Price Gouging

Tickle

Tickle

Exhale....Squeeze
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 4, 2012
159
0
Georgia
#1
I don't post much, just mainly read and search for information, but this really got me going.I would take notice of the stores that are taking advantage of the current supply situation and would not buy from them when things are back to normal. I have a good supply of powder,brass, and primers set aside from last summer before all of this hit. I was just looking at Bruno Shooters supply and flipped when I saw what they were charging for Fed GM215M primers for 1000. The following is what I sent to them:

I think that It's ridiculous what you are charging for Primers. Almost twice the normal amount for 1000. I won't be looking to purchase from price gouging stores like your's during this time of shortage. I will however pass this along to fellow reloaders and steer them away from being robbed. I'll remember this when things are normal and will not purchase from your store, Ever.

Any way it is what it is, what do I know.
 
#3
Although I don't like this situation either and I speak my mind to those who are taking advantage of the situation, I guess they have the right to do whatever they want but I am paying attention to the situation and will decide who I will still buy from after all this is over.
 
#6
Couple of things to remember:
1. Gun Broker is going bonkers with people buying (especially magazines) for really high prices
2. If vendors sell at normal prices they are out of inventory very fast, with no way to replenish
3. Many people are buying from the above vendors then selling on gun broker

I for one don't mind paying a bit more right now from a vendor I trust for an item I really need - and feel lucky if I can get it. If I don't need it, I am waiting till things calm down.
 
#8
How many people really needed the amount of 22 rounds AR mags etc they bought at stupid prices? I wish I had stock up a bit before it got crazy. The gun manufactures are cleaning up. They had excess stock before.
 
#9
I'm afraid of what's going to happen after all of this is over. Alot of people are over paying and panic buying everything, and I mean everything. After things settle down this may set the price's that we pay for things down the road. Look at what happened with gas. Just my opinion.....
 
#15
Tickle said:
I'm afraid of what's going to happen after all of this is over. Alot of people are over paying and panic buying everything, and I mean everything. After things settle down this may set the price's that we pay for things down the road. Look at what happened with gas. Just my opinion.....
Click to expand...
+1 on this. If people are going to pay the price now, why won't they pay the price when there is supply out there? I guess there will be some competition, but with everyone being out of almost everything, stock is a hard thing to come by these days.
 
#16
LakewoodGunner said:
Well when this all calms down I am sure everyone will remember the sellers that were fair and the sellers like "cheaper than dirt" that are trying to rip everyone off!!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I sent CTD a couple of e-mails almost a year ago when they switched over to all the different warehouses. They spread everything all over then you have to pay double the shipping to get what you really need. And why do they need to charge a shipping fee and a handling fee? If you are going to charge it then don't tell me about it. Just put it in the total shipping. Plus, they stopped their sale of firearms for a bit right after the Newtown shooting. As a firearms company that looked terrible on their part to me. I just hope that everyone voices their opinions to these companies that have pissed them off. If you don't let them know then they won't know. All they see right now is that stuff is flying off the shelves so they think business is great. Let them know just how many people are actually buying stuff now and won't be later. So far I have sworn off CTD and Dick's Sporting Goods. I am sure there will be more to come.
 
#18
Try thinking ahead people. I have been stocking up the past 10 years knowing shit like this is going to happen every now and then. When things settle down ( if the every do ) then start stock piling big time. I got a shit load of primers that I paid $12.00 a 1000 for when times were good.
 
#19
Dont get me started on Bruno. They sent me the wrong twist barrel and I can not get through to them on the phone. Have also sent 3 emails with no response. Not to mention I paid $30 too much. Its been a very frustrating week.
 
#20
Everything is just getting ridiculous. I was at a gun show 2 weeks ago and there was atleast 100 people waiting to get in. I have been checking out alot of places to buy reloading supplies. IMR4350 powder went up to almost $40. Just about all brass was gone and most anything in 30 cal tips were gone. This other gun shop wanted $30 for 25 rounds of 22LR. I was so pissed off, I just walked out and never went back.
 
