How Do You Handle The Transaction?

[oldudbob]

I would be interested to hear how those of you who have shipped firearms to others handle the transaction. Does the buyer mail you the money and trust you to send the firearm or do you send the firearm and trust the buyer to send you the money? Sounds risky either way.

What is the best mode of shipment, i.e. Federal Express, US Mail, UPS, etc.?

How is a shipment through an FFL handled?

How is payment made, i.e. cash, personal check, certified check, paypal, etc.?

I have some firearms to sell and would appreciate the feedback.

 

[Zak Smith]

Buyer & seller agree on price & terms.
Buyer checks seller's references.
Buyer sends FFL info (ie, enough numbers for the ATF's exCheck) to seller.
Buyer sends certified funds to seller.
Upon receipt of funds and FFL verification, seller ships firearm to to buyer's FFL (typically with USP or FEDEX).
Buyer picks up firearm. Typically buyer and seller agree on a 2 day inspection non-firing inspection period.

 

[Polishrifleman]

Like said above plus make sure that you communicate expectations with eachother, any hang ups, misrepresentations, delays etc.. It is difficult as a buyer to send your money off hoping to see what was promised at the end of the transaction.

 

[Zak Smith]

Just another note.. besides "references" (feedback from other people the seller has done business with)... The quality/speed of communication of the other person is often a good indicator. If it's imprecise and/or slow, maybe it'd be best to wait for someone else to buy/sell the item.

 

[oldudbob]

Thanks for all the responses.

 

[kfranz]

I'd agree with the above. In addition, I'd set up an online UPS and USPS account, which will allow you to print your own labels so you can drop and run when it comes time to ship. USPS will pick up at your door for no fee if you've got postage paid for.

Accept whatever methods of payment you are comfortable with. Unless you trust the buyer or the amount is small, hold checks until they clear.

Accurately describe your stuff to avoid disappointed buyers.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

And leave some feedback here:

http://www.thehighroad.org/forumdisplay.php?f=24

-Steve

 

[oldudbob]

Thanks for all of the input. I am in no hurry to sell any of my firearms so I think I will stick with a policy of selling them for cash in face-to-face transactions.

 

[DragonFire]

A friend wanted to buy a gun from one of the auction sites, but the seller had a couple of poor feedbacks that the seller had attributed to a misunderstanding with the buyers.

My friend arranged with the seller that the gun and money would both be sent to the FFL holder who would examine the gun and if it was as described in the auction the FFL would send the money on to the seller and complete the gun transaction with the buyer.

Both sides felt that the FFL wouldn't jepordize his license over one gun transfer. It worked, the transfer went smoothly and both sides seemed happy.

I think you have to approach the other party with tact to suggest this, but I think it's a good option.

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

A guy recently wanted to buy a handgun from me, but said he couldn't meet me himself, so he'd send someone else to buy it from me who'd then ship it to him.

I told him to stay away; I didn't want any involvement in something that starts with a straw purchase and ends with an illegal shipment of a handgun.

I'm not an FFL dealer, and frankly I don't know what my legal obligations are involving straw purchases, but just from an ethical standpoint, I wanted nothing to do with it.

Face-to-face transactions have worked well for me; I've met some very nice people that way. I'll stick to them.

 

[AirForceShooter]

I only sell FTF and the buyer has to be a ccw.

AFS

 

[Majic]

Generally the inspection period is 3 days after the firearm arrives.

 

[Old NFO]

A friend wanted to buy a gun from one of the auction sites, but the seller had a couple of poor feedbacks that the seller had attributed to a misunderstanding with the buyers.

My friend arranged with the seller that the gun and money would both be sent to the FFL holder who would examine the gun and if it was as described in the auction the FFL would send the money on to the seller and complete the gun transaction with the buyer.

Both sides felt that the FFL wouldn't jepordize his license over one gun transfer. It worked, the transfer went smoothly and both sides seemed happy.

I think you have to approach the other party with tact to suggest this, but I think it's a good option.

I use a similar way- I find out the FFL the seller wants to use, verify the FFL's address and POC, and I send him/her the PMO and copy of serno and details. The seller then brings the gun to the shipping FFL, if it matches the agreed condition and serno, he gives the PMO to the seller and ships the gun to my FFL.

 

[Steamship Trooper]

I use a similar way- I find out the FFL the seller wants to use, verify the FFL's address and POC, and I send him/her the PMO and copy of serno and details. The seller then brings the gun to the shipping FFL, if it matches the agreed condition and serno, he gives the PMO to the seller and ships the gun to my FFL.

Typical escrow type txn. Good way to handle business, and avoid a lot of hassle.

One thing I haven't seen anyone do is check the law in the buyer's state. Some states require an LE check, even for private sales (OR is one). Some states are cash and carry (OK is one). Caveat i vendiat emptorii.