Names were asked for a couple times in that other thread without being answered, and now, Im asking here.
Share the info.
I would also like to know who the complainants are.
I don't buy new guns at a show but I would like to know who these idiots are anyway.
https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/com...itrust-laws/dealings-competitors/price-fixing
“Illegal price fixing occurs whenever two or more competitors agree to take actions that have the effect of raising, lowering or stabilizing the price of any product or service without any legitimate justification.”
I'll clear this up a bit just for those that aren't familiar with the situation. I was diagnosed with Leukemia in March of 2018. I haven't worked a show since. I certainly don't want to jinx myself in any way, shape or form, but things are going well at this point and I've moved into what is referred to as the maintenance stage. My immune system still stays somewhat compromised but it hasn't been nearly as demanding as the previous year and a half. With that being said, I won't be able to return to shows for another few years while this phase continues simply because I don't want to risk getting sick and facing far worse circumstances. But to be clear, this all happened before I was diagnosed and had to stop working shows.
Those that know me well, know that I don't like to air dirty laundry or drop names. It's just not my style. I was always taught that if you don't have something nice to say about someone, it's better to not say anything at all. With that being said, I was approached by the promoter of the Asheville gun show and basically warned that other dealers were seriously complaining that I was there and outselling them, etc.. I asked him what he wanted me to do to make his life easier, as we had always had a good working relationship before this. Basically he said nothing, keep doing what you are doing. I figured this was a sign of things to come.
At the end of the next show, the promoter approached me and explained to me that 3 dealers in particular were complaining that I was underselling them and selling firearms under their costs. The promoter explained to me that he didn't want to lose the revenue from the tables that these 3 dealers rented and asked me not to come back. He did name the dealers by name. He wasn't a jerk about it and I wasn't a jerk to him. I explained to him that I do business a certain way and it works for me. Their business practices are no concern of mine. I also explained that while I disagreed with his decision, it was his promotion to run the way that he saw fit.
Of course I haven't been back to an Asheville show since. It's sad simply because I made a number of friends from Western, NC while we were up there and we enjoyed working the show quite a bit.
With that being said, I try to live the best way I can and would prefer not dragging anyone's names in the dirt, whether they deserve it or not. I will tell you that none of the three ever spoke to me. Not a word. They never questioned me about how to do things or how to run their business more efficiently, etc.. If any of you want to know simply because you think this is a low down tactic on their behalf and don't respect their business ethics, I'll be happy to send you the name of their companies via PM. But the last thing I need or want is for someone's cousin or brother, or sixth uncle once removed to stir up some sort of drama at this point in my life. I'm much more concerned about getting better, being a good dad and a good husband.
I will also say this. After we were asked not to come back to the Asheville show, we wanted to keep some roots extended in Western North Carolina so our customers wouldn't have to travel so far east to pick up their guns. So we tried to get into two different shows from another promoter that mainly promotes in Western, NC. At first, we were told that it wouldn't be a problem and he took our request and told us that he would see us soon. Literally a few hours before we mailed the check for the tables, I received a phone call from this promoter basically stating that some of the other dealers would pull their tables from his shows if I was allowed in. Needless to say, the dealers he was referring to were likely the same dealers from the Asheville show.
It was certainly a ridiculous situation and I disagreed quite a bit. I'm still a fairly young man and can honestly say that a few years ago, I would have possibly held a grudge. But at this point, I rather spend my time with my son, my daughter, and my wife because that is what makes me happy.... and guns of course.