Quote Originally Posted by cleaner72 View Post
In your scenerio , its completely understandable to raise prises to match what you pay, BUT what most people are complaining about are the people who double or triple the cost of a rifle...like an ak that was 450 bucks to 1200 or more now.....ar's the same...I can get an basic ar15 for 625 shipped....it may take me 3 months to get it, but i can still get it for that price.
I feel the same way...
I have a Colt SP-1. When I got it, it's value was around $1,000 (it probably sold originally for $600) I traded for it so there was no cash involved. The guy I got it from had 2 & sold the other one. The other buyer decided he wanted a flattop instead. I offered to buy the rifle from him & he jumped his price to $1400 (this was his "friend" price). His comment was "come on...this is still a good deal." "These things will easily sell for $1600." That is the price gouging that gets me.

I could make a hell of a lot of money selling all my stuff at the new market value (I don't make a living that way) but in my mind, I paid a good price for it, enjoyed it while I could and now want something else to enjoy. If I sell it at new market value, all I am really doing is ripping people off for profit. Unfortunately, in a free market that is acceptable. If people are willing to pay the new market price then that's the price similar items sell for.
We can discuss morals all day long, morals are a moot point in a free economy. Really what it boils down to is how bad do you want something? If you can wait for a "good deal" then please do, it will help lower prices. If you can't wait for a "good deal" then pay what is being asked. That's really the thing about free market, you are free to buy from whomever & free to sell at whatever price you like. Keep in mind that in small communities like this, people remember things. When I need help, or am looking for a "good deal" I would rather be remembered as "the guy who treated you right" or sold something at a fair value, than be remembered as "the guy who made a buck at your expense".

As for retail... Circuits, you have to do what you have to do to stay in business, that is the point of being in business, we get that. MOST of the bitching (as stated above) is for gouging that happens just because they can get away with it. If your prices are reasonable (I have no idea) then offer other things to your customers that make them feel like they were treated right... eg; throw a bone to them, offer free service or a hand made cleaning kit etc... REMEMBER your loyal customers & give them a reason to come back to you. I am a loyal customer to many places. Sometimes they have good prices, sometimes... not so much. I always go back there because they know me, they treat me with respect and I feel like I am appreciated. I can take my money anywhere. I will choose to spend it with you (not personally) because I feel like even though I might save a few bucks over there, if something happens to the product, or I am not happy or I am confused, you will put me at ease and help me feel good about the money I spent.
That's how I roll.