yotesmoker
Member
Has anyone had a problem on gunbroker?I bid on a rifle,was high bidder and was notified that I won.As yet no contact from seller and I see where the rifle I bid on was now for sale again.
gunbroker
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yotesmoker
Member
yes to seller....yes to GB,sent e mail and received word they will check it out.No way now will I honor the sale am concerned I will be blackballed on GB now.Since the seller reposted it for sale I no longer feel obligated.
dogtown tom
Member
What time period are we talking about? GB gives seller & buyer five days.
1. Did you call the seller? GB will send you a confirmation email with a link to the sellers contact info- sellers phone # will be there. Email filters sometimes screen out GB emails, call instead.
2. Many sellers on GunBroker are dealers and have more than one of the same model for sale. They do an automatic relist as soon as the auction is over.
3.If you bid, you are obligated to honor your bid. Seller is obligated to honor his auction.
4.Crawfishing after the auction is over will get you negative feedback.
1. Did you call the seller? GB will send you a confirmation email with a link to the sellers contact info- sellers phone # will be there. Email filters sometimes screen out GB emails, call instead.
2. Many sellers on GunBroker are dealers and have more than one of the same model for sale. They do an automatic relist as soon as the auction is over.
3.If you bid, you are obligated to honor your bid. Seller is obligated to honor his auction.
4.Crawfishing after the auction is over will get you negative feedback.
j21blackjack
Member
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2009
- Messages
- 112
I had the same concern when I bought my AR-15 off gunbroker. The guy had 5 of them to sell, so he just relisted the same auction. Gunbroker should have a phone number for the seller. It's alot harder to ignore a ringing phone than an email.
41022collector
member
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2009
- Messages
- 143
Although I use GB a lot, way too many shifty folks there to suit me, not nearly as bad as Guns America though.
If the sellers contact info (you can get to it from your winning bidder page for that item) is gone, wrong or otherwise fake. YOU are not obligated to complete the sale and GB will remove them from being a member of GB. You have to make a "Having a problem with a seller" claim and this should protect you from any neg feedback they may try to impose on you.
I have a guy right now that claims he did not get my payment and threatened to give me neg feedback. So now I have to send repayment back out to him today via priority mail or he will make it a non paying bidder, I mean dang, I have over 573 buys and sells there, 100% feed back and this joker wants to futz with me on a $35 trigger group. I will check the first USPO for the item in the 30 days, but gawds what a hassel.
For the most part, I have good luck, but some of these wingnuts on GB, AA, GA and so on can really crawl up your back and leave marks if you let them.
I lost $600 on a purchase at Guns America, thought I had myself covered in all directions, but he pulled a fast one on me and changed his phone, and email and even his bank account, I think he ripped some other folks off too at the same time. But I had NO recourse at all, the $600 was lost. Police laughed and said they are mnot gonna go after anyone for $600. I was like dang $501.00 can be a 3rd class felony, but they would not even look at it.
Catch ya later
Mike
If the sellers contact info (you can get to it from your winning bidder page for that item) is gone, wrong or otherwise fake. YOU are not obligated to complete the sale and GB will remove them from being a member of GB. You have to make a "Having a problem with a seller" claim and this should protect you from any neg feedback they may try to impose on you.
I have a guy right now that claims he did not get my payment and threatened to give me neg feedback. So now I have to send repayment back out to him today via priority mail or he will make it a non paying bidder, I mean dang, I have over 573 buys and sells there, 100% feed back and this joker wants to futz with me on a $35 trigger group. I will check the first USPO for the item in the 30 days, but gawds what a hassel.
For the most part, I have good luck, but some of these wingnuts on GB, AA, GA and so on can really crawl up your back and leave marks if you let them.
