I know money is money but to me that also depends if you're talking a $400 scope or $2,000 scope.
Yep, I try to buy local or non chain when I can. But if if gets significantly different, I have to wonder if it's a valid business model. I'll occasionally ask what's the deal, and their response determines my decision.Just for clarification, it was a Sig Sauer Tango-MSR 1x10x28. It was $ 579.99 before tax. Midway has them for $ 463.99 with free shipping. I understand the small business dilemma, but it stills seems a bit much of a difference. I guess the only true way to judge the price difference would be to know their inventory costs.
Agree with saying we have a gun shop in Ponca that is pretty accommodating. Did a transfer for a pistol bought online without checking his prices. Thought he might balk, but he was good with the transfer. Still regret not checking his prices as I do like to support his store, and have in the past.Along with the price of brick and mortar, small local businesses don’t do the volume that online store do, so they’re not able to get the best price on stuff they probably buy one or two of when an online store might buy a hundred at a time. It’s pretty much impossible for small businesses to compete based on price. Where they can shine is customer service, but most of the gun shops I’ve been to in the last 20 years are run by the crotchetiest people in the world.
To be honest, on gun related stuff, I don’t even try to buy local anymore.
Optics Planet as an example, unless it's changed since I bought from them about 5 or so years ago.Some online retailers also have many of their "In Stock" items drop shipped so they never have to pay the cost of inventory.
That's exactly why brick and mortar stores can't compete. They are undercut from the online sales by the people they support by keeping their products on the shelves.So I buy a scope for 500 and put it on my shelf for 550. The the wholesaler puts it online special for 350. How is it my fault for being high? Is the wholesaler supposed to give me a rebate cause he put it on sale? Does the online seller really have it? Some people have been waiting a year for their cheapo Optics Planet bargain. Buying local means you can take it home today. I'm glad I'm retired from retail.
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