Buying guns online/etiquette

[Hunter125]

I have never bought guns online before, but have found a few deals. I guess my question is more about etiquette with the brick and mortar dealer that will transfer your purchase. Do you generally ask them before you purchase if they will do a transfer for you, or do you just call after the fact and let them know something is coming their way?

 

[wojownik]

Yes to all the above -

I have asked before the purchase to confirm their transfer rates (and that they still accept transfers). (things seem to be changing rapidly, my favorite FFL bumped his rate from $30 to $40, and another decided he will no longer accept transfers from non-FFLs. never hurts to ask)

After purchase, I always call or e-mail to let them know that something is on the way. All the FFLs I deal with appreciate this - if not require it.

Then, upon receipt, they always call me as soon as it arrives and let me know when I can pick it up (sometimes same day, sometimes a day or so later, depending on how many transfers they are handling).

 

[Hunter125]

Thanks for the info.

 

[mdauben]

I have never bought guns online before, but have found a few deals. I guess my question is more about etiquette with the brick and mortar dealer that will transfer your purchase. Do you generally ask them before you purchase if they will do a transfer for you, or do you just call after the fact and let them know something is coming their way?

I generally like to call before hand to confirm they will do the transfer and for how much, even if they have done it for me before. I've also on at least one occasion had a local FFL tell me that they had the gun in question in their store, and sell it to me for a comparable price which saved me a bit of hassle and made him a bit more money on the whole deal.

 

[ArmisteadArmory]

If it's your first time using your local FFL, I would definitely recommend calling them first. Transfer rates differ from $15-50 depending on the shop and state, and that may impact the "deal" in real terms of the gun your thinking about buying online.

The online gun store is going to contact the FFL you chose to ensure that they're up to date, etc. - many will need the FFL to fax their current FFL cert over, though we do it digitally through the ATF's database.

Once you've done business with a local one that's well established, you can skip contacting them if you wish, it's up to you regarding your comfort level.

 

[dogtown tom]

Hunter125 I have never bought guns online before, but have found a few deals. I guess my question is more about etiquette with the brick and mortar dealer that will transfer your purchase. Do you generally ask them before you purchase if they will do a transfer for you, or do you just call after the fact and let them know something is coming their way?

It's NEVER a bad idea to contact the dealer first.....and doesn't matter whether he "brick and mortar" or "kitchen table". It could very well save you some grief.

I have received four guns in the last six months with no information other than the UPS shipping label.

They just picked my name off GunBrokers "Find a transfer dealer" list and had it shipped to me. One got snippy when he called and asked how long it would be before I would call to "let him know it was ready".........Uh, dude...it was "ready" the day it arrived.

Another arrived with the transferees name written on a note inside: "this Browning A5 is to be transferred to my nephew John XXXX ONLY! Please contact me at 555-555-5555 if you have any questions (signed) Jim ZZZZ"
Great.......but no contact info on the person who is supposed to receive the gun. So......I called the shipper back and asked for the recepients contact info....."Uh, I don't have that, i'll try and get it for you tomorrow" Tomorrow turned into three weeks.:banghead:

 

[JBrady555]

I called my local pawn shop before my first online purchase to make sure he would do the transfer. Now I just call him after the fact since I know that he has no problem doing the transfers.

 

[tarosean]

You can find local FFL's that do transfers through gunbroker

http://www.gunbroker.com/FFL/DealerNetwork.aspx

If you have a local gun forum/classifieds check to see if any are advertising.

I communicate and let him know exactly what's comming.

 

[Pacsd]

I've only had one gun shipped to me from a friend. I called a local place I do business and made the arrangements. Worked smooth as buhdda. However, I'm just gonna make an aded remark. You guys got more guts than I when it comes to buying guns on line, sight unseen, a pig in a poke, etc. I prefer to keep the money in my home town with the local ownership businesses. Same with any sporting goods That way if any problems arise I can deal with it face to face.

 

[tarosean]

You guys got more guts than I when it comes to buying guns on line, sight unseen, a pig in a poke, etc. I prefer to keep the money in my home town with the local ownership businesses.

I'm not into most of the stuff that's out now-a-days on the shelves. So that leaves me searching forums, auctions, etc. for what I'm looking for. I would prefer to buy something in person, but sometimes you cannot find what you want if at all..
So your left with going without or taking a chance.. I've never been taken to the cleaners but it does happen..

 

[oneounceload]

I call my local guy first and tell him what I am looking for - if it is new, he will beat any price I can find. His cash OTD price includes tax, shipping, profit, background call, etc. If he can't, then he tells me that and I have it ordered in

 

[12131]

Always let them know in advance that you are expecting a transfer, whether it's your first transfer, or the 100th.

 

[Bubbles]

While we appreciate a heads-up from new customers, as long as we can easily figure out where the gun came from and who is supposed to get it (along with an email address or phone #), advance notice isn't required.