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.