Cheaper Than Dirt - Pleasant Surprise

MLeake · February 16, 2013, 04:47 AM

CTD takes its share of bad-mouthing here, and with some of their pricing policies in 2008/2009 and 2012/2013 they earned that, but I opened my email today to find a very pleasant surprise.

Quote:

Cheaper Than Dirt Supports Citizens'
2nd Amendment Rights

Recently companies such as LaRue Tactical and Olympic Arms announced they will no longer sell prohibited items to government agencies and personnel in states denying civilians to own those same items. It has been and will continue to be Cheaper Than Dirt's policy not to sell prohibited items to government agencies and agents in states, counties, cities and municipalities that have enacted restrictive gun control laws against their citizens. We support and encourage other companies that share in this sentiment.

This is pretty cool on their part.

**Spats McGee** · February 16, 2013, 09:44 AM

I just saw that and had the same reaction. I'd like to see more manufacturers and distributors take that position.

wogpotter · February 16, 2013, 10:35 AM

Old saying:
"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."
I think it applies here.

L2R · February 16, 2013, 11:08 AM

I applaud them for taking a stand but as long as there is panic buying and their shelves remain empty, it doesn't hurt them at all.

I will wait and see if they continue this ban after the panic is over and ammo is sitting on their shelf before it is more than an empty campaign.

Credibility is hard to establish, easy to loose and takes time to regain.

JimDandy · February 16, 2013, 03:49 PM

Do you really think the State of New York buys ammo from CTD? I never had to answer a question from them that I was LEO- Not that I'm in NYS.

The fact that they won't ship anything to anyone in New York(or where ever) isn't really the same as saying we won't deal with the government agencies, but will continue to service the average Joe.

None of this really is either here nor there on the anouncement. And I wasn't shopping years ago when CTD may or may not have been price gouging, so I'm not pre-disposed. I just don't like self-back-patting that makes my skin crawl, and that set off my warning alarms.

**Shane Tuttle** · February 16, 2013, 04:10 PM

While I will most likely never give them my business again, credit must be given where credit is due.

As Jim stated the likeliness NYS has even done business with CTD is nil, the point of the matter is they've established their intent. I'll take it for what it's worth. Having public knowledge of a business refusing to aid in prohibitive governments can, in fact, create a snowball effect. The case of CTD mentioning other businesses doing the same gives anecdotal evidence of that. I hope the momentum picks up.

Palmetto-Pride · February 16, 2013, 04:16 PM

I call BS I don't believe for one second that CTD would turn down a huge order from a government agency that restricts civilians rights, but you beleive what you want....

**Tom Servo** · February 16, 2013, 10:48 PM

Quote:

While I will most likely never give them my business again, credit must be given where credit is due.

But what if it's an empty gesture, as Jim pointed out? If they're not filling government contracts already (and I doubt they are), then they lose nothing by doing this.

This isn't a risk or a sacrifice for them. Magpul leaving Colorado is a sacrifice; this is a Facebook missive.

And this isn't the first time they've gotten creative with pricing to capitalize on a tragedy. They did it after Virginia Tech as well.

**Shane Tuttle** · February 16, 2013, 11:50 PM

Granted, their word doesn't carry much weight. But that's only to those that follow the news of CTD. A select few friends of mine knew what CTD has been pulling these past few years.

My point is the general public will see X, Y, and Z companies are making a sacrifice whether genuine or not, and it could help influence other companies to follow suit. If their "due credit" is given and word is spread they voiced their sacrifice, people could hold them accountable if they renege.

IOW, "CTD, you're making a sacrifice? Great! Happy for you. But if you waver, I....will...remember!"

Willie Sutton · February 17, 2013, 12:15 AM

CTD knows that many of us just think that they are opportunistic bottom feeders (which they are). So they are tossing a sop... but it means zero. They will sell to any private individual, and they likely have a total annual NY Govt. Contract revenue of zero. They would not be competative with ammo or anything else NY buys. This is just weasel-words from pond scum. In my considered opinon, naturally...

Willie

.

mrbatchelor · February 17, 2013, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Sutton

?..they likely have a total annual NY Govt. Contract revenue of zero. [...] This is just weasel-words from pond scum.

Yes, but they're our crazy uncle in the attic pond scum, and family is family. So I'll give them kudos where due.

But I'm still not going to buy anything.

**Mike Irwin** · February 17, 2013, 06:18 AM

I guess that explains why they ratcheted the price of Magpuls up by a factor of nearly six...

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/MAG-074

flyinpolack · February 17, 2013, 07:04 AM

CTD are gougers, I can't believe anyone shops with them anymore.
They turn tail every time there is a bit of trouble, & this latest email campaign is damage control, nothing more.
If they wanted to stand by us they could have...

