Ethical or not?

[fonzy]

So because you got him into shooting he owes you?? You can't do a friend a favor and store his rifle in your safe without expecting something in return?

[Twystd1]

I think you are a tool for setting us up.

Good men don't do that.

T

[SWalt]

4 words......

Don't be a douche

[jakejake527]

What a shame...

Lower the price by $200 and tell him that you feel guilty. (so guilty that you had to ask strangers on the internet at calguns)

He'll appreciate you for it and might return the favor in a different way in the future

If you don't and he finds out that he got ripped off, you might be seeing dog $ hit on your yard everyday till one of you moves out of the neighborhood

[ogarcia_02]

Interesting responses. About half are what I expected. I paid $600 with tax and DROS and it is a new gun. I haven't shot it yet and bought it factory new. The ammo is a 100 pack that I paid $40 for with tax.

I should mention that I've been storing his hinting rifle in my safe since his brothers are unsavory characters and doesn't trust them around his things.

I'm not into gouging but I'm in sales. My products and services aren't the cheapest in town. I do provide the best service and people happily pay my prices to deal with me. I know their business and I go above and beyond for them. I'm not gouging them because part of my cost is the service I provide, which is second to none.

Just curious what everyone thought. And I have no problem telling him what I paid. In fact, he'll see the same gun in the case when if we do the transfer and see the price right there. I'm not willing to hide anything from him. Hell, I'm the one who got him into shooting.

What does your background in sales have to do with this? Unless you are running a gun store I don't see why your neighbor should pay a premium to buy from you regardless of your self proclaimed stellar business model.

Don't be a jerk neighbor, if you sell it sell it at cost.

[BakoJ]

This thread has been the most entertaining thread I've participated in. Thanks for everyone's responses and personal attacks. I can always count on Calguns to keep it classy.

First off, almost no one read the entire thread, nor all three of my posts. I never sold my neighbor the gun and I never intended to. The entire thread is hypothetical.

I'm amazed, no shocked, F that, OUTRAGED at what I've read. (Ok, outraged is too strong. Flummoxed? Perplexed? Mildly verklempt?) Nearly every one who posted complained about price gouging. And specifically how there was a special place in hell for me. Cool, whatever. So you mean to tell me that our capitalist economic system is wrong? So supply and demand is wrong? Is Walmart gouging me because ammo costs them more today then before Newtown? They have to pass the cost on. They don't run a charity.

I went gun shopping today. I went to three different LGS. One had the exact M&P 15 Sport that I am looking for. He is asking $900 out the door. Is he gouging? Keep in mind, there is no Turners here. The other two LGS were asking $875 pre tax and DROS for the same rifle. Were they gouging? LGS one was home based and has low, low overhead. The other two shops were both larger, independent LGS with indoor ranges. Their overhead is much higher.

Another example: The S&W1911 I found at one of the independent LGS was listed at $958. I feel that's a fair price based on my research. The other LGS has the exact same model for $1058. Are they trying to screw me? Or are they setting the price based on a specific profit margin that they need/expect/budget to make? That's a business owner who has employees to pay for and possibly private investors to pay dividends to. It is the way our economy works. No one is in business to lose money. If one's boss was in business to lose money, or accepted a loss as opposed to a profit, then one wouldn't have a job.

Now lets apply this ideal to the private seller. If I ever sell anything, I never sell at a loss. I loathe breaking even. I would rather see someone walk away from a deal with me than to make a deal and walk away unhappy. I've never lost a customer in 6 years of running my own business. I have more repeat business than I can handle. I'm not the cheapest in town and I don't advertise. All of my business has come from referrals. That being said, if someone is looking for what I have and is willing and happy to pay the price I set, why does it matter?

I bought two of the same rifle from a CG vendor in January. I paid easily $150 more per rifle than I could have in December, and at least that than I could have if I drove to LA. I HAPPILY paid the difference. One, it was a convenient twenty minute drive to the LGS to find exactly what I wanted. I supported another small business like mine and enjoyed the customer service I received. Finally, the purchase went smoothly and my son and I were shooting our rifles after 10 days. Did I get screwed? I don't feel like I did. In fact, three of my friends went and paid even more for the same rifles from the same LGS because of my referral.

I'm stunned at the reactions. For all of the talk of statism, communism and socialism, the majority are complaining and attacking a fellow member for setting a price and selling an item for a profit. That's called capitalism and it is the cornerstone of this Republic's free market economy. I'm blown away at how hypocritical all of the bloviating about socialism is when what everyone here really wants is the "fair" price regardless of market/economic conditions.

