r/canadaguns • u/SteakAndAle • 2d ago
Misc Gunpost: should I even bother?
New PAL holder here. I am familiar with firearms but new to being an owner.
There's a number of firearms I'd like to acquire over the next few years (22LR bolt action, hunting rifle, a lever action etc.). I'm in no hurry, and not too picky on specific models, so I thought "no problem, I'll just take my time, wait for the right thing to come up on Gunpost in my area, and save myself 25-30%".
....except most posts on Gunpost are consistently at or above new price at Cabela's or one of my local gun stores. They're even worse deals when you compare to online gun stores. At best I'd be saving $50-100 in tax vs a new gun - hardly worth it IMO.
Am I stupid? Are all these sellers pricing high in the expectation of selling lower? Or should I just give up and buy new?
(this is lower mainland BC, so I'm willing to believe that local sellers are dumber than the average...)
7
u/BrotherLefthand 2d ago
The issue with the Lower Mainland is the population density and tendency towards consumerism. You get people who buy a gun to satisfy the itch of "buying", then they only shoot it a couple times and lose interest. Because it's "basically brand new" they want as close to retail for it as they can get. It's ridiculous. I'm jaded from years of using GunPost, but I think I've cracked that code.
Now before you compare retail to GunPost, remember that you won't be paying taxes or shipping. That can make a big difference. Also recognize that not all manufacturers provide good warranties. Spending a couple hundred extra at retail may not be the benefit you think it will be.
If you have a new account without reviews, you won't gain much traction lowballing people. I lowball for what I want and I usually get it. People are more desperate for money than they like to lead on. You may find you can do the same.