Bartholomew Roberts · February 17, 2013, 10:54 AM

CTD also donated $100,000 to the Second Amendment Foundation. I don't shop there myself because I feel I can get better products cheaper elsewhere; but it is nice to see them put their money where their mouth is.

leadchucker · February 17, 2013, 11:14 AM

Looks like Midway is doing some of the same thing.
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/201...an-bans-apply/

JimDandy · February 17, 2013, 03:08 PM

I don't think it was an empty gesture, as much as taking credit where credit may not be due. If they refuse to deal with the entire state of NY because of NY laws, that's not refusing to deal with a government passing laws they don't agree with.. that's refusing to do business in a state they don't want to pay a lawyer for. I suppose the easiest way would be for someone to pretend to be a NY state trooper long enough to go through the checkout process but not actually finish the checkout process, to see if they every ask, and deny you.

Warrior1256 · February 17, 2013, 05:26 PM

Sure, now that the political wind seems to have shifted somewhat in our favor CTD now switches to our side. Talk about a fair weather friend. Besides, seems to me that CTD is still price gouging during this time.

If they will switch sides once they will do it again.

Onward Allusion · February 17, 2013, 07:28 PM

Heh, yeah like agencies buy from CTD directly.

More advertising smoke and mirrors from an unethical organization.

TXAZ · February 17, 2013, 07:52 PM

I expect a fair number of agencies use/used CTD, Midway, or purchased weapons from manufacturers such as Olympic and a few years ago Barrett in California.

While boycotts have a poor track record, there are instances where they achieve at least a partial victory. This may be one.

We will see if any of the lunacy is reversed.

JimDandy · February 18, 2013, 12:44 AM

Quote:

CTD also donated $100,000 to the Second Amendment Foundation.

Now THAT one is worthy of some Kudos.

SHE3PDOG · February 18, 2013, 01:11 AM

Even if their personal sacrifice is minimal by stating this, if they actually encourage other companies to come out against government contracts for places that infringe upon the second amendment, it is a very good thing. Perhaps it is far fetched, but other companies may see this as being a good marketing ploy as well. Even if it is just a sales strategy, the enemy of my enemy is my friend...for now.

Navy joe · February 18, 2013, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Now THAT one is worthy of some Kudos.

Right up there with a lady of the night donating proceeds to the local convent. I'm glad SAF has the cash. Too bad it came from selling stuff at 2-6X market value. People have an awfully short memory. I personally have never bought from them, never will. I was still a newby shooter and could tell by one magazine ad that they were hucksters.

MLeake · February 18, 2013, 07:26 AM

While I generally do not buy from CTD due to their prices, particularly during panic buying periods, I am constantly amazed by posters such as the previous one who seem to feel that merchants should set prices according to what he thinks reasonable.

The simple answer is, if the market did not support those high prices, then the seller could not charge them.

Blame stupid buyers. If I could sell something for an enormous profit, I would - and I would bet money that so would most of the people who complain about CTD and other merchants.

JimDandy · February 18, 2013, 03:13 PM

Gotta agree with you there Mike.

And

Quote:

Right up there with a lady of the night donating proceeds to the local convent.

Thanks for proving my point... social conscience from people at the bottom looking up is worthy of some kudos.

JimDandy · February 18, 2013, 06:03 PM

Hornady seems to be getting into the mix as well... not sure if this link will work though... http://e2.ma/message/wo2ef/8dq3di

February 16, 2013, 09:44 AM	#2
Spats McGee Staff Join Date: July 28, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 8,821	I just saw that and had the same reaction. I'd like to see more manufacturers and distributors take that position. __________________ I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer. If you need some honest-to-goodness legal advice, go buy some.

February 16, 2013, 10:35 AM	#3
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	Old saying: "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." I think it applies here. __________________ Allan Quatermain: “Automatic rifles. Who in God's name has automatic rifles”? Elderly Hunter: “That's dashed unsporting. Probably Belgium.”

February 16, 2013, 11:08 AM	#4
L2R Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 358	good for them to take a stand I applaud them for taking a stand but as long as there is panic buying and their shelves remain empty, it doesn't hurt them at all. I will wait and see if they continue this ban after the panic is over and ammo is sitting on their shelf before it is more than an empty campaign. Credibility is hard to establish, easy to loose and takes time to regain. __________________ L2R

February 16, 2013, 04:10 PM	#6
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	While I will most likely never give them my business again, credit must be given where credit is due. As Jim stated the likeliness NYS has even done business with CTD is nil, the point of the matter is they've established their intent. I'll take it for what it's worth. Having public knowledge of a business refusing to aid in prohibitive governments can, in fact, create a snowball effect. The case of CTD mentioning other businesses doing the same gives anecdotal evidence of that. I hope the momentum picks up. __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

February 16, 2013, 04:16 PM	#7
Palmetto-Pride Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,071	I call BS I don't believe for one second that CTD would turn down a huge order from a government agency that restricts civilians rights, but you beleive what you want.... __________________ “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.” -Margaret Thatcher-

February 16, 2013, 03:49 PM	#5
JimDandy Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2012 Posts: 2,556	Do you really think the State of New York buys ammo from CTD? I never had to answer a question from them that I was LEO- Not that I'm in NYS. The fact that they won't ship anything to anyone in New York(or where ever) isn't really the same as saying we won't deal with the government agencies, but will continue to service the average Joe. None of this really is either here nor there on the anouncement. And I wasn't shopping years ago when CTD may or may not have been price gouging, so I'm not pre-disposed. I just don't like self-back-patting that makes my skin crawl, and that set off my warning alarms.