[gti_20ae]

This thread has been the most entertaining thread I've participated in. Thanks for everyone's responses and personal attacks. I can always count on Calguns to keep it classy.

First off, almost no one read the entire thread, nor all three of my posts. I never sold my neighbor the gun and I never intended to. The entire thread is hypothetical.

I'm amazed, no shocked, F that, OUTRAGED at what I've read. (Ok, outraged is too strong. Flummoxed? Perplexed? Mildly verklempt?) Nearly every one who posted complained about price gouging. And specifically how there was a special place in hell for me. Cool, whatever. So you mean to tell me that our capitalist economic system is wrong? So supply and demand is wrong? Is Walmart gouging me because ammo costs them more today then before Newtown? They have to pass the cost on. They don't run a charity.

I went gun shopping today. I went to three different LGS. One had the exact M&P 15 Sport that I am looking for. He is asking $900 out the door. Is he gouging? Keep in mind, there is no Turners here. The other two LGS were asking $875 pre tax and DROS for the same rifle. Were they gouging? LGS one was home based and has low, low overhead. The other two shops were both larger, independent LGS with indoor ranges. Their overhead is much higher.

Another example: The S&W1911 I found at one of the independent LGS was listed at $958. I feel that's a fair price based on my research. The other LGS has the exact same model for $1058. Are they trying to screw me? Or are they setting the price based on a specific profit margin that they need/expect/budget to make? That's a business owner who has employees to pay for and possibly private investors to pay dividends to. It is the way our economy works. No one is in business to lose money. If one's boss was in business to lose money, or accepted a loss as opposed to a profit, then one wouldn't have a job.

Now lets apply this ideal to the private seller. If I ever sell anything, I never sell at a loss. I loathe breaking even. I would rather see someone walk away from a deal with me than to make a deal and walk away unhappy. I've never lost a customer in 6 years of running my own business. I have more repeat business than I can handle. I'm not the cheapest in town and I don't advertise. All of my business has come from referrals. That being said, if someone is looking for what I have and is willing and happy to pay the price I set, why does it matter?

I bought two of the same rifle from a CG vendor in January. I paid easily $150 more per rifle than I could have in December, and at least that than I could have if I drove to LA. I HAPPILY paid the difference. One, it was a convenient twenty minute drive to the LGS to find exactly what I wanted. I supported another small business like mine and enjoyed the customer service I received. Finally, the purchase went smoothly and my son and I were shooting our rifles after 10 days. Did I get screwed? I don't feel like I did. In fact, three of my friends went and paid even more for the same rifles from the same LGS because of my referral.

I'm stunned at the reactions. For all of the talk of statism, communism and socialism, the majority are complaining and attacking a fellow member for setting a price and selling an item for a profit. That's called capitalism and it is the cornerstone of this Republic's free market economy. I'm blown away at how hypocritical all of the bloviating about socialism is when what everyone here really wants is the "fair" price regardless of market/economic conditions.

I think you are taking it the wrong way, from what I read, majority of the post just tell you not to loose a good neighbor for $100-$150. Your neighbor seems like a cool guy and have complete trust in you.

[ogarcia_02]

Stop getting your knickers in a bunch. Why do you keep bringing up your business when your hypothetical sale is a 1 time thing to your neighbor.

[RCJeeper]

I think the answer is because that's the nature of the OP. For many of us, this question wouldn't even come up.

This.

Most of us are thinking what can we give to our neighbors. Some of us ask how much profit is reasonable.

[BigL]

If he really wants the that pistol sell it to him for what you paid. Dont try to make the deal look sweeter by offering up ammo.

[BigL]

This thread has been the most entertaining thread I've participated in. Thanks for everyone's responses and personal attacks. I can always count on Calguns to keep it classy.

First off, almost no one read the entire thread, nor all three of my posts. I never sold my neighbor the gun and I never intended to. The entire thread is hypothetical.

We were hypothetically giving you our opinion on what we would do.

[Citadelgrad87]

This thread has been the most entertaining thread I've participated in. Thanks for everyone's responses and personal attacks. I can always count on Calguns to keep it classy.

First off, almost no one read the entire thread, nor all three of my posts. I never sold my neighbor the gun and I never intended to. The entire thread is hypothetical.

I'm amazed, no shocked, F that, OUTRAGED at what I've read. (Ok, outraged is too strong. Flummoxed? Perplexed? Mildly verklempt?) Nearly every one who posted complained about price gouging. And specifically how there was a special place in hell for me. Cool, whatever. So you mean to tell me that our capitalist economic system is wrong? So supply and demand is wrong? Is Walmart gouging me because ammo costs them more today then before Newtown? They have to pass the cost on. They don't run a charity.