I lost $600 on a purchase at Guns America, thought I had myself covered in all directions, but he pulled a fast one on me and changed his phone, and email and even his bank account, I think he ripped some other folks off too at the same time. But I had NO recourse at all, the $600 was lost. Police laughed and said they are mnot gonna go after anyone for $600. I was like dang $501.00 can be a 3rd class felony, but they would not even look at it.
Catch ya later
Mike
PRM
Member
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- Apr 14, 2008
- Messages
- 2,111
Internet sales
I've bought and sold several guns over the net. Ninety-Nine percent of the transactions have been above board. Mostly Second and Third Generation C&B Colts (NIB). Most of the sellers have been honest and I have had a couple offer my money back if I was not satisfied. The one transaction that went bad was a #2 S&W - antique, engraved, ivory grips, cherry case, ivory tipped ram-rod, and a box of original cartridges. The gun was advertised as being "mint" prior to the custom work being done on it and was "as new" in condition. When it came in I noticed the action was stiff, just wasn't right. I sent it to a specialist on vintage S&Ws and was told the sleeve that is threaded and is pressed into the cylinder was broke and binding. The seller refused to do anything about it and accused me of breaking it. Long story - it cost me an additional $500 to have it repaired. The original engraver who was also involved in the restoration told me the gun was broke when he did the initial engraving and that the owner (guy, who sold it to me) knew it was broke and said he wanted it for a show piece. I will probably get my money back out of it - and it will be as close to 100% (mechanically) as possible and accurately described when it is sold the next time. But, I had to eat the additional cost on the front end. I filed a complaint with the on-line site that the gun was bought through and was told by Guns America that they did not take sides in a transaction. The seller also terminated the listing as expired instead of sold and got out of paying their commission. Along with me, he essentially ripped off the listing site. They obviously do not care since the seller is still listing guns with them.
Internet Sales:
Most are legit - but you can get burned
On most guns it would cost you more to go to another state and pursue any legal recourse than you will gain.
On high dollar guns, use a third party. Have it sent to a reputable source to be checked out. Once you get the OK - then transfer funds. If the seller is not willing to do that, you got a red flag.
Sites like Gun Broker (one of the best)(not the site mentioned above) have a feedback system. Also, I have had vendors provide other avenues of feedback such as ebay (even though gun transactions are not allowed with them - it gives you an idea of what type of person you are dealing with).
I've bought and sold several guns over the net. Ninety-Nine percent of the transactions have been above board. Mostly Second and Third Generation C&B Colts (NIB). Most of the sellers have been honest and I have had a couple offer my money back if I was not satisfied. The one transaction that went bad was a #2 S&W - antique, engraved, ivory grips, cherry case, ivory tipped ram-rod, and a box of original cartridges. The gun was advertised as being "mint" prior to the custom work being done on it and was "as new" in condition. When it came in I noticed the action was stiff, just wasn't right. I sent it to a specialist on vintage S&Ws and was told the sleeve that is threaded and is pressed into the cylinder was broke and binding. The seller refused to do anything about it and accused me of breaking it. Long story - it cost me an additional $500 to have it repaired. The original engraver who was also involved in the restoration told me the gun was broke when he did the initial engraving and that the owner (guy, who sold it to me) knew it was broke and said he wanted it for a show piece. I will probably get my money back out of it - and it will be as close to 100% (mechanically) as possible and accurately described when it is sold the next time. But, I had to eat the additional cost on the front end. I filed a complaint with the on-line site that the gun was bought through and was told by Guns America that they did not take sides in a transaction. The seller also terminated the listing as expired instead of sold and got out of paying their commission. Along with me, he essentially ripped off the listing site. They obviously do not care since the seller is still listing guns with them.
Internet Sales:
Most are legit - but you can get burned
On most guns it would cost you more to go to another state and pursue any legal recourse than you will gain.
On high dollar guns, use a third party. Have it sent to a reputable source to be checked out. Once you get the OK - then transfer funds. If the seller is not willing to do that, you got a red flag.
