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Posted: 2/6/2010 7:44:56 AM EDT
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Do the distributors that require pictures of your store front, inventory and yellow page ad have better prices than, say RSR or MGE? I wonder where most people are getting their stuff from.
Thanks. |
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Several of the places I use as distributors require letters of credit, credit applications, lists of other distributors you use, pictures of the store and inventory. They do this to make sure you are not a kitchen table gun dealer. I have set up accounts at a couple of places that only require an FFL, not the storefront. Right now my main focus is to get my online sales up and going. My goal is to have a storefront by the end of the year, but when looking at the prices, there are a lot of dealers selling stuff at what the distributors are charging me, I just wondering for example where most dealers get the Colt 6920 that they are selling for about the same or less than my two distributors are charging me. I am just getting started and do not have any inventory yet. Most of the commercial space where I am located requires a 5 year lease, which is the main reason I don't have a storefront right now. No idea if the space is way too big or too small for now and 5 years from now. Thanks for your help. |
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MGE? And what's wrong with kitchen table gun dealers? Nothing. Did I say there was anything wrong with kitchen table gun dealers??? 
A better response on your part would have been to say "they want to make sure you are a stocking dealer". OP..Some distributors do not like the fact FFL's that operate out of their homes or small offices can often sell firearms and accessories at a much cheaper price and undercut stocking dealers so they elect not to let them establish accounts. ACUSPORT is an example. |
| How about a response to the question raised above that I wonder about too––a lot of people sell retail at the price that I'm quoted by a distributor. I've consistently heard that it's buying in bulk. When I ask a distributor or manufacturer how much to get the bulk discount, I usually get the response that there is none. |
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How about a response to the question raised above that I wonder about too––a lot of people sell retail at the price that I'm quoted by a distributor. I've consistently heard that it's buying in bulk. When I ask a distributor or manufacturer how much to get the bulk discount, I usually get the response that there is none. Some distributor's have "Gold" Dealer accounts. For example, once you buy $X,000.00 amount of inventory from them at normal dealer price, they will reduce future purchases by a percentage. Also, one option to consider is Stocking Dealer programs, such as the ones that Springfield Armory and FNH USA offer. You don't have to be a big gun shop to participate, but if you put some thought into it, the Stocking Dealer programs can help your business. |
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With Springfield's stocking dealer program, you get the 12 guns at a discount beyond normal dealer price. But after that, you pay the normal rate, right? That sounds right, but I'm not certain. We generally only buy using stocking dealer programs. The margin using normal dealer pricing generally just isn't worth it. |
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How about a response to the question raised above that I wonder about too––a lot of people sell retail at the price that I'm quoted by a distributor. I've consistently heard that it's buying in bulk. When I ask a distributor or manufacturer how much to get the bulk discount, I usually get the response that there is none. Some distributor's have "Gold" Dealer accounts. For example, once you buy $X,000.00 amount of inventory from them at normal dealer price, they will reduce future purchases by a percentage. Also, one option to consider is Stocking Dealer programs, such as the ones that Springfield Armory and FNH USA offer. You don't have to be a big gun shop to participate, but if you put some thought into it, the Stocking Dealer programs can help your business. One example is Davidsons, after you buy a certian amount from them you get added to their Gallery Of Guns website and get a small percentage of a discount. Other distrinutors will give you free or discounted shipping etc. |
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That sounds right, but I'm not certain. We generally only buy using stocking dealer programs. The margin using normal dealer pricing generally just isn't worth it.[/quote] If you don't mind. Could you elaborate on the programs you participate in? I myself am in somewhat of the same situation as the OP and am perplexed to how I can go to local gun shows and have a guy, (one guy consistently) selling his guns at or below my cost???? I was thinking factory direct is how he does it but it would be nice to know from someone with experience. BTW he does have a lot and I mean a lot of inventory. Which is why I am guessing factory direct is how he does it. ETA: sorry screwed up the quote deal....first line was originally stated by Georgia-Transfer |
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That sounds right, but I'm not certain. We generally only buy using stocking dealer programs. The margin using normal dealer pricing generally just isn't worth it. If you don't mind. Could you elaborate on the programs you participate in? I myself am in somewhat of the same situation as the OP and am perplexed to how I can go to local gun shows and have a guy, (one guy consistently) selling his guns at or below my cost???? I was thinking factory direct is how he does it but it would be nice to know from someone with experience. BTW he does have a lot and I mean a lot of inventory. Which is why I am guessing factory direct is how he does it. ETA: sorry screwed up the quote deal....first line was originally stated by Georgia-Transfer I sent you an e-mail because it will just be easier to read the flyers. You really do not have to have a large inventory - we don't. |
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It all has to deal with money and how much you spend. The more you buy the better the prices. I would also add that you need a good working relation with your sales reps. A sales rep can make a lot of things happen if they want to. One of our reps went down to the warehouse to insure that we received consectutive(sp) serial numbered Vaqueros for a customer. You don't have to be the biggest customer, if a sales rep likes working with you they will help you. |
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Maybe this is how some dealers have such great prices, found this on another thread.
"I would just like to warn everyone to walk easy. I was working with a dealer while trying to get a good price on a Colt rifle. They informed me about an issue they had with this distributor. Xxxxx Xxxxxx of Xxxxxxx Weapons USA has cost them about $17,000.00 and they are in the process of taking him to court in sometown, KY. Apparently, he even lost his distributorship ship with Colt after it was brought to their attention. I was warned and everyone else should be advised of the risk of doing business with this Xxxxxxx Weapons USA." I think I will checkout the "stocking dealer" programs, looks like you can certainly save a few bucks that way. Thanks for all the helpful info. |
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MGE? And what's wrong with kitchen table gun dealers? Here is MGE http://www.mgewholesale.com/ |
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Where do you get bulk things like magazines, hand gaurds. Anything but the firearms itself so that I dont need an FFL just yet. Depends on which mags you want. You can get you Magpul from here, they also have quite a few other mags as well, if you want to stock C Products, they sell direct. Many of the other above mentioned distributors have this stuff also and they may be able to help you. |
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