View Full Version : Granpa's pawn and guns
wulf11acr
02-17-2011, 15:56
I recently bought a gun from an out of state dealer (Bud's Gunshop in Lexington Ky) Their prices with free shipping beat everyone's by 150 dollars I had it shipped to Grandpa's . When I went in to pick it up I was informed that the transfer fee would be fifty dollars because it was from Bud's. The owner is P.O. ed at Buds because he can't sell guns for what they do.
Just a heads up if anyone is thinking of doing transfers with Grandpa's in Longmont. He has lost any future business with Me.
alan0269
02-17-2011, 16:05
I would go to their website, print out the page for transfers where it clearly states that they charge $35 for them, and demand that they refund the difference. That is complete BS that they would have a special charge for guns coming from Bud's!!! Perhaps they should post that on the website and in their store. I've made a couple purchases from them, and I've never been overly impressed with their customer service, but I wouldn't have said that it was bad either, but this is not right. It's like they knew they had you by the ____ and decided to stick it to you because they feel they can't compete with a company that has clearly decided to go with the "sell a lot at a small margin" vs Grandpa's trying to get as much as they can on each sale. [Rant1]
Edit: They do have a contact email on their website of rodtwobears@aol.com if anyone wants to voice their displeasure with what they did to wulf11acr.
I'd call and let Bud's know about this.
a brick thru their window should even things out
ghettodub
02-17-2011, 16:08
yeah, as much as I understand local guys upset about online sales, that's just bad business practice. Bullshit...
rod two bears.
I wonder if he's an indian or a ward churchill.
Busta Prima
02-17-2011, 16:39
Message sent. Lets everyone contact them and flex some internet muscle on this!! [Beer]
Lex_Luthor
02-17-2011, 16:40
I would go to their website, print out the page for transfers where it clearly states that they charge $35 for them, and demand that they refund the difference. That is complete BS that they would have a special charge for guns coming from Bud's!!! Perhaps they should post that on the website and in their store.
This is a great idea.
newracer
02-17-2011, 16:42
You still saved $135. Chalk it up to experience and don't use them again.
Not_A_Llama
02-17-2011, 16:47
Grandpa needs to make right on this.
I don't know what it is, but it seems to me that gun store owners are disproportionately affected by this bizarre sense of entitlement to full MSRP and non-acceptance of the changing face and nature of business. It leads to this kind of utterly bizarre, unjust, and unacceptable behavior.
It really doesn't make any sense at all to try "punishing" the customer for his anger at another seller.
I hope you can convince them of the error in their ways. Otherwise, I'm in on an Anonymous-style behavior correction campaign.
Good luck.
Byte Stryke
02-17-2011, 17:11
Pay it all, print out the prices, then take the receipt then file a small claims case. File a complaint with the BBB
A day in court defending corrupt business practices will cost him more than the amount he is charging you.
When I was living in Longmont, I wanted to transfer a first transfer.
Granpa's pawn and guns were my first choice, but they were being a jerkoff.
So, I went online. Found out there is a place called C&C coins across the street that does FFL transfer.
After that, i did about at least 15-20 transfer w/ C&C coins. Sadly, they do not do transfer anymore. They are focused on Au and precious metals.
I would definitely write and tell others about Granpa's pawn and guns.
newracer
02-17-2011, 17:18
I would go to their website, print out the page for transfers where it clearly states that they charge $35 for them, and demand that they refund the difference. That is complete BS that they would have a special charge for guns coming from Bud's!!! Perhaps they should post that on the website and in their store. I've made a couple purchases from them, and I've never been overly impressed with their customer service, but I wouldn't have said that it was bad either, but this is not right. It's like they knew they had you by the ____ and decided to stick it to you because they feel they can't compete with a company that has clearly decided to go with the "sell a lot at a small margin" vs Grandpa's trying to get as much as they can on each sale. [Rant1]
Edit: They do have a contact email on their website of rodtwobears@aol.com if anyone wants to voice their displeasure with what they did to wulf11acr.
a brick thru their window should even things out
Pay it all, print out the prices, then take the receipt then file a small claims case. File a complaint with the BBB
A day in court defending corrupt business practices will cost him more than the amount he is charging you.
