FFL Transfer Fee to Ship Out?

An FFL dealer is an independent entity. The Federal code that establishes the FFL entity does not mandate or forbid any fee at all. Nor do states, as a general rule. An independent business can charge as they please and have customers pay.

I might suggest the 'transfer fee' is to do checks to make sure the arm isn't stolen. No guarantee, but that's my guess.

I've only sold one rifle that couldn't be done FTF. And I was able to ship directly to a FFL in the buyers location so I'm not sure how these things work. It was a rifle, which made things a lot simpler. I used USPS.

But technically the FFL who shipped the gun for you took possession of it and if I understand correctly it had to be entered into their books, even if only for a few minutes. Technically you transferred to them, and they transferred to the FFL who they shipped to.

Locally transfer fees vary considerably. There are a couple of places who do it for $5, and at least one that charges $50. I have ordered guns from online merchants a few times and had them sent to the $5 transfer stores.

Agree with jmr40. Entered into the book. ...and entry to exit the book as well.

Doesn’t hurt to shop around. Depending on location. Might have a few FFLs around. Some cheaper then other’s.

A FFL has spent the time working with you on the transfer particulars. Then they have to enter each firearm in and out of their records. They have to communicate with the receiving FFL to obtain a copy of their FFL license before shipment can be made. Appropriate law enforcement databases are checked to ensure the firearm was not stolen.

Shipping entails obtaining the proper size shipping box, weighing the package, determine its dimensions, prepping the package with cushioning material, preparing a packing slip and supporting documents, sealing the box, entering shipping information in the courier company’s shipping system to generate a shipping label, affix the label, contact the courier to arrange pickup and tender the package to the pickup employee. Many FFLs do not charge a handling fee to perform this work, they just collect the actual shipping costs charged by the courier.

Do you really expect a FFL to perform all of the above work at no cost to you, or at a minimal fee that does not recover at least their actual labor costs? A five dollar transfer fee, or even a twenty dollar fee may not recoup the employee labor costs to assist you with your shipment.

Do they operate a business simply to provide a free convenience to you? Would you consider offering your own business services for free or at a reduced price that doesn’t cover your cost? The initial question certainly presents a perspective that shows an incomplete understanding of a balanced retail relationship between the customer and a vendor.

9mmepiphany said:

$20 sounds pretty reasonable. Around here FFLs charge anywhere from $50 to $100 to transfer a gun.

I think you're confusing the transfer fee charged during a FTF private party transfer fee...that used to be $20 (for the 4473) + $10 for the FFL; I think it recently went up from $30 to $35

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ATF and FBI do not charge a fee for the 4473 and the background check. The transfer fee is charged by the FFL holder to cover his time, effort, licensing fees and also the risk. I agree that $20 is pretty reasonable to do an outbound transfer and provide shipping and handling at cost.

For me it is not worth it to do FFL transfers commercially, not even for $50, and I only occasionally do free transfers for good friends and family.

My dealer charged me $25 each time to ship a couple of handguns. No transfer fee, unless it was included in the $25. If you want to transfer a gun his normal fee is $10.

I have sold only one pistol that had to be shipped FFL to FFL. MY Ogs charged $50 for it. That included the transfer documentation, a copy of the shipping label, and a document stating that they had done the front em]nd of the transfer. The fee included priority mail flat rate box shipping. That was e years ago. I sold the pistol after the buyer agreed to pay that fee as part of the purchase price. Since then I have only done FTF transfers. I figure the buyer had to pay his FFL a fee too. That’s a lot of add-on $$ to pay.

Seller -> FFL -> Shipper -> FFL -> Buyer. From the ATF's POV there are three transfers happening here.

I believe it is $10.00 to run the back ground check and I would not want to take in a gun without doing it, though I only think it is required for a sale. In my area, the Transfer Fee runs, $10.00 mandated by NY State Law for local transfers from one NY Resident to another, just to insure that 4473s are done as well as back ground checks on what used to be allowed as a Private Sale, and then regular transfers where shipping out or receiving in are done, local dealers typically charge $35 to $40 and some, as pointed out, $50 or more. Since a back ground check is good for up to 5 guns and for 30 days, when buying multiple guns, the dealer I use charges me $40 for the first one and $10 for each additional one.

