Dishonest dealer

Old Ranger · Post by **Old Ranger** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 7:48 pm

I seldom start a post as I usually am the quiet type for the most part. However, I was less than impressed today at a local dealer in town close to home. I have an '81 production Browning B92 in .44mag. It's right at 95+% or better. For the life of me I can't hit a flock of barns with it at 50 yds., so I decided to trade it for another weapon I can shoot. Simple enough you'd think.....

I went to a local dealer in town this afternoon and as he was fingerprinting the weapon to death and playing with the action, he was searching the net on that weapon. Finally he calls "a buddy" and they talk a bit....He looks up finally and says "Well they sold for around $350 or so when they were new. The list I got say at 80% they are at $340. That's what I'd have to put on it when I sell it." Yeah right and I can fly like a bird in my underware too! This guy offered me $125 and said he was loosing money at that! His weapons are priced REAL HIGH for the ones I saw there!

Now I was a licensed dealer and gunsmith for well over 30 years. I know how the game is played, but this guy was a real corker! I told him from the get-go that the wholesale on the piece was at $350 AND the resale (RETAIL) was at $575 and up....He smirked and said "Well the net says it sells for $340 and my buddy says I shouldn't go any more than $125 on it." So I put my smudged up and fingerprint laden weapon back into the case and advised this "dealer" that he should try holding the gun POINTING at the person he's trying to rob. It would be better that way as I was not going to do business with a such a bold thief as he was. I closed the case and walked out.....I'll use that weapon as a fencepost before I'd sell it to that twerp!

Thanks for listening to this oldman's rambling grip...

Wade

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 7:57 pm

Rambling gripe my New Mexico posterior!
Post his name so we ALL avoid him.

Batman1939 · Post by **Batman1939** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 7:59 pm

You could try posting it in the Classifieds Section here. There seem to be a bunch of fellers here that like those Brownings. Good luck !

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:07 pm

Yes, there are many dealers like that, especially here in the east. The gun dealers that I am personal friends with will usually offer about 50-75% of a price they know they can get for the gun...easily, or as I say "any day of the week". Internet pricing has no place here. Percentages go up with NIB, out of production, weird calibers, pre-1898, or just plain "hard to get" guns.

A "for instance" would be your gun. If the going full retail price is $595, it will easily sell for $495. Therefore, the offer would be at least $250, more is the desirability factor is there. On a $2,000 Winchester or S.A Colt, the offer would be in the $1500 range.

One thing great about this nation of capitalists----------you can choose not to sell or not to buy. You wisely chose not to sell, but obviously there are pleanty of "fish" who don't know the pricing and that is what that dealer is doing. It won't take long, he will get a reputation and soon be out of business. Knowledge is power.

Relax. Don't let the AH get the better of your emotions. Use him to get rid of your junk or if you need to take a leak, do it on the side of his building.

Post by **Old Savage** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:16 pm

I am thinking it over but I don't think I would deal with him. What is the name and why did you go beyond his initial offer in even talking to him?

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:19 pm

OS,
Keep an eye on me here, I predict the air will be ringing with perjorative statements.

Les Staley · Post by **Les Staley** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:21 pm

Wade. I just traded for one of the same vintage.. an 81.. mine likes lighter bullets.. loads of 180 gr. lead ahead of 9 gr. Unique should do the trick.. It also does well with 240 gr JSP with a stiff load of H110. This one shoots well, but I had another a few years back I couldn't do much with.. don't understand all I know about 'em.. Check gunbroker.. they go for quite a bit more than that dooffass suggested.... Les

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:21 pm

When you come in our shop and have something you wanna sell or trade . I'm gonna tell you up front what I value the gun at for resale , then I'm gonna tell you I cannot offer you more then 60% of the guns value , otherwise it leaves me no room to work and make a dollar or two .

I try and tell everyone up front what and why I offer what I do . I will show them what the said item is listed at on Gunbroker and show them the prices of ones moving and how I arrived at their value . And then I say if your gun is worth $100 all I can give you is $60 plain and simple .

Personally I think it's kinda hard to get mad at someone that tells you up front and honestly exactly what their plan is !

