How to sell firearms with shipping

[CraigBos]

Hello CalGuns!

Apologies if this info is posted somewhere. My search skills have failed me.

Is there a how-to guide on selling firearms within California with shipping?

The Wiki states, As implemented, both parties must be present at the transferring FFL to initiate the [PPT] transaction. But it doesn't clearly state how to do a sale if the firearm is to be shipped.

I think to do this as a seller, I would:

• Agree on price/terms with the buyer
• Obtain FFL info from the buyer
• Confirm buyer's FFL will accept and transfer the firearm
• Obtain payment from the buyer
• Ship the item
• Count my money

Is that correct?

It still leaves me with a few questions:

• What are usual payment terms? (Receive payment first, then ship?)
• What are usual means of payment? (Postal money order?)
• What if the transaction gets canceled after the firearm arrives at the buyer's FFL for any reason? Does the buyer's FFL ship the firearm directly back to the seller, or does it go to an FFL near the seller for "transfer" back to him?

Once answered, I'll be happy to bundle up the info into a sticky in the for-sale forums.

...And yes, this is because my "no shippping" WTS Escort MP-A shotgun ad is not getting much interest down here in San Diego.

Thanks for any info!

[ziconceo]

I think to do this as a seller, I would:

• Agree on price/terms with the buyer
• Obtain FFL info from the buyer
• Confirm buyer's FFL will accept and transfer the firearm
• Obtain payment from the buyer
• Ship the item
• Count my money

Is that correct? YES it is.

It still leaves me with a few questions:[LIST][*]What are usual payment terms? (Receive payment first, then ship?)

YEP
[*]What are usual means of payment?

PayPal (not mentioning guns), money order, and sometimes a check if it clears first then you ship.
[*]What if the transaction gets canceled after the firearm arrives at the buyer's FFL for any reason? Does the buyer's FFL ship the firearm directly back to the seller, or does it go to an FFL near the seller for "transfer" back to him?


STATE THAT YOU HAVE A 50% RESTOCKING FEE IF THAT HAPPENS. AND YES, THE FFL JUST SHIPS IT BACK TO YOU...YOU MAY HAVE TO PAY FOR SHIPPING THOUGH.

[mjsweims]

Before shipping the gun make sure all contingencies are covered.
1. Is it subject to a certain number of days for non-firing inspection or is it as-is?
2. If the buyer rejects the gun make sure you specify that he will pay all related shipping charges and ffl fees (yours included). You may have to arrange for an ffl to receive the firearm and then do a DROS. May cost $100+.
3. Make sure the only reason for a return is that it does not meet your description. Buyer's remorse is not a legitimate reason for a return - just like a car.

It is up to the buyer to select/inform you of his ffl. The buyer must confirm with his ffl that he will accept a firearm from a non-ffl. If the buyer's ffl only accepts shipments from other ffl's make sure buyer pays up front for your ffl fees. The buyer's ffl should send you a copy of his FFL license. Some will not send a copy to a non-ffl. In that case get their license number. You can use either to verify on the atf site the license and the address. Only ship to the address confirmed by ATF. Include a copy of your driver's license with the firearm.

For payment I only accept Paypal plus 3% or USPS money order. Must be before firearm is shipped.

[CraigBos]

Thanks guys, good info. Anything else to add?

[ziconceo]

Thanks guys, good info. Anything else to add?

Always insure your gun against damage when shipping! It's definitely worth it because of the way that shipping company's handle their....packages lol

Also, never put any ammo in the same box as the gun.

Also also, try to double box the gun if possible to ensure as little damage as possible

[DJDace]

It's been ages since I have sold any firearms myself so this is a great topic for me.

I have 3 different guys I am selling firearms to this month - one in Texas, one in Florida and one in Ohio.

2 have their own FFL licenses and one has a shop he uses regularly and confirms they will accept the hammered double shotgun I am selling him. All 3 have provided their FFL licenses to me already.

Now, as the seller, once I have received payment from each of these fine gentlemen is my only action required being that I pack up their firearms and carefully box them up and ship them out by, say, USPS? That's it?

Do I need to put a copy of the FFL for each of them in each box? Do I need to include a copy of my driver's license or anything?

I appreciate the help on this. I've never sold private party out of state before and I want to make sure I cross all my t's and dot all my i's. I'd hate to do anything incorrectly and cause a hassle for either of these guys or even for myself. Ignorance of the law is no excuse and all that.

Thanks in advance.

[DJDace]

Oh and one more thing; am I limited in my shipping options for pistols? As in, can I use USPS to ship pistols to an FFL?

[stevec223]

I take my guns to the lgs to ship... They charge 35.00 plus shipping... Box and bubble wrap the box or case i bring them...Ups stops there everyday so it goes out quickly with tracking and insurance.... They also check the buyers ffl paperwork and include theirs.... No headaches for me and the transfer gets done right..... Makes my life much easier and i get to go to the gunshop!!!!.... Cheers...

[1911RONIN]

Can we send money via paypal without getting charged? I've heard of the term "discrete gift". What does that refer to?

TIA