Have any of you rented a table at your local gun show for private sales?

D

DMK

New member
I'm considering some substantial pruning of my collection. I had a C&R for years (I let that expire a few years back) and collected quite a mass of old guns, ammo and accessories that I never use.

I really don't want to sell online, and I'm thinking about renting a table at the local gun show and selling perhaps a few dozen guns, some ammo and accessories (holsters, slings, magazines, etc).

This will be a once or twice thing, just to get rid of some stuff. I did look up the legality of it and the laws of my state (such as handgun permits, etc).

Have any of you done this? Any pitfalls that I should be aware of? Was it worthwhile after the entry fee?
 
I would like to know the answer to this as well. Also, how much do tables typically cost; how to thwart theft etc.
 
Cost of tables all depends on how large the show is and where your table is. One table tucked in an alcove or far corner will cost less than the guy with 6 tables right near the entrance. I have seen a friend loop a plastic coated cable through the trigger guards of guns; others bring a friend/family member so each can take turns hitting the john or grabbing a sandwich. Don't forget to carry a nice amount of money to make change for purchases (and in case you find something you can't live without)
 
A major obstacle might be the show having liability requirements.
The ones in our area require proof of such insurance in order to rent a space.
In addition to $75 per day show fee.
Not many individuals at these shows.
 
Have any of you rented a table at your local gun show for private sales

I have bought a lot more guns in the parking lot than inside the show . No you can not set up a table out side but you can walk around with a firearm inside and a sign .
 
I've never done it, but lots of folks do. I've purchased guns from private sales many times at gun shows. I'd guess 5-10% of the tables at local shows have a sign posted on the table informing buyers that they are private sellers.

Local and state laws may be different, but it doesn't seem to be much of an issue here in Georgia.
 
My local private range will occasionally sponsor a table where members can display items for sale while you walk around the show. I've dropped off a scope and some boxes of reloading bullets where I just shot a 10ct and never used the rest. I left the items sitting on a paper with my phone number since I was just walking around the show. The club guy that rented the table said it was a basic liability form to sign from the venue and $80 for the weekend... no biggie.

My best advice is to know what stuff is worth. I've known some "collectors" who were really just victims of "Shiny Object Syndrome" and bought whatever they thought looked cool for whatever a guy was asking and had no real idea what "value" they were getting... which is cool until you want to sell something.

Just my advice if you've never purged/down-sized a hobby before... leave the emotional attachment to stuff at home and resolve yourself to actually "SELLING"... which doesn't mean giving stuff away, but never let a potential customer walk off without exhausting every possibility. When Sunday afternoon comes, you'll be kicking yourself over taking something home because you wouldn't budge over $20 for a gun that hasn't seen daylight in 15yrs but "it's your favorite".
 
...Also, how much do tables typically cost...
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I checked on that also, $50-60 dollars for the show near me.

Filling a table with 2 dozen guns just may attract the attention of the ATF guys and girls.
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Even if it does, so what? There's nothing illegal about liquidating your collection. (link)

Q: Does a license as a collector of curio or relic firearms authorize the collector to engage in the business of dealing in curios or relics?
No. A collector’s license only enables the collector to transport, ship, receive, and acquire curios and relics in interstate or foreign commerce, and to make disposition of curios and relics in interstate or foreign commerce, to any other licensee, for the period stated on the license. A collector’s license does not authorize the collector to engage in a business required to be licensed under the Act. Therefore, if the acquisitions and dispositions of curios and relics by a collector brings the collector within the definition of a manufacturer, importer, or dealer, he shall qualify as such. A dealer’s license must be obtained to engage in the business of dealing in any firearms, including curios or relics.
[18 U.S.C. 922(a) and 18 U.S.C 923(a)(1), 18 U.S.C 27 CFR 478.41(c)(d)]

Q: What does “engaged in the business” mean?
The term “engaged in the business,” as applicable to a firearms dealer, is defined as a person who devotes time, attention, and labor to dealing in firearms as a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms, but such term shall not include a person who makes occasional sales, exchanges, or purchases of firearms for the enhancement of a personal collection or for a hobby, or who sells all or part of his personal collection of firearms.
[18 U.S.C 27 CFR 18 U.S.C 478.11]
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It's been mentioned above, but do :