Bob

Yes, legally you transfered it to the shipping FFL and then they shipped it to the buyers FFL. But what I think the real issue is was the $45 fee the FFL charged for "shipping" padded with profit for the FFL? If the $45 was truly the shipping cost than the FFL is legit collecting a separate transfer fee. But if the true shipping cost was actually less than $45 then he is double dipping in my opinion.

MAKster said:

.... But if the true shipping cost was actually less than $45 then he is double dipping in my opinion.

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It's probably just a SWAGged average since actual shipping varies. Maybe he comes out ahead on some and behind on others. Instead of a flat fee the better (and more customer-friendly) way would be to charge for a packing fee plus the actual shipper's fee plus the transfer fee. But ... that's probably a lot to ask if it's a small mom & pop shop.

Those prices sound quite reasonable to me. I have an FFL here that only does transfers and he charges $20 for the transfer with shipping/insurance in addition. Other places around here I've checked into start at $50 and go up from there. That $20 fee is well worth it for me. I wanted to ship a long gun to an FFL in another state through the USPS and the postal clerk told me I couldn't do it, I had to go through a local gun shop. I told her that it was incorrect and then the Post Master got into it with me and after her looking into the postal regulations realized that it was legal. Now I pay $20 and my FFL goes with me to the post office and I reimburse him the shipping fees. He even has boxes and packing material available for free to pack the gun in. Where do you get that kind of service for anything for $20?

Also was this a long arm or a pistol? 2nd Day Air used for pistols, so that is usually at least $35.00 and usually more.

Bob

As mentioned by others. Was this a handgun or rifle. What method of shipping? USPS, UPS Fed Ex?
The shipping fee is what may be high but depends on how it went?
$20 transfer is cheap.

$45 + $20 is on the high side for around here. Shipping is usually $25 on its own.

Jimbo80 said:

$45 + $20 is on the high side for around here. Shipping is usually $25 on its own.

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Those 25 bucks will surely not include insurance. USPS medium flat rate is the cheapest way to ship but insurance is quickly adding to the tab.

JCooperfan1911 said:

Hi everyone. I live in Nevada and sold a gun on GunBroker recently. I used a local FFL to ship but they charged me a $20 transfer fee on top of $45 or so shipping. I thought it a bit odd since I thought a transfer fee only applied when filling out a form 4473 and when doing the whole NICS process.

Is this SOP for most dealers? Thanks.

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So you think the dealer should work for free?

I charge $10 plus actual shipping cost with full value insurance and adult signature on delivery.

Archie said:

....I might suggest the 'transfer fee' is to do checks to make sure the arm isn't stolen. No guarantee, but that's my guess.

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There is no federal database that allows an FFL to check if a firearm is/is not stolen.

SterlingBullet said:

A FFL has spent the time working with you on the transfer particulars. Then they have to enter each firearm in and out of their records. They have to communicate with the receiving FFL to obtain a copy of their FFL license before shipment can be made.

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True.

Appropriate law enforcement databases are checked to ensure the firearm was not stolen

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Not true.

MAKster said:

Yes, legally you transfered it to the shipping FFL and then they shipped it to the buyers FFL. But what I think the real issue is was the $45 fee the FFL charged for "shipping" padded with profit for the FFL? If the $45 was truly the shipping cost than the FFL is legit collecting a separate transfer fee. But if the true shipping cost was actually less than $45 then he is double dipping in my opinion.

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Whether the dealer charges include cost of shipping/mailing, the dealers transfer fees, dealer "padding", profit, handling, miscellaneous fees,........the only thing that matters is.......... wait for it.........the TOTAL cost.


If you don't like the fees charged, go to a different dealer.

George Dickel said:

..... Where do you get that kind of service for anything for $20?

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I do it 5 times a week for $10.

rkittine said:

Also was this a long arm or a pistol? 2nd Day Air used for pistols, so that is usually at least $35.00 and usually more.

Bob

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While Joe Public is restricted to mailing rifles and shotguns only, licensed dealers can mail firearms other than rifles and shotgun via USPS.
No carrier permits "2nd Day Air for handguns btw.

I can mail a handgun in a USPS Flat Rate box for about half the cost of shipping that same sized box UOS Next Day or FedEx Overnight.