Pawn shops?

[gwilley1]

What are your guys outlook on purchasing a gun from a pawn shop? Good idea or bad idea?

Thanks for your insight in advance.

[JJ]

Paying sticker price at the hawk? bad idea


beating them up on price like they do when they buy? Good idea

[gwilley1]

I'm going to check out a local pawn shop tomorrow with cash in hand. Maybe cash will talk and the prices won't be sky high. He did answer the phone a hour after close while doing payroll. Hopefully that's a good sign.

[Stradawhovious]

I have purchased no less than a dozen firearms from a pawn shop.

I have NEVER paid ANYWHERE NEAR sticker price for a firearm at a pawn shop.

If you play your cards right, they can be a great source for new toys.

YMMV.

[TH3180]

I have purchased no less than a dozen firearms from a pawn shop.

I have NEVER paid ANYWHERE NEAR sticker price for a firearm at a pawn shop.

If you play your cards right, they can be a great source for new toys.

YMMV.

Wait a minute, what pawn shop are you going too?

[Stradawhovious]

I have purchased no less than a dozen firearms from a pawn shop.

I have NEVER paid ANYWHERE NEAR sticker price for a firearm at a pawn shop.

If you play your cards right, they can be a great source for new toys.

YMMV.

Wait a minute, what pawn shop are you going too?

Apparently not the same one you are.

[gwilley1]

Any bargaining tips that have worked for you?

[CarRacer]

My haggling ability is so poor, I need to rustle up some cash and head into one of these and give it a shot. Metro is pretty close to my work.

[Stradawhovious]

Any bargaining tips that have worked for you?

I used to be a comissioned Salesman. I guess it helps to swim with the sharks.

A few things that come to mind.

#1. Always ask how long the item has been in the shop. "We just got it" means it has been there for a month or two. That's good for about 10-20% off sticker. "We've had it for a while" is usually good for about 20-30 off sticker. "I don't know.... make an offer" is goof for about 50% off.

#2 Never talk to the owner. Find the person that is about 2/3 down on the totem pole.

#3 Your best bet is to go in at the end of the month. It seems that there are quotas that need to be met at that time. Find the most "anxious-to-help" sales rep, and gently brow beat them into a lower price.

#4 And this is probably the most important one...... Make yourself known. Go in frequently. get to know the sales staff on a first name basis. Let them know that you know what you're talking about....... That you know how much this stuff is worth, and that you have cash in hand and are just as willing to walk away as you are to buy. But you have to do this all without being a dick. It's kind of an art. That's where experience in sales is indespensable.

[JJ]

Any bargaining tips that have worked for you?

Just tell them they need to go lower, and tell them if thats the best they'll do, you are walking out.

repeat as neccesary...

[Shipyard]

My favorite is negotiate a price, battles beat whatever... Then go for the gold with "sounds good, ill take it at that price..... Out the door "

[gwilley1]

I work in the car business and know how to get a fantastic deal on a new or used car. Guns hmmmmm... Not so much. I will test the waters tomorrow morning.

[Sigfan220]

I have picked up a ton of stuff at Pawn shops, not too much lately. If you know the item is overpriced or in the shop for a while it is pretty easy to get them to deal. Just don't fall for the " yeah well 3 other guys were looking at it today" trick. It always cracks me up when they say that. If so many guys are looking at it why haven't you sold the damn thing?? Another tip if you really like the item and they are firm on the price make them toss in something else. This has worked for me a few times. I'll pay x price for that saw but want the welding tank for free.

[Spartan]

I work in the car business and know how to get a fantastic deal on a new or used car. Guns hmmmmm... Not so much. I will test the waters tomorrow morning.

I paid my way through college selling cars and later financing them. I tell you Stradawhovious had some good tips.... really it is about relationships. I actually like people so mostly I can be sincere w/o being phony.

Show them you know what you talking about and once and a while let them win... I mean If it is $10-20 difference between a great deal and a fair price .... just eat it... it will pay off down the road...... Example... you always need gun cases ... they are $10-30 new... if they have one buy it .... you can always use an extra one .... if they have mags for $2.00 more than you could get them at the gun show ... and you need one ... buy it....

talk ... always talk ... get to know them... all of them.... tell them about hunting deer or fishing or whatever... kick the tires 2-3 times -per month.... you don’t need to be
Insincere.... I bring my friends pop sometimes...

One of the best negotiating tactics is the wife has me on a budget….. that $500 gun is outside my budget… I have $400.00…. always BLAME THE WIFE ! No she won’t let me let it on card …. It’s gotta be cash or she will find out …… She is out for the day … I need to do this now and sneak it in before she comes home ……. But always be willing to walk away. NEVER MAKE AN OFFER YOU CAN’T COVER….. put your money where your mouth is …… If you make a lowball and they take it …. You have to do it now …….

[photogpat]

Cash talks louder than plastic.

Never pay sticker, don't get pouty, don't be rude, never be afraid to say thanks anyways and head for the door. If you were anywhere in the ballpark, they'll hit you as soon as you turn away.

If they won't budge - leave. Come back in a week or two and see if it's still there. Offer again.

As Strad said -- go in often...make yourself known...even if its only once a month -- they'll remember you as long as you're not a dingus.