All over $15, really? I know it is more the point of the matter than the money but my time is worth way more than that. All I would do is inform Bud's and post on other forums like you have here.
You still saved $135. Chalk it up to experience and don't use them again.
And whether he cares or not, think about how much business he won't get from the people on this board. The most expensive $25 business decision he ever made.
Byte Stryke
02-17-2011, 17:22
email sent
Byte Stryke
02-17-2011, 17:24
All over $15, really? I know it is more the point of the matter than the money but my time is worth way more than that. All I would do is inform Bud's and post on other forums like you have here.
well see it would be the $15 + lost wages, Legal and filing fees.
a BBB Smear is pretty bad as well.
newracer
02-17-2011, 17:38
I am not sure if you could sue for lost wages, legal and filing fees probably but I am not sure. BBB is a joke, basically all you have to do is pay them money and they will say you are a good business. More harm can be done on the internet as he is doing now. Plus winning a judgment and collecting are two totally different things. Again it's $15, what less than 5% of the cost?
Busta Prima
02-17-2011, 17:44
BBB is a joke, basically all you have to do is pay them money and they will say you are a good business.
I agree with this. In the past they were great at getting results and businesses feared them. Now I do feel they have some way out of a bad report . . . that and people might care a little less these days.
jerrymrc
02-17-2011, 17:45
If he was listed as one of the "preferred" transfers then I would complain to buds as well.
My last pistol came from buds because they were a little cheaper than others but they had what I wanted and nobody in the state had one. I also got free shipping on mine.
wulf11acr
02-17-2011, 17:51
Not worth the effort for 15 dollars , I just posted as a heads up and I wont do business with them again. There are plenty of reputable dealers and FFL holders around. What go around comes around!! Thanks for the support.
William
I'd for sure use the power of the interwebs.. the BBB isn't really that effective..
I'd let Bud's know for sure, specially the 'It's from Bud's' part. Post up on every forum you know of that is local to the state.
Word of mouth certainly does more damage. I'd also see what rules are regarding a transfer fee, if there is a max that can be charged.
StagLefty
02-17-2011, 18:07
Grandpa's is on Bud's FFL list for Colorado
Busta Prima
02-17-2011, 18:12
Grandpa's is on Bud's FFL list for Colorado
Then the best and easiest thing we can do is tell Granpa how we feel and the OP should tell Buds what Granpas is doing. Pressure from both sides.
Even if Granpas wasn't playing games, $35 is a pretty steep transfer fee anyway. Most home based, non storefront FFLs are still charging under $20 . . . at least as of last year.
Byte Stryke
02-17-2011, 18:52
well hell, this time its 15
Next time its Only 20
after that its Only 50
Hell, why give a f*ck at all, really.
Its only Money
Hell why even tell us about it if its not that big of a deal...
Because he's f*cking you and when you leave he will laugh about it and the f*ck someone else.
I Don't know about you, but I call it principle.
DSB OUTDOORS
02-17-2011, 19:30
F- Grandpa's! If he has a personal problem with Buds he should deal with it and not take it out on those that found the deal!! And those of us that need the savings!! $$$$$$$$$$$$ [Beer]
hurley842002
02-17-2011, 19:47
well hell, this time its 15
Next time its Only 20
after that its Only 50
Hell, why give a f*ck at all, really.
Its only Money
Hell why even tell us about it if its not that big of a deal...
Because he's f*cking you and when you leave he will laugh about it and the f*ck someone else.
I Don't know about you, but I call it principle.
X1,000 Good post
While I don't agree with any brick throwing or anything, I would at least start with an e-mail, and possibly a link to this thread, letting him know how many potential customers he lost, it is then his choice to make it right, and if he does, you'd be glad to post an update for us, so that we know he's a decent guy after all.
ghettodub
02-17-2011, 20:31
I think it's totally worth the time, just out of principle. We can't let businesses do this and get away with it, and +1 with what Byte said.
That's how the government has screwed us so many times too.
sneakerd
02-17-2011, 20:52
I think that experience is total BS. I've been in Grandpas quite a few times and it always appeared that they had interesting and diverse stock- but that doesn't beat this crap. Even over a measly $15. Not likely I'll ever go in there again. They are off of my list.
