quote:

Originally posted by kkina:

quote:

Originally posted by Herknav:

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
Yes, the first 6 months of 2017. I'm talking about July 2017, i.e. NOW.

So, you're griping about the last 7.5 days?

Well, it's hardly griping when sales are so low you can't make a payroll or pay vendor invoices.

Actually, this is data from last month, June, as you must wait for the month to actually close before you can review.

Well, what did you do with the over abundance of cash from the previous 9 years of boom time???

In any business when it booms, you get rid of all debt and stock money away for when times are lean. If you can't make payroll after one lean month, then you have a spending problem, not a sales problem.

That being said, the firearms industry has shifted, same amount of guns being sold, but carry guns to people who aren't gun enthusiests and aren't hitting the range and sending 500 rounds down range every weekend, or buying a bunch of accessories.

"Abundance of cash"? There's never been one. I understand what you're saying, I have a grasp of business basics. Had there been one, I certainly would have positioned the funds in preparation for leaner periods, eliminated the debt structure, etc.

I've got all the guns I'm ever going to need. I stocked up on reloading components during the 8 year reign of Mordor. I thing it's time to get Labradar and some suppressors.

Pffft... not based on what I've spent in the last two weeks, sheesh!

I'm disappointed that ammo prices haven't fallen back to GWB levels.

quote:

Originally posted by bigwagon:

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:

Gun sales are low compared to the historical average. It is like a slingshot effect. They were indeed artificially high under Obama, and due to market over-correction, they are now lower than they have been for 10+ years.

If that's true, how do you explain this:

The first six months of 2017 witnessed the second largest number of firearm background checks ever recorded for the first half of a given year, according to the FBI.

According to FBI figures, there were 12,601,102 background checks performed January 1, 2017, through June 30, 2017. That is second only to the 13,829,491 conducted during the same time frame in 2016. It should be noted that 2016 turned into a record year for background checks, with 27,538,673 total checks.

2017 is on now within striking distance of the 2016 record.

Very interesting. I didn't realize that.

Don't have much to add, but wish you luck and hope you get some increased business

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:
Sales are down for the dealers who continue with gouge high pricing of the past 8 years.

This is what I'm seeing.

The Taurus PT 111 G2 is a great example. One dealer has them for $221.95. The rest are at $259.95 and up.

Shockwaves - that should retail at $369.95? Most dealers are well above $400 for them. I've seen them for $469.95!

I have no interest in either, but I note when a new firearm comes on scene - learn the MSRP, then watch the gouging dealers move to screw people.

The shop I work at part time is chugging along just fine.

Of course, this time of year is sort of slow, but that's not unusual.

As far as I know, I'm the only strut manufacturer who voluntarily lowered their pricing- twice. I could have gouged, and set myself up for leaner times. But I did not.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
As far as I know, I'm the only strut manufacturer who voluntarily lowered their pricing- twice. I could have gouged, and set myself up for leaner times. But I did not.

If I remember correctly. I think you manufacture them for Mini's. I think sales on assault style rifles like the Mini and for sure the AR are way way down and everyone stocked up on them prior to Trump getting elected. Prices are in the gutter for AR's since everyone has so much stock. What I've seen is, guns are still selling at the same rate, BUT it's shifted to carry guns and ammo (now that you can sort of find it). Unfortunately, you may have to lay off someone or take other cost cutting measures or think of some new products.

quote:

Originally posted by bigwagon:

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:

Gun sales are low compared to the historical average. It is like a slingshot effect. They were indeed artificially high under Obama, and due to market over-correction, they are now lower than they have been for 10+ years.

If that's true, how do you explain this:

The first six months of 2017 witnessed the second largest number of firearm background checks ever recorded for the first half of a given year, according to the FBI.

According to FBI figures, there were 12,601,102 background checks performed January 1, 2017, through June 30, 2017. That is second only to the 13,829,491 conducted during the same time frame in 2016. It should be noted that 2016 turned into a record year for background checks, with 27,538,673 total checks.

2017 is on now within striking distance of the 2016 record.

[/QUOTE]

How many states have changed their background check system in that time for CCDW holders.

Back about six years ago there was much to do about the uptake in NICS checks in Kentucky. A half assed media scandal about why Kentucky was buying so many more guns than other states. Turns out that the state runs NICS checks on all CCDW holders every other month. That's why you can present a KY CCDW at a gun store and forgo the check. Each time a state adds this to its system, the volume of checks go up.

The number of checks recorded and performed don't actually equal gun sales.

quote:

Originally posted by Jager:


This is what I'm seeing.

