Quick question for brick and mortar shops

[Cyc Wid It]

Is there a reason a lot of them don't post inventory and/or prices on their websites/don't have much more than a single main page? Also, the ones that do often say "call or visit for pricing" rather than listing.

[Scratch705]

makes the customer to come into store. less maintenance the simpler it is and the less variable info is put on it. (ie pricing, inventory #, etc)

or just that most small gun shops or small shops in general don't have time/money to pay for a website/web designer.

[Noobert]

so you have to go there to see the prices, which makes it more likely for them to get a sale?

[Cyc Wid It]

One would think having a more accessible (or in some cases working at all) web page would make people more likely to visit your shop. While I do see your point about getting people in the door, I'd probably be more willing to support a shop that provides more convenience. Also, I think that if you're checking out a shop for the first time, you don't want to drive 1hr+ to realize it's not really what you were looking for.

[PolishMike]

My website is simple. If I wanted to keep an up to date inventory online I would be at the computer 24/7.

[CHS]

Because most brick and mortar shops are just that... Brick and mortar.

They have an online presence which helps in marketing their location, but at the end of the day the web pages are more designed to be like ad's in the yellow pages. "Hey, here we are, this is what we do. Now come into our store and visit us".

[audihenry]

It's because they're stuck in the past. Like GunWorld. They won't even quote prices over the phone.

Well, screw that. I will never buy from any store that treats the customer like crap.

[HCz]

It means a lot of maintenance. Say someone bought a pistol at 1pm and the owner was not able to delete it from the website fast enough. Someone will complain about it. Turner's has the system, but my experience has been underwhelming. I always missed the gun, as the info would go to their central location and typed in, while the gun was getting DROSed.

Also putting inventory is not exactly a good idea of security. While the affect is disputable, it maybe easier to know what is available and then rob the place.

As for call for price thing, there is a reason for some pistols. Some pistols have MAP(Manufacturer's Advertising Price) which is what the pistol has to be advertised for if the price is posted. This could turn potential customers, so instead you can ask customers to call to make a deal.

[G17GUY]

Is there a reason a lot of them don't post inventory and/or prices on their websites/don't have much more than a single main page? Also, the ones that do often say "call or visit for pricing" rather than listing.

Some dealers have a Davidson page where they order from and you can see the price. Just because Davidson does not have it in stock does not mean the dealer does not have it.

http://www.davidsonsinc.com/consumers/subsites/dealer_home.asp?dealer_id=237

[Rob454]

so you have to go there to see the prices, which makes it more likely for them to get a sale?

Why would you NOT want to go to a gun store? I remember not long ago when if you wanted a price you either went to the store or saw the prices in the sales ad in the papers. Now everyone wants not only instant gratification but instant prices also.
I would want people to come in my store where they can see and feel the guns rather than stare at a picture on the internet

[Cyc Wid It]

I don't mind going to gun stores at all, I wish I had more time to. I guess it's just that I want to make the most of my trips as it's pretty much going to be at least 1 hr each way.

[a1c]

I think a lot of gun shops - I'm not going to make a list here - do a pretty poor job with their websites. I understand why they would not spend time listing their whole inventory - it's way too much work.

But here are the things they SHOULD have on their website IMHO, and often miss:

- Brief history of the shop and who runs it - people go to the small shops not just because it's local, but also because they want to deal with good people, not some anonymous logo. Not asking for some pompous mission statement. But if you specialize in black rifles or hunting, by all means mention it.

- Fees for PTP and FFL transfers: if you don't put it online, customers will call you anyway, and you'll end up on the phone explaining why you charge so much - or so little. Don't waste your time, just put it out there on the Web. Several shops do, and even explain they don't do transfers from Bud's Gun Shop or other "small gun shop killers."

- Guns on consignment: sure, you carry all the usual suspects, but what's really cool in gun shops is to check out the guns on consignment. Sometimes there are some pretty cool and unusual pieces. You don't have to put all of them, but why don't you advertise you best pieces on there? Some people might come from far away for some cool guns.

[Rekrab]

Actually these days there's plenty of merchant software that will automatically update your inventory when you enter new items into inventory and remove them when you sell it. I really don't understand the excuse of "It takes too much time" because all it means to me is "I haven't done the research or I'm too lazy."

[Strpd_Up_Brotha]

I Agree.....by living in the Bay Area...all gun stores are fairly far.....i don't wanna drive 2 hours for something that might not be there...a sales ad is the least they can put out.........i see other gun store ads online in other states......only one i do see very frequently in Bay Area is Guns fishing and stuff....but they are very rude.