Buying online and Destination FFLs

U

unixfool

New member
I've a few questions on how to finalize online purchases, mainly at the destination FFL.

I bought an SP2022 and it is due to arrive at my local FFL tomorrow afternoon. Yes, I'm very excited, to the point that I want to call or arrive at the gun shop tomorrow evening. Is that too soon? Should I wait for them to call me, or can I arrive a few hours after delivery even if the FFL doesn't contact me first? The gun dealer is a really cool guy and I don't want to annoy him, but yeah, I do want my gun as soon as possible (:D).

Is there a general gun dealer etiquette for such interaction?
 
Depending on the size and volume of the dealer, he may get tons of guns every day. Those all have to be checked and logged in. He may have a specific time of day for it, or he might have a specific person doing that job. The process demands a certain attention to detail.

Assuming the sender included your contact information, the dealer usually calls when it's ready for pickup. If it's been awhile, feel free to call.

I get guys who I swear drifted in on the exhaust fumes of the FedEx truck, demanding that I drop everything and process their gun right now. It really throws a wrench into the whole process and it makes us curse the whole notion of online tracking.
 
Unless I have tracking information that shows a gun has been delivered to the FFL I do not call him. Even then I wait at least 24 hours to give the FFL time to process the paperwork. I usually get a phone call before 24 hours has passed.
 
Thanks for the replies.

Yeah, the seller included my contact information. I'll be waiting at least 24 hours...if he calls before then, all the better. I do not want to be an annoyance.
 
I've not had this problem, but others have. Do watch the tracking and follow up after 24 hours, to allow the FFL time enough to log it in and contact you, but not enough time for the shop to allow handling by 15 customers, swapping scopes, or someone to run 20 rounds through it, or even selling it to someone else.

97% of FFLs won't do or allow any of these games, but now and then...
 
unix, I've been buying mostly online for a few years now. I have used several FFLs along the way. I know of no general protocol. I do let the FFL know when to expect the gun. I used one FFL in the big city for several years. While I enoyed doing business with him and his crew, they Rarely called when a gun for me arrived. I most always had to check the tracking and call them to let them know I'd be down to collect my purchase. My current part time FFL is a former co-worker. His full time profession takes priority, but he still usually calls within the hour....ymmv
 
I give the FFL at least 24 hours. Generally, they call me within 30 minutes to 2 hours after delivery, to tell me the shipment is ready for pickup.

When dealing with a company with notoriously slow shipping (like Sarco, PSA, etc), and especially companies that don't provide any tracking (like Sarco and Numrich), I'll wait at least 2 weeks before considering trying to track the shipment down.

Earlier today, I picked up a Mauser action from my local FFL, after calling to see if they had it. It turned out that they had had the thing for several weeks, because it:
A) Was received by a new guy that got a little confused and distracted, and shoved it behind some overstock ammunition under the counter (otherwise, they would have put it on the 4473 I filled out last week :rolleyes:).
B) Didn't have my complete phone number on the invoice.
And, C) Had my last name misspelled and the wrong street name for my address, so even when the guys recognized my name and tried to cross-reference with other sales, they came up empty.

It can suck, being a "patient" adult about the situation, but I've always gotten the firearm in the end. And if the FFL screws up, they usually compensate in some way.
 
Wow! One of the most important qualities of an FFL in this kind of transaction is that they act like they've seen a gun before!

My FFL doesn't open it. That way if there is damage, I can see first hand.

I track the box to delivery. When "out for delivery" I call the FFL and schedule pick up. He then gives me a final call when it arrives, confirming our appointment.

Then I go open the unopened box with his support. It gets logged in. I check it out. Then begin the transfer. If something were wrong, that is the time to call about returning it.
 
My FFL is a pawn shop, not a lgs. His instructions for pick-ups have always been to watch the tracking and when it has been delivered come and get it.

Every single time I've showed up after it had been delivered he has literally had it waiting for me at the counter.

