Private party selling experiences with Gunbroker.com

[ddc]

I'm considering putting some guns up for sale on gunbroker.com.

I've bought a number of items, no firearms though, off of gunbroker and haven't had any problems.

Any individuals (i.e. private parties, non-FFL holders, non-gun shop type people) care to share their selling experiences (positive or negative) ?

Would you do it again?

Thanks.

 

[Cyanide_357]

This isn't going to help you,...

I just bought a Benelli M1 Tactical off of gunbroker tonight. This is my first time dealing with gun broker, and the entire firearms tranfer process. I really hope this goes over well. I will post about my experience after this is all done and over (i really really hope this goes over without a hitch).

Gun will be comming to OH from PA. I'm still a little sketchy about the entire tranfer thing (my ffl send a copy of his ffl to the seller (ffl), seller sends gun + a copy of his ffl to my ffl, and then my ffl transfers the gun to me... payment is somewhere in all of that)... God I hope this all goes smoothly.

Cyanide

 

[psyopspec]

In the last year I've made a couple large purchases, both went smoothly and the products arrived on time and as described. I think gunbroker can be a good resource when my local shop doesn't have what I'm looking for, or for whatever reason can't offer it to me at a college kid-affordable price.

Basically, keep the outline of the process in your head, only deal with people who's feedback inspires confidence for you, and above all, for a smoth transaction you just have to COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE. That'll help avoid and misunderstanding.

 

[MuzzleBlast]

Only one experience, an Enfield I bought last January. The whole transaction could not have been more smooth.

 

[dfaugh]

I've bought

1 Gun, and numerous other items...Accessories, parts and ammo there. Never had a problem. I think, like most anywhere, you'll find 99.9% of the people are honest and good to deal with.

 

[Majic]

I have bought and sold firearms on GunBroker. Just be honest, post clear pictures if possible, give detail description, price fairly, and communicate as quickly as possible (email is fine, but a phone call is better).
The firearm really sells itself. All you have to do is honestly represent it.

 

[thatguy]

I have bought maybe 25 guns from GunBroker and AuctionArms. Sold several, as well. Never had a serious problem and only had to return a gun once. He was a full-time dealer and sent a replacement though I did have to pay the $15 return shipping. Most sellers will allow an inspection period but you usually have to pay return shipping if you don't keep the item. Probably as fair as it gets.

If buying a firearm, make sure you have an FFL lined up for transfer. Make sure he will accept shipment from seller if seller doesn't have an FFL (if seller is an FFL no prob). The law says an individual may ship a gun to a dealer but some dealers won't do it.

Make sure you know all costs before bidding. Shipping can be $10 or $50 depending on seller and this must be figured into the total cost you are paying.

Assume that the gun won't be quite as nice as claimed and bid accordingly. I have been pleasantly surprised on several occasions when the gun was better than expected and disappointed only 2-3 times using this policy.

Be aware of your state laws if some guns or mags are prohibited.

Good luck.

 

[Coltdriver]

DDC,

If you are doing the selling then the integrity of the transaction lies with you.

I have bought and sold many pistols and rifles via gunbroker.

You are going to get the money before you send the gun. So it is important to post a real picture and to honestly describe what you are selling. Offering a 3 day no fire inspection will go a long way towards improving your offer, especially since you are a first time seller. Maybe you have references from other boards or transactions.

Other than that, get an ink signed ffl from the buyers receiving dealer and verify it on the batfe site.

If you are buying then I always want to understand who the buyer is. I have never had a bad transaction, but I don't buy from first time sellers either. Just my personal form of insurance.

If you are responsive and honest about your end of the transaction then I think you will find it to be a great market to sell guns through.

 

[ddc]

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it.

 

[Monkeyleg]

Never had a problem buying or selling. For the last gun I sold, I put detailed closeup photos of the very few flaws on the gun, a variety of views, etc, on my website. The buyer felt confident that, having put so much effort into detailing the flaws, that I must be an honest person to deal with.

When he got the gun, he said it was even better than expected.

Did the same thing with a Colt Sauer .270 a few years ago. This rifle was as close to perfect as you can get. There was just a very tiny spot on the bolt knob where the finish had dulled slightly from having the rifle rest on that spot.

Called the buyer a few days later to see how he like it. He said, "it's great. Just had it out in the woods yesterday doing some hunting."

I said, "you took it where???!!!!!"

 

[thatguy]

DOH! You asked for selling experiences in particular.

Figure a realistic shipping charge. As a non-FFL you may ship directly to the transfer dealer but some FFLs won't accept. You may ship all guns common carrier or long guns via US Mail. Only FFLs can mail pistols.

Ask for a signed FFL or C&R (if applicable). I would want a money order. I always offer a 3 day inspection with full return less shipping costs. I will take it back no matter what the complaint, even if I think the guy is full of crap. I just take it back.

It takes guts but I think the best results are from true auctions started at a buck. A dealer friend of mine starts all of his auctions at $1 and he says he never loses money. The object is to get people bidding and this does it. My observation is that auctions with $1 starting prices close with higher winning bids than ones with starting prices close to the actual value of the items. Just look at some $1 auctions and see how many bids they get.

Again, good luck. What ya selling?

 

[ddc]

Hey Thatguy,

Thanks for the feedback and as far as what I'm selling... well as long as you asked...

I've listed the following for sale, both on this site and ar15.com:
(haven't gone the gunbroker.com route just yet)

1. Para Ordnance P13
Link to P13
2. Colt AR15 16" HBAR upper receiver
Link to Colt upper
3. LMT AR15 M4 upper receiver
Link to LMT upper

Let me know if you see something there that interests you!
Thanks,
Don.

 

[absolute0]

I've purchased several firearms (both used & new) online from gunbroker, auctionarms and one from a member here at the high road. The fact that each of the sellers had established (good) track records went a long way towards calming any fears I may have had.

One suggestion I have is to ASK QUESTIONS of the seller so you have a clear idea of what you'll be getting.

Each purchase I've made went off without a hitch