Transfer of firearms does not always go smoothly, so covering the time and effort for that may be part of the reason for their policy. I don't know, just throwing out a possibilityI am saddened that I have to say this but I cannot recommend Four Guns in Lafayette for transfers anymore.
Why... FIFTY DOLLARS, 50, FIVE-ZERO, a FIDDY for a transfer as of 1-1-24.
If I would have know that before a recent purchase I would not have used them.
Prior to covid, I worked in Lafayette, with our offices near Earl Ave. It was nice to be able to stop in. I remember when they opened down the street across from Von Tobles years ago. Now, post covid, I have NO reason to drive to Lafayette. Now, with $50 transfer fees, I have ZERO-NADA-ZIP reasons to drive 45 minutes to visit Four Guns.
From a business standpoint, what is the reasoning? "We hate doing transfers so we'll raise the fee?" A transfer has to be one of the most highly profitable transactions they have. How long does it take, 15 minutes top? No inventory, no negotiating with the public, no instruction with a new buyer, plus it takes ZERO firearm knowledge to do the transaction.
And just like the thread about Shooters Emporium in Kokomo... The transfer is what gets me in your door. I always check out the used toy case when I'm there and on occasion may have purchased an used toy. But not now because you don't want my business anymore.
$35, I believe was their prior fee. I'm ok with $40 but $50, even though is only $10 more, to me hits a psychological price pain point. Its similar to gas pricing.
My son has a birthday coming up. He was with me that day to look for ideas. He had the one he wanted in his hand but the $50 fee that day put such a sour taste on me, it went back in the case. Sell it to someone else.
When I saw that sign and said to the guy helping me "$50 is excessive, do you guys really not want my business?" His answer was "other shops around town are at $50 or higher." Well, buddy, I'll find another shop. I hope Four Guns reads this. I might not be a high volume customer, BUT I have been a repeat and loyal customer since you opened. Add in reloading supplies, ammo and accessories over the years. Now you have broken that.
Its just as easy to tell someone, "I wouldn't use Four Guns, why not, their fees are too high."
Thanks for the memories, it was fun while it lasted.
I think of a friend's family business for another possibility. He owned a lumber yard. He hated selling drywall. Too easy to damage, too picky about moisture, he felt it was a pain he did not want. He did not sell much anyway with the big building centers having contracts with the big drywall firms.
His solution was to charge about double what his competitors charged. He kept some for his handyman customers who wanted a sheet or two and did not want to drive across town, time is money. He felt it worked out to chase away some of the business that was not paying off in the big picture anyway.
I have been through a BATFE audit at a firearm retailer. Any time that can be avoided is a good thing. When you really do not know who you are dealing with, you open yourself up to other peoples problems, usually based on something fax'ed. Pretty hard to be in control of the quality of things. I can understand why a man with brick and mortar overhead would not want to get in the middle of other peoples dealings. I have also been the owner of a firearm that I bought legitimately that turned out to be stolen three steps back. Things get tough really fast.
Not saying you are wrong, not saying any shop is wrong. Just throwing out some different ways of looking at it.
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