Sites like Gun Broker (one of the best)(not the site mentioned above) have a feedback system. Also, I have had vendors provide other avenues of feedback such as ebay (even though gun transactions are not allowed with them - it gives you an idea of what type of person you are dealing with).
One bad mark
I have all A+ marks on GB except for one @$$hole that failed to honor my "buynow" bid.
He sent email right away and when I did not reply, I was out of town and GB gives five days to get in touch, he relisted the rifle for $100.00 more on "buynow". I called him to say, "What's up?" adn he hung up on me.
I left him bad feed back so he gave me an F- as a non paying bidder and he has to live with his dishonesty.
I have all A+ marks on GB except for one @$$hole that failed to honor my "buynow" bid.
He sent email right away and when I did not reply, I was out of town and GB gives five days to get in touch, he relisted the rifle for $100.00 more on "buynow". I called him to say, "What's up?" adn he hung up on me.
I left him bad feed back so he gave me an F- as a non paying bidder and he has to live with his dishonesty.
alohachris
Member
I've done hundreds of internet transactions over the years as buyer and seller. Sad to say but the only place I've been screwed is on Gunbroker.
Gunbroker is completely seller biased. They will take NO action (other than sending a reminder email) to help a buyer. You're out your money and they hide behind the "We're just a listing service" argument.
Ebay will at least suspend a sellers account if you demonstrate that you've paid and the seller didn't deliver. On GB they're free to screw others again. Sure, you can leave negative feedback but unscrupulous sellers just spoof more positive feedback to keep their ratings high.
I won't be doing anymore GB transactions until they take action to ban the scammers.
Gunbroker is completely seller biased. They will take NO action (other than sending a reminder email) to help a buyer. You're out your money and they hide behind the "We're just a listing service" argument.
Ebay will at least suspend a sellers account if you demonstrate that you've paid and the seller didn't deliver. On GB they're free to screw others again. Sure, you can leave negative feedback but unscrupulous sellers just spoof more positive feedback to keep their ratings high.
I won't be doing anymore GB transactions until they take action to ban the scammers.
raskolnikov_22
Member
- Joined
- May 16, 2009
- Messages
- 210
It's worth it to pay a little extra for signature confirmation, whether sending payment to a seller or an item to a buyer. Also I assume you sent a money order, so call the issuing company to see if it has been cashed.
I have done a lot of transactions on Gunbroker with no problems. I always check out the sellers feedback before bidding, I don't deal with anyone with a low feddback count or a lot of negative feedback.
When I win an auction I contact the seller immediately by email and phone. I usually will only deal with auctions that take credit cards so I do have an option to get my money back if the deal goes bad but I have yet to have any problems.
When I win an auction I contact the seller immediately by email and phone. I usually will only deal with auctions that take credit cards so I do have an option to get my money back if the deal goes bad but I have yet to have any problems.
raskolnikov_22
Member
- Joined
- May 16, 2009
- Messages
- 210
I've been on GB for nearly six years, and I always feel like I'm taking a risk whenever I buy, but it's pretty much the only way to get things that aren't currently in manufacture.
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1. The most common complaint on Internet auction sales is time delay in communication. Many sellers run gun shops and don't check their email everyday (yes, they should) and sometimes there is a gap of several days between emails.
2. Often there is no contact between buyer and seller via email. Frequently I just send payment with FFL without emailing the seller at all. So far I have not been stiffed.
3. Are you sure it's the exact same gun and not another like it?
4. Are you certain you actually won the auction? Did you get an email from GB saying you won? If so, it should have seller's address and phone number. Call him.
How many completed auctions does the seller have? If more than 10 then I think all be fine in the end. He might just be running slow on emails.
2. Often there is no contact between buyer and seller via email. Frequently I just send payment with FFL without emailing the seller at all. So far I have not been stiffed.
3. Are you sure it's the exact same gun and not another like it?
4. Are you certain you actually won the auction? Did you get an email from GB saying you won? If so, it should have seller's address and phone number. Call him.
