He/she probably just doesn't want to mess with it. Decent, semi popular guns aren't that hard to sell for a reasonable price. If I'm selling a gun, I'm not going to bother with extra stuff like involving a third party. Only way I would is if it was something out of the ordinary and there wasn't enough local demand for me to be confident of selling it within the amount of time I had.
Face to Face Firearms Purchase
- Thread starter d31tc
- Start date
Yup. Been that way since 1968. Only difference is that handguns require an FFL in the buyer's state of residence. Long guns can be an FFL in either state.
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This seems needlessly complicated.
When I sell interstate, my FFL ships to the buyer’s FFL after I receive payment.
When I sell intrastate, I meet the buyer in an agreed location, we check each other’s drivers’ licenses, he inspects the gun, I get paid cash, we chat for a minute or two – done.
I'd agree it would be more complicated - intentionally for me. But intended to make it less complicated for the seller. My intent was for the seller to walk into an FFL with the gun, sell the gun to the FFL for the agreed price, and leave. The rest of the deal, (costs, shipping, etc), is between me, the shipping FFL and my FFL.
I was (and still am) hoping to change the sellers mind regarding shipping.
There are clearly reasons that I wasn't thinking of that would make FTF more desirable for some sellers, even if the net dollars received are the same as their asking price. Even if it was "FTF" with an FFL, I can also see other reasons pointed out that I hadn't thought of as to why this isn't the same as FTF (opportunity to inspect, etc.).
Riomouse911
Member
You offered to buy at his asking price, but he declined your offer because he didn’t like the terms.
IMHO, just move on and keep looking.
If it doesn’t sell for a while, he may be more amenable to the terms of your offer.
Good luck, I hope you are able to fill that void soon.
Stay safe.
IMHO, just move on and keep looking.
If it doesn’t sell for a while, he may be more amenable to the terms of your offer.
Good luck, I hope you are able to fill that void soon.
Stay safe.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
Currently I have 3 handguns for sale in our forum. My reasoning for face to face is simple. I want the buyer to see exactly what they are getting for their money at point of sale. This way the buyer can see and handle the guns before any money changes hands. Two of the three guns are new but the third, an old pre Model 10 S&W I rate as fair and it's an OK shooter but not a nice super clean revolver. Yes, I could do the FFL approach and ship out of state but don't want a buyer coming back at me later complaining about something. Then wanting a refund. I am in Ohio where face to face private sales are perfectly legal.
Will I consider a FFL transfer? Sure but I will make it clear the sale is final and the buyer can pay any shipping and FFL transfer cost.
Those are my thoughts on the subject.
Ron
caribou
Member
Soooooo many people do not want the gov involved in any way or form or filling out a form, for any reason.`
Some states are gun friendly and some are downright hostile. Sooo many variables.
Some states are gun friendly and some are downright hostile. Sooo many variables.
D.B. Cooper
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It's a scam.
I've pretty much completely written off the used market. People want 80% of the new price for used stuff, but they only want to pay me pennies on the dollar my used stuff.
In the past two years there have been two killings at face to face firearm sales in my area. one was a set up to get the seller's gun, the other was a set up to get the buyer's money.
It's just not worth the risk.
If you want to buy used, go to gun broker. (Although, that entails a whole other level of hassle.)
D.B. Cooper
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Especially in our neck of the woods, lol.
DustyGmt
Member
I think that even though it doesn't make sense, he just doesn't want to do a dealer transfer and has it in his head that it's added hassle and likely has nothing to do with shady, some people just take exception to paperwork or any "official" involvement. That's the way it is around here, when private sales were legal, word of mouth guns were everywhere and armslist had tons of FTF listings, when UBC was passed, you'll look through 10 pages dealer listings before you find a guy that wants to bother with a transfer, as minimal effort as it might be on the sellers part, people are just resistant to it and would sooner get hosed by the dealer and take $100 less....
There is just something repellent about meeting at the dealer, especially if you live in a state where private transactions are legal. On the other hand, there are those that probably appreciate the idea of reducing personal liability of a private sale to an unknown individual and would love to have the dealer middle it, especially if you want to float the cost. Different strokes.
There is just something repellent about meeting at the dealer, especially if you live in a state where private transactions are legal. On the other hand, there are those that probably appreciate the idea of reducing personal liability of a private sale to an unknown individual and would love to have the dealer middle it, especially if you want to float the cost. Different strokes.
A good price on a gun that I have been thinking about getting and they aren’t super common. Offer made, offer not accepted, so I’m going to keep looking. Ce la vie.
On the face of it, apparently money isn’t the only consideration when selling.
mljdeckard
Member
No, I meant the seller. You're in here asking questions, trying to do the right thing.
d2wing
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I prefer buying and selling face to face. I have had bad experiences with remote sales, don't like them. That's my choice. Is this a free country or not. Not speaking for the seller. This isn't Burger King. All these aspersions cast on the seller would make me less inclined to do business with those making them.
Pictures only do so much. I don't like selling remotely, through gunbroker, online forums, etc. I've been disappointed a few times buying AND selling. I wouldn't want someone to pay a dealer to ship a gun and pay a transfer fee, then be disappointed with what they got from me.
Face to face, I can hear the buyer's voice, read his body language, and tell he's happy when he hands me cash.
Face to face, I can hear the buyer's voice, read his body language, and tell he's happy when he hands me cash.
Hokkmike
Member
Hard to near impossible to determine the motives of others. He has his conditions; you have your. If they do not agree - look else where.
Once the "desire" over comes common sense you are vulnerable.
Once the "desire" over comes common sense you are vulnerable.
Choctaw
Member
I'm in Texas and have bought and sold many guns in FTF transactions. Zero problems. Whenever I list a firearm I also include the buyer must be a Texas resident. I wouldn't have even responded to your inquiry.
jmorris
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I don’t think it’s about risk, just what the op wants.
If I wanted to do a FTF transaction, it would be because I want to walk up to someone, shake their hand, give them the item for inspection, they look it over and hand me money and we walk away.
Your scenario simply adds complications and doesn’t meet the seller’s stipulations.
Yep. This was definitely one thing I wasn't thinking of - the inability of the buyer being able to inspect the gun, which is also protection for the seller. I really didn't think about that because I wouldn't have even considered returning it; I'm buying as is, no return expected. Caveat emptor.
To the seller, the in-person inspection reduces risk of the buyer coming back with a claim of a defective gun. FTF definitely eliminates the risk of buyer fraud claiming not to have received the item or the item being "lost" in delivery. And, of course, there are other reasons pointed out in this thread.
If you were selling George Washington's saddle pistols for $400, I'd just have to move to Texas! For a S&W 3rd Gen on my list, I'd just be out of luck. No offense taken for no response.
WooD
Member
I've bought, sold, and traded several guns FTF. Florida Gun Trader is a great platform for guns.
I've shipped one thru an FFL and they charged $75 to ship a 3" K frame Smith.
Bought 2 from a individuals, that shipped to my FFL with a copy of their drivers license.
FTF is best.
bbqncigars
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There is one other consideration to choosing to involve an FFL in acquiring a gun: whether it will be molested by one of the help. I am fortunate in that I have two locals who each keep handling to the minimum needed to confirm serial number and unloaded status.
Otto
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And sketchy. The seller was smart to decline.
The nice thing about Missouri is there is no record keeping requirement when selling firearms privately / Face to Face or to an FFL for that matter.
When I left Illinois 13 years ago, you had to keep all firearms sales receipts for 8 years, which really meant indefinitely.
When I left Illinois 13 years ago, you had to keep all firearms sales receipts for 8 years, which really meant indefinitely.
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