#21
It's not panic buying anymore. It's greedy flipper buying now. You can get anything you want if you are willing to pay 3x from the shitbirds who camp out and wipe out the retailers to resell.
 
#22
TenZero said:
It's not panic buying anymore. It's greedy flipper buying now. You can get anything you want if you are willing to pay 3x from the shitbirds who camp out and wipe out the retailers to resell.
Click to expand...

Well, that's why stores are placing limits on how many widgets one can buy, per visit.

Personally, I don't have a problem with any of this, as I got the message years back and started putting money into reloading gear and components.

The entertainment value, alone, is worth it.

People didn't heed 2008 and so I don't feel too sorry for them, when they have to pay the 'idiot tax' for buying late.

Chris
 
#24
I am sitting on a small fortune in reloading components because I like to shoot and enjoy reloading. I bought my supplies before the panic buying and price gouging started also. I simply want to steer people away from the certain stores that are taking advantage of the supply situation. If everyone is willing pay what these price gougers are asking, We "meaning the ones of us who were prepared for this" will have these current prices to look forward to when our supplies run low in the future. This is what I would like to get across to the ones buying up everything at 3x the normal price, and to stay away from the suppliers that are gouging, that's all.

Just my opinion.....
 
#27
Jax Outdoor decided along with Dicks that AR15's are evil and stopped carrying the rifles after Newtown. I called the local store and let the manager know that due to their politics, I stopped shopping with them, and that I had recently dropped quite a bit of cash on Fly Fishing supplies (just starting out) for myself and my son.
 
#28
I think the definition of "price gouging" used by most media outlets is in regards to below, and not very pertinent to the market driven pricing being seen currently.

I think the market is pretty sensible right now. There is very low supply of certain types of goods, and those who have supply have raised their prices to take advantage of the low supply. It makes a difference also that there is no likelihood that supply will be exceeding demand any time in the near future. This just makes it more reasonable for retailers to raise prices.

"Price gouging may be charged when a supplier of essential goods or services sharply raises the prices asked in anticipation of or during a civil emergency, or when it cancels or dishonors contracts in order to take advantage of an increase in prices related to such an emergency."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Price_gouging

A pretty well reasoned argument that then entire phrase is pretty much based on nonsense:
http://rebirthofreason.com/Articles/Druckenmiller/Price_Gouging_A_Myth.shtml
 
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#29
Anyways.... I've got some reloading to go do. It's Up to you who you buy from, I'd just prefer to not over pay for things in the future.

I'm done with the thread.....
 
#31
A personal observation... this is where things are still at today with regard to prices and availability!

I was walking by counter at a local store in western WA this morning and was surprised by the number of ARs on display causing me to briefly stop long enough to overhear the sales guy showing a LaRue 7.62 20" OBR to a customer next to me. The price this customer was quoted was in excess of $5K.. quickly followed by, "we got 3 in yesterday and already sold two of them." As a point of reference, the LaRue web site lists the rifle for $3370.

It is obvious this store has made the decision to take full advantage of the current supply and demand situation in the pricing of their goods... I don't know what the customer finally decided, or if he even knew what he was looking at, as I walked right out upon hearing that. In my mind, a shop willing to take that much of an advantage truly had no need for my gun business now, or in the future... I instead chose to exercise my free market option of voting with my feet instead of my money.

Others may feel differently.
 
#32
If your local gun store can not resupply the items in demand why would they not command a premium? My mercy-Quit crying because you failed to see it coming and stock up. If I cant call Powder Valley and resupply at will, then maybe my inventory is more valuable. Simple supply and demand economics. No one is raping anyone. People will either choose to pay the going price or do without. Or they could have planned ahead, paid a lower price and have uninterrupted shooting for the next few years.