How many completed auctions does the seller have? If more than 10 then I think all be fine in the end. He might just be running slow on emails.
I just made a purchase from GB, I sent the seller a couple emails, never heard anything, and was getting frustrated when he called. He said the emails he had been sending me had been rejected for some reason. So, we made other arraignments for communications. I verified my email was listed correct on GB, but go figure. Could be your seller could be having trouble, maybe not.
I used to sell a lot on e-bay, and also did quite a bit of buying...seems like about one-in-a-hundred transacions would go bad.
Gunbroker is probably about the same...
None the less, these averages of misadventure, of Business being done in a 'Virtual' marketplace, seem better than Business done in so-to-speak 'real life'...assuming one is alert to obvious 'redflags' to begin with, in either...
I'd say also, for any item one is seriously considering bidding on, which is more than Nickel-and-Dime, communicate with the Seller prior to the Auction's close...ask a few questions, thank them for their reply, use your first name, be friendly and polite, see how the person communicates...since for one thing, their communiation, and attitude, if defficient or disppointing or confused, will not usually improve after the Auction closes.
Buying on internet auctions is always at least potentially, a calculated risk...so, any variable which can be sounded or noted which indicates or suggests the presence of factors associated with risk, are valuable to assay before bidding.
As a Seller of course, one has far less leeway in avoiding undesireable 'buyers'.
Gunbroker is probably about the same...
None the less, these averages of misadventure, of Business being done in a 'Virtual' marketplace, seem better than Business done in so-to-speak 'real life'...assuming one is alert to obvious 'redflags' to begin with, in either...
I'd say also, for any item one is seriously considering bidding on, which is more than Nickel-and-Dime, communicate with the Seller prior to the Auction's close...ask a few questions, thank them for their reply, use your first name, be friendly and polite, see how the person communicates...since for one thing, their communiation, and attitude, if defficient or disppointing or confused, will not usually improve after the Auction closes.
Buying on internet auctions is always at least potentially, a calculated risk...so, any variable which can be sounded or noted which indicates or suggests the presence of factors associated with risk, are valuable to assay before bidding.
As a Seller of course, one has far less leeway in avoiding undesireable 'buyers'.
I've purchased something like 7 firearms on GB and never had a problem.
Most have been from dealers, but one was a local guy who I then made a FTF transaction with. All transactions went smoothly and went great.
I wouldn't think that someone with many sales & good feedback would risk anything by selling something iffy. I would be more concerned about someone who didn't have a sales record with GB, or just had a couple of sales. Same thing with dealing with people on e*ay.
Most have been from dealers, but one was a local guy who I then made a FTF transaction with. All transactions went smoothly and went great.
I wouldn't think that someone with many sales & good feedback would risk anything by selling something iffy. I would be more concerned about someone who didn't have a sales record with GB, or just had a couple of sales. Same thing with dealing with people on e*ay.
whatnickname
Member
27 Transactions on "GB" and another 20 or so on "AA"
I've been both a seller and a buyer. I've never had a completely unsatisfactory transaction on either site. I use the same name on these sites as I use here. I'm proud of the feedback I've received. I bought an Ithaca Shotgun once on "AA" that I didn't feel was accurately represented. This guy knew the gun had been bead blasted and re-blued and should have said so. I bought a Mauser rifle off the "GB" site that had practically no blue left on the barrel. IMO the seller went to some length not to disclose this. I didn't complain in either case. The motto on these sites is: "Let the buyer beware". My bad...I should have asked more questions and or requested better pictures. Both sites are a bit of a gamble. You have to understand and accept going in that you could get taken. If you aren't willling to take the risk then don't play the game. Some of the prices you will encounter on these sites are just downright humorus. Some of it is folks just trying to gouge and some of what you will see is simply a display of ignorance. The free market has a way of taking care of the idiots. Just look at it for what it is: Free entertainment and nothing more! On the plus side, I've gotten some truly outstanding deals on both sites. In all honesty, I like looking for the deals about as much as anything else. Just recently bought a SIG P226 CPO for $500. Looks like a new pistol and shoots sub 2" groups at 25 yards...a much better deal than I could have received at a local gun show or local retailer. I've made some new friends on both sites. I tend to only worry about what I can control. I can't control the actions of others but I can make sure I deal honestly with people. The deals are out there if you do your homework and watch your step. These sites are no place for beginners. If your knowledge is limited then by all means go with the guys that have a volume of positive feedback. Read the listings carefully and make sure you understand the terms of the transaction before you bid!