Now for those that try to rape you coming and going I have nothing to say for them .

ollogger · Post by **ollogger** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:25 pm

Ive came to the understanding that unless its private party
tradin, it aint gonna happen
a while back though i made a good trade with a dealer, but I had alot of
WOW factor in that gun & he wanted it, so that went very well, but that was the first time in 15 yrs
ollogger

Old Ranger · Post by **Old Ranger** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:29 pm

Yeah, I do know the game. As I said, I was a dealer too, but also a cop at the same time. 80% of my customers were PD. Did tons of 1911 tune ups and tricking out, as well as custom work on revolvers and some long guns. In that time, be they cop or not, I treated all my customers like I wanted to be treated. When I bought a weapon from someone, I'd tell them that I was required to make a profit to keep the people with the letters in their name happy, and I was in business to make a modest profit. I would advise them first to sell their weapon in the newpaper and try to get the retail price for themselves. I'd tell them the fair market value and if they insisted on my buying the weapon, I'd also tell them the wholesale value and that I was going to offer them that, or slighty above that, for their weapon. Further, I'd give them a bit more as a trade, if that was what was their need. Being honest was what I as taught as a child and it kinda stuck with me

The shop I went to today was one that was bought out by another, but I had done business with the former owner. This new guy is a real piece of work. I should have known better when I saw a blown up pictute of him posing with the guys from Pawn Stars hanging on the wall behind the counter! Oh well, I'll not be going back there anytime soon....

Thanks,
Wade

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:31 pm

no wonder.

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:43 pm

A photo of himself posing with "posers" is indicative of his base intelligence, or should I say lack thereof.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:06 pm

Everybody wants to make a few bucks when you can but that is just wrong. There is no reason to cheat people like that.

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:10 pm

Dave wrote:Everybody wants to make a few bucks when you can but that is just wrong. There is no reason to cheat people like that.

Are you referring to the original dealer in question or my practice of giving a person no more then 60% of the value on a trade or when they sell it to me ?

2571 · Post by **2571** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:15 pm

What a jerk!

I'll give you $150.

BenT · Post by **BenT** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:29 pm

6pt-sika wrote:When you come in our shop and have something you wanna sell or trade . I'm gonna tell you up front what I value the gun at for resale , then I'm gonna tell you I cannot offer you more then 60% of the guns value , otherwise it leaves me no room to work and make a dollar or two .

I try and tell everyone up front what and why I offer what I do . I will show them what the said item is listed at on Gunbroker and show them the prices of ones moving and how I arrived at their value . And then I say if your gun is worth $100 all I can give you is $60 plain and simple .

Personally I think it's kinda hard to get mad at someone that tells you up front and honestly exactly what their plan is !

Now for those that try to rape you coming and going I have nothing to say for them .

That is exactly how the local gunshop works. The shop keeper will show the book value on it and give you 60% of that. Nothing to hide ,explains it so all can hear. He gets plenty of repeat customers.

A friend used to have a motorcycle shop. If someone didn't like the trade in offer he gave towards a new bike. He would tell them to come out on Saturday and sit in their parking lot and sell it for what they wanted. usually by 2 o'clock they would take the owners offer. That is because he knew gave a fair offer, plus if the guy did sell it in the parking lot, the shop owner would still sell the guy a new bike.

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:36 pm

A Browning Model 92 in 44 Mag is a very nice little levergun. I am shocked that you can get one for less than $500.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:59 pm

6pt-sika wrote:
Dave wrote:Everybody wants to make a few bucks when you can but that is just wrong. There is no reason to cheat people like that.

Are you referring to the original dealer in question or my practice of giving a person no more then 60% of the value on a trade or when they sell it to me ?

Sixty is generous....the place I deal and trust is usually half or less.....

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 11:02 pm

6pt-sika wrote:
Dave wrote:Everybody wants to make a few bucks when you can but that is just wrong. There is no reason to cheat people like that.

Are you referring to the original dealer in question or my practice of giving a person no more then 60% of the value on a trade or when they sell it to me ?

