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June 4, 2017
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Many times I see the big auction house winners are dealers and speculators. Leroy Merz has historically purchased a lot at the big auctions – and he then marks the items up substantially higher than what he paid (which of course, is what dealers do). I’ve seen Larry Orr and others do this as well. It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but they wouldn’t do it if they didn’t make money at it.
A very true statement. If a dealer knows what you what and knows what he’s looking at he can make money. Anytime you have a one on one conversation with a big dealer he usually gets around to asking what your looking for. If the dealer has a customer before he buys the gun, he can pay more and make money. I have bought from both Leroy and Larry at retail plus with a smile on my face. When I want something price is important, but secondary. T/R
November 19, 2006
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TR said
A very true statement. If a dealer knows what you what and knows what he’s looking at he can make money. Anytime you have a one on one conversation with a big dealer he usually gets around to asking what your looking for. If the dealer has a customer before he buys the gun, he can pay more and make money. I have bought from both Leroy and Larry at retail plus with a smile on my face. When I want something price is important, but secondary. T/R
There’s a lot of rifles I will never forget – and a lot of them were offered by LeRoy. Same with some rifles Larry Orr had. I recall Larry had a wonderful case colored M1895 flatside deluxe rifle. I also recall the auction he purchased it at. Same with an engraved Burgess shotgun. I am aware dealers often purchase a rifle with a specific buyer in mind. However, many of those rifles often end up in their gun lists – available for anyone with the funds to purchase it.
September 22, 2011
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TR said
I have bought…at retail plus with a smile on my face.
Kudos to you! I just don’t have it in me to do that.
March 31, 2009
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I’ve found it easier to negotiate with Larry than with Leroy. I have bought from both and went home happy. Just because someone is trying to make a big profit you’d be surprised how often they will sell for a lesser profit. The trick is to not make the dealer mad. Many, when mad, raise their prices.
November 19, 2006
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Chuck said
I’ve found it easier to negotiate with Larry than with Leroy. I have bought from both and went home happy. Just because someone is trying to make a big profit you’d be surprised how often they will sell for a lesser profit. The trick is to not make the dealer mad. Many, when mad, raise their prices.
I used to get both of their lists for many years. I would note Larry would often reduce his prices on items that didn’t sell in subsequent lists. Leroy would not. Anything I ever bought from Leroy, the price was the price and that was it. Actually, I don’t fault that strategy.