I've been both a seller and a buyer. I've never had a completely unsatisfactory transaction on either site. I use the same name on these sites as I use here. I'm proud of the feedback I've received. I bought an Ithaca Shotgun once on "AA" that I didn't feel was accurately represented. This guy knew the gun had been bead blasted and re-blued and should have said so. I bought a Mauser rifle off the "GB" site that had practically no blue left on the barrel. IMO the seller went to some length not to disclose this. I didn't complain in either case. The motto on these sites is: "Let the buyer beware". My bad...I should have asked more questions and or requested better pictures. Both sites are a bit of a gamble. You have to understand and accept going in that you could get taken. If you aren't willling to take the risk then don't play the game. Some of the prices you will encounter on these sites are just downright humorus. Some of it is folks just trying to gouge and some of what you will see is simply a display of ignorance. The free market has a way of taking care of the idiots. Just look at it for what it is: Free entertainment and nothing more! On the plus side, I've gotten some truly outstanding deals on both sites. In all honesty, I like looking for the deals about as much as anything else. Just recently bought a SIG P226 CPO for $500. Looks like a new pistol and shoots sub 2" groups at 25 yards...a much better deal than I could have received at a local gun show or local retailer. I've made some new friends on both sites. I tend to only worry about what I can control. I can't control the actions of others but I can make sure I deal honestly with people. The deals are out there if you do your homework and watch your step. These sites are no place for beginners. If your knowledge is limited then by all means go with the guys that have a volume of positive feedback. Read the listings carefully and make sure you understand the terms of the transaction before you bid!
I kinda view Gunbroker as a massive gunshow. It can be excellent advertising for reputable dealers, but you've also got the crooks hiding in the corner.
Stuff I've bought off there, I've had zero problems at all; but as with all online sales (or gunshows to us that analogy), just understand the limitations. I wouldn't rely on any form of buyer protection from Gunbroker - rely on your Credit Card for that (I've only done business with those who take CC's). Study feedback like a hawk.
Stuff I've bought off there, I've had zero problems at all; but as with all online sales (or gunshows to us that analogy), just understand the limitations. I wouldn't rely on any form of buyer protection from Gunbroker - rely on your Credit Card for that (I've only done business with those who take CC's). Study feedback like a hawk.
I've purchased several guns from Gunbroker and had a problem with one transaction. It was a Python that was sold as excellent condition but was in poor mechanical condition when it was received and was reblued.
Ever since then I only purchase guns that are in my home state or I don't buy it at all. At one time you could find a good deal on a used gun but now with transportation and FFL fees the deals are hard to come by.
Ever since then I only purchase guns that are in my home state or I don't buy it at all. At one time you could find a good deal on a used gun but now with transportation and FFL fees the deals are hard to come by.
lionking
Member
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2006
- Messages
- 3,109
I have done alot of buying on GB and a couple on Auctionarms,never really had a problem.Had a couple delayed but ultimately everything worked out.Had one guy who after 2 weeks emailed me that he hadn't received the payment.After I told him that I had sent it out right after the auction but would cancel the funds and resend another one he latter stopped me and said his wife had the payment and forgot about it.
