Gun Show Table - Worth it?

[biffmann]

Hey all,

Do you think it's worth while for a private individual to buy a table at a gun show to sell some misc. odds & ends?

A buddy and I were kicking around the idea and wanted some input; ideally from someone else who's done similar. We both have a bunch of odds & ends we'd like to move, below is a partial list:

- Maybe a gun or two
- Misc boxes of random ammo
- Misc gun parts (optics, lights, mounts etc...)
- Soft goods (tactical gear like mag pouches etc..._

Would it be worth the time, expense & effort? What do you all think?

 

[Schattenreiter]

You tell me. You can buy a table and spend two days trying to sell the stuff and it might or might not sell.Or you can list it here and keep doing something else for those two days while it sells or doesn't sell.

 

[biffmann]

You tell me. You can buy a table and spend two days trying to sell the stuff and it might or might not sell.Or you can list it here and keep doing something else for those two days while it sells or doesn't sell.

Obv... To be honest, my track record of selling on forums has been hit or miss. Sometimes you just end up dealing with people you'd rather not have to.

There are also quite a few smaller things that have value, but not enough to make it worth the time / energy to list individually IMO. Sure, would I take $20 for a set of mag pouches... yeah. Am I going to drive 15 min to the post office, wait around, drive back for $20. Heck no!

I'm assuming / counting the time investment as equal between the two options. Sure, a gun show is 8 hrs/day x 2 day = 16 hours + travel time & setup. Listing everything we have individually and then arranging meet ups, driving to the post office, replying to messages... I'm just counting it as equal.

More so I'm looking for opinions of anyone who has done similar. What are you're thoughts? Would you do it again? Any specific shows / cities you'd recommend or not recommend as drawing a good crowd?

 

[Jeppo]

@MacEntyre and I have done 2 or 3 and are considering one next month. Ammo will sell if it’s desirable AND priced below the ammo dealers. Small stuff can be VERY hit or miss. My guess is that taking a table to sell a gun or two might not really be worthwhile. Keep in mind your investment will also include the cost of the table, meals/refreshments for the weekend, etc.

 

[GoWolfpack]

If you have a friend you want to hang out with for a weekend, maybe. Go halves with me on a table at a show in Hickory or Charlotte, I'll sell syrup and CFF memberships, you can offload whatever you've got.

 

[B00ger]

Will just add some tips:

You can bundle some of the smaller items together and sell them here, that will make it more cost effective to ship.

For the larger things, it costs nothin to toss it up here and see if you get any bites. As far as dealing with “undesirables” we are pretty strict here with not allowing shenanigans. So >if< there is an issue with people backing out, they will probably be banned quick.

Also, just saying “I’ll take it” doesn’t matter. You get to pick who you sell it to. The deal isn’t done til there is a time, price, and location agreed to by both parties.

 

[Burt Gummer]

Will just add some tips:

You can bundle some of the smaller items together and sell them here, that will make it more cost effective to ship.

For the larger things, it costs nothin to toss it up here and see if you get any bites. As far as dealing with “undesirables” we are pretty strict here with not allowing shenanigans. So >if< there is an issue with people backing out, they will probably be banned quick.

Also, just saying “I’ll take it” doesn’t matter. You get to pick who you sell it to. The deal isn’t done til there is a time, price, and location agreed to by both parties.

End thread right here. Best advice that could be given

 

[Jeppo]

Sometimes you just end up dealing with people you'd rather not have to.

Not so different at gun shows. Be prepared to endlessly explain the laws around firearms purchases.

 

[Tim]

If you want to maximize dollars, gun show isn’t the place. If you want to unload crap, go into it with the attitude “I’ll accept any offer” and it’ll work. I did this a couple times in Asheville.

Just be prepared to try accept any offer.

 

[ronn47]

Not so different at gun shows. Be prepared to endlessly explain the laws around firearms purchases.

And Brass Comps.




Sorry, just had to, the devil made me do it.

 

[biffmann]

Not so different at gun shows. Be prepared to endlessly explain the laws around firearms purchases.

Very true and fair point. Part of the reason I've been hesitant to give it a try to this point...

Well that & the inevitable "Too rich for my blood sonny...I remember when you could buy those Kraut bolt guns for $50 at the hardware store and frankfurters only cost a nickel"...

 

[Mr.Gadget]

You are talking 50 to 75 or more for a table. Many shows require 2 or more or a higher first table cost.

What is your time worth? I bill more that the cost per table per hour. Factor in 3 days, set up Friday clean up Sunday you will 25 hrs tied up.

Again what is your time worth for those 20 to 30 hrs?
Look at what it will cost you to sell the items, add your time to it.

