Yeah, that's it
It's so profitable that many of us FFLs out here refuse to do private transfers. I'll do them, but on a very limited basis. On average, between waiting on parties, instructing on 4473, waiting on CBI, doing the paperwork on my end, there's not less than 40 minutes involved. In theory, it's <10 min worth of work. In reality, you can't get anything else done while you have two or more people meandering around the shop, asking questions, distracting in general. $20 for 2/3 hour is a complete waste of my time. Might seem like good money to someone who punches a time clock, but running a business is a whole 'nother animal.
I'll 2nd this and also say it's probably an under estimate on time at least in CA.
In CA for PPT, is about $35 of which the FFL gets about $20.
Buyer fills out 4473.
Both fill out PPT paperwork.
FFL enters data into CalDOJ (DROS) system.
Copies DL of both
Copies fire arm certificate ( permit) of buyer and then checks system to make sure it hasn't been revoked.
I think finger prints buyer just like an FFL sale.
I'm sure I'm missing some things in there
(The place I use also has someone do a quick check on the 4473; 2nd set of eyes)
Then 10 day wait...
Has to deal with buyer again when picking up....
Verify lock is present.
Signing more forms about storage and lock.
More forms about actually picking it up and not being in violation of anything on 4473 since the 10 day wait.
Safety demonstration.
I'm sure I'm missing something in there too.
Of course there is small talk during all that... they need to friendly and answer what ever question someone throws out about the current sales or other products and at least make eye contact nod their head abut what ever stupid politician or law comments are tossed around...
Not a money maker at all for the FFL store.
It's things like that is partly why Im willing to pay a little extra rather than shop for absolute lowest price online for other gun related stuff.
A FFL store will simply go out of business if they stock product and only do PPTs.
The store I use is predominantly fishing and guns. They can't stay alive by stocking shelves and only selling fishing licenses and doing PPTs.
Fewer stores mean less accessibility for me and future generations.