Reseller market - how does it work

R

roulston

Joined
Oct 9, 2006
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3
Okay, so I am going to buy a Randall for the collection and I want a Model 14 in carbon.

So I have ten catalogue and can place an order and wait for five years, or I can pay the premium and get one immediately, which I am prepared to do.

So how is it that there some resellers, some on bay, that have a huge stock and variety. I can only guess that they have an ongoing resupply deal, take the risk, and start an online business.

By all accounts these are all first grade genuine Randall Made knives, is there a catch, or is it simply that the premium is the only downside?

Tony
 
More than likely, they get them in trades, or buy them from collectors who are willing to sell way under price. At any gun show I see gun dealers that have only a few knives and they are usually Randall's.
 
roulston said:
...some resellers, some on bay, that have a huge stock and variety ... is there a catch, or is it simply that the premium is the only downside?
Tony
Click to expand...

If you are hinting at resellers like SJJP on ebay, I have bought from him, was very satisfied, and found no downside.
-Steve
 
cut_n_run said:
If you are hinting at resellers like SJJP on ebay, I have bought from him, was very satisfied, and found no downside.
-Steve
Click to expand...

Yes it is SJJP and be all acount he is a relaiable seller and his stock is wonderful and he has 100% feedback, has promptly replied to messages and he has a busy business.

I am very comfortable dealing with him based on his record.

In fact it os my daughter that is buying me the knife as a b/day present. If I had known she would take the hint, I might have ordered a more expensive model.

I am now looking forward to my #14.

Thanks for reply.

TR
 
TR, I don't have a huge stock, buy pre-owned from collectors and owners, from other resellers, and having standing orders with various authorized dealers. I only buy original, complete packages in new/near new condition unless the knife is a rarely seen model/configuration, or is old enough to be really interesting.

I try to buy and sell fairly - and in my case, I'm looking to make (earn for my effort) $50 after selling expenses. So, if I have to sell on an expensive venue like eBay, the price will be higher than on my website - even then, I sourced it, photographed it, the description is accurate, and I just saved you a five year wait.

I think $50 profit for my effort is fair, as apparently do many of my customers being that most of my business is repeat. Still, for me anyway, most of my profits come from book sales. People come to the website, see the Randall Knives Reference Book, and buy a copy or two...a book that was paid for long ago.

Knives on the other hand, they cost me money almost daily. :eek:

Hope that helps
 
I would also say that I have found Shel ('Melvin-Purvis') to be a good source, reliable, and easy to deal with.
-Steve
 
Thanks for all the advice. As far as fair margin, I think aiming for $50 per sale is generous Melvin, particularly considering the total stock value.

I would have thought 20% as a minimum, and I for one would value not having to wait for one from the factory. Particularly if you can find the "right one" in stock.

Which I have by the way, maybe deal with you on the next purchase. My kids have both kicked in to get me a model 14 in 01, NS hilt and white micarta in four fonder grooves for Christmas.

Tony
 
Hey Tony
If you are looking for SPECIFIC specifications ebay may not work but if you are flexible and not in a rush you can find a #14 on ebay at an excellent price. 1. Check the new listings constantly, especialy later in the evening, sooner or later the knife you want will show up on a "buy it now". 2. If you see a knife you like save it and watch it till the end of auction, then put in your bid. I have seen several Randall's sell below catalog in the last few weeks. If anybody doesn't agree just check the completed listings on ebay . Plus it really isn't a 5 year wait, you can order from a dealer and get the knife inside of a year or less. Go with a dealer that sells at catalog prices, just like any business, dealers should all sell at the SAME price set by the maker. Good Luck!!!!!!
Dan
 
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Thanks Guys. Tony, I've sold four new Randall knives this week for a profit of just under $200 total. If I raised my prices I might make more money but sell less knives - it's a fine line.
Truth is, while I like the turnover, if I really like a certain knife, it would be quite spendy to talk me out of it... ;)

Good luck in your pursuit bud - may all your Randall knife acquisitions meet your expectations, and may all your transactions be fair :thumbup:
 
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