What is your store name on GB? PM me if you will, please?

 

The venue where an item is offered for sale can make a huge difference in price. I learned that as a pawnbroker. I could have a lovely 14K gold chain in excellent condition in my store but it wouldn't sell unless is was priced far lower than retail jewelry store prices. This despite the fact that gold is gold, and my chain was the exact duplicate of one sold at a fancy store. Customers simply weren't willing to pay the price without the pretentious trappings of the jewelry store. There are trust issues involved, for sure, but it's mostly a matter of perception.

The same is true for fine shotguns. A Fox shotgun can demand a higher price in an upscale store that evokes images of a hunting lodge or a gentleman's den that the same gun would sell for in a dimly lit gunshop or pawnshop.

Truth be told, a lot of gun customers don't have the confidence to discern quality, originality and condition on their own. Lacking that self-assurance they lean on the presentation and reputation of the seller. Buying from an upscale shop (or on a more exclusive web service like Guns International) gives them greater assurance. That can translate into a higher selling price. Again, it's the buyer's perception of the buying experience that makes a difference. There is no exclusivity on gunbroker so buyers tend to consider all sellers about the same.

All that said, condition is everything. A truly high condition gun will demand a higher price and appeal to the buyer who seeks the finest example of the gun he's looking for. Often you'll find those in the upscale shops that advertise on Guns International.

 

The venue where an item is offered for sale can make a huge difference in price. I learned that as a pawnbroker. I could have a lovely 14K gold chain in excellent condition in my storee but it wouldn't sell unless is was priced far lower than retail jewelry store prices. This despite the fact that gold is gold, and my chain was the exact duplicate of one sold at a fancy store. Customers simply weren't willing to pay the price without the pretentious trappings of the jewelry store. There are trust issues involved, for sure, but it's mostly a matter of perception.

The same is true for fine shotguns. A Fox shotgun can demand a higher price in an upscale store that evokes images of a hunting lodge or a gentleman's den that the same gun would sell for in a dimly lit gunshop or pawnshop.

Truth be told, a lot of gun customers don't have the confidence to discern quality, originality and condition on their own. Lacking that self-assurance they lean on the presentation and reputation of the seller. Buying from an upscale shop (or on a more exclusive web service like Guns International) gives them a sense they're getting something extra for their money. That can translate into a higher selling price. Again, it's the buyer's perception of the buying experience that makes a difference. There is no exclusivity on gunbroker so buyers tend to consider all sellers about the same.

All that said, condition is everything. A truly high condition gun will demand a higher price and appeal to the buyer who seeks the finest example of the gun he's looking for. Often you'll find those in the upscale shops that advertise on Guns International.

OK, but I still find it odd that one site would have a different perception than another. GunBroker has a feedback system. A seller with 10,000 feedbacks and a positive rating should be trusted. What is exclusive about GI?

 

I have found GI to be sketchy about 50% of the ads and sellers I have contacted, IMO, and won’t deal through them due to that. That percentage is much lower on gunbroker In my experience.

 

I have bought many guns from both.
They are really two different birds.
GI tends to have more of the higher end items as blade mentioned. Also, some folks like to be able to have a fixed or negotiable price, instead of playing the sometimes sketchy auction game.
They both have their merits and place in the market.

 

if you have any currently I would entertain buying one for alot less than $900.

 

$650 is a lot less than $900.

 

I agree with that statement.
Do you have a Sterlingworth for sale for $650?

 

Most of the on line venues are nothing more than sellers looking to snag some uninformed buyer at an unrealistic price. I use reputable dealer websites and deal direct.

 

GI attracts the premium sellers because it is commission-less, but it requires upfront money to post an AD so it discourages scammers. I associate GB with overpaying, but that isn't always the case.

For example, a major dealer who lists on both platforms will sell you the gun for cheaper on GI vs GB.

 

GI attracts the premium sellers because it is commission-less, but it requires upfront money to post an AD so it discourages scammers. I associate GB with overpaying, but that isn't always the case.

For example, a major dealer who lists on both platforms will sell you the gun for cheaper on GI vs GB.

If that is the case than sellers on GI are lowering priced to sell, the listed prices are way higher than on GunBroker. Most all GunBroker auctions have no reserve and start at the price they will sell for.

 

I prefer a fixed price so tend to avoid GB auctions. Regardless of platform the more information given regarding specifications the better.

 

To add to this, I also sell on GB and have considered moving to GI, especially with GB now charging another fee on top of the regular tax and sales (this just started recently). I agree with the rest, there are some merits to GI IF, you know what you're looking for and can sniff out the ones over charging. Just have to do your research for both GB and GI.

 

There are so many hidden fees with GB that it is very easy to overpay beyond what the selling price is because you have to factor in sales taxes and compliance fees. And as a seller its a major PITA when you have to collect taxes on the behalf of GB which they bill you quarterly for. That said, GB gets way more traffic so your listings will get a lot more eyes.

 

I used to use GB a lot but their fees have made me look elsewhere for buying and selling. I have had good luck on GI but with any site you need to do your homework.

 

I am a Top 100 seller on GunBroker. I just looked at Guns International, I did a search on Fox Sterlingworth. I found guns from $900 to over $2,000! I have sold literally dozens of them for a lot less.

"Over $2000!" How much less would you sell a Fox Sterlingworth Skeet and Upland in 20 gauge?

 

There is a standard 16ga with altered bores that is listed for $3,995. The seller claims that it is rare because it is on a 20 gauge frame, every single 16 gauge Sterlingworth was made on a 20 gauge frame.

