this is just my opinion on consignments and gun shops. Any LGS (local gun shop) is welcome to provide input

I think LGSs should have lower consignment fees, say 5%. It's not like regular inventory, where the shop pays up front for the cost of the product, then sells it at a markup for a profit. With consignment guns (CG), there is no cost of the product for the shop, just profit from the fee. Yes the item takes up space, but with LGS shelves so empty nowadays, the CG will only help the store look more stocked. Lower fess will also equate to more customers bringing in guns to sell. More guns will bring in more customers. They may be there just to look at a CG, but might end up buying accessories while they're there. Every time I go to a LGS I always end up buying something. The guy who buys a CG will also need accessories and ammo for it, that's another almost guaranteed customer. ANOTHER potential customer is the seller of the CG, who may be selling it to buy another gun, possibly from the same LGS. He's gonna need accessories for his new gun also.

I'm hungry so I'll come back to this topic later.

any thoughts?

What's the going rate for consignment fees right now?  I could be way off, but I seem to recall something like 15-20%. 

For me, when I consider buying anything used, I consider the margin between the price new and used.  I'm taking a risk in buying a used gun and would only do so if the price is significantly less than what I can find new.  That is current availability issues aside.  I guess that's why I never really considered buying a used gun from a LGS since the fees on top of what the seller typically considers as a minimum sell point comes out with me being willing to pay extra for the peace of mind in buying a new gun. 

Not sure what else goes into what a LGS considers when establishing their commission.  Maybe if some just don't really care to carry used guns, so they'll do so, but where the commission makes it worth their time. 

I do agree with your assertion that having available product will not only attract customers, but having guns available for purchase typically leads to customers buying other things while they are there to either outfit the new-to-them gun or their other guns. 

Maybe that is the whole point.
Seeing a used gun going for X amount of $, with the possibility of potential issues versus a new gun for more $ but peace of mind.

If I was an LGS, I would want my paid for inventory to move, but if it doesn't I can at least make something from the CS gun.
The more CGs on display, the more it may take away from paid inventory, and after awhile you will loose.
They have to make the loss of a sale of paid inventory worth it.

I hope that I worded this correctly.

15-20% is a little steep.  Not shure what the going rate is but 10% seems fair.  Most people bought the gun from them and will buy more in the future.

Danger Close Tactical 10%
X-Ring, SEC 20%
OGC 15%

it takes a lot to sell the consignment gun sometimes.  And who fixes it if it breaks?

Sometimes we have to spend time to clean it or fix it.
Besides if you want $500 we mark it up from there. I agree sometimes there should be a sliding scale but who wants to figure that out.

10% above $1000
20% below $999

Doesnt work out.

Back in the day some shop was 30%. And they charged you when you came to collect for any cleaning and sh*t. 

And if its a pistol you have to meet the person selling at HPD and half the time they are late or dont show up!
Time is $$

I feel 20% is fair. How many time consignment guns come back with an issue and we have to spend time to fix it. Ok you ask why do we fix it?  Because we hate when customers grumble especially on the internet. I bought a used gun from company x and it was junk...blah blah blah.....even though you tell them its a used gun.....

I've always bought used guns from the shops.  I am selective in what I buy and I know what I'm looking for in a used gun. 

What the gun shop charges for it's consignment fee doesn't matter to me--if the price is right I buy it.

Many times what i've observed is that the consigning customer hasn't a clue as to what he/she has or what it's worth.  A good shop will check out the piece and price it fairly, and most times they'll convey your offer to the owner if you're reasonable about it. 

Bottom line for me--if the price is right I'll buy it.

As far as selling a piece, isn't that what the 2A classifieds are for?

As far as selling a piece, isn't that what the 2A classifieds are for?

winner winner chicken dinner!!!!  This is what the 2A classifieds are for!

What the gun shop charges for it's consignment fee doesn't matter to me--if the price is right I buy it.

I agree.

Who gives a shit what shop A or shop B charge.

If you think your gun is worth a certain price then price it as such, I'd it doesn't sell then YOU ARE WRONG.

Every single gun I've ever listed sold in a matter of a few days anywhere I've posted it for sale.

I price what I'm selling fairly and it sells fast.

As far as buying goes, I pay what I feel is an appropriate price and not a penny more.

Gun shops have to make money to stay in business.

We should stop grumbling about their prices.

You have no idea how lucky we are to have so many gun stores on our tiny island.

I agree.

Who gives a shit what shop A or shop B charge.

If you think your gun is worth a certain price then price it as such, I'd it doesn't sell then YOU ARE WRONG.

Every single gun I've ever listed sold in a matter of a few days anywhere I've posted it for sale.

I price what I'm selling fairly and it sells fast.

As far as buying goes, I pay what I feel is an appropriate price and not a penny more.

Gun shops have to make money to stay in business.

We should stop grumbling about their prices.

You have no idea how lucky we are to have so many gun stores on our tiny island.

 

FFL is providing you two services;
1. A place to sell the firearm including handling transaction fees.
2. They handle the firearms transactions.


They can charge whatever they like.  If you don't like the %, go somewhere else...........my $0.02.........

I've always bought used guns from the shops.  I am selective in what I buy and I know what I'm looking for in a used gun. 

What the gun shop charges for it's consignment fee doesn't matter to me--if the price is right I buy it.

+1

winner winner chicken dinner!!!!  This is what the 2A classifieds are for!

never sold any of my guns how does it work, just go to hpd and transfer?