You could easily take 100$ off a few guns you want to sell and sell them here, trade, or consignment at a shop.
You would come out the same and even give the small crap away.

Just my two cents. I do shows from time to time. I do it for fun and hang out with a few friends. We each get a table or help a friend that has a shop and add a few of my items. Most the time cold weather and nothing else to do.

 

[biffmann]

If you want to maximize dollars, gun show isn’t the place. If you want to unload crap, go into it with the attitude “I’ll accept any offer” and it’ll work. I did this a couple times in Asheville.

Just be prepared to try accept any offer.

For the firearms I'm not at the "I'll take any offer" stage just yet...

The rest of the stuff I'm ready to get it outta my house.

 

[Tim]

For the firearms I'm not at the "I'll take any offer" stage just yet...

The rest of the stuff I'm ready to get it outta my house.

We need a swap meet at Night Ops to give people something to do Saturday.

 

[Schattenreiter]

Well you are already here so it won't cost anything but time to list and see if you can sell before the next show. If not take it to the show if that is what you want to do.

 

[BigWaylon]

Can’t imagine driving to USPS to mail something. Print a label at home and stick it in the mailbox.

…and that’s coming from somebody that only lives ~3 miles from the closest post office.

 

[Catfish]

Can’t imagine driving to USPS to mail something. Print a label at home and stick it in the mailbox.

…and that’s coming from somebody that only lives ~3 miles from the closest post office.

I know right? You don't even have to go to the PO to get boxes. They'll deliver them to your door for free.

Shipping Supplies | Free Shipping Supplies | USPS.com

Shop our selection of Free Shipping Supplies Shipping Supplies on the USPS.com Postal Store

store.usps.com

 

[biffmann]

Well you are already here so it won't cost anything but time to list and see if you can sell before the next show. If not take it to the show if that is what you want to do.

I've already tried... mostly bigger ticket items. Maybe that's the problem? Stick with the smaller stuff?

SOLD - Elcan SpecterDR 1.5-6x 5.56 FDE

As stated, I have an Elcan SpecterDR 1.5-6x 5.56 FDE up for sale. Bought in March of 2021 and just don't use it much. Will come in original box w/ original paperwork. Has ARD & Flip up caps included. Functions flawlessly, some minor cosmetic wear from use. $1650 OBO Shipped to lower 48. Trades...

carolinafirearmsforum.com

NC/SC - Finnish M39 / Mosin lot

Finnish M39 Sling Finnish marked Oil bottle Finnish muzzle cap Russian Oil bottle Tool kit Ammo pouch w/ 5x Stripper clips $55 Shipped OBO

carolinafirearmsforum.com

Like I said... I've never had much luck selling on forums... A couple things here and there but not consistently like I'd want. When I was heavily engaged in Paintball man I sold all kinds of stuff all the time on their forums.

Appreciate everyones tips & thoughts though

 

[Jeppo]

I've already tried... mostly bigger ticket items. Maybe that's the problem? Stick with the smaller stuff?

SOLD - Elcan SpecterDR 1.5-6x 5.56 FDE

As stated, I have an Elcan SpecterDR 1.5-6x 5.56 FDE up for sale. Bought in March of 2021 and just don't use it much. Will come in original box w/ original paperwork. Has ARD & Flip up caps included. Functions flawlessly, some minor cosmetic wear from use. $1650 OBO Shipped to lower 48. Trades...

carolinafirearmsforum.com

Another thing to consider is the “popularity” and “commonality” of the firearms you hope to sell at a show. Know in advance that the majority of gun show gun buyers are looking for the lowest price on a Hi-Point (and many have no idea there’s a permit required).

You will find buyers interested in more unusual and higher end firearms. You can expect most of those to be very well informed on pricing.

 

[Jeppo]

And Brass Comps.




Sorry, just had to, the devil made me do it.

Ok wise guy. The fact is that I DID sell that, at a gun show, at a profit. 🥳

 

[biffmann]

Another thing to consider is the “popularity” and “commonality” of the firearms you hope to sell at a show. Know in advance that the majority of gun show gun buyers are looking for the lowest price on a Hi-Point (and many have no idea there’s a permit required).

You will find buyers interested in more unusual and higher end firearms. You can expect most of those to be very well informed on pricing.

Yes, I'm wondering if that isn't half my problem. I have quite a few niche items so I understand the pool of potential buyers is limited for some of the stuff Ive got.

 

[Jeppo]

Yes, I'm wondering if that isn't half my problem. I have quite a few niche items so I understand the pool of potential buyers is limited for some of the stuff Ive got.

