First time jitters

[cliffv]

I think I'm ready to conduct my first sale as a home-based FFL and I'm nervous.

I've read and interpreted the laws, got my business license, LLC, resellers license, federal FFL1, local firearms dealer permit, CFD, certified instructor card, large capacity magazine license, DES account, signage, and all of the extra stuff and now, I'm nervous about doing my first transaction without making any mistakes.
My whole career has been in regulated industries (aviation). I've run FAA licensed repair stations, was a collateral duty inspector in the Navy for my squadron and workshop. I've bought and sold lots of stuff but, selling a firearm, as a dealer, in California has me the most nervous I've been about anything. I'm confident that everything will go right but nervous just the same.

Thanks for reading.

Cliff

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[Skip_Dog]

I can not see if you have a location on my phone. Where are you located, maybe I could be your first.

[readysetgo]

Shake it off cliffv!

Maybe use a checklist to help you stay focused.

It does seem like a bear to be an FFL here. Gotta be passionate, I guess.

Good luck.

[Tyke8319]

I think I'm ready to conduct my first sale as a home-based FFL and I'm nervous.

I've read and interpreted the laws, got my business license, LLC, resellers license, federal FFL1, local firearms dealer permit, CFD, certified instructor card, large capacity magazine license, DES account, signage, and all of the extra stuff and now, I'm nervous about doing my first transaction without making any mistakes.
My whole career has been in regulated industries (aviation). I've run FAA licensed repair stations, was a collateral duty inspector in the Navy for my squadron and workshop. I've bought and sold lots of stuff but, selling a firearm, as a dealer, in California has me the most nervous I've been about anything. I'm confident that everything will go right but nervous just the same.Thanks for reading.

Cliff


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I'd suggest a check off list to follow. Adhere to that and you should do fine.

We all started once upon a time with that first sale. You may find "home based" tough as many distributors won't do business unless you have a
"store-front" operation. But hang is there. You'll do fine.

[HPT]

Ditto on the checklist, make sure you follow it and everything will go smoothly.

[cliffv]

Thanks everybody!

A checklist is on my "list" of things to get put together still but, I'll get there.
I did find a number of distributors that I can buy from but, as mentioned, there are more that won't because of the lack of 'normal' business hours or, will only sell me accessories/sporting goods. Long term I've kicked around a storefront but it'll probably be out of state.



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[kemasa]

Ok, someone has to say it.

You are going to jail, so please post your inventory.

Here is an example checklist:

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/attachment.php?attachmentid=644424&d=1506739282

Never check an item off until AFTER you do it. Don't think that because you have done it a long time that you can drop the checklist as it so easy to skip something, for example the proceed box on the 4473, which is only checked after the DROS is marked as delivered.

Do a sample process yourself. For the DROS, you can preview and not actually submit it. You could also have a friend play the role as the customer. When you check the 4473 and find something wrong/missing, have the customer correct it and then start over in checking it. Check it after the customer first fills it out, as well as just before having the customer sign it for the delivery. Then have fun when you transfer a C&R firearm to a C&R FFL holder since a 4473 isn't required and that just feels wrong once you get used to normally doing it for every other customer.

[Tyke8319]

[QUOTE=kemasa;23064805]Ok, someone has to say it.

You are going to jail, so please post your inventory.


You're cold...

[kemasa]

Ok, someone has to say it.


You are going to jail, so please post your inventory.

You're cold...[emoji106]

What? Just trying to help him raise money for the attorney : -)

[cliffv]

What? Just trying to help him raise money for the attorney : -)

LOL. Thanks for that and thanks for the checklist example, I really appreciate it.

Honestly, it was the continuous advise that I've read by you and all of the others on this forum that gave me the confidence to pursue an FFL in the first place (also, a general dislike for going to the local chain outdoorsman store).
I'm certain that everything will go fine but, as long as I have that little bit of doubt in the back of my mind I'll be on my toes to ensure that everything is right.

Regards,

Cliff

[RoundEye]

You'll do fine. Having a check list makes it easier, but if you forget something with first visit, you have 10 days to figure it out and collect when they come back for the pickup.

If you haven't already done so, it's worthwhile to attend DES training. They offer a webinar every quarter or so.

[EBR Works]

Yep, like Kemasa said, do a few transfers to yourself for practice. If you can avoid it, try not to do paper 4473. All of the 4473 errors found during our first ATF audit were on paper. Use this free ATF software that dramatically reduces errors:

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/applications-eform-4473-download

Good luck!
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[RoundEye]

If you can avoid it, try not to do paper 4473. All of the 4473 errors found during our first ATF audit were on paper. Use this free ATF software that dramatically reduces errors:

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/applications-eform-4473-download

^^^ Thanks for this. I actually had no idea that this free app existed.

Now the question is one of economics. Do I use the free app an supply my own paper, or do I use the free 4473s that the ATF will send me?

I wonder if they have a dot matrix compatible version of the form?

[EBR Works]

^^^ Thanks for this. I actually had no idea that this free app existed.

Now the question is one of economics. Do I use the free app an supply my own paper, or do I use the free 4473s that the ATF will send me?

I wonder if they have a dot matrix compatible version of the form?

You'll have to provide 6 sheets of paper for each transaction. A few pennies. Use a laser printer if you have one.

[Tyke8319]

Yep, like Kemasa said, do a few transfers to yourself for practice. If you can avoid it, try not to do paper 4473. All of the 4473 errors found during our first ATF audit were on paper. Use this free ATF software that dramatically reduces errors:

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/applications-eform-4473-download

Good luck!
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OK...I've always had the customer fill out the front page of the 4473, flip the page sign and date...I do the rest.
So, with the app does the customer type in all the "buyer" info or do you???
And how does the ATF audit work??? Turn your computer over to them???