1.) Make sure everything is unloaded before putting it in the car.
2.) Keep your items secured.
3.) Bring a buddy to cover your table during short absences. If you have a bunch of handguns on your table, you'll need the buddy to help watch. Theft is not a big problem at shows, but table full of handguns and collectibles are targets.
4.) Bring $200 cash to make change. You'll be surprised how many $100 bills turn up at gun shows, and get spent on the $12 box of ammo.
5.) Open a PayPal account. Folks that have spent their cash can still pay you, just not for firearms. (Well, maybe them, too) Don't take checks, those days are gone, sadly.
6.) Bring bags for purchases.
7.) If you have a lot of small items, like collectible ammo, put a piece of clear plastic over the table if you can't seem to keep your eye on your goods. Theft is not generally a big problem at shows, however. Just watch out for it.
8.) Do post a sign, "Private Sales", that seems to engender some interest. Don't worry about BATF, this is America, you're an American, and selling a gun is perfectly legal, in spite of what one political party wants.
9.) Do mark your prices clearly and legibly, turn all labels up to read from the aisle.
10.) Use peelable labels only on collectible ammo if you can't use a separate sign for prices. Wrap it all in Saran wrap before the show, it's going to be picked up and handled 43 times in one day. If your ammo isn't collectible, wrap it too, for security. Keep a box back to open and show if someone wants to inspect the contents.
11.) Receipt for every gun sale, with ID vitals copied down. Just because it's a private sale doesn't mean buyers don't have to have ID.

Lastly, remember you came to sell. Be prepared to dicker a bit, 10% or similar is not a large amount and can make a sale. $275 rifle? Say you'll take $250 and watch it sell.

Even more important, be sure to enjoy the day.
 
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Great points kilimanjaro. Thanks for those.


What about checking ID to prevent sales to out of state buyers. How do I CYA? Just write down name, address and drivers licence #?


A major obstacle might be the show having liability requirements.
The ones in our area require proof of such insurance in order to rent a space.
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That's an interesting point I never considered. That could kill the whole deal right there.


Just my advice if you've never purged/down-sized a hobby before... leave the emotional attachment to stuff at home and resolve yourself to actually "SELLING"... which doesn't mean giving stuff away, but never let a potential customer walk off without exhausting every possibility. When Sunday afternoon comes, you'll be kicking yourself over taking something home because you wouldn't budge over $20 for a gun that hasn't seen daylight in 15yrs but "it's your favorite".
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Good points. I don't think I will be selling my favorites though. Just the ones I never shoot. I'll do some research on the web and see what my guns are actually selling for.
 
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A major obstacle might be the show having liability requirements.
The ones in our area require proof of such insurance in order to rent a space.
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One of the shows in my area used to be held at the fairgrounds. It ended when the city DA decided that everyone had to have ONE MILLION DOLLARS of insurance for the shows.

This included the hot dog guy, the T-shirt lady, and the coin dealers too. EVERYONE had to have it, or they couldn't use the venue.

One million for the 3 days cost (at the time) $70-80, which, for many of us was the entire profit we might make, or more!

That show went away, entirely because of that requirement, thanks to the fact that it was no longer worth getting a table there due to the increased costs.

I've done it a time or two, a friend of mine and I do it off and on, to thin the collections, or, more realistically, exchange some things.

Sell a gun, or three, buy another two, or four, is what we often do. Most of the gun sold from our collections are sold/traded to other collectors before the show even opens!:D

We don't do it for a profit, and if we have enough actual profit for breakfast at Dennys its a good show! ;)
 
If you do a table at the show just cover your ass and do a bill of sale for every firearm you sell.
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Not necessary and might turn off a lot of potential and legal buyers who gravitate towards the private seller for a variety of reasons (anonymity being a major one). Check ID to make sure they are not out of state.
 
Come to think of it, I've purchased from private sellers with tables at gun shows a few times and never got a receipt.
 
You can usually check table renting requirements online for the various shows.

Bring a buddy handle the table with you. You both can wander a bit or hit the bathroom.