FYI, All The prices I saw on Bud's gun shop are the same prices at Green Mtn Guns.
[Swim]
boulderite
02-17-2011, 21:23
Well I will take my gun transfers else were from now own, and otc gun purchases . If they can not honor their own listed price of 35.00 who knows what the daily price will be ?
hurley842002
02-17-2011, 21:37
FYI, All The prices I saw on Bud's gun shop are the same prices at Green Mtn Guns.
[Swim]
GMG is really hard to beat locally for pricing, and like you said, the prices are comparable, some are even cheaper at GMG. I recently purchased a Springfield Loaded, from them for $709 +tax, Bud's lists the same pistol for $757, and that was the last in stock price. By the way, if you go to Green Mountain, ask for Merv, he's a good guy. Sorry for the derail
rockhound
02-17-2011, 21:45
i have been chcking prices at bud's against joe's shop, denver guns and ammo on west coal mine in lakewood
joes has buds beat on every handgun i am interested in. by 40-50 bucks
by the way Joe, i am still looking for that lcp or bg 380,
GMG is really hard to beat locally for pricing, and like you said, the prices are comparable, some are even cheaper at GMG. I recently purchased a Springfield Loaded, from them for $709 +tax, Bud's lists the same pistol for $757, and that was the last in stock price. By the way, if you go to Green Mountain, ask for Merv, he's a good guy. Sorry for the derail
I know them all, There is a guy who retired from my work,(Ronnie) That works there. I like Merv best. [Beer]
Maybe that's why I get so pissed at people trying to sell used guns for more then they sell new ones for.
All over $15, really? I know it is more the point of the matter than the money but my time is worth way more than that. All I would do is inform Bud's and post on other forums like you have here.
my suggestion was not literal, it's a saying I frequently use.
but to answer your question......
principle.
whether by one dollar or a thousand dollars, fucked over is still fucked over.
if the guy has a listed price for transfers, then suddenly that price goes up $X for Y reason, that's bait and switch.
bait and switch is illegal.
i have been chcking prices at bud's against joe's shop, denver guns and ammo on west coal mine in lakewood
joes has buds beat on every handgun i am interested in. by 40-50 bucks
by the way Joe, i am still looking for that lcp or bg 380,
FYI ...Green mtn guns had a LCP 380 for $289...
newracer
02-17-2011, 22:28
I know it's the principle of it and I agree soemthing should be done. Now that the bill has been paid, to me it is a waste of time to go back down there and demand my $15. Even more asinine to take it small claims court. I would simple send an email to the shop stating the problem and inform them I would never shop there again and make sure everybody knows of their practices. Then send another to Bud's letting them know of the situation and to remove them from the approved FFL list.
What really should have been done is confront him about it when the firearm was picked up, that was the time to dispute the fee.
theGinsue
02-17-2011, 22:59
I sent him an eMail.
Let's everyone call them (303) 772-7952 and let them know that none of us will ever be buying anything from them until they sort this out and refund our CO-AR15 brother's money.
From their website:
We are a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer, and we can receive most guns into our store that are purchased on line, purchased from a manufacturer, or needing to be transferred from out-of-state or out-of-the area:
Charge for firearms received: $35 per firearm, if shipped from a FFL dealer.
Assholes!!
I will be calling first thing in the morning and then I will have all my employees call during the day, which yes will cost me more than $15 but I can't stand that shit.
Cameron
I'll call them. that is BS they pulled that one.
lets Buds know as well. maybe they won't deal with them any more.
Do you have a receipt showing the amount you paid for the transfer?
sneakerd
02-17-2011, 23:24
I'd say they're gonna pay a price right here faaaar in excess of their lousy $15. Serves 'em right, and that's the power of this forum and all of these new friends.
As Irving posted 2 threads above, posting receipt would be even better.
Even if Grandpa's Pawn&Guns refund $15, I would not go there to transfer.
What's next? Maybe they might charge me $25 extra, because I do not live in Longmont?
