Why the difference in prices?
I've really never paid much attention to it before; but in the past few days, I've been doing some serious "window shopping" for a new CCW for my wife. I've been kinda focused on the S&W 642 (J-frame, 38spl). S&W website shows MSRP of $498.00---fine and good. Checking prices on GB and elsewhere (primarily GB), I see prices (NIB--BIN) ranging from $325, $339, $349, etc. I understand quantity discounts, etc.
but, as much as $170 below MSRP makes me wonder. All the sellers have good feedback history, etc. Any cause for me to skeptical of a "much lower price"?
but, as much as $170 below MSRP makes me wonder. All the sellers have good feedback history, etc. Any cause for me to skeptical of a "much lower price"?
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I generally start firearm auctions at my cost including auction fees...and let them go from there. Some folks start with a small profit...or none at all. 0 -
As far as I'm concerned, MSRP has no bearing on reality. 0 -
MSRP has a *big* markup in it.
Example - basic mini-14. MSRP of 775, local "rip off you better bend over and take it" shop price is 719, local realistic shop is 650ish, walmart is 575. Maybe one of the storefront owners that post here would be willing to post a true wholesale price for a single one (like how a kitchen table FFL would order one from Davidsons, etc. for you), but I'd bet that price would be 525-550ish.0 -
If you can get it for $325, jump on it. That is wholesale without shipping. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by MT357
As far as I'm concerned, MSRP has no bearing on reality.
I won't argue with you there! It just gave me a starting point for price comparison----if that makes any sense.0 -
I've said it before and I'll say it again, there is very little to no markup on NEW guns online. They are selling 100 making $5 off each instead of your local gun shop thats sell 3 at $125 profit.
If you see a gun in your local shop and want to know what the wholesale cost is on it. Go to GB and find the lowest offering for that model. That's wholesale.
Ben0 -
I think some sellers just sell guns for the sake of selling guns. They have no intentions of making a profit. 0 -
I know that prices have gone up, but I paid $350, including tax for a NIB 642 (38spl+P) about two years ago from a dealer.
The suggested retail price is like the sticker price on the window of a new car or truck - it means nothing.[:)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by MVP
I think some sellers just sell guns for the sake of selling guns. They have no intentions of making a profit.
I've noticed that and thought the same thing.[:D]
Ben0 -
The guns may have been in inventory for too long. I have sold guns below my cost on several occasions when that was the only way to get rid of a gun that had sat on the shelf for 8 months. In that time I could have sold 4 guns in that spot so it was worth my while to loose a few bucks to be rid of it. 0 -
If you want to find sellers that want to make a profit go to any gun show. They must wait all weekend for that one sucker that will pay all their expenses.
I just went to one in Ontario & one of the items I wanted was a bayonet for a Kar 98. I found several priced from $40 all the way to $100. I did finally find a nice one for $20 & bought it.0 -
I just got some Mini 14's from Davidsons .. the blue is $523.00 i think.. ... 0 -
quote:Originally posted by gruntled
If you want to find sellers that want to make a profit go to any gun show. They must wait all weekend for that one sucker that will pay all their expenses.
I just went to one in Ontario & one of the items I wanted was a bayonet for a Kar 98. I found several priced from $40 all the way to $100. I did finally find a nice one for $20 & bought it.
I quit going to gun shows some years ago----nothing there----waste of time. Memphis, TN area gun shows are a waste of time. Last good gun show I attended in Memphis was probably about 10 years ago where I bought my Model 36.0
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