I was referring to the original dealer. I would say 60% is the industry standard. Here most places will grade you gun hard, give you 60% of what it's worth, then add 15% for the sale price. They grade it hard enough you are really getting about 50% of its value. At 85% of it's value it is still a good enough deal someone will buy it.

Trying to give a man $125 for a good B92 is an insult. That guy also made no money. If he had offered a fair deal be would have ended up making some money, developed a relationship with a customer, and enhanced his reputation. Having the relationships and reputation is what makes you money in the long run.

edwardyoung · Post by **edwardyoung** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 11:18 pm

I've got a like-new Marlin 336-44mag you might shoot better than that ol' 92. It's a 65-vintage with the saddle ring. I can't find the battery charger to my camera, or I'd post a picture. Just trying to help

Old Ranger · Post by **Old Ranger** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 12:16 am

Well I figure he was either trying to get it for his shop real cheap and then sell it for around 6 bills or so, or.....his "Bud" he called was looking for one and was going to get it cheap for his pal. That's what I figure anyway. Either way he was sure trying to do a real rip off. But as I told him he should point the gun at someone when he went to rob them. I was polite as I could be during the time I was in his shop and didn't use any language that could be seen as a threat or profane. However, at the same time my parting remark was simple. I said that his business practice was in dire need of repair and that if he wished to continue to attempt to cheat people he should at least know how to at least lie better than he did with the "book price" he was alledgedly quoting from.

Listing his business name will, if he gets wind of it, cause to give him reason to sue for slander in this law suit happy country. I will not give him the satisfaction. Nope, I have another shop in mind that will be much better I believe and will go there Sat. if possible. Might find that S&W M29 4" I want so bad

It's just a much longer drive than I usually pefer.

Sad really, as the old owner was a pertty good guy and had fair pricing and good customer relations. Too bad that could not have remained in the shop! Oh well.....Just might sick Pitchy on him with his airborne arrow flying machine. Death from above, with banjo music to boot, Pitchy style!

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 12:38 am

1894c · Post by **1894c** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 2:05 am

Sixgun wrote:
Relax. Don't let the AH get the better of your emotions. Use him to get rid of your junk or if you need to take a leak, do it on the side of his building.

that's funny--cracked me up...that's good social commentary... :)

damienph · Post by **damienph** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 8:10 am

6pt-sika wrote:
Dave wrote:Everybody wants to make a few bucks when you can but that is just wrong. There is no reason to cheat people like that.

Are you referring to the original dealer in question or my practice of giving a person no more then 60% of the value on a trade or when they sell it to me ?

6pt, I believe that Dave was referring to the gun shop owner in the original post. I have a friend who deals in (used) guns as a side job and his policy is similar to yours, If he can't make 35% on a deal he won't buy or trade for it. Unless it is something that he wants to keep personally; then I've seen him pay or offer more.

I think that your 60% is pretty realistic, and more than many will offer.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 9:51 am

Since you were once a dealer, you ought to be able to look at the bigger picture = I know I do................

FIRST - There are LOTS of "beginners" (for wont of a better term), out there, who think they can make a VERY GOOD living at gun dealing.

SECOND - I've learned that, whenever a "dealer" has to consult the web or a BBGV, that the "dealer" could just as well be selling pencils, for all he knows about guns. WALK AWAY w/o FURTHER ADO.

THIRD - None of them are in love with their wares, nor should they be. It's a "for-profit" BUSINESS, and not a non-profit. (This is America, where "profit" is not a dirty word)

FOURTH - If someone's smart enough to do their homework and find out how much their goods are worth, they should also be smart enough to figure out the best market for their wares, beit funshop, funshow, online, or private sale.

FIFTH - The next time you wanna sell a B92 for less than $700, turn around & let me give you a swift kick in the pants.

.

JB · Post by JB » Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:13 am

Pete44ru wrote: SECOND - I've learned that, whenever a "dealer" has to consult the web or a BBGV, that the "dealer" could just as well be selling pencils, for all he knows about guns. WALK AWAY w/o FURTHER ADO.

I've got to disagree with you on that one. Most of the sharper dealers I know are relying on the net more and more for values. Nobody is able to stay up on current market value on every model and variation (caliber, barrel length, etc.).