Busta Prima
02-18-2011, 00:32
When you tell Buds, don't expect them to be too shocked or look to take any action or even care about it as much as we do. Remember, they're one of the few stores on the grid for nationwide sales so they must have hundreds of FFLs on file. I'm sure they'll take the report and make a note of it but don't expect much more (but I WOULD still tell them). The real action will come from the dozen or more calls and emails Granpa will get from us. Maybe even Grandma will kick him to the couch for this!
Anyway, where is Green Mtn Guns? Do they have a website? I've never been impressed with the prices at Buds.
well hell, this time its 15
Next time its Only 20
after that its Only 50
Hell, why give a f*ck at all, really.
Its only Money
Hell why even tell us about it if its not that big of a deal...
Because he's f*cking you and when you leave he will laugh about it and the f*ck someone else.
I Don't know about you, but I call it principle.
Yet you were arguing with me about how Mel is just a good ol' boy who just takes advantage of opportunities he comes across? I wish I could prove to y'all what a lowlife he really is. Grandpa's Pawn ain't nothing compared to him.
Anyway, where is Green Mtn Guns? Do they have a website? I've never been impressed with the prices at Buds.
North east of Hampton and Wadsworth. No website that I know of. 3355 S Yarrow St Unit 113, Lakewood, CO
There is a review in the dealer review forum.
I bought several guns from Grampa's Pawn and Guns. The last was in November, 1998. I always liked that place. I never had a transfer through them though.
wulf11acr
02-18-2011, 08:21
I only posted for a heads up, I appreciate all of the support and the responses to the post. I was caught flatfooted after picking up my pistol . I was in the day before letting them know that I would be receiving a transfer the next day, and nothing was said about charging more. He was just pissed that I found a price at much less than he could get at dealer wholesale. Maybe like me he has cooled down, Not. Fifteen Dollars does not turn my life around Cheat me once shame on you, Cheat me twice shame on me.
Again thanks for the response and for the new leads on good dealers. Time to move on, Your a great bunch of guys!
William
battle_sight_zero
02-18-2011, 08:55
Green Mountain Guns is a good dealer in my book. I do many of my transfers there for convience however the fee is 35.00. As far as prices go they often have a good deal in thier consignment section. Seems that thier consignment pistols fly out the door. As far as new prices go they have a some deals cheaper than Buds. However I feel if one looks hard enough on Gunbroker, Auction Arms and Guns America you will always find a better deal. Part of the fun in finding a gun in my book is getting the best deal. I found that there are some companies local to Buds that are pretty competive with them http://www.jetguns.com/ and http://guns-ammo-louisville.com/ and I see these 2 shops beat Buds on prices all the times. Jets consistentily does, not a big dealer but so far in 5 purchases I have saved a significat mount money over Buds. In one M1A purchase the diffrence between Jet and Buds was $300.00. Jet Guns has free shipping just like Buds. Also NO credit card fees unlike BUDs who charges 3%. I like to use my DEBIT card= less time having to run to the post office etc. Here are thier GB listings as well http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/SellerAuctions.aspx?User=616461 and http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/SellerAuctions.aspx?User=496389
hurley842002
02-18-2011, 09:38
The website is fairly new, so they probably don't have everything on it just yet, but here it is:
http://www.greenmountainguns.com/
ghettodub
02-18-2011, 09:44
Green Mountain Guns is a decent shop. I've bought a few things there, and most of the guys there are pretty cool. Like most shops, they tend to ignore new people to talk to the regulars, but that's nothing new with gun shops.
I give a big thumbs up to The Shooting Shop in Castle Rock. The owner Ty is a good dude, and while doesn't have tons in stock, he can order stuff for good prices, and can do FFL transfers
I picked up my CZ 75B from Green Mountain Guns for $350. It was used.
Troublco
02-18-2011, 10:29
I've purchased from Green Mountain Guns more than once, and I've always had good luck and been treated well. I think they tend to try to focus more on the paying customers than the lookeeloos, and for that I can't blame them. Most times I'm in there I bet I see 5 of them for every paying customer. Nothing wrong with it, just don't expect them to focus on you if you're just looking. Overall, I like them and I'll continue to deal with them.
