun can be a bargain, but it's definately comes with some risks ( could have been a lemon the previous owner dumped, in which case you've now got a unreliable paperweight with no warranty whatsoever. )

A smaller gun shop is more likely to be willing to negotiate on a deal as compared to the larger chain stores. I usually get the best deal by shopping around for the best price and then asking my local shop to at least match the price, Usually he'll knock off 2-5% from the cheapest price quote I've given him. New magazines and holsters are a shops bread and butter, they're less likely to toss in anything like that unless it's on a used gun that already came with them.

Answer 2

You are pretty much at the mercy of the seller. If he does not want to negotiate, you are out of luck. The more popular the gun, the less likely the seller will budge off his asking price.

I have found my best bargains from the following sources:

Private estate sales. Sometimes surviving family members are just anxious to get rid of the guns, and don't know what they have. I picked up a nice Colt National Match for $400 at one such sale.

Pawn shops. Not much gets past these guys, but they are more willing to bargain. They don't give much for a gun in the first place, so profit margins can be pretty flexible. Years ago I picked up a nice Rem. 1100 shotgun for $200. The previous owner hack sawed the barrel. bought a new barrel and had a like new shotgun for quite a bit less then the new price.

Local auctions. Once in a while you can stumble across a good buy. However, it is rare. Most of the real good stuff has been sold privately. In addition, some people get so caught up in the bidding, they pay more than what the item is worth.

On-line auctions. My best source. Lots of availability. Sometimes you get a real bargain. but more than likely you will pay the going rate. Good place to go for that hard to find gun.

Consignment items are hare to bargain on. The owner has set a price, the dealer has added his fee. And the resulting price is a low as the dealer will go. Not much room to negotiate.

Answer 3

I always try to negotiate because that's the way I am, also understanding that most gun shops have higher costs than the large chain stores on some items. I try to support my local shop whenever possible, even if I pay a bit more.

For used and consignment guns, I will often find some data to back up what I think a fair price is, then go in and argue my case. I'm a lot tougher on used stuff, because I know the cost he paid was way low.

Answer 4

In my area some shops have a little leeway and will drop a little off. When I ran a gunshop, we had about $25.00 we could "Play with" to entice a sale. But, our costs to purchase firearms went up and the mark up was so small later on, that we had to stop doing that. We would on occasion for a good customer, throw in a box of cheap practice ammo, or if we had a used holster in the used barrel that would fit it, we might toss that in as a thank you for their continued business. My way of thinking is that it doesn't hurt to ask if they can negotiate a little, or if not, to get them to throw in a box of ammo, or on a rifle, to maybe mount the scope as part of the package etc. Yes, used guns usually are easier to "negotiate" on the new. Dealers have a set price they get the new guns for a wholesale and the mark up isn't that great. But if they took a used gun in, at a good price, they have a lot more room to negotiate.
Good luck

Answer 5

MSRPs are always high. I think that is done on purpose.

As stated, shop around. If you have a bunch of shops, go in and see what they are asking for the pistol you want. If not, go online and see what they are selling it for. If not, ask the local shops how much would XX pistol be.

When I buy, I look at online prices, and look locally. If it is not in stock locally, I look online (see link below). If the price online is cheaper, I add shipping (usually $25-35) and a transfer fee (local $25-50- depends on dealer). If it's still cheaper, I usually buy online and have it transfered in. If the price is a wash (online ordering vs total price locally, I buy locally). If you are not familiar w/ the method of buying and transfering in, talk to someone you know who is 'into guns'. I'm sure they can fill you in..... hopefully. Not all dealers transfer stuff in. Some don't do it at all since it takes business away from them.....

Usually used guns you can try to negotiate a better price. Consignment stuff, usually not.

OH, also, if you don't mind going to them, try pawn shops. They have guns too. Ya never know.....

Answer 6

Always buy a used firearm, and save $$$.* Always ask them if thats the best they can do, regarding the price on the price tag.* Let the other guy pay full asking price on a new or used gun.* I bought all my firearms used, and saved a lot of $$$.* A new firearm doesn't shoot any better than a good used one.* I t helps tremendously if you know what the true value of any of the firearms that you want to purchase, compared to whats marked on their price tag.* By doing so I have saved hundreds of Dollars on rifles, pistols, revolvers and shotguns 95% of the time I buy another one.* its not what you pay for something that matters, its what you get for what you pay.* Always negotiate the price.* If they don't, I don't buy it there, I purchase it somewhere else on my terms not theirs.* On used firearms the condition its in is very important, as to what you should pay, not overpay for it.* Always research any firearm before buying it, to see if it is priced fairly depending on its condition.*

Answer 7

No, when I buy guns, I compare price from shops in my area. If they are all very close. I don't even bother to negotiate at all, I just buy it and get out of there.