FFL transfers require 3 sheets of paper and a phone call. I will let you in on a little something, if "all" your dealers are charging the same high amount, they are most likely price fixing and I implore all THR members to not support this activity and spend a little time looking for those that don't and support them. Even if the price fixing store is a (insert justification) it’s not right to support it by buying from them. Price gouging and scamming needs to stop in the firearms world. Here are a few topics of example:
Remember, by buying a gun online and having it transfered, that is a gun that they aren't going to sell outright. These guys have a business to maintain (rent or mortgage, salaries, inventory, insurance, licensing fees, etc...) and a family to care for (mortgage/rent, car payment, gasoline, heat, medical expenses, kids, wife, food, vacation, etc...) To accuse them of price gouging is a very very bold statement, and could easily be libelous. You have no evidence that they have any agreement to not compete- yet you are claiming that they do anyways. These guys are businessmen, not morons. They know what they competition charges, and pricing the same or similar will help them make the most money (per transaction) without losing business in the long run. Why do you think the gas stations all have the same or similar per gallon prices? Some can charge less and make-up with quantity- but that is a risky move- what if quantity doesn't come? They are there to be in business, not to be your buddy- though many gun dealers are very nice, reasonable, friendly folks.
Finally, I have seen gun stores selling THEIR OWN firearms in states like Colorado (Specialty Sports is one), Tennessee (The Gun Shop is another) and then charge for a background check on top of the purchase you made with them! Once again this is price gouging. And again, should not be supported as it is a phone call and three sheets of paper, one of which you fill out yourself!
The profit margain on guns is pretty low. In some states, there is a state fee for conducting background checks. Last time I was in PA, the PA check fee was $5, and the dealers were collecting it. In Cali, DROS fee is $25 IIRC. I guess the dealer could pay the fee for- reduce his living a bit- but it is perfectly reasonable that you pay the background check fee if one is imposed by the state. I wish we had a small background check fee (maybe $5 per gun, like PA)- they would be able to use that money so that the state polcie background check center could be open on Sundays to keep the automated center running or authorize non-automated transactions. CT has no fee, and closed the DPS NICS POC on Sunday to save money during the last budget crunch.