Private Party Transfer Laws

[NextTimeAround]

I went to do a private party transfer today at a Sportmen's Supply in Campbell, and on top of the regular $35 fee for the transfer they charged $25 for the "handgun safety demonstration". Is this legal?

[slickjoesd]

maybe for the hsc (handgun safety card) ? if you and the buyer/seller went to the shop he can only charge you 25 for the dros and 10 bucks for his time. UNLESS the buyer didnt have a HSC. thoese are 25 i think...

[vikingshelmut]

Hey bud! I was doing some research on this and found this thread:
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=38935&page=2&highlight=ppt+fees

Some good info there. Sounds like they are "mistaken" in their ability to collect an extra fee on your PPT.

[NextTimeAround]

maybe for the hsc (handgun safety card) ? if you and the buyer/seller went to the shop he can only charge you 25 for the dros and 10 bucks for his time. UNLESS the buyer didnt have a HSC. thoese are 25 i think...

No, I already have the HSC card. They charged me for the "safety demonstration", basically loading/unloading with the snap caps.

[slickjoesd]

if you got a reciept and you didnt "request " for them to do it, then go back and tell the WTF. and you want $$ back!

[tenpercentfirearms]

They charged me for the "safety demonstration", basically loading/unloading with the snap caps.
LOL! You got screwed. I would go back and let them know if they don't refund your money, you would be sending a copy of the receipt to the DOJ along with your compliant for charging extra fees on top of government fees.

Now I am not sure if a FFL can charge a "safety demonstration" fee or not. I guess if it is specifically not banned, then the private business could do it.

As little as we make on PPTs, especially with the hassle of doing handguns, I don't blame the gun shop. I wouldn't do something like that and would encourage you to find another gun shop and take your money elsewhere.

[hoffmang]

They can only charge $10 more than the DROS fee. Print the Penal Code and take it back with you and ask for a refund.

-Gene

[Dave in LB]

Hoffmang has this one nailed. $25 is for the HSC only. Part of doing the PPT is doing the Safe handling demo and it's not a for charge service to my knowledge.

[maxicon]

This is their way of avoiding PPTs as much as possible. Their explanation is that the PPT cost limits were for the original PPT, and the safety handling test came along later so they can charge more for the additional task. If you ask them outright, they'll tell you they just aren't interested in PPTs (or they told me that one time).

Some shops charge extra for "storage" for the 10 day waiting period too. Sportsmen's will charge a storage fee for any PPT long gun picked up after the 10th day of the waiting period, even if you're a regular customer.

It's my policy not to PPT anyplace that charges extra. I guess that's a win for Sportsmen's, since they don't want the business, but it also makes me go there less.

So far, I've had good luck with Kerley's in Cupertino, Reed's in San Jose (though they have limits on when they do transfers), Targetmasters West in Milpitas, and Markley's in Watsonville. I understand Irvington Arms and City Arms are also good but I haven't used them.

The best attitudes for me have been at Kerley's and Markley's, but the others have been mostly good too. I think Markley's may be my favorite gun shop - it's too bad it's a long drive for me.

I recommend calling any shop first, getting the total, and asking if they have any limited days or hours for transfer. Saves a bunch of time and trouble!

[EBWhite]

Yup, they broke the law it sounds like. i'd call them on it and ask for a refund, if not report them. it might be an honest mistake but i doubt it.

[The SoCal Gunner]

From the DOJ http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/pubfaqs.php

"The State's DROS fee is $19.00 which covers the costs of the background checks and transfer registry. There is also a required $1.00 Firearms Safety Testing fee and a $5.00 Safety and Enforcement fee... In the event of a private party transfer, the firearms dealer may additionally charge a fee of $10 per firearm transferred."

"If the transaction being processed is a dealer sale, consignment return, or return from pawn, the dealer may impose other charges as long as this amount is clearly shown as a "dealer fee" and not misrepresented as a state fee."

Not as specific as the penal code but thats the gist of it. I don't know about this 'safety demonstration' fee but since this is a PPT the max they can additionally charge is $10 per firearm.

[ghost]

just shows some people trying to make a quick buck on people who they think dont know any better.$35 is the standard, anymore than that is going straight in their pocket.

[vikingshelmut]

You ever get your money back on this?