Sound like a person needing a handout and asking for an EBT card.

I sold several AR's and every pmag I had weeks ago. Will buy them back in a couple months with upgrades for less than half of what I sold mine for. Buy low, sell high....

If I had 1969 mint Ford Mustang would it be price gouging if i sold it for more than I paid for it? Or should I sell to the next guy for the original sticker price after I stored it under ideal conditions for how many years. Please allow the example to put things in perspective. Please give it a rest-
 
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#33
Not really sure I believe price gouging even exists. For me, today is no different than yesterday or 6 months ago. I decide whether I am willing to pay the asking price for any particular item. If I feel the price is too high, I move on. If enough others feel that same price is something they are willing to pay, the seller makes enough sales to continue his business. If not... That's the free market.

I am actually a bit un-nerved by all of this "price-gouging" talk. IMHO, Americans have their head in the wrong place when they start deciding how much profit on an item is "fair".
 
#34
Ive seen prices going up for a while now. I picked up 1000 GM215M primers yesterday for $46 bucks. I didnt figure that was too bad seeing the current market condition. Patience seems to be the main thing people are lacking in right now. Ive been patiently waiting at my local shop for small pistol primers. They came in yesterday and they were the same price they were back last summer. 22LR on the other hand is the main item being jacked way up in price locally. I picked up several cans of CCI Minimag last year for $99 per 1600. There are the same cans on gunbroker right now for $1300 for 3 buckets. If people are willing to pay a premium, then by all means pay it. If you're like me and not willing, dont.
 
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#35
Only one excuse for not having everything you need to shoot. You were not shooting in 2008!! If you we're shooting in 08, well fool me once shame on you, you k ow the rest. Hello
 
#36
Perspective is in order.

Living in Phoenix, I was able to go to Bruno's and pick up everything I wanted off the shelf. I don't mean something that worked in place of what I really wanted. I mean exactly what I wanted. All of the other places I go are out of everything I would even consider using.

Locally I have to pay state sales tax. Internet companies charge for hazmat and shipping. Adding up what I spent on 1000 rounds of components with tax, compared to Midsouth with hazmat and shipping, I paid 10% more at Bruno's.

The difference is that I have everything I wanted right now sitting on my bench ready to load.
 
#37
AR mags at the Raleigh gunshow were selling for as low as 15 dollars, a month ago they were 30. I saw a few vendors that were setup with ammo and reloading components just for gouging. Everyone needs to remember these extreme prices and stand behind our reputable distributors. Some retailers have reduced the amount of purchase per customer to help offset the panic. I see hords of people that are first time buyers and hopefully this will leave the shooting world with a greater number of second amendment supporters.
 
#38
I'll stick with Powder Valley and Midway for the items PV does not carry because they are not "gouging". That said I think it is only "price gouging" when essential items are involved (food and shelter). The items were talking about are luxury/hobby items for most involved (with a few exceptions)
 
#40
My buddy told me last summer that I needed to put $2k into reloading components to get me through the end of this year. I freaked out as I didn't have $2k laying around. He said, figure it out and we put our heads together and did figure it out. We got a ton of components and just socked it away. Unfortunately since last summer, I've built out a bolt action 223 that I very thoroughly enjoy shooting and have shot it a lot. My stash of Fed 205M has slowly but surely gone down. I've still got a few thousand, but am now caught trying to find primers to feed my love for this rifle. The price gouging has certainly been bad. Thankfully I can't find primers otherwise I would be paying insane prices for them. I will not go to GB to look as that is the last place I will look. I'd rather slow my shooting down some before I pay 3x what a product is worth.

