FFL transfer fees?

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BBQJOE

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I've never had a firearm transferred from one FFL to another in order to make a purchase.
I just recently did this though.
My FFL doesn't even use much paperwork. The 4473 is filled in on a computer by the purchaser.
I had 2 firearms shipped.

I've always heard fees are like $35.
I got charged $50 each.

No, I didn't ask ahead of time. Probably will in the future.
Has anyone else paid this high, and do you think they are padding the cost now in hopes of cashing in with possible new transfer laws?
 
That's pretty steep. The FFL I currently use charges me $15. The local gun stores tend to charge from $25 to $35 plus they collect tax. They hate to be bothered with background checks on guns not purchased in their stores. To me it would be like "found" money as it only takes a few minutes to call in info to the FBI.
 
BBQJOE, I usually pay $30.00 per transfer, but I understand that a $50.00 fee is the going rate in different locations. Yes, sadly some folks are more than willing to over charge every time they can.
 
Yes, you should have looked into it ahead of time but that is history.

Depends on the FFL in question. When I was active I charged about $20 and multiples were an additional $5 each. However, if the transfer was for a regular who was spending regular money with me then it was always free gratis. This was about 15 years ago.

There is also little doubt that any new laws that may be passed involving all transfers having to go through a FFL will add to their business. My current FFL runs any transfers for me free at present. I in return support his business and send business his way.

Ron
 
I don't know a about padding the price. However, I do know that the prices vary from one place to the next. A guy told me one time he charges about $50 (to people he has never sold to before). When I asked why so much he told that was to cover any problems with paperwork if he had to pay a fine. He also told me that he does not charge his regular customers at all to run a background check. After that conversation the fine comment made sense to me.
 
All the local shops near me charge $75-100 for a transfer, but when I bought my .30-06, I had it shipped to a guy who works out of his home and he charged me $50. Still expensive, but the cheapest I could find within 2 hours of me.
CApighunter
 
The last FFL transfer I did was in late January 2013. The FFL at my LGS charged me $15 total. I paid him $25 - two customers came into his shop while I was filling out paperwork - both customers wanted to buy guns but they were not available at any of the dealers suppliers. I felt like he was hurting since he cannot get merchandise to sell and he keeps his prices fair.
 
I'd try to find someone local who does it out of their house. That way they don't have the overhead of rent and payroll and will generally be much more affordable. That's been my experience.

Or find a local shop and try to become a regular and see if you can negotiate something better.

I pay $20 for anything I have transferred to my guy.
 
Both of my LGS's charge $50.00 for a transfer. Local pawn shops with FFL licenses charge $20.00. I'll give you one guess where I do my transfers. ;)
 
Yeah, I felt a little bit taken advantage of. I have spent quite a few bucks at this shop. I have a CCW, and he didn't have to make any calls.
The same day I was shopping around and found a new gun store run by a very knowledgeable nice woman.
I might be changing to her shop as my "go to".
 
I found a LGS near my house that charges $35 per transfer, whether I do them one at a time or 10 at a time. I have a CHL, so they don't have to make a call for me, but I understand their rates when they have to pay someone to sit on the phone on hold with the background check system.
 
Joe, ya gotta shop around. When I lived in Va. the stores were at $35, but the home based gunsmiths were $15. Here the rate is $25-50. There is a home based dealer who charges $20.

Hint... when I go to my favorite seller to take delivery of a gun I stop by the market for a dozen donuts for the salesman. Lo-cal donuts of course.
 
Ouch, that's steep. I usually pay between $20 and $25 for each transfer. If I get more than one, it becomes $25 plus $10 for each additional gun. Always ask about pricing!
 
I've used FFLs that work out of their homes who charge $25.00. Gun shops charge 40.00 and up. One area gun shop charges $25.00 for guns purchased for less than 300.00, and 50.00 for those over 300.00.
 
Wow all these prices reported are steep. My LGS charges $15 per transfer, you get what you pay for because their service kind of sucks.(e.g. they wont call you when its ready to pickup 50% of the time.)
 
In my experience Pawnshops are far more likely to take the attitude that its $20 for minimal work on their part and have fees of $25 or $20. Actual gun shops tend to see it as you choosing a competitor over them and can charge up to $75.

edit: I have seen exceptions to the 2nd part of the rule, I like to window shop and its always a question I ask when I am in a store, just in case I see something on buds I absolutely must have.
 
I have never paid for a transfer fee. I bought a handgun from a local Ace Hardware with a gun counter that was on consignment. They wanted to charge me $25 or $35, something like that. The FFL told the cashier no transfer fee because the gun was not a special order, it came right out of their display case with a price clearly marked on it.

I bought a rifle from gunbroker and an FFL about 20 miles away does the transfers for free to active duty personnel. I tried to give him a $20 "tip" but he refused even that.

BBQJOE said:
No, I didn't ask ahead of time. Probably will in the future.
Click to expand...

Education is rarely free. And I must ask.... "Probably ask?" Really?!? Burn me once, shame on you; burn me twice, shame on me.
 
20 bucks is the norm in this neck of the woods. Though that's per gun and not transfer. There was a now defunct pawn shop, that only charged 20 bucks per transfer, and they were always pleasant to deal with, wish they were still in business, they're rumored to be coming back, and if they are and prices are the same I'll gladly do business with them. It almost isn't worth it at some establishments,seeing as it's kinda hard to retrieve you're firearm.
 
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