Trading S&Ws "on-line" in forum?

[Outrider]

How many of you have traded S&W pistols with other members of the forum here you don't know well -- have never met -- and maybe don't know from Adam -- but BELIEVE them to be honest, good, sincere people?

How did the transaction go -- generally?

Would you do it again? After all, it is a leap of faith -- to some degree -- always.

What are some smart, step-by-step guidelines for keeping the transaction smooth -- "painless" -- and satisfactory -- for both parties -- without either getting -- or feeling -- the least bit ripped off?

What are things to do -- and avoid -- to prevent problems -- and make sure everything is spelled out in advance?

(If it sounds as if I'm asking someone to hold a first-timer's hand with simple instructions while crossing the River Styx, you're very perceptive...)

[Simmy952]

I have done a few trades here and on other forums. In general, it is a leap of faith. First thing I do is look at the members posts and join date. That will say a little but there are new members that are also good to deal with. Make sure that both parties have sent pics of every angle. A good description is key. I try to list everything the way I would want the other member to list their item and if you are not sure about something make sure you ask before you commit to the transaction. Usually the member/person responding to the wanting to trade add is obligated to ship first. That you will have to ask the other person and come to an agreement. You could also do a third party transaction but that is kind of tough with a firearm and FFL. You can also arrange to ship at the same time with emailing shipping time and confirmation numbers so that packages can be tracked. Communication is key to the process. Another good idea is to exchange contact info including name, address, email, and phone numbers. That way if anything happens, you can reach the other member.

In the few years that I have been on forums, I have only had 1 bad transaction and it was resolved easily.

[Gunhacker]

I have found that the people on this particular forum are a cut above what you would normally encounter and I feel that the odds for a good transaction are much greater here than other forums.

Having said that though, there are ways to make a trade feel more comfortable.

If you (and the other party) can find a local FFL willing to serve as the "go between"... it goes something like this. You both agree and deliver your gun to your respective dealer/FFL on a set date, the two FFL's verify possession of the guns, the OK is given for the other parties FFL to ship the gun to your FFL. When it arrives at your FFL you can examine the gun and if the trade is a go to proceed, you give the OK and your FFL ships your gun out to the FFL the other party is using. If it's not a go, the gun is sent back.

What's problematic in this is finding gun shops willing to go the extra mile to act as intermediaries.

I've only had one transaction that I've done that way, at the request of a seller, because the transaction involved a firearm worth thousands, and it worked out very well... it was certainly less nerve racking.

[blujax01]

Click on the other's user name. There is a drop down menu and choose "See all posts by ..." You can look at their past interactions on the forum and that may help you make a decision, particularly if they have traded/bought/sold before.
Although you may be able to bypass the FFL on shipping your gun to the other, I did not go that route. I felt that the paper trail is worth the extra cost if I could get it done for a reasonable price.
Contact your FFL before you do anything and find out what the transaction will cost you. I had one tell me: "$60 to ship yours, $40 for the transfer paperwork when you receive his." The dealer obviously did not want to mess with it. I found another who charged his cost to ship ($20) and $30 on the transfer paperwork. It pays to do your homework.

[kdailey]

I had the same concerns you have before I finally decided to try buying from this forum. Have bought 8 revolvers thus far, and have no hesitations. For me, it's actually easier than doing business locally, and I can always find what I am looking for. I did have a problem on one transaction, but the moderators were very helpful. To my knowledge, there has not been a conflict that has not been resolved.

[Retired LTC, USAR]

I have purchased 5 revolvers and sold 4 or 5 here also.

The last one I purchased, a NIB 610-2, all communication was thru e-mail.

I have not encountered any problems. I have also sold a few other guns on another forum and had no problems either.

[BearBio]

I've used maybe 4 forums with no problems. At first, I mandated a ftf. I prefer trades over sales.

[H Richard]

I have bought a few from the forum members. I have had not problems. One thing I do though, I look over the members posts and you can tell pretty well they are O.K. If it's a members first post and he is selling something, I become a little leery. I would tend to trust most members here.