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 11:27 am

There is a BIG difference between a pawn shop and a gun shop. The dealer you went to sounds more like a pawn shop owner than a gun shop owner, particularly in light of the Pawn stars picture. He low balled you hard the same way he would some meth head selling his grandmas silver. He's also unqualified to make a gun appraisal if he has to call his buddy. Anyone with any gun world experience knows to check the online auction sights, that's what my dealer does when looking to price a gun and that's what I do. This dealer is unethical and looking to take advantage of people who need the money, steer clear and spread the word. It's his right to try and make a buck, it's your right to tell others how he does it.

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 11:30 am

JB wrote:
Pete44ru wrote: SECOND - I've learned that, whenever a "dealer" has to consult the web or a BBGV, that the "dealer" could just as well be selling pencils, for all he knows about guns. WALK AWAY w/o FURTHER ADO.
I've got to disagree with you on that one. Most of the sharper dealers I know are relying on the net more and more for values. Nobody is able to stay up on current market value on every model and variation (caliber, barrel length, etc.).

Yep I use Gunbroker not only as a selling tool , but also a place to give me a better grasp of what the "American Market" for firearms is instead of just the local area . Some things sell better in one area of the USA then they do in others . But by using GB you can cover them all and still have the item for sale in your shop !

And the Blue Book is a good tool as well . I mean not everyone knows the values of every grade of a Superposed Browning or every model of a Pre 64 Winchester .

Old Ranger · Post by **Old Ranger** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 12:07 pm

Being an old retired cop helps me "find out things" that some overlook. Found that the dealer's brother is a long time local crook, and the dealer was in business with the brother for years before he aquired this shop. Some local folks I quietly interviewed stated that the dealer has been involved in shady business for many years and is one that should be avoided at all costs as he will rip you off if he has half a chance...

A call or two to some of my local PD contacts here proved that the dealer has been investigated for fraud in the past, but no charges ever came about...Now why was I not surprised??

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 9:48 pm

We have one around here who is 'honest', but I bought a 17 HMR bolt-gun from him for maybe $250, and a week later got a good deal on a breakopen 17 HMR with a bull-barrel. Since it better suited my goals, I went to trade in (not just sell back) my bolt-gun to the same dealer I bought it from. I assumed that since I'd fired only four or five rounds through it, and it appeared still as-new, that I'd get at least $150 (and $200 would have seemed more 'fair'). I was told the most he could 'give' me was $75 - AND THIS WAS IN "TRADE" TOWARDS A NEW SIAGA RIFLE. . .

Needless to say - I just KEPT the gun, and figured it would do for a later trade or just a 'backup' gun.

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 11:37 pm

Scandalous,
There was a time when things were different.
This is why I quit the gun show circut.

3leggedturtle · Post by **3leggedturtle** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 11:38 pm

Do I understand you correctly, this PELOSI offers you $125 for A Browning M92, and claims he is losing money.

.

FWiedner · Post by **FWiedner** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 12:14 am

You guys crack me up.

Some here have made low-ball deals for worth-while pieces and crowed about 'stealing' it from some poor sucker who didn't know what he had or what it was worth.

Now some poor excuse for a used gun schlub tries to lob one back and he's a dishonest cheat, a thief, a liar, and so's his brother.

I guess that dang shoe is on the other foot.

horsesoldier03 · Post by **horsesoldier03** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 1:41 am

I always hate trying to trade or sell guns at pawn shops. I have only done it once on a trade. I swapped an old REM 870 Wingmaster for a .410 stoeger coachgun for my daughter. I finally talked the guy into giving me $125 for the shotgun. I am just glad that I only had $100 in it.

When it comes to selling, I have done my best sells on GUNBROKER. When it comes to buying, I have a couple local pawn shops that I have done well at. As stated earlier, there are some that I know to stay well clear of. Buying from individuals on gun forums like this also has proven to provide fair deals and you dont typcially have to worry about getting burnt on a firearm.

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:05 am

Let me predicate this by stateing that I am not the keeper of the public morality.
But many times in the past I have advised widow women that they are not asking enough for the dearly departed's guns, even though I wanted it for myself.

