Well since I've bitten by the 10mm bug, I came across a pistol that from the moment I saw it - immediately I said to my self "MINE". I doubt y'all are as weak-legged as I am when it comes to beautiful guns as I am but I digress. Its a Dan Wesson 10mm 1911 Bobtail Commander. I find one on Guns America and snatch it up. I go to one of my favorite local fun shop/sporting goods place - Meltzer's in Garfield. I see the guy I've bought 4 guns from over the last couple of years and done a few transfers for me. I give him the info on the seller and as he finishes up the paperwork he sez "You know what? I don't think I can do this. I sez why? Well if we can get the gun you want the boss won't do a transfer OR he'll slap $100 on the regular $35 fee - your choice. (he then calls his dealer and asks if HE can supply DW guns and the dealer replies that it would be a special order for HIS dealer imagine the markup
) I ask him to elaborate and he sez we are not in the business of cutting our own throats - look at it this way -what would you rather make on a gun $100 or $35 if this was your shop?
Soooooooooooo I pause and look at him and say Pete, I've bought and tranfered guns from you in the past right? He sez "yeah but I just work here." OK I say I'll answer your ? with another question: would you rather make $35 on the transfer or DICK on the entire deal?? Again he states that he just worked there so he doesen't "make" anything. So I sez tell you what - check with your boss and call me if you WANT. He then sez well maybe I can do you a favor this time but I don't want to get in trouble. So I say giving you my $35 is a favor to me?????? I had a pretty rough day that day so I just turned and walked. Not to sound childish be there are several FFLs that I can lierally WALK to from my home BUT I choose to come to Meltzer's because the staff is generally helpful, they have a nice selection of handguns sporting rifles and a few EBRs along with a great fishing department where I am usually good for a minimum of $20-$30 each visit since I fish quite a bit right along with punching paper.
I understand a wanting to safeguard a price point, margin or what have you but I just think that this is more of a customer service issue. Bottom line if they had it in the case or they were CLEARLY a DW dealer I would most likely purchase thru them. I want to support my local guy but yesterday made it tough in my mind. I know that selling guns must be as big a pain in the ass as
buying them but I wish this guy would have handled it a bit more tactfully - maybe I'm expecting too much?
WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THIS? Sorry if I rambled a bit - typed in a hurry!
NOTE: If you need a transfer (and firearms?), want to avoid crap like this and live in central/south Jersey DO NOT HESITATE to contact PK90 on this board. Paul is a class
act and very helpful. He has tranferred 3 guns for me in the past but distance makes it tough
to always go thru him
.