In the modern world, we've become accustomed to walking into a store and paying the price that rings up at the checkout.
Not so much with guns pre- Covid virus. Guns were one of the things that were very often price dickered over. Even Cabela's sometimes used to chop price on used guns. The gun shows, asking for "your best price" was almost automatic. Worst the guy can do is say no.
throw in comparisons on gunbroker
Well, those prices are real world. When people are willing to pay them, they are real. Pre-Covid, Gunbroker prices tended to lead the pack and still do. It's a different market. People paying those prices want specific things and are willing to pay to get what they want. Without going all over Hell and half of Georgia looking for it, and without having to bargain and dicker. Just press the bid button. Smaller venues, lots of buyers aren't necessarily looking for a certain item as they are looking for a deal.
I've been in the process of liquidating most of my holdings for close to two years. Before Covid, I sold mostly on Armslist. With ordinary guns, I'd meet the buyer within reasonable driving distance and do the business at an FFL. Unusual or rare guns, I'd put up on Gunbroker. Since Covid, most of my sales have been on Gunbroker. Even what I'd consider ordinary guns. Because buyers on GB are willing to pay more, plain and simple. Recently a gun that I figured would sell for maybe $750 locally has sold for over $2,000 on GB. I'm gonna sell locally to be a good guy? And give up the difference of $1,250? No, I'm gonna sell for what I can get so I can do some things for my own family. Or leave it to my wife.
Oh, I forgot. The NRA wants me to leave it to them in my will. Guess I'll do that. So Wayne can buy a few new suits.
One thing is very real. People are paying stupid money for every kind of asset these days. Stocks, real estate, new trucks, guns, you name it. Way too much money around, credit too easy to gain access to it.