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:07 am

quote " this PELOSI "

I think it was Joe that started that, and sometimes it is SO appropriate!

3leggedturtle · Post by **3leggedturtle** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 9:48 am

Mescalero wrote: quote " this PELOSI "
I think it was Joe that started that, and sometimes it is SO appropriate!

Thats what the forumn substitutes for the "brown stuff" also "P_O_S" gets turned into "thing" But it keeps us from getting to out of line, but people like that have always ticked me off. Especially when they think the are so superior to you. I have nevr seen a B92 for less than $650 anywhere. Cause if'n i did it would follow me home. Especially a 32/20, like the one 'CLERK" claimed it was a pretty worthless caliber

. Still wanted $950 and $1150 for the 2 he had

When I asked him how many deer were killed by this and fed families, his comment was " there were 30 more wounded for every 1 that was brought home to eat . OK my rant is off

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 10:38 am

I really do think it was started by Joe Miller, he decided that it should be appled to all distasteful people.

Old Ranger · Post by **Old Ranger** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 11:31 am

Well all things come to an end at times, and sometimes even a good one.
Yesterday I paid a visit to a GOOD store in town and they are kinda like a big outdoors shop with all sorts of stuff. Got their own coffee shop to boot....So I sauntered up to the gun part of the store and ran into one of the employees I know. He and I got to talking about what was going on in the world and I spied a 4" S&W M629 in the case full of autoloaders of all colors and shapes. That big Smith was calling to me. It was on clearance and such so I was interested...

The manager got involved and he was super nice. Brought the Browning in and the manager called the CEO (on speaker phone so I could listen in) and asked if it was possible to take the levergun in as a tradein. It is not their policy to buy used guns, but the manager and his folks were trying to help me on this. The CEO was very nice and stated that the boad he answers to had put a halt to taking in any used firearms/bows/and such from a liability prospective. I can understand that. The manager thanked his boss, then looked at me and gave a sigh with the 'at least we tried look'. But...I was wanting that 4" Smith, and we made the deal right then. Rob, the manager, said that he will post my weapon on their bulletin board and try to find me a buyer and get me full retail for it.

I bought the Smith and got about $300 off and was tickled to death. I thanked all involved and made a bee-line home to my range!! This new model sure is a dandy. Not exactly like the old 29's and 29-2's I had in the past, but the action was perfect right outta the box! Sure did put a smile on my face when the blast hit me and the beachball muzzleflash lit up the pre-dusk in the woods at my range! Nice......and the groups were tight too!!

So, there ARE honest dealers, and there ARE dishonest dealers...Glad to business with the right one. So this Old Ranger is happy to have a 4" 629 in his old Jordan Border Patrol holster once again. That old holster and police rig has sat vacent of the right weapon for some years...Glad one came home....And from a dealer that went the extra mile on a single sale. That was refreshing...

Ranger, out......

O.S.O.K. · Post by **O.S.O.K.** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 12:30 pm

Here's a link to a gunbroker search - note the asking prices... http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Ke ... rowning+92

Generally I don't put stock in asking prices - only in prices of auctions with bids... but when they'r all over a certain amount... that does tell you something.

Your carbine would probably sell for over $700 on gun broker.

ETA: Ooops - I just read the second page here -and your last post. As long as you are happy

FatJackDurham · Post by **FatJackDurham** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 1:36 pm

I've no doubt the guy is as shady as you say. I cant think of any reason to sell an item to a shop for any reason if you could sell it online or in the classifieds. Shops have to have a margin, and you are never going to get top doller for a sell to a shop. Maybe a trade in, but never a sell.

smokenrust · Post by **smokenrust** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 1:51 pm

Dealers... there are all kinds for sure. When I need to use an FFL, I go another 6 miles down the road to a fellow that really wants you as a customer, not as 'another sucka to rip off' over the time, I bet the tightwad pawnshop con artist has lost thousands of dollars to the fellow down the road...each year.... cuz he prices higher on sales too.
Yup, anything I want, I just go down the road a little farther to a place that treats me nicer.
Glad you found what you were looking for so easily... just down the road a little further...

