Selling a Handgun Online

SharpJax

SharpJax

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Dec 7, 2014
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Just wanted to get recommendations of reputable sites to sell handguns online. Does anyone have direct experience with sites like Armslist? Any specific advice for selling? I was debating between that and consigning to a local gun shop, but in the case of the latter, they dictate the price and of course take a (15%) cut. In this case I thought what they would ask, along with their cut would be a pretty big hit on a recently purchased pistol that I've decided to part with in my search for an ideal 9mm, so would rather sell direct if I can.
 
GunBroker on line auction is probably the quickest way to sell it. GunsAmerica is another. Look at the gun forums (The Firing Line (TFL) or The High Road (THR). You can also sell on the gun forums that are more specific to the brand such as Colt, S&W, or Ruger forums. I have no experience with Armslist.

You know of course that if you sell, you will have to ship the gun to a local FFL in order for the proper paper work be completed at the buyer end. If you sell in state, most face to face transactions do not require a dealer. You just need to follow the state and federal guidelines. I had a FFL dealer ship my last gun for a fee of course. Much easier.
 
Many thanks, 22-Rimfire. Yes, I'm aware of going through an FFL, of course. In my state (WA) I believe it recently changed so now all transactions MUST go through an FFL. It used to be, as you suggested, face-to-face did not require this, but I'm pretty sure that's not the case here currently. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I'd rather go through my FFL anyway. Easier and safer, and probably more responsible. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm familiar with GunBroker, but not the others. Thanks.
 
I've used armslist successfully a couple times but one item took months to sell because of all the damn flakes on there and ridiculous lowball offers. I've encountered few decent people there. So yeah it's pretty much the equivalent of Craigslist.
 
I have had over 180 transactions on gunbroker. They have all been positive. I never had a problem with flakes or lowballers. They charge a final value fee. 5% for the first $25 and 2.5% from $25.01 to $1000. The fee for a $500 sale would be about $13 which is an absolute bargain. (2.6%) From $1000.01 and up, they charge 1.5%. They have a few small fees for optional things that enhance your auction.

I recently sold some ammo for $150. It cost me $4.38 in final value fees.


The gun forums are fine if you want to deal with flakes and lowballers. I speak from years of experience.
 
Great advice here. True to form I had listed my pistol on Armslist before receiving much input here. I had half a dozen responses all wanting to trade several lesser guns for mine. I'll give GunBroker a shot. Thanks for the input.
 
You could post it here in the For Sale Gadgets & Gear (Individual) if you wanted to as well.
 
SharpJax said:
Great advice here. True to form I had listed my pistol on Armslist before receiving much input here. I had half a dozen responses all wanting to trade several lesser guns for mine. I'll give GunBroker a shot. Thanks for the input.
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The way it usually goes on trades there is that their gun is worth full retail or even more while your gun isn't worth crap. I have a friend that tried to sell or trade a BAR on there once and the responses he received were beyond insulting, ridiculous, and laughable.

I have had the pleasure of meeting a couple nice, decent people from there but they seem few and far between. The transactions I've made there, I just think I got really lucky as they were easy to deal with. If you list a pistol I recommend requiring a copy of the buyer's CCW permit as this should ensure they're clean. If anyone balks at that then simply cut off communication. If you're in a state where only money, power, or blowing the sheriff can get you a CCW then you probably already have laws that eliminate face to face transactions and require a FFL.
 
What options do I have to receive payment besides a money order. I know I can't take paypal.
 
I've bought & sold stuff on Gunbroker for over 10 years. If you're selling, MAKE SURE you look at the final selling price on completed auctions, just so you don't price yourself out of a potential sale.

In all my auctions, I specify "Please DO NOT bid on my auction if this item is illegal in your location. If the item being sold is a firearm, please note that I am NOT a FFL holder - I'm just an unlicensed individual. If the receiving FFL holder decides that the seller/shipper must also hold a FFL, then you agree to pay any transfer fees that I incur in shipping the item to you. This fee is in addition to the price & shipping fees for the item being sold, as detailed in my auction." and "Please feel free to ask any questions BEFORE bidding on the item, and I'll be glad to answer them to the best of my ability. I have been active on GunBroker since 2002, and will do my best to earn an A+ rating on every transaction.

No international sales or shipping (sorry!).

Payment (Money Order or Cashier's Check only) and a signed copy of your transfer dealer's FFL and/or driver's license are due within 10 business days of auction close.

I work random days/nights throughout the week, so it might be 7 days or so following payment before I'm able to ship the item. If this is a problem, please do not bid on my auction. I believe in COMMUNICATING, and will do my best to keep you informed about the anticipated shipping date. Once the item is shipped, I'll let you know, including any tracking info."

Lots of words, I know, but it has worked to keep down the "flakes."

Make sure you include good pictures. Also specify the form of payment & a deadline by which payment is due.
 
Thanks one and all for some really excellent advice on this thread. Having not traded guns online before, this is all very helpful. I appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experience and advice. Thanks also to Red Devil for moving the thread to the appropriate forum (my bad).
 
benchwarmer380 said:
You could post it here in the For Sale Gadgets & Gear (Individual) if you wanted to as well.
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+1 I've sold a few here. Processed via FFL no big deal.

Looks like you're in Washington State- We're at the high end of gun prices so selling locally is beneficial.
 
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