[35Rem]

Ask if they have an ebay or gunbroker name to check feedback on, also.
I tell people mine when they get serious, also my name on other forums for them to check. It takes trust to do ANY online transaction.

[chief38]

I have had multiple dealings with 7 or 8 forum members and have always been delighted and never disappointed. I am sure that like every club and organization there are a few bad apples here as well, but I have had not met any as of yet and would think that here those type have been held to a minimum. Lee is pretty good at weeding out the bottom feeders.

Chief38

[fat tom]

I've bought and sold numerous times with no problems whatsoever. I've only been involved in two trades. One was great,the other I was disappointed in the condition of the gun I received in comparison to the one I sent. I informed the gentleman of this and he sent me a check for $100 which made the trade more equitable. I still sold the gun I received and broke even on the deal.
f.t.

[Karnivore]

I have bought and sold 8-10 times. Been jerked around only once.

Last guy would not call me on the phone after repeated request. I will not do business unless I speak with them, texting and emails just do not get it for me. Also, he wanted me to send my gun to him first so his "butt would be covered". He had at least 10 good pics I sent him. First the deal was on, then off, then on again. When I finally got fed up with the BS, I laid down the rules that it was to be fair to both of us. Each would send their trade on the same day, and I wanted that personal phone call and a copy of his DL. I never heard back from him again.

Most of the people here are trustworthy and honorable. The deals I have been involved in went off without a hitch, with the exception of one.

I normally give the other party a lot of info about myself to make them at ease and I appreciate the same. If you do send a gun and they do not send theirs, really what can you do, particularly if they are 1500 miles away?

Best of luck in your trading.

[Mike McLellan]

I have to agree with everything that's been said above. I've bought one gun and parts from guys on this forum and am more than satisfied. With all of the guards put in place by the forum gurus, this is probably the safest place on the internet to buy and sell.

[deanodog]

I have made several trades on the forum and they all went as smooth as silk. Knock on wood.

[austintexas]

I have had good results buying pistols and parts. Only had one incident where the sellers idea of good condition and mine were not exactly the same, but not alot of money was involved and the differnces were small.

SWCA 892

[A10]

I've bought a bunch of stuff here, been absolutely satisfied each time. I purchased one revolver and swapped another, met face to face both times because the swappers/sellers were local enough to manage it. In all cases I have PM'd with the other member, and kind of gotten to know them that way. Everyone I have met face to face that is on this forum have been genuine, stand-up folks.

[JCS&W]

I have purchased four and sold two on this forum. Only one instance where the gun I bought was less than I expected, but to be fair, it was a mistake anyone could have made. The other transactiions were absolutely perfect. I would not hesitate buying or selling from our members.

[peyton]

I only buy guns from this forum. All advise above is good to follow. I am a S&W 631 fanatic and one was listed in the "For Sale" section. The problem was the seller only had one post. The seller provided me the name of his FFL and I gave the FFL a call (I googled up shop name and the phone number matched) The seller had bought $5000.00 of guns though the FFL, and the FFL recommended doing business with the fella. The deal went great but I admit to being a little nervous!!

[mod34]

I also agree with all that has been posted. I've bought lots and sold lots and not once have had a bad transaction. You might also consider scanning through the "feedback" section of the forum. You will find that about 99.9% of the feedback on sellers and buyers here is positive.
The only gripe I might have is................I spend too much here!

[WC145]

I've bought, sold, and traded all kinds of things here, from guns to knick-knacks, in deals from $5 to $3500. I've never gotten screwed and never been disappointed. I've spoken to a few guys on the phone but have yet to do a single FTF deal. I have to say that members of this forum are the nicest, most honest, and stand up bunch of folks that I've never met and look forward to many future dealings with them.

[Qball]

I have traded many things on this forum and others to.
Never have i got riped of, sending and reciving US/Sweden - Sweden/US
Not guns though as the laws here are......

Thanks to all envolved