When you buy/sell or trade firearms how do you handle the payment? I'm the seller, should I go for PayPal or what? This is the first time I've ever done this. I know I have to ship it to an ffl dealer, notify FedEx that its a gun and keep the package unmarked. I know to secure it in shipping and to use bubble wrap.
buying/selling firearms
- Thread starter Sentryau2
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I would skip Paypal for sure.
I sold one recently and accepted a USPS Money Order.
Find a local FFL to ship it to save some hassle.
Mine charges $15 plus actual shipping which can be quite reasonable when going through the USPS.
He shipped a pistol and shipping was $20 + his $15.
This was insured for $500.
I sold one recently and accepted a USPS Money Order.
Find a local FFL to ship it to save some hassle.
Mine charges $15 plus actual shipping which can be quite reasonable when going through the USPS.
He shipped a pistol and shipping was $20 + his $15.
This was insured for $500.
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If it's a rifle or shotgun, you can legally ship via Post Office. I hand over a copy of the receiving FFL to the postal clerk. But your local PO folks might not be aware of the laws. I've done it dozens of times. UPS doesn't require any markings on the package. I don't have a FedEx nearby, so ignorant there.
It's actually legal (to my knowledge, but you should check your local laws, I'm in SC) to ship without using an FFL within a state (but check).
Most folks I know use postal money orders. Fairly cheap, and secure. But, if it happens to get lost in the mail, it's 90 days before the money can be recouped. A cashier's check also is as safe as the money order.
Using PayPal for a gun purchase, should they discover this, will result in your PayPal being closed. I've been told this, but not personal experience. I don't use PayPal.
Once you've done this a couple times, it becomes a snap. Best of luck with your transaction.
It's actually legal (to my knowledge, but you should check your local laws, I'm in SC) to ship without using an FFL within a state (but check).
Most folks I know use postal money orders. Fairly cheap, and secure. But, if it happens to get lost in the mail, it's 90 days before the money can be recouped. A cashier's check also is as safe as the money order.
Using PayPal for a gun purchase, should they discover this, will result in your PayPal being closed. I've been told this, but not personal experience. I don't use PayPal.
Once you've done this a couple times, it becomes a snap. Best of luck with your transaction.
Virtually all have been FTF with cash.
I've bought/sold a couple that had to be shipped. You'll hear horror stories about all of the shippers but for long guns USPS is cheaper and easier. I've read of just as many problems out of Fedex or UPS, so I figure I'd just as well save the money and hassle of the others.
Used money orders for payment on those.
I've bought/sold a couple that had to be shipped. You'll hear horror stories about all of the shippers but for long guns USPS is cheaper and easier. I've read of just as many problems out of Fedex or UPS, so I figure I'd just as well save the money and hassle of the others.
Used money orders for payment on those.
DHJenkins
Member
+1 for USPS Money Orders.
medalguy
Member
Yep USPS money orders are the way to go. If you have any question about the authenticity of the MO you can take it to your local (or any) PO and they will run the number. Your bank can also do this, and in fact you can do it yourself with a simple phone call to the USPS Money Order Verification System at 1-866-459-7822.
Yes Paypal WILL cancel your account if it's used for guns, ammo, or "firearms related" sales. So will Square the credit card processor. You can use Pay Anywhere to accept a credit card but I recommend USPS money orders.
Yes Paypal WILL cancel your account if it's used for guns, ammo, or "firearms related" sales. So will Square the credit card processor. You can use Pay Anywhere to accept a credit card but I recommend USPS money orders.
Phaedrus/69
Member
I always stipulate Postal Money Orders. As good as cash if not better. The few times I've sold through a forum I've used a local pawn and gun (same one I use for transfers when I buy a gun) for shipping.
OldMac
Member
Usps mo is the safest way to go. Personal checks can be a nightmare and should be avoided since it can be cancelled by the buyer up until it actually clears their bank which could be 3-4 weeks. Discrete paypal gift is not high road so i will not recommend that.
Captcurt
Member
Been there, done that.
I have shipped a few hundred guns as a FFL dealer. USPS is cheapest for handguns, but you have to be a dealer. Long guns can go by USPS, UPS or Fedex. UPS is a little cheaper in the lower 48, but their website sucks for scheduling pickup and printing labels.
Just a heads up, some dealer's will not accept a gun from an individual. If they do, you need to send a photo ID.
Most of the time it is cheaper to get a dealer to ship for you. Especially if they are set up with a carrier and get special rates.
I have shipped a few hundred guns as a FFL dealer. USPS is cheapest for handguns, but you have to be a dealer. Long guns can go by USPS, UPS or Fedex. UPS is a little cheaper in the lower 48, but their website sucks for scheduling pickup and printing labels.
Just a heads up, some dealer's will not accept a gun from an individual. If they do, you need to send a photo ID.
Most of the time it is cheaper to get a dealer to ship for you. Especially if they are set up with a carrier and get special rates.
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