The local gun shops around here act like it's more trouble than it's worth to deal with transfers, however the guy at the pawnshop appreciates the extra business and his service/price has always been great.
 
Been Thar !!!

Should I wait for them to call me, or can I arrive a few hours after delivery even if the FFL doesn't contact me first?
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It kind of depends on your relationship with your FFL. Regardless, the most I would do, is call him and express your "Whatever" to have this in hand. For the most part, I'd wait for the delivery notification as that way, you really have a reason to phone him. ..... ;)

Be Safe !!!
 
Nathan, I think your experience works well for small shops. If you had no choice but to use a large/busy FLL then I'm not sure they would go for that kind of hands-on approach.
 
So, the gun store received the gun at 12:45PM. I didn't call them and waited. They called me at 3:30 and said they were ready for me to pick it up. Got there at 4PM and was out by 5 with my new gun!

I'm glad I waited for them to call, because they were busy as hell and the shop crew was totally different! I usually go at night and the tempo is quite different.

Thanks for all the feedback, guys!
 
Well, all the big shops want $50+ transfer fees and act like you are a huge pain in the butt. They argue they can sell you a "better" gun! Really, your NIB Glock 19 for $600 is better than a mail order one for $500? How so?

I guess these conversations have pushed me the direction I go now. I'm willing to support my local LGS, but making the weekly boat and car payment on one sale is where I draw the line.
 
So, the gun store received the gun at 12:45PM. I didn't call them and waited. They called me at 3:30 and said they were ready for me to pick it up. Got there at 4PM and was out by 5 with my new gun!
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Good show and congratulations on the new gun.

Well, all the big shops want $50+ transfer fees and act like you are a huge pain in the butt.
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Yes, many are like that. I understand both sides to this.
 
I work at a gun store part time and depending on how busy we are the best thing to do is just call. The one I work at will call with in a day or so unless we are swamped.
 
Just bring a tent and camp out on their door step the night before it's due to arrive.
The store owner will appreciate the motivation.
Really, they like that sort of thing.
 
Last week I bought two Rugers from Bud,s online . I bought a Vaquero and Blackhawk both I priced at a local gun shop I save over 150 bucks buying online . This FFL dealer is 3 miles from my home he is part time having a first job . He called at 3:00 pm I was at his shop at 3:15 pm he charged 15 dollars for the two and I was home before 4:00 pm . I do not know why anyone would pay to buy at a gun shop counting tax I saved over $200
 
I do not know why anyone would pay to buy at a gun shop counting tax I saved over $200
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Regardless of the firearm in question, it is highly dependent upon HOW your local shop prices firearms. Some shops don't really make any money on new firearms, while others jack the price up by 30-40% (or more, if you're Gander Mountain... :rolleyes:).

Don't forget, though....
No matter what the price difference may be, the firearm in your local shop can be handled, inspected, and function tested, before you buy it. You also don't have to wonder/worry about damage or theft during shipment.

You don't have that privilege with online purchases; and even the places that allow 3, 5, or more days for 'inspection' usually make you pay for return shipping. Some of the smaller online vendors don't even insure their shipments. So, if your Vaquero gets lost in transit, your only recourse is hiring a lawyer or getting a charge-back on the credit card (you didn't use a debit card, right? ...'cause they don't have the same protections). :eek:
 
Many other reasons to also buy at retailers...

Plenty of folks have no desire to buy even smaller things online, let alone larger $$ purchases like firearms. Other folks truly have no idea that it is legal or possible to purchase firearms online - and many have no desire to explore things like shipping, FFL, payment terms, etc.

For my own take, I simply have very nearly ZERO interest in almost -all- new guns. I tend to be far more enamored with established guns with some known track record and the kinds of deals and "neat finds" offered in used guns. And when USED guns are 98% of what you care about... it means an awful lot to be able to see it in the flesh.

When I find myself in the position to need or want a new one, I'd rather spend $30 more if it helps out my favorite local FFL guys, but they are also happy to take $15 or $20 to receive it for me if they can't get it through their normal channels.
 
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