Perspective on gun dealers and FFL transfer fees

[oneounceload]

And "silver spoon" statements such as that is partly what is wrong with our economy

SILVER SPOON?? Sounds more like class envy on your part. If you think $20 is excessive, then perhaps you need to rethink shooting as a hobby as it appears to be above your means. Maybe you think everything should be priced based on the lowest economic indicator as opposed to what the market will bear. The prices are what they are because most folks are willing to pay them. If you cannot afford what the rest of the folks are paying, then my statements about saving your money, getting another job, or even a better education are still germane.

 

[52grain]

I've repeatedly suggested stocking CZs but he just won't do it. I've ordered several CZs now through him and also via online with him doing the transfer...

That's a perfectly logical reason to switch dealers. If they don't have what you want and can only get it a prices significantly above market, by all means, find some one who does have what you want.

 

[22-rimfire]

If I were an FFL dealer with a shop, I would do the transfers for the market rate charged in the area. It would bug me that things that I do transfers on could have been sold in my shop. BUT, I would have to gauge the amount of traffic for transfers with how much other business they provide me. I would however, do the only transfers when there are no other regular paying customers which could cause a wait at times.

I don't have a very good feel for just how many transfers are going on at a typical gunshop. Are we talking one per day or ten per day? I personally have only had a few guns transfered years ago (pre-internet) and they were all collector's items. There was little chance that dealer would have such a gun. Since the internet sales started, I have not purchased a single firearm that required a FFL dealer transfer. I still like the thrill of the chase, but I know if you have unlimited resources, you can buy almost anything and have it shipped to you. Communications are really fast and efficient these days. There are a couple firearms that I would purchase online and have shipped, but again they are collector type firearms.

The OP's gun shop made a choice. No more transfers. I can understand. It is their business and their choice. It is also your right and choice to do business elsewhere.

 

[Zak Smith]

rbernie's post is spot on

A monkey can do it and it takes minutes worth of work.

Having the paperwork 100% correct is very, very important.

 

[conw]

reading comprehension 101:

so i found a good deal on a pistol on the internet from a big box store. I called my ffl and he tells me that they've changed their policy and will no longer be taking any ffl transfers!!!

this was the topic of the post, please reply accordingly if you did not finish reading for some reason.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

SILVER SPOON?? Sounds more like class envy on your part. If you think $20 is excessive

Slightly off topic here but just in defense of myself, for one sir, I envy noone nor any "class" as you seem to suggest since I probably pay more in income taxes yearly than you make. Furthermore I have not ANYWHERE stated that I thought $20 dollars was high nor do I feel it is, I stated that in my neck of the socialist state of Illinois that the average was $50.00 to $100 for transfers and I find that a ridiculous rate and the OP should be glad his is only $20.00. Before you cast insults sir maybe you should attempt to read what one says.

 

[murdoc rose]

There's a shop in town that does it for free and tbh Id probably use them even if they didn't.

 

[52grain]

There's a shop in town that does it for free

That's a really good deal. None of the traditional gun shops around here (big box or ma and pa) do transfers. Claim that they are too much trouble. There are several people that do them out of their home. I have never had a reason to do a transfer so can't comment on the going rate around here but there was a sign at the range for someone asking in the $20-$25 range.

I don't have exotic tastes and the big box stores have reasonable prices on the normal stuff. I check Bud's price and on average, I pay something in line with that.

 

[Hanzo581]

They should run deals like spend X amount of dollars in store and get a free transfer.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Actually if you get to know some kitchen table type guys, you might learn some things, like one I was talking to, seems the ATF went after the license of some who do it for free...

A Class I is for business and them failing to make money was seen as suspicious, not bad or good business practice. That being said, I know of one shop in town that will do the transfer, but you will end up paying 25 more that just ordering it though them, I went to the other store...

 

[dogtown tom]

nalioth Quote:

Originally Posted by justashooter in pa
then there is the NICS call charge...

Lots of states don't have "NICS call charges".

The FBI does not charge licensed dealers to call NICS for a background (or Brady Law check). If you are being charged for a "NICS check" it is most likely because you live in a state where the point of contact is a state agency and not the FBI. Blame your money grubbing state government for making you pay for something the Feds provide for free.

***BTW The FBI NICS Call Center has to be the most efficient federal agency ever. In the last two years I've had less than five calls where I listened to "wait music" before a live operator answered. They are ALWAYS polite to a fault. I wish the USPS was as efficient and friendly.

Here is the "NICS map", note that it is out of date as some states permits no longer meet the FBI NICS exemption.

 

[jhco50]

WardenWolf is the only one that is really on with this thread. I know several FFLs and it is basically free money in Colorado as the background checks are free. I have no problem with a reasonable fee for services rendered, but many of these shops are gouging to make up for a lack of customers. The gouging then drives away more customers until they go out of business. All the time whining about the lack of business. This is capitalism and it is working.

One thing I have noticed. Some people have no choice but to get the best deal they can or not buy anything. Others have a lot of disposable income and will pay just about any price asked to buy what they want. This is fine, but remember that many don't make big money and still have to support their families and keep a roof over their heads.

 

[medalguy]

I have no problem with a FFL charging a fair price for transfers. I buy a lot of guns and use two FFLs to handle mine, and both charge $20 per transfer.

For that money, as stated earlier, they receive the gun, open the package, check the gun for damage, check to see that it's WHAT I ORDERED (one wan't), log it in, store it in their safe, call me, do the paperwork when I get there, make the call, generate an invoice for the charges, log the gun out to me, and thank me. All of this takes time, effort, liability on their part, and then they get to store the paperwork for years. That takes space and that costs money too.

The problem I have is with the sellers who are dealers yet still charge $75 or more to ship a handgun, claiming it has to go Fedex overnight. Horsehockey. Why can one dealer ship it for $15 and the other guy claims it costs $75 to ship it?

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

I think this has gone on long enough. Remember that this is a "discussion" forum, not a "let me tell you how it is and argue with you when you don't agree" forum. Discussion and debate, even somewhat heated ones, are fine. But belittling everyone who disagrees with you isn't going to fly.

Those of you who got into who makes more money and who is better educated might want to take a step back and reconsider your posts.