I never buy from a newbie unless it is a low dollar item that I'm willing to risk loosing (less than $200).Some guys I have bought from more than once and after the first transaction goes good you feel more confident about them.
Things I avoid are new sellers selling a expensive item,or a person with bad feedback (alot of it) and a person who won't post multiple clear photos of a item.I learned that the hard way by buying a Persian mauser that the pics made it look ding free but it was you didn't see that counted,it is nice but not ding free,my fault.
A person with one or two bad feedback but with alot of good feedback I have no problem with.You sell enough items and eventually some moron will leave bad feedback before giving a chance to work it out.A guy with 200 good feedback and one or two bad I just chalk up to what happens when you deal with enough people.
I recently asked a seller about a mauser,"does it have matching numbers?".I got no response,even though the photos look good if I can't get my questions answered then I pass on it.And as far as function,most sellers will say "never shot it".Alot of sellers buy a gun and sell it without test firing it.At that point you have a choice to make whether you want to get it and hope it functions fine or pass on it.
I never buy from a newbie unless it is a low dollar item that I'm willing to risk loosing (less than $200).Some guys I have bought from more than once and after the first transaction goes good you feel more confident about them.
Things I avoid are new sellers selling a expensive item,or a person with bad feedback (alot of it) and a person who won't post multiple clear photos of a item.I learned that the hard way by buying a Persian mauser that the pics made it look ding free but it was you didn't see that counted,it is nice but not ding free,my fault.
A person with one or two bad feedback but with alot of good feedback I have no problem with.You sell enough items and eventually some moron will leave bad feedback before giving a chance to work it out.A guy with 200 good feedback and one or two bad I just chalk up to what happens when you deal with enough people.
I recently asked a seller about a mauser,"does it have matching numbers?".I got no response,even though the photos look good if I can't get my questions answered then I pass on it.And as far as function,most sellers will say "never shot it".Alot of sellers buy a gun and sell it without test firing it.At that point you have a choice to make whether you want to get it and hope it functions fine or pass on it.
DHJenkins
Member
I've bought plenty of items on GB where I never even got an email from the seller, just the item in the mail...
I've found that (no offense) the older a seller is, the less often they check their email - if they're the ones that check it at all.
I've found that (no offense) the older a seller is, the less often they check their email - if they're the ones that check it at all.
Sell and Buy a lot on Gunbroker. Seller doesn't really need to contact you unless they have noticed you have not completed the transaction. Address, Phone numbers, email address are already available to the buyer and purchasing terms usually are also. I usually just have a money order in the mail a few days later. As a buyer I mail payment then send a note to a seller that I mailed payment. Never have $$ lost in the mail, if it is a Money Order is refundable. I have had people pay $15-20 to send something with expediated shipping that includes signature confirmation. $.42 post office stamp usually gets faster shipment, as I may have to wait until the weekend to pickup their item at the post office, UPS, etc.
lionking
Member
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2006
- Messages
- 3,109
I know a couple people who say they will never use a auction or online site again because the first time they did they got burned but if so that was really bad luck and you should reconsider because there is alot of testimony by others here about good transactions.
You can find alot of items you would have a hard time finding elsewhere.And even sometimes at good pricing.You just got to use reasonable common sense and ask questions if in doubt.For instance a new member with no feedback selling a DSA FAL for $700 I would be suspicious about.I saw that once,new seller with high dollar item but at a good price compared.It could be legit,but I decided to pass on it until I saw him have at least some good feedback.
You can find alot of items you would have a hard time finding elsewhere.And even sometimes at good pricing.You just got to use reasonable common sense and ask questions if in doubt.For instance a new member with no feedback selling a DSA FAL for $700 I would be suspicious about.I saw that once,new seller with high dollar item but at a good price compared.It could be legit,but I decided to pass on it until I saw him have at least some good feedback.
outerlimit
Member
I don't understand why gunbroker started blocking the names of bidders. When I saw people with bad records, they went on my blocked bidders list.
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