If you're over in my neck of the woods, Rocky Mountain Guns & Ammo in Parker is a good one to use. I've dealt with them more than once, and they're friendly, helpful, and convenient (at least for me!) If I remember correctly their transfer fee is $25. They're at Parker Rd. and Main St. in the shopping center on the southeast corner of the intersection.
Nobody's mentioned David Law of Protekt Solutions yet? He's a great guy, member here, probably even one of the industry partners or whatever they're called. I've done a few transfers with him myself, he's up in Westminster. Very highly thought of 'round these parts. http://protektsolutions.com/
Busta Prima
02-18-2011, 16:01
OMG look at this idiotic response I received from our good old Granpa!
"We do not do business any longer with BUDS, Cheaper than dirt, or any other wholesaler who tries to Walmart the gun industry, Who' going to do your transfers when no retailers can afford to stay in business trying to retail guns. DO you buy your doughnuts and gasoline at wholesale?? Guess what you are doing to our industry."
He should be apologizing to us and the OP and issuing a refund to our member but instead he craps all over our concerns and tries to make US out to be the bad guys!!! Never mind never using him for a transfer, I will now not ever shop there AGAIN!!
Byte Stryke
02-18-2011, 16:20
Im Sorry but in this economy where the common man is taking a pay cut to keep their job, Motto of the day is "Compete or DIE".
is it fair?
Do I Look like a judge?
it is what it is.
ghettodub
02-18-2011, 16:21
OMG look at this idiotic response I received from our good old Granpa!
"We do not do business any longer with BUDS, Cheaper than dirt, or any other wholesaler who tries to Walmart the gun industry, Who' going to do your transfers when no retailers can afford to stay in business trying to retail guns. DO you buy your doughnuts and gasoline at wholesale?? Guess what you are doing to our industry."
He should be apologizing to us and the OP and issuing a refund to our member but instead he craps all over our concerns and tries to make US out to be the bad guys!!! Never mind never using him for a transfer, I will now not ever shop there AGAIN!!
Fine business practices there... I would never use them after seeing this.
There is a way to tell a customer "no" without being an ass. They could have said something like "sorry for the troubles you have experienced. We charge more for FFL transfers through there because...(blah blah blah). we'll honor the original fee this time, but just to let you know, transfers from those dealers will be more in the future."
Or something like that. It pisses me off when people run a business like that. The art of communication and customer service is long gone; similar to my rant a month or so ago about doctor offices.
Fine business practices there... I would never use them after seeing this.
No doubt when he goes out of business, he will blame on-line sellers and people like us who buy from them. Business is tough. Learn and adapt or die.
theGinsue
02-18-2011, 17:23
Here's the response I got (note the "If you'd like to discuss this eyeball to eyeball feel free to come on over, I work this place 6 days a week." - Sounds like a challenge to me. With the day I'm having, if I lived closer I'd actually give some serious thought to it - I'm just looking for a fight today. What a dumb@$$.)
So sorry to disapponit you, but when a wholesaler like BUDS can retail to cost consciouss customers like yourselves at less than MY wholesale price, then it presents a problem. So far in the last two weeks we have had BUDS customers want us to store guns for them until mid May when it's convenient for him to pick it up. The other cost conscious customer told us to cancel his order cause he found it cheaper elsewhere. Now i am supposed to have all my staff look for this particular order, so he can save $5.00. Ship it back, take it off my books, and deal w/ ATF audits on a yearly basis. Maybe BUDS will open a branch in every community, kind of like WALMART, can you conceptualize what WALMART has done to the retail world??? Buds is emulating WALMART, what happened to supporting your local business. I've been here 112 years, sold 25000 guns, have a good business, plan on being here a long time without Buds, Who's going to do your transfers when there are no retailers???? If you'd like to discuss this eyeball to eyeball feel free to come on over, I work this place 6 days a week. So tom, honor this, enjoy shopping on line and spread the word, I don't have you in our system, so I guess you are one of those very loyal customers, good luck on finding a FFL dealer here in Boulder county. And continue the tradition. Regards, Rod
Not_A_Llama
02-18-2011, 17:28
Wow. Wow.
Well, I look forward to the day that they accept capitalism, or are crushed by it.
Does anyone else think it funny that they complain about Buds' prices being cheaper than their wholesale? Protip, grandpa: Dump your distributor, and buy from Buds yourself.