February 16, 2013, 11:50 PM	#9
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	Granted, their word doesn't carry much weight. But that's only to those that follow the news of CTD. A select few friends of mine knew what CTD has been pulling these past few years. My point is the general public will see X, Y, and Z companies are making a sacrifice whether genuine or not, and it could help influence other companies to follow suit. If their "due credit" is given and word is spread they voiced their sacrifice, people could hold them accountable if they renege. IOW, "CTD, you're making a sacrifice? Great! Happy for you. But if you waver, I....will...remember!" __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

February 17, 2013, 12:15 AM	#10
Willie Sutton Junior member Join Date: January 26, 2012 Posts: 1,066	CTD knows that many of us just think that they are opportunistic bottom feeders (which they are). So they are tossing a sop... but it means zero. They will sell to any private individual, and they likely have a total annual NY Govt. Contract revenue of zero. They would not be competative with ammo or anything else NY buys. This is just weasel-words from pond scum. In my considered opinon, naturally... Willie .

February 17, 2013, 06:18 AM	#12
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	I guess that explains why they ratcheted the price of Magpuls up by a factor of nearly six... http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/MAG-074 __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

February 17, 2013, 07:04 AM	#13
flyinpolack Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2010 Posts: 152	CTD are gougers, I can't believe anyone shops with them anymore. They turn tail every time there is a bit of trouble, & this latest email campaign is damage control, nothing more. If they wanted to stand by us they could have... __________________ Buy American, or don't bitch when you wind up on the bread line. www.smokerbuilder.com

February 17, 2013, 10:54 AM	#14
Bartholomew Roberts member Join Date: June 12, 2000 Location: Texas and Oklahoma area Posts: 8,462	CTD also donated $100,000 to the Second Amendment Foundation. I don't shop there myself because I feel I can get better products cheaper elsewhere; but it is nice to see them put their money where their mouth is.

February 17, 2013, 11:14 AM	#15
leadchucker Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2011 Location: NC Posts: 252	Looks like Midway is doing some of the same thing. http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/201...an-bans-apply/ __________________ JOIN THE NRA!

February 17, 2013, 03:08 PM	#16
JimDandy Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2012 Posts: 2,556	I don't think it was an empty gesture, as much as taking credit where credit may not be due. If they refuse to deal with the entire state of NY because of NY laws, that's not refusing to deal with a government passing laws they don't agree with.. that's refusing to do business in a state they don't want to pay a lawyer for. I suppose the easiest way would be for someone to pretend to be a NY state trooper long enough to go through the checkout process but not actually finish the checkout process, to see if they every ask, and deny you.

February 17, 2013, 05:26 PM	#17
Warrior1256 Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2012 Location: Louisville, Ky. Posts: 156	Sure, now that the political wind seems to have shifted somewhat in our favor CTD now switches to our side. Talk about a fair weather friend. Besides, seems to me that CTD is still price gouging during this time. If they will switch sides once they will do it again.

February 17, 2013, 07:28 PM	#18
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	Heh, yeah like agencies buy from CTD directly. More advertising smoke and mirrors from an unethical organization. __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

February 17, 2013, 07:52 PM	#19
TXAZ Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Location: McMurdo Sound Texas Posts: 4,322	I expect a fair number of agencies use/used CTD, Midway, or purchased weapons from manufacturers such as Olympic and a few years ago Barrett in California. While boycotts have a poor track record, there are instances where they achieve at least a partial victory. This may be one. We will see if any of the lunacy is reversed. __________________ Cave illos in guns et backhoes

February 18, 2013, 01:11 AM	#21
SHE3PDOG Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2013 Posts: 988	Even if their personal sacrifice is minimal by stating this, if they actually encourage other companies to come out against government contracts for places that infringe upon the second amendment, it is a very good thing. Perhaps it is far fetched, but other companies may see this as being a good marketing ploy as well. Even if it is just a sales strategy, the enemy of my enemy is my friend...for now. __________________ Semper Fi Marine, NRA member, SAF Defender's Club member, and constitutionally protected keeper and bearer of firearms

February 18, 2013, 07:26 AM	#23
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	While I generally do not buy from CTD due to their prices, particularly during panic buying periods, I am constantly amazed by posters such as the previous one who seem to feel that merchants should set prices according to what he thinks reasonable. The simple answer is, if the market did not support those high prices, then the seller could not charge them. Blame stupid buyers. If I could sell something for an enormous profit, I would - and I would bet money that so would most of the people who complain about CTD and other merchants.

February 18, 2013, 06:03 PM	#25
JimDandy Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2012 Posts: 2,556	Hornady seems to be getting into the mix as well... not sure if this link will work though... http://e2.ma/message/wo2ef/8dq3di

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