The Taurus PT 111 G2 is a great example. One dealer has them for $221.95. The rest are at $259.95 and up.

Shockwaves - that should retail at $369.95? Most dealers are well above $400 for them. I've seen them for $469.95!

I have no interest in either, but I note when a new firearm comes on scene - learn the MSRP, then watch the gouging dealers move to screw people.

That is maybe a bit harsh. Just a quick cursory check of a distributor, I come up with these numbers.

Taurus PT 111 G2 - Dealer is $184 for black, $195 for SS. MSRP is $310 for black, $326 for SS.

Mossberg Shockwave - Dealer is $315, MSRP is $455.

That is a long way from gouging and screwing people.

TGS thanks for the posting. I have ordered from you before and have been happy with the service and pricing of the products.

I run a small business as well and become impatient when people paint us all in a negative light.

quote:

Originally posted by Top Gun Supply:

quote:

Originally posted by Jager:


This is what I'm seeing.

The Taurus PT 111 G2 is a great example. One dealer has them for $221.95. The rest are at $259.95 and up.

Shockwaves - that should retail at $369.95? Most dealers are well above $400 for them. I've seen them for $469.95!

I have no interest in either, but I note when a new firearm comes on scene - learn the MSRP, then watch the gouging dealers move to screw people.

That is maybe a bit harsh. Just a quick cursory check of a distributor, I come up with these numbers.

Taurus PT 111 G2 - Dealer is $184 for black, $195 for SS. MSRP is $310 for black, $326 for SS.

Mossberg Shockwave - Dealer is $315, MSRP is $455.

That is a long way from gouging and screwing people.

I've said it before, but most people these days don't have a clue about retail. The internet, eBay, Amazon, etc., has resulted in a plethora of "dealers" that are more accurately distributors selling to the consumer. They are basically skipping the retailer. That's okay, it's a free market, and everybody has a choice.

BUT, it is ridiculous that it's gotten to the point that people think a retailer is price gouging when they are simply trying to make a reasonable profit. And the worst customers are those that go into local retailers to put hands on and try everything, and then go home and order it online. And these will be the first people to bitch and bemoan the lack of local stores offering true service.

There are approximately four dealers that are within a reasonable distance from me, and none of them understand the idea of being kind or helpful, or even friendly to the consumer.

I understand very well the head aches of dealing with the public, I assure you. But, these guys treat EVERYBODY as if they're noobs and/or just PIAs. The final straw for me was when I went into a shop where I've been doing business for almost ten years and have purchased numerous firearms and accessories, and as soon as I was ready to ask a fair question, the sales person reacted with sarcasm and disdain. I left and told myself I was done putting up with such attitudes.

Please remember I have worked in retail for decades, and I know how assholish the public can be. But these folks that work in these gun shops are over the top.

Now I make all my purchases online and work through local FFLs, and the experience is a lot more satisfying.

quote:

a plethora of "dealers" that are more accurately distributors selling to the consumer. They are basically skipping the retailer.

This is the one thing my buddy bemoans at his shop. Not that they're selling direct, but doing so at prices lower than he can get from his distributor. After adding any margin, forget it.

quote:

Originally posted by synthplayer:
There are approximately four dealers that are within a reasonable distance from me, and none of them understand the idea of being kind or helpful, or even friendly to the consumer.

Please remember I have worked in retail for decades, and I know how assholish the public can be. But these folks that work in these gun shops are over the top.

Now I make all my purchases online and work through local FFLs, and the experience is a lot more satisfying.

So... you guys are both in the SF Bay Area?
Maybe you can help each other out?
Good prices, no assholish responses to questions?
Everybody wins!

quote:

Originally posted by tanksoldier:

quote:

Originally posted by David Lee:
Para knows what was posted and responded. Pretty sure he doesn't need a explanation of what he read.

Pretty sure Para doesn't need you to carry his water for him either, yet here you are....

True tank, he doesn't need anyone to carry his water. I will be certain to run the content of my posts and, ask permission of you prior to posting. That way I dont ruffle any of your feathers.

kkina, I didn't know you manufactured this strut for the Mini 14. My impression was and we've been discussing the nature of firearms business as a whole. I never owned or shot a Mini. I've met very few people who actually own them. I understand some Law Enforcement Agencies use them. I dont know anyone who uses your struts on their Mini. What is good and bad times in your business is beyond my knowledge. I dont understand how anyone can remain in business based on 1 product which gets used by a limited group of people. I do know there are many Mini 14s out there but, I would think you could expand into other parts, for more rifles to add growth and profit. Just my thoughts.