So sorry to disapponit you, but when a wholesaler like BUDS can retail to cost consciouss customers like yourselves at less than MY wholesale price, then it presents a problem. So far in the last two weeks we have had BUDS customers want us to store guns for them until mid May when it's convenient for him to pick it up. The other cost conscious customer told us to cancel his order cause he found it cheaper elsewhere. Now i am supposed to have all my staff look for this particular order, so he can save $5.00. Ship it back, take it off my books, and deal w/ ATF audits on a yearly basis. Maybe BUDS will open a branch in every community, kind of like WALMART, can you conceptualize what WALMART has done to the retail world??? Buds is emulating WALMART, what happened to supporting your local business. I've been here 112 years, sold 25000 guns, have a good business, plan on being here a long time without Buds, Who's going to do your transfers when there are no retailers???? If you'd like to discuss this eyeball to eyeball feel free to come on over, I work this place 6 days a week. So tom, honor this, enjoy shopping on line and spread the word, I don't have you in our system, so I guess you are one of those very loyal customers, good luck on finding a FFL dealer here in Boulder county. And continue the tradition. Regards, Rod
"We do not do business any longer with BUDS, Cheaper than dirt, or any other wholesaler who tries to Walmart the gun industry, Who' going to do your transfers when no retailers can afford to stay in business trying to retail guns. DO you buy your doughnuts and gasoline at wholesale?? Guess what you are doing to our industry."
He should be apologizing to us and the OP and issuing a refund to our member but instead he craps all over our concerns and tries to make US out to be the bad guys!!! Never mind never using him for a transfer, I will now not ever shop there AGAIN!!
So, competitve places like Buds, Walmart, Target, or big retailers are now a bad guy?
They are totally commies!
This is another reason why I try not to goto unfriendly, "my policy or bye bye" types of mom&pop shop.
Grandpa's is a classic example of one.
Busta Prima
02-18-2011, 18:23
What kind of deal set him off like this? I've yet to be that impressed with a price from Buds. CDNN has impressed me from time to time but never Impact or Buds. What was this deal that made Granpa flip his walker? If his wholesale cost is higher than a Buds street price, perhaps he should stop buying firearms from Joey Soprano in a panel truck behind the store.
grandpa: Dump your distributor, and buy from Buds yourself.
He might be. Then just jacking the prices up, then whine about how he can't compete, so we feel sorry for the "little" guy.
Anybody know if "Grampa" gets more business from the hunter types or the military/C&R types?
What a dumbass. Dealers like this NEED to go out of business. If dealer price is $425 delivered, these kinds of guys will charge $575 + tax. They are the ones fucking up the gun industry. I'm sorry, but I run a company too and I know what overhead is. Grandpa needs to retire.
ronaldrwl
02-18-2011, 22:04
[Rant1]I once canceled my Taco Bell order because they charged 10 cents over the posted price and I love Taco Bell.
Byte Stryke
02-18-2011, 22:35
He might be. Then just jacking the prices up, then whine about how he can't compete, so we feel sorry for the "little" guy.
Anybody know if "Grampa" gets more business from the hunter types or the military/C&R types?
Just profiling here but I am guessing by the name "Gun and Pawn" he makes a large amount of his revenue from bilking those down on there luck (Longmont and all) and then trying to charge retail for used property. As far as Firearms he is probably counting on Charging MSRP and not considering that this IS the 21st century with a full on internet wholesalers willing do volume sales at lower prices and make profits that way.
Or maybe he just watches too much Pawnstars :P
[ROFL1]
Or maybe he just watches too much Pawnstars :P
[ROFL1]
Be my guess also... [Tooth]
hurley842002
02-18-2011, 23:56
Be my guess also... [Tooth]
Agreed, but I still enjoy Pawn Stars.
Byte Stryke
02-18-2011, 23:58
Agreed, but I still enjoy Pawn Stars.
Yeah well, I am going to venture there are very distinct reasons they didn't choose Grandpas Gun and Pawn in Longmont for a location.
Just sayin.
[ROFL1]
hurley842002
02-19-2011, 00:10
Yeah well, I am going to venture there are very distinct reasons they didn't choose Grandpas Gun and Pawn in Longmont for a location.