If out of state people are a concern, I would ask for ID. Or you can simply ask if they are a resident of your state. Some will simply walk away if you ask the question or ask for ID. Tis your call.

I used to carry a couple guns to every show to sell (handguns usually) in my handy dandy case with a sign on it. Honestly, I have found that experience frustrating. Everyone wants the handle your guns but most don't have any money or are looking for some sort of bargain basement deal even for good stuff. Set your prices before you go and adjust if you want feel the need.
 
If out of state people are a concern, I would ask for ID. Or you can simply ask if they are a resident of your state. Some will simply walk away if you ask the question or ask for ID. Tis your call.
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That just sounds like something that could get you in trouble if you don't check it out. That and selling to an underage buyer.
 
x2 what rimfire said. If the show seems reasonable and the timing good, it can be ok. Nonetheless you are now a "retailer" in the public's mind and they revert to shopping mode with all it's idiosyncrasies.

We used to call them Hummers and Thumbers, they weren't really buyers but they like to leave fingerprints on everything for display. Same problem car shows have, a deep lack of understanding or concern their activity might be obtrusive or even damaging. The worst are usually those who are attempting to demonstrate their vast knowledge and actually proving they lack any.

As said above, all too many will pick up guns without even asking, jack the action, muzzle YOU with it and then the crowd around them, offer a STUPID low price with no regard it's insulting, and then laugh about it jostling their buddies. It's the same crowd that gather around the chimpanzee cage at the zoo and they know the chimps are better armed to respond.

The real issue is that you can't display dozens of long rifles at one table - often not behind it either as that is shared space - so sales won't be all that. It will take more than a few shows to sell dozens of guns. C&R's will be a niche market at a show filled with niches, much less the vibrating lift chairs, jewelry and beef jerky.

Breaking even is the goal, if travel is involved it gets much harder for room, meals, gas, etc. Setting up is when a lot of the deals are made - out of town vendors come in, snipe the lowball deals and mark them up for their tables. It's the citizen there late on Sunday afternoon who offers cash that get some decent deals. Gas money and one less gun to pack up tend to sway thinking.

Since the point is that you bought low years ago, you can now sell at decent prices with a good numerical markup. That is your edge - it makes no difference if you sell to the public or the guy behind you. It's cash, and frankly, a lot of the guns you have might be picked up by other vendors. At his likely retail, it will take a year to move displayed at a dozen shows or more.

It's the same as an Antique Mall - I've sold stuff from a booth to see it marked up double and sell again to be displayed in another booth, again marked up double. There might be a lot of stuff exiting the show but a lot of it exits out the loading dock as inventory for future sale, too. Their buddy is floating around looking for your stuff to add to the table. There is a lot more "swap meet" behind the tables than the ticket buyer sees. Some are hustlers but there will be folks like you, too.

Go with a plan to sell - NOT BUY - and your firm policy on trades in mind. You might bring home some money.
 
The real issue is that you can't display dozens of long rifles at one table
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Sure you can if you have a vertical display rack - there are several that will hold a lot of long guns in a small footprint
 
Breaking even is the goal, if travel is involved it gets much harder for room, meals, gas, etc. Setting up is when a lot of the deals are made - out of town vendors come in, snipe the lowball deals and mark them up for their tables.
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Luckily the show I'm looking at is 10 minutes from my house. So my only overhead is renting the table.

Since the point is that you bought low years ago, you can now sell at decent prices with a good numerical markup. That is your edge - it makes no difference if you sell to the public or the guy behind you. It's cash, and frankly, a lot of the guns you have might be picked up by other vendors. At his likely retail, it will take a year to move displayed at a dozen shows or more.
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Exactly. I just want to clear out some space so I can fit *all" my guns in the safes again, and ditch the stuff that I never shoot.

If some FFL wants to buy my guns low and sell high, I don't care.

Sure you can if you have a vertical display rack - there are several that will hold a lot of long guns in a small footprint
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That's a thought. I have some scrap wood. I can probably cobble up something to hold 8 rifles or so and a wood/plexi case to protect a half dozen handguns.

Thanks again for the suggestions guys! :)
 
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