Gunbroker suggestions please...

[Galil5.56]

Getting ready to sell my first firearms on GB, and want to ask some questions. FWIW, I do have an 03 FFL.

- How about no sales to CA, MA, whatever? Sure see a lot of no sales to CA, even C&R, especially handguns it seems?

- How about shipping insurance? Do you require it, optional, just add it to the shipping quote anyways. Really hate the idea of getting an email stating the gun was misrepresented, when in fact shipping damage caused the problem. I plan on lots of bubble wrap and pool noodles used as cushioning, packed as good as humanly possible.

- Do you flat rate ship, or actual after the auction close?

- Do you include a phone number for the bidder to contact you, it's strictly email, combo of both?

- Do you make every shipment an adult signature one?... Don't want a "I never got the gun" email, "it was stolen off the doorstep", them flat out lying). But also don't want to loose sales because it is a perceived hassle to have to sign for it.

Lastly, because I have zero feedback/first time seller on GB, can I expect the first one to sell for a low price?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Bullseye]

Here's the link.
http://www.gunbroker.com/User/HowToSell.aspx
NR ( No rating ) feedback sellers make me nervous to be honest, but then I probably missed good deals passing them over. I'd say stress getting in contact with you and if you have an eBay feedback you might refer to your own eBay user name to set them at ease. Wishing you good luck.

 

[Magnuumpwr]

As to your concerns about shipping to CA and other restrictive States, seller should know the laws regulating items being shipped. Hence the refusal to ship to these States, less headache.

Shipping: Flat rate shipping usually is a per item determination. Insurance could be offered at the buyers expense, depending on shipping method will vary.

Contact info: When registering with GB as a seller, list a number that offers the best chance of you or your representatives receiving a call and the same goes for an email address. This information will only be available to the buyer winning the auction.

Signature req'ments: Better safe than sorry. Should be based by price of item and shipping/handling charged. Also most items will have a tracking number, but this is not fool-proof.

Lastly, as mentioned by Sigsmoker, reference as many online seller accounts you have to try and put a potential buyer at ease. You also have an option to list items using a "reserve price" to avoid big losses.

This is information based from my experience dealing through Gunbroker.

 

[Sav .250]

Know what your getting into............

 

[natman]

Getting ready to sell my first firearms on GB, and want to ask some questions. FWIW, I do have an 03 FFL.

- How about no sales to CA, MA, whatever? Sure see a lot of no sales to CA, even C&R, especially handguns it seems?

Handguns sold to CA have to be on the state's approved "safety" list. Any gun must not be on the "Assault Weapon" list. No magazines over 10 rounds.

Any 01 FFL must register with CA and get an approval letter before shipping. Registering is about as hard as registering with this forum and getting the letter is about as hard as posting, but many dealers don't want to do it, hence the "No CA sales". Your C&R license is irrelevant when it comes to selling guns.

- How about shipping insurance? Do you require it, optional, just add it to the shipping quote anyways. Really hate the idea of getting an email stating the gun was misrepresented, when in fact shipping damage caused the problem. I plan on lots of bubble wrap and pool noodles used as cushioning, packed as good as humanly possible.

- Do you flat rate ship, or actual after the auction close?

- Do you include a phone number for the bidder to contact you, it's strictly email, combo of both?

Insurance isn't mandatory, but you're crazy if you don't. Shipping depends on where the buyer is and insurance depends on value, so it's hard to know in advance exactly how much it's going to be. "Buyer pays actual shipping + handling costs" is how I deal with it. You will have handling costs; shipping boxes large enough for a gun, bubble wrap, etc cost money. Charge what it costs.

- Do you make every shipment an adult signature one?... Don't want a "I never got the gun" email, "it was stolen off the doorstep", them flat out lying). But also don't want to loose sales because it is a perceived hassle to have to sign for it.

If you are selling inside your own state and your state law allows it, you can ship firearms directly to the buyer, although you may have a hard time convincing the shipper of this. Outside your state you can only ship firearms to an 01 FFL in the buyer's state (or a C&R holder if the gun is a C&R).

Get a copy of the buyer's FFL's license or at least the number to check on the EZ check site. Ship the gun to the address on the FFL / EZ check. Absolutely refuse to ship the gun anywhere else.

Lastly, because I have zero feedback/first time seller on GB, can I expect the first one to sell for a low price?

Sell a few inexpensive items like ammo, holsters, etc and build up at least a few feedbacks before you try to sell guns.

 

[dogtown tom]

Galil5.56
- How about no sales to CA, MA, whatever? Sure see a lot of no sales to CA, even C&R, especially handguns it seems?
For a nonlicensee, shipping guns to CA is easy....just make sure the receiving dealer knows you are not a licensed dealer. This is also an opportunity for him to confirm that the firearm is CA approved.

- How about shipping insurance? Do you require it, optional, just add it to the shipping quote anyways. Really hate the idea of getting an email stating the gun was misrepresented, when in fact shipping damage caused the problem. I plan on lots of bubble wrap and pool noodles used as cushioning, packed as good as humanly possible.
It is the responsibility of the shipper to ensure the firearm arrives as advertised. Insurance protects YOU (the seller), not the buyer.


- Do you flat rate ship, or actual after the auction close?
Free shipping is a deal maker. Just figure the cost of shipping into your pricing. Far too many buyers believe it only costs $15 to ship a gun, insured, with adult signature required on delivery......it doesn't.

- Do you include a phone number for the bidder to contact you, it's strictly email, combo of both?
GB has an "Ask seller a question" link in the auction. You ould certainly put in your phone# but be prepared for lowballs, oddballs and just plain stupid phone calls.

- Do you make every shipment an adult signature one?... Don't want a "I never got the gun" email, "it was stolen off the doorstep", them flat out lying). But also don't want to loose sales because it is a perceived hassle to have to sign for it.
If you are shipping the firearm interstate it can only be received by a licensee. I highly recommend using "Adult Signature". Shipping without a signature means they will leave it on the front porch or against the front door if the business is not open. If the buyer perceives a signature to be a hassle, you don't want him as a buyer. The signature on delivery protects you.

Lastly, because I have zero feedback/first time seller on GB, can I expect the first one to sell for a low price?
Quite likely.

Are you shipping a handgun?
A C&R?
Are you aware of the restrictions on mailing firearms if you aren't a licensed dealer or manufacturer?

Read the sticky: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=651375