 

It’s pretty impressive to achieve top 100 seller status moving used Sterlingworths.

 

I want to be very clear. I am a Top 100 seller on GunBroker and have been for 6-7 years. I largely credit the hard work of my wife and my son for that. I am not a Sponsor here, so I am not looking to sell more guns through the posts. I am mostly interested in personal topics and talk about guns I own and shoot, just like most of you. We have a private skeet and trap shooting facility. Along with other activities we run a couple of Vintage shoots a year, my personal favorite thing to shoot is skeet, low gun with a model 12 or SXS. I have sold more than 24,000 guns and a large percentage have been side by sides. I hear a lot of people here talking about GI and wanted to understand why they felt the way they do about it and GunBroker. I am not in any way trying to be critical of anyone. It can be hard to avoid issues with some people who post. I think it is most fair to keep GunBroker and Shotgunworld separate. If you do not believe me, that is fine with me. I am doing my best to respect this site and the rules.

 

If you’ve sold more than 24,000 guns you must be a major gun dealer and I can’t imagine you would need any advice from us about how or where to sell them.

 

To answer the original title - it depends on the item, the price, 'known' seller history, and the ability to assess and distinguish an honest gun at a reasonable valuation from crap or fantasy prices. None of us are as dumb as all of us (buyers).

It comes down to who is more knowledgeable about the item being offered and how realistic people wish to be (buyers AND sellers).

Sometimes sellers make mistakes. Bummer.

Keep in mind - We really have no way of knowing what items on GI actually sell for.......or if they get sold, at all.

Some of the prices, games, and 'claims' would be comical if they didn't taint the buyer's pool with so much misinformation and uncertainty about a particular market. It's real easy.........if you don't like that market, don't play it.

Most sellers with fantasy prices are banking on 'the greater fool theory'. So, there IS a gun out there for everyone, based on their current knowledge of production details and history for an item of their particular fancy.

Self-respecting and discriminating collectors are 'on to' the blatantly ignorant or blatantly deceptive. It's not hard to distinguish the 2. Some of us are not as dumb as all of us.

Maybe the question should be: Do you let GI influence what you perceive as 'current market value' for items listed for sale? Answer: Some of us are not as dumb as all of us.

 

Look how long items stay on GI, months than relist . A lot of retailers post inventory, not for auction but sale. On more than one occasion I have had a dealer I was negotiations with say look at the price on GI. What did its sell for smart guy? GB is an auction and prices are ”market“.

Hate to see some of the comments here, this can be a douschy site sometimes. Best of luck.

 

The 'better neighborhood' is a perfect description of GI vs GB.

 

I’ve never heard of a purveyor of double guns, especially finer ones, who prefers GB over GI. You learn something new everyday.

 

Don't know if it's been mentioned, but you don't really know what the guns listed on Guns International actually sell for. A guy may list a gun for X price, but he may end up selling it for Y. A lot of sellers price their guns to allow room for negotiation. With gunbroker you can see the final price after the auction closes.

 

You pay more to buy in a fancier upscale joint because they dazzle you with thier brilliance while they pick your pockets ,besides who’s going to pay for the fancy ? The customer.I have always shopped for guns in “Dim,Dark gun shops”because you get a better deal from Joe than from the Dazzling hunting Lodge.

 

Everybody can look fancy on the internet, even when it's just dim, dark Joe. Plenty of quality pictures and comprehensive descriptions win the day. That, and the seller's reputation are all you really have to go on.

 

More deals for the buyer to be had on GB and if you're selling, it's quicker with little buyer interaction. GI is like shopping a very large gun store. Fewer deals and more retail customer-owner interaction. Pluses and minuses. If you're trying to move inventory, GB.

Always like the, "it's a 16 gauge on a 20 gauge frame," description. Why isn't more like, "It's a 16 gauge on a medium frame and the 20 gauge uses that frame, too." Just something to think about.

 

It sounds to me like people are not paying the asking prices on GI. Sellers post a gun with an over the moon price and hope someone pays it, then lowers the price when they get a fair offer. I have never liked that way of doing business. My prices have always been based on those realized on the site I use. I never lowball anyone when I am buying. I have people who travel a long way to sell to me. I might give GI a try, but am waiting on an answer to questions about the return policy. I get the impression that GI sellers spend a lot of time on the phone, which I do not have time for. The e-mail keeps me very busy. Most of you have been very helpful and I thank you for that. There are always a few that are difficult and I ignore them. My goal is to continue to learn and adapt.

 

It sounds to me like people are not paying the asking prices on GI. Sellers post a gun with an over the moon price and hope someone pays it, then lowers the price when they get a fair offer. I have never liked that way of doing business. My prices have always been based on those realized on the site I use. I never lowball anyone when I am buying. I have people who travel a long way to sell to me. I might give GI a try, but am waiting on an answer to questions about the return policy. I get the impression that GI sellers spend a lot of time on the phone, which I do not have time for. The e-mail keeps me very busy. Most of you have been very helpful and I thank you for that. There are always a few that are difficult and I ignore them. My goal is to continue to learn and adapt.

GI definitely isn’t for you then, buyers and sellers both tend to prefer phone interaction. It’s a more traditional business model. First time I ever listed something on GI I didn’t publish my phone number and I promptly got a call from the people who run the site (fantastic people by the way) and they told me I had little chance of selling anything if I didn’t list my phone number.

GB is much more like eBay in that it’s designed for e-shopping.