There’s no way to know. I’ve had popular items at fair prices receive no bites. I’ve also had obscure items I brought thinking “this’ll never sell” receive “OMG, you have no idea how long I’ve searched for one’a these”.

 

[Majicmike]

Ok wise guy. The fact is that I DID sell that, at a gun show, at a profit. 🥳

Kinda don’t believe ya😎, not saying your lying



Just saying

 

[Jeppo]

Kinda don’t believe ya😎, not saying your lying



Just saying

IIRC, I sold it for $75.

And the table only cost $70. 🤓

 

[Jeppo]

@biffmann
In case you’re wondering about all the crap coming my way, it relates to this:

Thread 'H&K VP9SK solid brass compensator'
https://carolinafirearmsforum.com/index.php?threads/h-k-vp9sk-solid-brass-compensator.62496/

 

[Schattenreiter]

IIRC, I sold it for $75.

And the table only cost $70. 🤓

Yeah but was that when gas was $1.75 or $4.69????

 

[biffmann]

I have so... many questions lol....

@biffmann
In case you’re wondering about all the crap coming my way, it relates to this:

Thread 'H&K VP9SK solid brass compensator'
https://carolinafirearmsforum.com/index.php?threads/h-k-vp9sk-solid-brass-compensator.62496/

 

[Sp00ks]

I'd like to add, you will have to listen to that damn Tazer guy all freaking weekend. To me that alone rules out renting a booth.

 

[biffmann]

I'd like to add, you will have to listen to that damn Tazer guy all freaking weekend. To me that alone rules out renting a booth.

But I like beef jerky... Where else will I get my beef jerky and "new" formula pain relief gel?

 

[Catfish]

Yes, I'm wondering if that isn't half my problem. I have quite a few niche items so I understand the pool of potential buyers is limited for some of the stuff Ive got.

Ok now I'm curious - whatcha got?

 

[B00ger]

One issue you may also have is that, at least from what I can tell, we are now more and more into a “buyers market”. A lot of people panicked and freaked out over the past few years and bought a lot of guns and ammo. Prices on both are steadily dropping. So, again, it’s just my opinion, but niche items in a buyers market may get overlooked readily because people have what they want, or are themselves actively trying to offload stuff they picked up over the last few years.

 

[biffmann]

The latest thing I'm pushing is the elcan listed above... Most of the rest is small odds & ends. I'm trying to convince myself to part with a few guns too...

I think you guys have mostly cured me of my curiosity I'm getting a table. I might throw up a couple more BST post on here when I get some spare time to take pictures of everything.

 

[Toprudder]

But I like beef jerky... Where else will I get my beef jerky and "new" formula pain relief gel?

And BBQ sauce!

I will add this - When I am walking through a gun show, and I pass a table full of miscellaneous stuff, if nothing is labeled or prices listed then I usually just keep moving. It is hard to pick out a holster for a gun I have if it is buried in the middle of a whole bunch of holsters I have no use for. How you display the items on the table is very important. Make the potential customer want to stop and look.

 

[Bahamadon]

Having a pretty, young woman at your table will cause many men to at least slow down for a look at your display.

 

[Geezer]

Having a pretty, young woman at your table will cause many men to at least slow down for a look at your display.

They may slow down but they'll be looking at her display.

 

[BatteryOaksBilly]

To be honest, my track record of selling on forums has been hit or miss. Sometimes you just end up dealing with people you'd rather not have to.

You just described a table at a gun show.

 

[Downeast]

Maybe all of you who get tables at the shows should get together under the CFF umbrella and pile all your stuff together. Order some CFF shirts and hats, donate a portion to the site. If I knew that some of the proceeds would go here I would even buy some of your worthless crap.

 

[6mm250]

I've had fair results selling stuff at the flea market and a table is way cheaper than a gun show table.

The flea market near me forbids the selling of firearms , but you can sell ammo & accessories

Mike

 

[Jeppo]

Maybe all of you who get tables at the shows should get together under the CFF umbrella and pile all your stuff together. Order some CFF shirts and hats, donate a portion to the site. If I knew that some of the proceeds would go here I would even buy some of your worthless crap.

I proposed precisely this, a few years ago.

 

[Flashpoint]

And BBQ sauce!

I will add this - When I am walking through a gun show, and I pass a table full of miscellaneous stuff, if nothing is labeled or prices listed then I usually just keep moving. It is hard to pick out a holster for a gun I have if it is buried in the middle of a whole bunch of holsters I have no use for. How you display the items on the table is very important. Make the potential customer want to stop and look.

Whenever I see used goods (even used cars at a dealership) for sale with no prices attached I assume the seller is waiting to size you up before pulling the sale price out of his az. Unless there is something I REALLY want I keep on walking.