Why doesn't the economy affect gun sales?

H

hanleyfan

New member
I have tried to sell various non gun related items on e-bay and in this economy it is near impossible even at 50% off retail, but you get on gunbroker and those crazy guys bid up these guns at outrages prices, you would think with the economy like it is guys would not have the money to spend on guns and those of us looking would get some good buys but no way of that happening.
 
I suspect there are two reasons:

A lot of states are restoring Second Amendment rights and thus folks are exercising their freedom.

Also, based on his previous statements there is concern that if reelected Mr. Obama would aggressively pursue increased firearms restrictions.
 
I, personally, don't think it has anything to do with the Second Amendment or the current Federal administration. I just think that good guns have always sold for a premium, not talking here of surplus or police trade ins, but good guns. And auctions, well anytime you're competing at auction you'll be up against that ONE GUY, that "just gotta has" that gun to complete his collection. He and his ilk constantly drive gun prices higher.

Add in the fact that all items offered for sale will have exposure to a much larger group of potential buyers than the same item would have in a local gun store or smaller gun show.

Keep in mind, too, that gun auction sites force a premium over fair market value, the dealer and the site need to make their money as well, and add in another little bit of cash for the shipping and FFL transfer.

In a more prosperous economy, with more disposable income, gun prices might trend even higher.
 
Firearms market is subject to same market "forces" as any other market. To think that "politics" has nothing to do with market frenzy of last 4 years would ignore the obvious. Economic uncertainity and hard times make for many "bitter clingers."
 
I suspect the current economy only negatively effects the "have nots". Reports are the "haves" continue strong and even doing better. There is a larger separation between the "haves" and the "have nots".

Therefore, the "have nots" have to sell and the "haves" are in even a better position to scarf up and take advantage of the misfortunes of others.

Therefore, the "have's" are concerned the "have nots" may become desperate and want to take from them by illegal means. The "haves" arm themselves to protect their bounty. Law enforcement has had to scale back in some communities due to poor economics due to reduced tax from lower property values.

I am blessed to be a "have". I know in the last three years my financial means has gotten better since I have startted drawing social security, and now receive Medicare benefits. I am paying less for medical care. The reason I am a "have" is because for years I saved, conserved and paid heavily into my retirement plan and investments. Now, I am enjoying the fruits of my labor.

This is not meant to be a political statement, but we "haves" must be carful the separtation does not become too great a divide or the "have nots" will become too powerful. I now seek to provide jobs for the less fortunate like lawn care, house cleaning services, property maintenance and etc. I have always in the past done it myself, but there are others who need help through honest labor. This is a good way to help them. Then there are some who legitimately need charitable assistance.
 
Certain sales are flat, others aren't - I suspect OP you may have to better define "outrageous prices", because if someone WILLINGLY paid the asking price, then it isn't outrageous, gouging or anything similar
 
Let's not forget that in many types of auctions people place bids in order to crank up the price to the level the seller wants to reach. I can't think of the word for these bidders, although I have a few names for them.
 
i suspect that when the economy is good then people want to buy firearms. i also suspect that when the economy is bad the people need to buy firearms.
 
hanleyfan said:
I have tried to sell various non gun related items on e-bay and in this economy it is near impossible even at 50% off retail, but you get on gunbroker and those crazy guys bid up these guns at outrages prices, you would think with the economy like it is guys would not have the money to spend on guns and those of us looking would get some good buys but no way of that happening.
Click to expand...

It should be a reverse type of situation. Living here in a burb of Detroit which is one half step below Mogadishu, gun sales and CPL issuance have been going through the roof. Even when the auto industry had one foot in the grave gun sales were strong.
 
The economy has not adversely affected sales at the gun store where I work. The economy has affected gun purchases for us. We are seeing more guns brought in to be sold so people can pay their bills. Both situations are a sign of the economy.
 
Guns have always been a staple of durable goods. Even hundreds of years ago - gold, silver, jewelry and arms always retained their value, and was a primary item to be traded. It's what we put in our safes. It's one of the first things a thief would steal.

Bad or good economy, it's never been a bad investment.
 
I won't make light of the 20- or 30-million Americans who are unemployed, but there are still 130,000,000 working. Even if, say, half are underemployed, part-time, minimum wage or whatever, there are still 65 million with some money to spend.

Maybe they're just tired of buying stuff on e-bay.

And people with money left at the end of the month and a lifetime of savings sure aren't making any money by investing in CDs and passbook savings. So we might as well spend a little of it. Some days I think I might as well spend all of it, but I don't.

I've been buying stuff because I might retire in September.

John
 
I still buy CDs. I get them direct from Austria. Or did you mean that kind of CD? I really don't buy war bonds anymore but we're still hold some issued in Richmond.
 
Gun sales have been trending up for years, even before 'meltdown'. I think a lot if it has to do with the TV. Almost every highly rated show has a skinny guy with a tight shirt and a Big Gun strapped to his hip. Same goes for women in tv. they're all packing big guns on their hips. Every one of my wifes' favorite shows has a weight-lifter type guy with a huge gun on his hip. Now you tell me what a huge gun is a symbol for. It starts with "P". That and the lossening of gun laws. I think I covered myself, I know there's more reasons, let me know.
 
They're always at least on a slow burn for the same reasons that people always have money for beer and cigarettes... Then throw on the additional log of "need."
 
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