I've taken note of the places that are gouging. Many of my local vendors have jumped on the gouging bandwagon. They didn't get my business before (due to the overly inflated prices) and I will continue to look elsewhere. Bruno's has stuff that I want (260 Rem brass), but I will wait it out as I will not give my business (personal choice) to another business that is making a very good buck off others. PV and Midsouth have not raised their prices. PV has obviously cleared some of their backorders since they are showing some powders in stock (not for long mind you, but at least they are showing some stock available). Primers still continue to be the unknown as no one is or has shown them in stock for weeks. I've got enough to last the summer and hopefully this will die down some by then.
 
#41
Most of the larger stores aren't playing the gouging game; Midway just sent out a great email explaining their take on the situation. I feel a little butt-hurt, just forked out $295 for 8# of Retumbo on GB......it's only money :(
 
#42
chariotdriver said:
Most of the larger stores aren't playing the gouging game; Midway just sent out a great email explaining their take on the situation. I feel a little butt-hurt, just forked out $295 for 8# of Retumbo on GB......it's only money :(
Click to expand...

Midway's been gouging since Larry's little 'foundation' came to fruition, lol.

Election + Christmas + shooting/panic makes for empty shelves.

Chris
 
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#43
Mojo Daddy said:
Try thinking ahead people. I have been stocking up the past 10 years knowing shit like this is going to happen every now and then. When things settle down ( if the every do ) then start stock piling big time. I got a shit load of primers that I paid $12.00 a 1000 for when times were good.
Click to expand...

You say stock pile----Thats what will happen and people will be buying everything which will just make this mess LAST that much longer..

I think it is gonna be a LONG LONG time befor things get back to normal---whatever normal is...One thing I hate is a hoarder...
 
#44
ChrisGarrett said:
Midway's been gouging since Larry's little 'foundation' came to fruition, lol.

Election + Christmas + shooting/panic makes for empty shelves.

Chris
Click to expand...

I quit Midway a year or so ago..They are to slow and shipping is way too much...He thinks he has the only place around..NOT SO...

If possible I try to buy local and keep the business in the area.But even one of the locals is gouging prices..He lost a lot of
past custermers already..
 
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#45
cornhusker said:
I quit Midway a year or so ago..They are to slow and shipping is way too much...He thinks he has the only place around..NOT SO...

If possible I try to buy local and keep the business in the area.But even one of the locals is gouging prices..He lost a lot of
past custermers already..
Click to expand...

I'm a long time Midway customer going back to early '95, when they had great sales and things were priced accordingly.

Unfortunately, when he started his foundation back in the mid 2000s, it seems that they really cranked up the prices.

When I see Midway's sale price on Lapua 308 brass being higher than PowderValley's normal price, I start to wonder.

I should be back to getting their flyers this month, but with the buying power that they have, they should be going the 'volume' route and keeping prices at least competitive and they're really not, IMO.

Chris
 
#47
Its tough to get supplies these days. The "hoarder's" are the ones who are just buying stuff just to buy, because they found it for sale. And they probably wont shoot 20 rounds a year. I cant shoot right now because I'm running low on primers ( less than 100) and I'm fla out of 168 and 175 SMK's. Bullets are hard to find...arghh.......
 
#48
I got really lucky last week when my local dealer uncovered 20lbs of Varget and 1500 bullets of SMK 175gr and called me. He's giving them to me at pre-panic cost. Hopefully this lasts long enough for everything to settle, but I imagine I'll have plenty of friends that will want to help me shoot my newfound supply.
 
#49
Talkinguns said:
I got really lucky last week when my local dealer uncovered 20lbs of Varget and 1500 bullets of SMK 175gr and called me. He's giving them to me at pre-panic cost. Hopefully this lasts long enough for everything to settle, but I imagine I'll have plenty of friends that will want to help me shoot my newfound supply.
Click to expand...
can you spare 200 175 gn. SMK's?
 
#50
Thanks for the information. I am not currently purchasing anything because A) I don't need anything. B) Even if I did I would not pay the price that some people are asking. I will wait it out, prices will come down to a more sane level and I will buy at that time. However I will not be buying from any of the vendors mentioned in this thread.
 
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