Just sayin.
[ROFL1]
Probably because they didn't have anyone that could compete with Chumlee [ROFL1][ROFL1]
Probably because they didn't have anyone that could compete with Chumlee [ROFL1][ROFL1]
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/funnies/chumlee.jpg
I've been doing business with Grandpas for years and never had a problem. Never done a transfer with them, though.
I know of gun shops that will not do internet transfers. Their job is to sell guns, not be a cheap FFL for the interweb.
What is involved in returning a firearm to a seller? Say the firearm is not as advertised or the FFL is being a prick. Does the FFL ship it back at the buyers expense?
Oh, I fawkin' hate Pawn Stars. [Mad] The son and his side kick are morons.
Byte Stryke
02-19-2011, 13:22
I guess my biggest problem with this guy is the fact he advertised and agreed to one price and when he found out where it was coming from, the price changed.
Pretty sure that's illegal.
It's definitely immoral.
If you do not want to do FFL transfers from wholesalers, say so.
Don't f*ck the customer after the fact.
What a dumbass. Dealers like this NEED to go out of business. If dealer price is $425 delivered, these kinds of guys will charge $575 + tax. They are the ones fucking up the gun industry. I'm sorry, but I run a company too and I know what overhead is. Grandpa needs to retire.
While I think what he did was unethical at the least, and while I'm "sure" Rod has never, ever shopped at Walmart or Kmart or any other discounter, I have a hard time believing you think a 35% gross margin is excessive if you run your own company. What do you think Apple's or Intel's gross margins are?
jreifsch80
02-19-2011, 20:38
dealers can charge whatever they want obviously but i voice my opinion with my wallet ;) on the other hand i would't have ever transfered with grandpas guns in the first place if they charge 35 bucks for a transfer. 25 is usually the norm that i find.
While I think what he did was unethical at the least, and while I'm "sure" Rod has never, ever shopped at Walmart or Kmart or any other discounter, I have a hard time believing you think a 35% gross margin is excessive if you run your own company. What do you think Apple's or Intel's gross margins are?
In the construction world your lucky to see 10%. 35% is a fucking joke in any business. I'm finding work all over the place and paying bills, while lot's of others are drawing off of my taxes. Maybe running a buisness like a jackass has it's perks after all.... In this economy people are lucky to even have customers. Cheap transfers = people looking around in your shop for 1/2 hour or so. If you want to be OUT of business quick, try making 35% margin on all your sales. Nobody will be in your shop. Grandpa is a Jackass for his actions, arguing the point any further would make me a Jackass.
Peace Out.
argonstrom
02-19-2011, 22:04
In the construction world your lucky to see 10%. 35% is a fucking joke in any business.
I would love 10%! Granted, I'm just starting out, but I lose money all the time.
BlasterBob
02-20-2011, 09:22
In that Grandpa response to The Ginsue, he said, "I've been here 112 years, sold 25000 guns, have a good business, plan on being here a long time without Buds, Who's going to do your transfers when there are no retailers????"
112 years is one hell of a long time. It still sounds to me like collecting a fee of $35.00 is damn easy money for processing a FFL transfer. The firm doing the transfer has no money tied up in the firearm, and making that phone call for the background check sure can't cost much or really take that much phone time.
Now, I know that when saying the following that I am like comparing "apples to oranges" but here we have at least ONE good thing for the gun show consumers that State of Colorado has established and that is that FFL dealers at gunshows may NOT charge more than ten bucks ($10) for handling a transfer at gun shows.
Even though I too am a old Grandpa, I'm sure as hell not that type of Grandpa that would go back on my word, especially printed word.
I will "bust my ass" to stick with my word when I give it, kinda like the old fashion handshake bond.
Byte Stryke
02-20-2011, 10:00
I Firmly believe he has the right to charge whatever he wants, as long as its the same price advertised and/or agreed on.
If the Guy wants to charge $35.00, fine.
Just say so.
Colorado Luckydog
02-20-2011, 10:36
I have learned from this thread. I want to get a fair deal and I want to support a local business. The few times I buy a new gun, will be at Green Mountain Guns from here on out. Unless they give me a reason not to do business there.
