Buying or selling a firearm

[PS229]

Can anyone recommend the best way to collect payment if you sell a gun advertised at a forum such as THR? I know the transfer would go through a FFL dealer, but I wasn't sure how the money end could be handled. I have used paypal for other things but not for firearms.

Thanks for any help.

 

[newfalguy101]

I have always preferred, USPS money orders if sent by mail.

In person, cash is king

 

[Styx]

Best way I can think of is certified check or money order. Not saying do this, but technically he could send money as a "gift" instead of payment or goods or services through paypal. I'd go the money order or check wrought though. That's how private sellers normally do transactions on Gun Broker...

 

[White Walker]

U.S. Postal Money Order

 

[ku4hx]

usps mo

 

[DRYHUMOR]

The only issue with USPS MO is that if it is lost, you have to wait 45 days IIRC to request a trace. At your expense. Then, you wait awhile longer for a refund.

The only way to send one, with some reliability, is in a priority envelope with tracking. That costs as well.

 

[Normandy]

Actually, I'm involved in a "lost M.O." transaction right now. The required waiting period is 60 days. The buyer's MOs were sent Priority, and the mailer disappeared the following day, in transit. The sale has been side-tracked since November, awaiting the required 60 days before he can even apply for a refund from the post office.

Most sellers on Gunbroker require certified checks or postal money orders these days.

 

[bannockburn]

Certified bank check or U.S.P.S. money order would be the way I would go.

 

[slumlord44]

USPS money order

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I bought gun a where the seller gave me his bank account number and routing number. I happened to bank at same bank chain. I went to bank and transfered money from my account to his. He was able to verify transaction online immediately and sent gun out that day.

 

[Cee Zee]

I bought gun a where the seller gave me his bank account number and routing number.

Couldn't there be a potential for mischief there? Someone could clean out the other person's account with that information. I'm not accusing you of course but there are certainly people who would do just that. Unless you have an account set up with only the required funds available I think I'd avoid this approach.

I like USPS MO's. Even if they take a while they can be traced. You really can't expect them to issue a refund the same day you think there's a problem.

 

[zerobarrier]

I like USPS money orders, mainly because you can call the Money Order Verification System at 866-459-7822 to verify that the money order is real and for that amount. Its an automated system where you enter some of the numbers.

 

[leadcounsel]

I've done 1/2 payments upfront, 1/2 after gun delivered as described. Limits both parties liabilities.

Personal checks, USPS MO, paypal, whatever.

Just be aware paypal won't do "gun" transactions... so don't list anything gun related.

 

[Steve CT]

I have done USPS Money Order a couple of times, the only minor drawback on my side is that the local Post Office did not have sufficient cash available when I went in to cash it. It was just at opening time, and I was able to cash it later in the day.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Couldn't there be a potential for mischief there? Someone could clean out the other person's account with that information. I'm not accusing you of course but there are certainly people who would do just that. Unless you have an account set up with only the required funds available I think I'd avoid this approach.

.

No different than writing a check....Your account number and routing number are printed on the front.

 

[hoghunting]

I like USPS money orders, mainly because you can call the Money Order Verification System at 866-459-7822 to verify that the money order is real and for that amount. Its an automated system where you enter some of the numbers.

Thank you, I have a revolver listed on GB and requiring USPS money order for payment. Was planning on visiting post office to verify the money order, now I can just call.