DarryH · Post by **DarryH** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 11:41 am

I've seen way too many dealers like this.
Gives all the rest a bad name.
Sadly, they never seen to have any problem keeping a good
stock of used guns on their shelves.

I watched an old lady come into a shop, where I knew the owner was
one of these real pieces of work!!!
This was an old reproduction of a flintlock pistol,
the type that George Washington might have owned. It had never been fired and was in perfect shape, but it was dusty.

The lady told the owner that she had purchased this from the dealer many years before, as a gift to her husband. He had hung it on the wall and enjoyed looking at it.
Now he had passed, and she wanted to sell it, as it made her uncomfortable.
The dealer turns the weapon over and over in his hands. He looks up at her over the top of the reading glasses that are always perched on the end of his nose.
He then tells her that "well, it needs a little TLC, which we can provide, but, I can't give you more than $75 for it". The lady accepts the offer, and he turns around and hands the pistol off to his gunsmith. Then he opens his ancient till, and hands her the money. She says thank you, and slowly leaves the shop. I watched her crawl into a late 60's vinatage Lincoln, and drive off.
She had not gotten down the block when the gunsmith comes out with the gun,
already set on a plaque, and hands it to the owner. He walks over to a wall and hangs it.
The price???? $450.00. And I felt sick. I left too.

When I want to sell something, and I am not quite sure of a fair price, I check several on-line sights. Then I usually price my item just below those prices, and I sell it quickly.

Thanks for the story.

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 12:20 pm

DarryH,
A horrible story, but sadly all too often true.
If I know it, I will not deal with these explicative deleted.

tman · Post by **tman** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 2:56 pm

I won't buy a gun unless I'm keeping it forever. Been burned and almost burned too many times by the "honest dealer". I'm all for the dealer making an honest profit, that's why he is in buisness. But the one of a kind collectors item I buy off of them, 6 months later its a white elephant when I sell it back to them. Too many times with too many different"dealers".

sharps1863 · Post by **sharps1863** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 5:34 pm

1-thing I have learned !!!!!
Never try to trade or sell a gun to a gun dealer or pawn shop. They will try and low ball you ever time. I know they have to have some room to make some money but most of the dealer around here are like in the 1st post. I know one dealer if you brought a 1878 colt single action into him that is in pristine condition $100 cash would be his starting offer to buy. He will insult you and it does not bother him one bit to do it. People still deal with him. Cant figure that one out.

Best way to sell is either a forum or on-line auction.

cas · Post by **cas** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 5:55 pm

I guess a lot of it depends on how the store works. Some guys work on turnover, others try and make the rent in one sale.

My (now gone) favorite store worked on turnover, and every time you stopped in, 70-90% of the guns in the place weren't there the last time you stopped in.

Other shops, like the ones local to me have the same guns sitting on the rack for years and years. Literally.

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 8:10 pm

cas wrote:I guess a lot of it depends on how the store works. Some guys work on turnover, others try and make the rent in one sale.

We make more money selling consignment guns then we ever thought about making from buying and selling .

We used to charge a straight flat rate of $25 for anything up to $400 and then $50 for anything over that amount .

Now we just charge a straight 10% on sales in the shop or via Gunbroker . All this is disclosed upfront and many times a person has wanted to come in and sell me something and I've in turn talked them into letting me sell it for them . They come out way ahead and I get a little for my effort without any overhead .

I sold a Browning Superposed Pointer Grade 12 gauge two barrel cased set for $12,000 last week ! We got $1,200 from the consignee and then the buyer gave us a $300 tip !

Had a two gun matched pair of higher grade AYA 12 gauge game guns come in the shop in a nice motor case right after Xmas . I sold those in exactly 2 hours for the consigner and made $800 . Each time the consigner got about 90% of what i valued the guns and both times it was a good percentage above what they were asking when they came in the door .
Matter of fact the set of AYA's had set at Griffon and Howe for about 6 months before they were shipped to us and when the guy came in to get them he asked what we charged to try and sell them . He told us we asked less for our service and in actuality sold them for more then G&H claimed to be selling them for .

In these two instances we had four very satisfied customers as both consigners and both buyers were quite pleased !