I went gun shopping today. I went to three different LGS. One had the exact M&P 15 Sport that I am looking for. He is asking $900 out the door. Is he gouging? Keep in mind, there is no Turners here. The other two LGS were asking $875 pre tax and DROS for the same rifle. Were they gouging? LGS one was home based and has low, low overhead. The other two shops were both larger, independent LGS with indoor ranges. Their overhead is much higher.

Another example: The S&W1911 I found at one of the independent LGS was listed at $958. I feel that's a fair price based on my research. The other LGS has the exact same model for $1058. Are they trying to screw me? Or are they setting the price based on a specific profit margin that they need/expect/budget to make? That's a business owner who has employees to pay for and possibly private investors to pay dividends to. It is the way our economy works. No one is in business to lose money. If one's boss was in business to lose money, or accepted a loss as opposed to a profit, then one wouldn't have a job.

Now lets apply this ideal to the private seller. If I ever sell anything, I never sell at a loss. I loathe breaking even. I would rather see someone walk away from a deal with me than to make a deal and walk away unhappy. I've never lost a customer in 6 years of running my own business. I have more repeat business than I can handle. I'm not the cheapest in town and I don't advertise. All of my business has come from referrals. That being said, if someone is looking for what I have and is willing and happy to pay the price I set, why does it matter?

I bought two of the same rifle from a CG vendor in January. I paid easily $150 more per rifle than I could have in December, and at least that than I could have if I drove to LA. I HAPPILY paid the difference. One, it was a convenient twenty minute drive to the LGS to find exactly what I wanted. I supported another small business like mine and enjoyed the customer service I received. Finally, the purchase went smoothly and my son and I were shooting our rifles after 10 days. Did I get screwed? I don't feel like I did. In fact, three of my friends went and paid even more for the same rifles from the same LGS because of my referral.

I'm stunned at the reactions. For all of the talk of statism, communism and socialism, the majority are complaining and attacking a fellow member for setting a price and selling an item for a profit. That's called capitalism and it is the cornerstone of this Republic's free market economy. I'm blown away at how hypocritical all of the bloviating about socialism is when what everyone here really wants is the "fair" price regardless of market/economic conditions.

Blah blah blah.

Before you lecture "Calguns" on not bothering to read what you wrote, how about YOU read what you wrote? Is that too much trouble?

YOU asked if it would be ethical to charge your neighbor more than you paid for something.

It's not an economics question. Pure capitalism isn't a morally based system at the macro level.

I'm blown away that YOU asked a question specifically rooted in morality and ethics, then, when you get butt hurt because you perceive others see your way of doing business as immoral, you bleat and moan that everyone doesn't understand capitalism, we really want socialism, and are statists.

Get a clue.

Please post your business that has more repeat business than you can handle so I can avoid it.

[BakoJ]

Blah blah blah.

Before you lecture "Calguns" on not bothering to read what you wrote, how about YOU read what you wrote? Is that too much trouble?

YOU asked if it would be ethical to charge your neighbor more than you paid for something.

It's not an economics question. Pure capitalism isn't a morally based system at the macro level.

I'm blown away that YOU asked a question specifically rooted in morality and ethics, then, when you get butt hurt because you perceive others see your way of doing business as immoral, you bleat and moan that everyone doesn't understand capitalism, we really want socialism, and are statists.

Get a clue.

Please post your business that has more repeat business than you can handle so I can avoid it.

First off, not butt hurt. I'm not some pansy who can't handle some criticism. You addressed none of my points but simply whined that what I proposed to do was immoral. You're right, morality doesn't exist at the macro level in capitalism. And supply and demand dictates morality isn't a concern at ANY level.

The entire point of this thread was to examine the beliefs and behaviors of those that rail on about their freedom, the 2A, socialism taking over their rights. Then in the other breath, complain that there are those who look to make a profit for themselves instead of charging a "fair" price. Maybe my example was too convoluted. Whatever.

As for my business, I brought another perspective to the discussion. You want to avoid my business? Easy. As long as you're not in the Central Valley, we won't cross paths.

[Citadelgrad87]

First off, not butt hurt. I'm not some pansy who can't handle some criticism. You addressed none of my points but simply whined that what I proposed to do was immoral. You're right, morality doesn't exist at the macro level in capitalism. And supply and demand dictates morality isn't a concern at ANY level.

