Q: Gun pricing etiquette

[wilit]

Because buying a gun in CA via the internet basically comes with a CA import tax (FFL fee + DROS), what is the rule regarding recouping this cost when re-selling the firearm?

For example, J&G sells PA-63's for $99. However, most CA FFL's charge $100 to transfer the gun ($35 for DROS & $65 dealer fee). Is it okay to list the firearm at say $165 to recoup the cost of the dealer fee considering it cost you $200 + shipping to just get the pistol into the state?

[Matt C]

Not really, I think you have to eat that cost. If you did it that way, the gun would cost 300 by the time it was sold a few times. You can get away with it if you have a rare or desirable gun I suppose.

[chickenfried]

Yes, I would. You can always lower your price if it doesn't sell. But if your price is too low...

[wilit]

Not really, I think you have to eat that cost. If you did it that way, the gun would cost 300 by the time it was sold a few times. You can get away with it if you have a rare or desirable gun I suppose.

I would agree with you if you tried to recoup the DROS every time, but IMO, that should never be recoverable. Since the gun is only imported into the state once, the dealer fee (and maybe shipping costs) would only be recovered once.

Also, not looking to ever sell one of my firearms, just trying to gauge what's a fair price when browsing through the for sale section.

[draconianruler]

You can always ask what you want, will it sale is another story LOL

[Black Majik]

It never hurts to try, price is dependent on what the market would bear. BUT, it depends on what gun it is. I doubt many would pay more than the initial cost of the gun.

Lets say you purchase a Kimber from a mom and pop shop for $1,000. Your OTD price comes out to $1,1000. If you turned around and sold it, you'd have to eat the tax and DROS fees and list at the gun's cost, not gun+tax+dros. Most people certainly won't pay higher than what they can buy themselves.

But there really aren't any rules to this. I've seen people sell guns I've sold PPT for higher than what I listed it at previously.

Of course, YMMV.

[STAGE 2]

Your gun your price. The market will decide if its too high. There is no "ettiquette" in regards to you setting your price.

[Nodda Duma]

Holy crap $100? Find a different dealer!

-Jason

[hawk1]

First a $100 transfer is on the high side. Second, price the gun with the fees included. If your prospective buyer had to buy it out of state he will have the transfer fee anyways. The only thing is if his transfer fee is less than the $100 you paid which is high.

[wilit]

$100 is about average for the Bay Area shops that are Calguns supporters. Most of the other smaller shops charge $150 including DROS.

[mymonkeyman]

There are dealers in the Bay Area that have reasonable transfer rates (e.g. City Arms and Roger's Relics). I don't see why people who buy guns on the Internet to save money wouldn't spend a little time to find the cheapest transfer dealer.

[wilit]

There are dealers in the Bay Area that have reasonable transfer rates (e.g. City Arms and Roger's Relics). I don't see why people who buy guns on the Internet to save money wouldn't spend a little time to find the cheapest transfer dealer.

How much is City Arms' transfer fee? I live in the East Bay, and according to Microsoft Streets and Trips, City Arms is 32 miles from my place. My car gets 21mpg, so with 2 round-trip drives that's a total of 128 miles. At $4 a gallon, that's $24 in travel costs. Not to mention the amount of time it takes to go that far. It's a minimum 45 minutes each way. Not worth it even if their transfer fees are $50 including DROS.

[mymonkeyman]

How much is City Arms' transfer fee? I live in the East Bay, and according to Microsoft Streets and Trips, City Arms is 32 miles from my place. My car gets 21mpg, so with 2 round-trip drives that's a total of 128 miles. At $4 a gallon, that's $24 in travel costs. Not to mention the amount of time it takes to go that far. It's a minimum 45 minutes each way. Not worth it even if their transfer fees are $50 including DROS.

Yea their fees are $45+dros. Yes the cost of gas has made everything crazy. Savings are going to depend on how much margin your local dealers offer over margin for the gun in stock.