Selling to a dealer.

[MR.G]

Thinking about selling most of my guns to a local dealer. I know what they are selling for in local shops, and online auctions. All excellent condition, some never fired since new. A dealer has to make a profit on his investment to stay in business. What percentage of their actual value would be a reasonable offer to accept from a dealer who is willing to take them all?

 

[drsfmd]

70% of retail.

Of course, if you have high end or very valuable pieces, it might be a higher percentage of retail. If you have junk, it might be a lower percentage of retail.

 

[oneounceload]

Blue book will typically be somewhere between 65 and 75 % as mentioned above - that leaves room for the dealer to turn around and make a profit on them

 

[PapaG]

Depends on the dealer...if they grade them fairly and aren't too greedy, the 70% figure is prretty good. We go 80% on a select group. Some dealers, and lots of gun show denizens, will go 60 and lots of pawn shops might try to get them for 30-40%.
Taurus, Rossi, and off brands bring lower percentages than Colt/Smith/Ruger/Sig/Kimber/Springfield/Winchester/REmington, etc......some models and age are also factors. For WW, anything pre-64 is worth more than post. Rugers made before 73 are the same way. Smiths from before "safety/mim" are also hotter sellers.
I'd suggest you spend the 40 bucks or so, buy a Bluebook, learn how to assess grade, compare to "bidded" prices on the internet and go in well prepared to deal.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Some dealers, and lots of gun show denizens, will go 60 and lots of pawn shops might try to get them for 30-40%.

My local shops tend to 30-50 on surplus or NOT big name items, something they know they can sell quickly they MIGHT go 70 after alot of haggling

 

[Jim K]

I fully understand that a dealer needs to make money. But I was present when one dealer offered a man $20 for an S&W Model 19 in 98% condition. That is not just doing business, it is plain dishonest. I don't patronize that shop any more.

Jim

 

[dastardly-D]

Jim K

I haven't seen a deal as bad as you post,but I've never seen a dealer give a sucker an even break.Usually they give you half or less what the gun is worth.It's best to sell them at a gun show,you'll do a lot better......

 

[bikerdoc]

My LGS has a thing called consignment. He will sell your guns for you at retail and take 10% as a fee.

 

[LordDunsany]

Unless you want the risk and hassles of selling face to face, which would net you the highest prices, your next best bet is to place them on consignment with a dealer.

I disposed of several handguns this way and didn't have to worry about strangers coming to my door, or meeting in a parking lot.

Consignment will cost you a percentage but you will be able to command a better realized amount, and without future problems. Guns sold through a dealer will have new paper and remove you from the item. This is particularly beneficial if you are selling handguns.

Gunbroker auctioning is another possibility, but you will still have sales expense plus shipping the item out via your local FFL.

Ron in Texas

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Unless you need the money fast and now, don't sell to a dealer if you can help it. This is not to say that they are necessarily dishonest; they can't stay in business selling guns for less than they paid for them, obviously. But 65-75% of its value is optimistic, IME. Consignment is worth a look.

 

[boykinlp]

My LGS has a thing called consignment. He will sell your guns for you at retail and take 10% as a fee.

How do you know what the consignment guns actually sell for?

 

[kb58]

You don't care. You decide how much you want the dealer to hand you when it sells, and he keeps whatever he was able to sell it for over that.

 

[Keb]

When you consign, there is a background check to get unsold items back.

When you sell via gunbroker, buyer pays shipping, and you can mail long guns to an FFL.
If returned for some reason, you need a receiving FFL.

 

[bikerdoc]

How do you know what the consignment guns actually sell for?

You and the LGS agree on a price based on value and that is the price that it is tagged at in your. i.e. 2 guns at 550 each = 1100 110 lgs 990 to you.

 

[vicdotcom]

It also depends a lot on the market of your area also I would think. If there is only one dealer around, then your price might be lower. If there are many, you can shop around. Also research on how the firearms are actually MOVING for... not just the price they are asking for them at stores. There is a difference there.