The entire point of this thread was to examine the beliefs and behaviors of those that rail on about their freedom, the 2A, socialism taking over their rights. Then in the other breath, complain that there are those who look to make a profit for themselves instead of charging a "fair" price. Maybe my example was too convoluted. Whatever.

As for my business, I brought another perspective to the discussion. You want to avoid my business? Easy. As long as you're not in the Central Valley, we won't cross paths.

I addressed your "point" exactly. You posted a thread asking, SPECIFICALLY, about whether sticking it to a neighbor was "ethical" or not. You DID NOT post a thread asking whether such an act fit within the confines of capitalism.

My response was its unethical. I didn't call you any names, or call for a government solution.

Your eleventh hour beef is Apples and oranges.

Is it UNethical to stick it to a neighbor as you described. It's NOT anti capitalism to do so.

You protest to much, you are upset that you disagree with others about morality, so what? Do whatever you want and call other people holier than thou, it is frequently done around here.

[Cypriss32]

This thread has been the most entertaining thread I've participated in. Thanks for everyone's responses and personal attacks. I can always count on Calguns to keep it classy.

First off, almost no one read the entire thread, nor all three of my posts. I never sold my neighbor the gun and I never intended to. The entire thread is hypothetical.

I'm amazed, no shocked, F that, OUTRAGED at what I've read. (Ok, outraged is too strong. Flummoxed? Perplexed? Mildly verklempt?) Nearly every one who posted complained about price gouging. And specifically how there was a special place in hell for me. Cool, whatever. So you mean to tell me that our capitalist economic system is wrong? So supply and demand is wrong? Is Walmart gouging me because ammo costs them more today then before Newtown? They have to pass the cost on. They don't run a charity.

I went gun shopping today. I went to three different LGS. One had the exact M&P 15 Sport that I am looking for. He is asking $900 out the door. Is he gouging? Keep in mind, there is no Turners here. The other two LGS were asking $875 pre tax and DROS for the same rifle. Were they gouging? LGS one was home based and has low, low overhead. The other two shops were both larger, independent LGS with indoor ranges. Their overhead is much higher.

Another example: The S&W1911 I found at one of the independent LGS was listed at $958. I feel that's a fair price based on my research. The other LGS has the exact same model for $1058. Are they trying to screw me? Or are they setting the price based on a specific profit margin that they need/expect/budget to make? That's a business owner who has employees to pay for and possibly private investors to pay dividends to. It is the way our economy works. No one is in business to lose money. If one's boss was in business to lose money, or accepted a loss as opposed to a profit, then one wouldn't have a job.

Now lets apply this ideal to the private seller. If I ever sell anything, I never sell at a loss. I loathe breaking even. I would rather see someone walk away from a deal with me than to make a deal and walk away unhappy. I've never lost a customer in 6 years of running my own business. I have more repeat business than I can handle. I'm not the cheapest in town and I don't advertise. All of my business has come from referrals. That being said, if someone is looking for what I have and is willing and happy to pay the price I set, why does it matter?

I bought two of the same rifle from a CG vendor in January. I paid easily $150 more per rifle than I could have in December, and at least that than I could have if I drove to LA. I HAPPILY paid the difference. One, it was a convenient twenty minute drive to the LGS to find exactly what I wanted. I supported another small business like mine and enjoyed the customer service I received. Finally, the purchase went smoothly and my son and I were shooting our rifles after 10 days. Did I get screwed? I don't feel like I did. In fact, three of my friends went and paid even more for the same rifles from the same LGS because of my referral.

I'm stunned at the reactions. For all of the talk of statism, communism and socialism, the majority are complaining and attacking a fellow member for setting a price and selling an item for a profit. That's called capitalism and it is the cornerstone of this Republic's free market economy. I'm blown away at how hypocritical all of the bloviating about socialism is when what everyone here really wants is the "fair" price regardless of market/economic conditions.

Thats wonderful. Thats completely different then what you said. Your neighbor isnt some no body. If you screw him, he will find out and you wont be friends. Thats one less person to count on. But by your attitude you dont give a **** about anyone but yourself. You can spout "free market," but if you screw your "friends." Thats some sad **** right there.

I'm stunned at the reactions. For all of the talk of statism, communism and socialism, the majority are complaining and attacking a fellow member for setting a price and selling an item for a profit. That's called capitalism and it is the cornerstone of this Republic's free market economy. I'm blown away at how hypocritical all of the bloviating about socialism is when what everyone here really wants is the "fair" price regardless of market/economic conditions.

When you spout off like that, you just sound like a angry fool. You dont screw neighbors/friends. Then attack people who take a stand against what you do or so.