Gunbroker seller FFL costs??? Opinions wanted

[Gregflier]

***(GOT MY ANSWER)***
Hello,
I recently bought a cowboy revolver on gunbroker and the add said buyer pays actual shipping costs as determined by FFL. I assumed that meant shipping costs and not me paying for the sellers FFL costs.

I got an invoice for $25 shipping and $35 for the sellers FFL for a total of $60 over the "buy it now" price.

The seller may be correct that I committed to pay for the FFL costs and if that is the consensus I won't even bring it up with the seller and I'll pay it without complaint. It's not a huge amount of $$

Any opinions including "Pay the $60 and learn to read!" appreciated..

Here is the wording of the add:
Shipping: Buyer pays actual shipping costs for the following option(s): Other
No international shipments.
See Item Description.


In the description
"Shipping method(s) will be determined by FFL holder"

The auction link
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=324111891

Thanks,
Greg

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I would guess the FFL used the U.S. postal service, so you paid shipping and his fee. The seller did not have to use a FFL. He could have shipped UPS or FedEx to your FFL. However, they usually charge $60+ to ship a handgun.

 

[heeler]

Friend...As one who has bought multiple rifles,shotguns,and pistols on GB always remember to ask all questions of the seller that you might have concerns over.
I have yet to have a bad experience on GB with over 30 buys.
Ask questions and just file this away as a lesson learned.

 

[Gregflier]

Full payment sent.

Thanks for the quick replies.
Greg

 

[tompt]

I've never used gun broker, but from the wording of the ad, I would have been surprised by the additional $35 too.

The FFL fee is separate from shipping, and is a know fixed cost. No reason not to mention the exact cost up front.

 

[il.bill]

I generally will not bid on a GunBroker listed firearm unless the shipping cost is specified in the ad. I have made a couple of exceptions with a lower bid and factoring in a $50-$60 total S/H charge. Some sellers, when they state 'buyer to pay actual shipping costs', will add in their time and materials to package the firearm and then the time and fuel expense to drive to the Post Office, FedEx, or UPS.

It is not hard for a seller to come up with a reasonable shipping charge and post it in the ad. At least if it states 'shipping $45' I can adjust my maximum bid accordingly to fit my buying budget for that item.

 

[mnrivrat]

I never trust the "actual shipping cost" of a seller as being what it sounds like.
It's best to ask questions if there is no posted shipping fee. Something like : What is all included in the billing for the actual shipping cost ? " ,

Or : My zip code is XXXXX could you please tell me what the cost to ship this to me is ?"

If they are vauge - move on, or expect to bend over and hold your ankles .

 

[natman]

Technically, it would have been nice for the seller to mention the FFL fee up front. As a practical matter, it would have cost at least $60 to ship a handgun via UPS Air, so you're not really out anything.

 

[CraigC]

The seller should've disclosed the FFL fee up front. I've never had a dealer charge me a transfer fee to ship a handgun and my local dealer accepts shipments from individuals but agree that it would've cost quite a bit more to ship it UPS or FedEx.

 

[9mmepiphany]

from the wording of the ad, I would have been surprised by the additional $35 too.

it would have been nice for the seller to mention the FFL fee up front.

I'm a bit surprised that anyone would be surprised, given the wording, or not noticed that the FFL fee, while not specifically mentioned was pretty obviously alluded to.

The point we are discussing is pretty simple, it reads:

"Shipping method(s) will be determined by FFL holder"

So you know how the gun will be shipped, will be determined by an FFL.

I think it would be safer to presume that that FFL will charge a fee for using his FFL benefits to avail the seller/buyer of lower shipping cost. That fee becomes part of the total cost of shipping the gun to the buyer...which he has agreed to pay as part of the purchase. Depending on the distance shipped and the size of the box it was enclosed in, the buyer saved at least $20

Some of you may be lucky enough to have an FFL who will allow use of their license for free, but locally they charge $25 + actual USPS postage

 

[Walkalong]

Anytime shipping charges are not specified I always ask if I am interested in the item. I have never been charged an FFL fee per say on the sellers end. Shipping has been from $15 to $40, with $15 to $25 being most common. I tend to stay away from high shipping charges. (Unless I just gotta have it.)