Shipping gun thru a FFL?

[Flame Red]

Was thinking about selling some guns on-line. I am not an FFL, so as I see it, I have two choices.

1. Use FEDEX or UPS overnight.
2. Go thru a FFL and let him ship by USPS

From my experience, UPS & Fedex are a real rip off now as the last few times I shipped out a gun for repairs it ended up being $80 one way for me using next day service. Plus the hassle of having to go to the main depot an hour away and the third degree they give you.

So I was thinking of letting a FFL dealer ship it for me, since they can throw it into the mail legally. Figure it has got to be cheaper than UPS/Fedex.

I cannot see someone willing to pay $80 shipping for overnight service on a $400 gun! I think $25-$35 is the going rate I see people asking for shipping. My problem is that FFL's around here are real a-holes. Most will not do transfers anymore at all. One guy will and he charges $25 for a transfer to me which is reasonable, except he can be a real ball-breaker too. Rules change every time I go in there. He definately act like it is a hassle, which he sure does make it.

Anyhow, I was hoping to get an idea of what you sellers charge and pay for shipping thru an FFL.

I want to know before I call him and ask so I know if what he tells me is reasonable and customary. I would be willing to give him his $25 fee, and pay the postage too, which should be about $8 or so for flat rate priority mail. So with insurance, it should some in right at the $35 figure I see being charged out there.

And I definately want to know before I list a gun and sell it only to find out I have to take a big loss on the shipping too!

Thanks in advance!

 

[P0832177]

You have to ship handguns via Fed Ex or UPS next day air their rules not BATFE reg. FFL holders as you have pointed out can use USPS. Long guns can go USPS or ground UPS or Fed Ex.

I tend to think that if a FFL holder ships for you, that gun has to go through his books. So he should charge his customary fee for receiving or shipping in IMHO.

If the receiving FFL holder insists on it being shipped by way of another FFL holder then you should add that fee to the cost of the gun, but you must be upfront with the buyer. Some FFL holders will not take guns shipped from a private party, although not illegal, some just do business that way.

 

[Majic]

Just have the buyer pay the shipping.

 

[Panthera Tigris]

I only paid around $38 to ship a gun overnight via UPS. I think the rate is prorated based on the gun's value.

 

[Canuck-IL]

The shipping rate is not prorated - the cost of the insurance is a function of the value declared. Since you have to go next day with them, ask for the late delivery option - 3rd quickest next day, it's a little cheaper.
/Bryan