Gunbroker question

H

hellishot

Inactive
I recently bought a gun through gunbroker. I sent in my payment with a personal check to pay for the gun and shipping cost, which the seller receives. The seller emails me to verify that he received the check and ask me to send a signed-in-ink copy of my local dealer's Federal Firearms License in order to ship the gun. I tell him that all my dealers in my area will typically fax their FFL to other FFLs but not mail their information.

He proceeds to tell me that he can utilize the services of a local FFL dealer for the transfer and ask for an additional $25.00. Is this right?

His posting did not mention about sending a signed-in-ink copy of FFL, it was vague. I've done a couple of gunbroker transactions and the FFLs are typically faxed over. I assumed he would accept a faxed FFL. I'm not sure if he is taking advantage of me or if I am in the wrong for not asking him about his FFL transfer policy? The seller has over 150 gunbroker transactions, so I just can't see him apply this policy to all his customers.
 
Seems like someone should find another FFL dealer. E-mailing an ffl copy is normal practice nowdays, as the firearm can only be shipped to the address on the ffl. Mailing, faxing, e-mailing it is all the same and poses to danger to the dealer.
 
I've been a member on GunBroker for over 13 yrs. I've purchased many firearms on the auction side.

I have a dealer that receives the firearms for me. He will fax a copy of his FFL to the person I bought the firearm from. The seller will in-turn, either fax him a copy of his FFL or just put a signed copy with the gun being shipped.

Before bidding on a firearm, it's always best to clarify the FFL to FFL transfer. Some dealers will not accept any type of FFL, unless it's a hardcopy signed in blue ink. Other dealers are more laid back about it all.
 
Probably a little late to be asking the seller questions now.
Best to get clarification of this beforehand.

I always ask a seller on a gun I intend to bid on whether they will accept an e-mailed FFL copy or a mailed photocopy (with a photocopied signature) before bidding.
I personally pass on any seller that requires the antiquated and totally unnecessary (from a Federal standpoint) 'ink-signed' copy.

Reads to me like he is wanting to send it direct to your dealer and is getting his FFL info from an old source.

You know, or should have known, if your dealer will accept from a private seller or not and what his particular requirements are.
My recommendation would be to set up a phone call with the seller and get this one resolved, even if you just have to go pick up a fresh copy from your dealer (or get the dealer to mail it).

JT
 
you should have asked first, but in these days of gov't microscopic oversight he probably is being reasonably paranoid. Don't make it acrimonioius. Since you sent a personal check, the additional time to mail an ink-signed FFL will give you check time to clear. You've probably not lost that much time when all is said and done.

For what it's worth, I've always emailed or faxed my FFL's paperwork to the seller when I've bought from gunbroker and never had a problem.
 
There's no requirement for an 'original' copy of the FFL, the vendor is being anal, to be charitable.

Ask your FFL to mail a signed copy and get the transfer done.

Don't pay the $25.00 additional and if he makes an issue out of it, insist on a full and immediate refund.
 
I have done a number of purchases on gunbroker and not in the last 5 years or so have I been asked for a mailed copy of a signed ffl. It's just not how its done anymore. My FFL would go ahead and do this if I requested, but I can see him rolling his eyes as I'm begging him to placate the guy.:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

PS - ask the seller if he still types in "www...." for web addresses. Maybe it takes too long for him to receive a picture with his 8086 processor and dial-up modem.:D:D
 
Avoiding the double transfer

I tell him that all my dealers in my area will typically fax their FFL to other FFLs but not mail their information
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The best way that I can reply, is to suggest what you do, at this point. Have one of your local FFL dealers, give "you" signed and dated copy, of his FFL. Then just mail it off to the seller. It seems to me that the seller is just trying to come up with "his" way of transferring and shipping the gun, to an FFL, in your area. Not common but can be done and by my measure and under these circumstances, not out of line. The only problem is that now you will have to pay trice for a transfer. .... :mad:

Now, on the item listing, there is a line that states whether or not, an FFL, is required. In you case I'd say that your must have missed it. Getting a copy of your dealers FFL, should not be a problem. That is the way I have always done this portion of the transaction. ..... :)

Be Safe !!!
 
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This happens, some guys just aren't very cooperative or open minded. Just ask you FFL to mail it to the seller, shouldn't be any big deal. You are basically at the mercy of the seller. It may be interesting to see what happens if you voided the sell because of his lack of cooperation but since he already has your money maybe this isn't the best time to try it. It's kind of like having a C&R, some seller refuse to accept it even though it is perfectly legal. If their ad doesn't say anything I will always ask before bidding and refuse to do business with them if they don't.
 
You are overlooking the obvious. If the guy is going to send it himself to your dealer then maybe he needs the hard-copy FFL because he doesn't have a fax machine.

I certainly don't have a fax machine (and really don't want one) so I'd want either a hard copy or an emailed PDF.
 
Just mail it in !!!

I don't know what is so different about how you folks deal with these transactions, in your part of the country but where I am, all you have to do is get a signed and dated copy of "your" dealer's FFL and mail it to the seller. In all my transactions, I have never had to worry about any fax machines. .. ;)

Just ask you FFL to mail it to the seller, shouldn't be any big deal.
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I would first ask for the copy and I'd mail it. The only thing that your FFL should be obligated to, is make out the paper work. ... ;)

Be Safe !!!
 
A great many dealers will not turn over a copy of their FFL to a non-licensee, signed or not.

Some do, the vast majority don't. Especially if he/she doesn't know you. I used to have an FFL, and I didn't give a non-dealer a signed copy.

Since giving up my FFL, I have built relationships with a few shops that will trust me with a copy of their FFL.

It's not the customers (buyers) that are making all this such a PITA. It's the dealers, all not being on the same page, as to what they will accept.
 
It's really not a complicated proccess

hellishot
I have forgotten to mention that GunBroker has a database of FFL dealers that they routinely work with. You just have to look for the tab and type in your Zip. A listing for your area will be provided. .... ;)

A great many dealers will not turn over a copy of their FFL to a non-licensee, signed or not.
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I don't work with a great number but so far, have never had a dealer refuse to give me a signed and dated copy of his FFL. When and if I do, I'll just go to one that will. .... ;)

Be Safe !!!
 
He's probably just doing it the old way. If your dealer will give you a signed copy, go ahead and mail it to him.

If he seems stuck backward in time, remember you're the one who mailed him a check. ;)
 
Thanks guys for the input.

It seems the burden to know the seller's policy was on me to ask in advance prior to bidding/buying. I chalk this as a learning experience. I have a duty to protect myself thus burden on me (buyer). I should have been more thorough in my research.
 
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