Brick and Mortar VS Online buying dilemma

[LeJerk]

I wanted to know what people thing about buying local versus going online. I'm talking about firearms here, not accessories if it makes a difference. I've gone to a few shops and found what I want, and I really (honestly) want to buy it locally, but I have found the same thing for a lot cheaper. Think $110 (~19%) less buying it online. Like I said, I want to shop here, but with the high price in the store and sales tax, it doesn't make financial sense.

What do you think?

[theGinsue]

When you're calculating the price don't forget to add in shipping, transfer fee, and probably taxes since you'll have to do a local transfer.

But, if it still comes in cheaper and you can trust the online source, why not save yourself the $$ and make the online purchase?!

[Irving]

There is one gun store in Denver that I go to that has very good prices. Then there are one or two that come very close. Then ALL of the other ones are a bunch of dick heads with prices so high I have to stop myself from laughing out loud while I'm in there.

[SSChameleon]

I had a couple items I wanted and looked online and local. Every time I found what I wanted online at a good price and added shipping and transfer the price wasn't a great deal.

When it comes to price on big ticket items you can also save the cost of taxes by purchasing online. With the price of guns this can be a of money.

I found a shop locally here that had both guns I wanted and I asked the owner to make a deal if I bought both. He gave me a good deal and I was happy, it was a good price even after tax.

[LeJerk]

Retail: $595 after taxes.

Online: $485 after shipping, and local FFL transfer fee.

I just have to make sure the item is still in stock for the price I'm looking at.

[BadShot]

There ya go LeJerk .. like you're seeing, the internet buy does seem to work out. You can also work with some of the forum sponsors and not get ripped off on the transfer fee.

[al_g]

I try to buy local but I won't pay more then about a 5-10% premium over total online cost.

[Red_Chili]

That's pretty much what I follow as well.

One thing (IMHO at least) one should NEVER do, is tie up a salesman's time, get educated, then go buy the same thing online. Just remember, that merchant will not be there after a while of doing this, and you won't be able to touch and feel.

A lot of times, a merchant knows they are competing against online stuff, and if asked politely can budge on price a bit. But they do have to eat, and if you convey that you understand this, they can be quite accommodating.

[Chief_of_Scouts]

Red Chili, that is excellent advice and has worked for me. It is fine to haggle, just don't be rude and if you are, expect the same treatment right back.

[LeJerk]

Thanks guys. I made my decision. I'm going the online route. It's just too big of a price difference.

[Sixgun]

Before you buy, try Green Mtn Guns. Remember the guy that you have to go threw to get your gun, he'll know your an internet shopper. Ask your local guy to match, never know.
I only use internet for stuff my guy can't get.

[Irving]

Before you buy, try Green Mtn Guns. Remember the guy that you have to go threw to get your gun, he'll know your an internet shopper. Ask your local guy to match, never know.
I only use internet for stuff my guy can't get.

This was my #1 recommendation for LeJerk when he PM'd me. Best prices I've ever come across. Nicest guys too, they don't try to get you to buy something the whole time you're there.

I also told LeJerk that my girlfriend wanted to warn him about Sportsmans Warehouse. She says that even though their sign says "reloading" right on it, when you call and ask how much it is to reload bullets from your used brass as a surprise for your boyfriend, they'll just laugh at you. ;)

[Red_Chili]

Truth be told, I have (most days) gotten excellent advice from the folks at the Littleton SW, and superb customer service. Really superb. Their reloading stock is dismal, and for months they would say it was because folks bought everything up as soon as they got it in... but that is not quite right. I understand the need to say as much; if customers get a whiff of financial difficulty that can undermine business. But it still was not the real picture, even though it technically was true.

SW has had a cash crunch, but that should change shortly, as a Canadian company recently agreed to invest millions and that hits the end of January. I wish them well, we need the competing local presence though I do love Cabela's.

Oh yeah, and being in Denver the Littleton Sportsmans cannot sell AR stuff.[Bang]

I like Green Mtn. too, a lot... but getting someone to wait on you is rough. Probably will pass. Around 2012 I think. [Tooth]

[Ridge]

Retail: $595 after taxes.

Online: $485 after shipping, and local FFL transfer fee.

I just have to make sure the item is still in stock for the price I'm looking at.

I try to keep it local whenever possible but Im not going to pass up on a 20% price cut by going through an online source..

[michael_aos]

I live ~1.5mi from Specialty Sports & Supply.

I kind of like having such a nice, well-stocked gunstore nearby.

With that in mind, I tend to buy from them whenever possible. Basically if I'm looking for a specific gun, I check them first. If they have what I want, then I decide if I'm willing to pay their price for it. If so, I buy from them. If not, then I don't buy the gun. Or I postpone the purchase until I'm willing to pay their price.

If they don't have it when I want it, then I've got free-reign to shop elsewhere.

I purchased two Uberti 1866 Winchester copies in 38-special off the internet because Specialty refuses to carry them. A Marlin .22LR over at Sportsmans Warehouse (painful!).

Mike