I'm also going to check out 5280 Armory. My only day off is Sunday and now that I know they are open on Sundays, I'm gooing to give them a try. I have heard good things about them.
Ol' Grandpa can kiss my ass. Not just Grandpa but any small local business, with an attitude like his.
"Support Your Local Business", does not mean, spending your money with some no customer service giving, grumpy old fuck.
I laughed at the part about how difficult it is for his staff to have to locate a specific gun in case it needs to be sent back. Are they squirreling them away all over the store or something?
What gets me is he states that Buds sells guns cheaper than he can get them wholesale.
Then buy the from Buds you fucking dope!!!
Sounds like he needs to get a new distributor....
Singlestack
02-20-2011, 13:09
For those that live in the Longmont Area - Bear Arms in Windsor are good guys with competitive prices. Saw them at the Tanner yesterday, as well. I think they will be my gun shop from now on. Knowledgeable, very friendly, and good prices go a long way.....
Singlestack
For those that live in the Longmont Area - Bear Arms in Windsor are good guys with competitive prices. Saw them at the Tanner yesterday, as well. I think they will be my gun shop from now on. Knowledgeable, very friendly, and good prices go a long way.....
Singlestack
They have Jensen Arms prices but with out the shitty attitude.
Good guys to deal with over at Bear Arms.
trlcavscout
02-20-2011, 14:45
Ya Bear arms is the way to go. I have been to grandpas a couple times looking but I can buy new way cheaper then his used normally.
Not_A_Llama
02-21-2011, 00:11
I'm also going to check out 5280 Armory. My only day off is Sunday and now that I know they are open on Sundays, I'm gooing to give them a try. I have heard good things about them
"Support Your Local Business", does not mean, spending your money with some no customer service giving, grumpy old fuck.
I suggest that quote #2 actually describes 5280 pretty well. I don't recommend them or their idea of "service".
Gun shops need to learn the importance of value-added retailing.
Byte Stryke
02-21-2011, 00:15
I suggest that quote #2 actually describes 5280 pretty well. I don't recommend them or their idea of "service".
Gun shops need to learn the importance of value-added retailing.
Granted I have only been in there once, I Called, asked about XD Mags, The lady was very pleasant and helpful. I went in and received polite and helpful service with a tactical light as well as the magazines.
5280 was nice to me.
your experiences may differ.
DD977GM2
02-21-2011, 00:39
Just emailed Grandpas and see what they respond as.
Also Bear Arms in Windsor is a great shop to do business with. They are my first shop I will be calling fir every purcahse I make through a gun shop. [Beer]
hollohas
03-10-2011, 12:39
I suggest that quote #2 actually describes 5280 pretty well. I don't recommend them or their idea of "service".
Gun shops need to learn the importance of value-added retailing.
Not a fan of 5280 after they yelled at me for racking the slide on a gun I wanted to buy. Guy said "if we let every customer in the shop rack the slides then they will get worn out." Then he grabbed it out of my hand and put it under the counter. What a dope. If it gets worn out from 10 guys racking the slide, what is going to happen after I put 100 rounds through it during my first trip to the range???? If I can't function check a gun, I'm not buying it.
Lost the sale and lost my business.
+1 for GMG. Bought a few guns there and have always been nice. They do however get busy and it is sometimes hard to get help.
Not_A_Llama
03-10-2011, 13:45
That's relatively consistent with my experience at 5280, which is posted elsewhere on this board.
Cliff's Notes: Matt's the "customer service challenged" one. Basically, I asked if he could toss in an extra mag on a gun purchase, to bring it more in line with online pricing. He grabs the rifle from hands, goes into a long goddamn tirade about the state of gun retailing, lectures me incorrectly on how a FFL transfer works, and how people like me are the "problem" because "rogue" FFL dealers let me use their "privilege" of ordering direct from manufacturers.
Apparently, the 19th century mail-order revolution bypassed that part of Arvada.
Addendum: Everyone else in the shop seems pretty even-keeled, and the lady, as mentioned, is fantastic about CS. It's just problematic when the owner can't control himself. I can't fucking wait for Bowers to get their FFL.
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