Choosing between online savings and the LGS

[KestrelBike]

How do some of you choose between shopping online for big ticket items and patronizing the local boutique gun store when it comes to items like silencers? I priced out both places and I'll save +$200 bucks buying it online, including transfer fees and tax savings. That amount alone pays for the stamp, and the only downside is waiting for the form 3. (I'm in no hurry)

I'd like to support this shop and give them my business, but I'm not exactly swimming in dough (this silencer has been carefully budgeted for). I'd feel awkward asking them to price match, because as a small 500 sqft shop they can't compete with big shops like silencershop. Or should I ask anyways? If I go with silencershop, that LGS would not be the transfer location. Honestly, this shop's prices *are* a bit high, but I think they're just at what it takes to stay afloat, but with some rapey-prices on their ARs. Still, I'm not a charity.

[davsel]

It's your money. Your earned it. You owe them nothing.
Go with the best price - manage your money wisely.

[Dave_L]

Maybe see if they can get some discount for you. Might still end up paying a little more but if supporting local is important, try it. If you dont ask, you never know. I think shops know it's hard to compete with online sometimes but unless you ask, you'll never know what they're willing to do.

[MarkCO]

Tough call.

The LGS is dying. They do not have the volume to compete with the online retailers. The smart LGS also has an on-line shop to increase volume and then offer the best prices to the locals, but that is still a tough path.

When the LGS goes away, who will run your BCG? It is a catch 22 that the left knows will bit us in the end and they are happy for it.

[Dave_L]

I will say that I've purchased my suppressors through a local shop with a range on site and its nice to be able to go there anytime I want and shoot it while I wait for approval. That is worth the extra cash when you spread that cost out over the 4 month wait.

[SouthPaw]

All you can do is ask. I have worked for small business owners and have friends who own a small LGS. They appreciate any feedback you can give them because they cannot always check their competition. I purchased my suppressor through silencershop as it was almost $300 in savings including transfer fee, tax, shipping, etc. To me, that is three additional mounts that I was able to purchase. I generally call around before making my online purchase and at least give them the opportunity to match the price or get close. If its within $50, I like to keep my business local.

[Rooskibar03]

I did purchase 2 cans from LGS (Noah) because I like him and he had them in stock and it was last day of rebate. Since then I found an online source with stupid low prices and have bought 4 from them. It adds to the waiting process but the savings was significant enough I'm ok waiting.

I really an immediate gratification guy but if buying online will save me $100 or more wait an few extra days.

[TFOGGER]

All you can do is ask. I have worked for small business owners and have friends who own a small LGS. They appreciate any feedback you can give them because they cannot always check their competition. I purchased my suppressor through silencershop as it was almost $300 in savings including transfer fee, tax, shipping, etc. To me, that is three additional mounts that I was able to purchase. I generally call around before making my online purchase and at least give them the opportunity to match the price or get close. If its within $50, I like to keep my business local.

This. I am in a similar situation with my customers and bike parts. I always prefer that they at least check with me before ordering something online, as many times they assume that I can't compete, but in reality, I'm already less expensive (tires in particular). You might be surprised to see what kind of deal they can manage. At worst, you've wasted a phone call confirming just what kind of deal you're getting online.

[Monky]

Never hurts to ask. Shops online still make $$$ and keep their pricing down. If you're savings is more than adequate to cover the stamp then the lgs needs to quite using suggested retail.

I have purchased very very few guns from lgs. I have friends that own them and what not, but normally they don't have what I want.

When I have bought from lgs there wasn't a budge in price. I know overhead and what not are accounted for in the price, sometimes you can't help but go with saving the $$$.


Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.

[KestrelBike]

Thanks all for the advice! I think I'll just level with them.