Anyone have tips for 1st buy on Gunbroker ?

[JD 500]

I reviewed the rules before posting, but if I shouldn't have posted about this auction site Lee, Sorry, and let me know.

I am considering a 1st purchase on GB.
Seller has A+ rating with only one neutral comment. Seller has been GB member since Oct 2003. I'm planning to use Visa card for a little more protection. Item is factory new.

Is there anything else you would do to check out seller ?

Any other tips ?

Thanks much guys and gals,

 

[JD 500]

I reviewed the rules before posting, but if I shouldn't have posted about this auction site Lee, Sorry, and let me know.

I am considering a 1st purchase on GB.
Seller has A+ rating with only one neutral comment. Seller has been GB member since Oct 2003. I'm planning to use Visa card for a little more protection. Item is factory new.

Is there anything else you would do to check out seller ?

Any other tips ?

Thanks much guys and gals,

 

[NFrameFred]

Always a crap shoot, dealing with someone you've never met for an item you've never personally seen . . . having said that, I stay away from sellers with next to no rating points and those who appear as if they are working out of a shack on the the back side of the mountain.

If you have any concerns, but are still interested in the item, send an email, provide your phone number and ask for number here you may speak to them personally. Follow your instincts - if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

Payment by credit card (when they accept such) is a little more expensive, but you're protected from items that don't arrive or are grossly mis-represented.

So far, all my GB and AA experiences have been great. GunsAmerica on the other hand . . . .

 

[fitz]

For what its worth, I've never been burned on GB or here in the SW forum. I trust the forum a bit more, cuz most of the sellers are regulars here.

If the seller is not an FFL dealer, then be sure your dealer is OK recieving/transfering the gun. Some won't do a transfer from an individual.

 

[JD 500]

Seller is a FFL.
He is listed on DPMS website (As being a FFL).
On GB he has 338 auctions going now.

And fitz - I'm with you. I feel more comfortable with forum members here, although I haven't bought guns , I have bought grips, holsters, scopes, etc.. and each deal here has been flawless.

Thanks guys

 

[Racegunner]

Just make sure you are getting a good deal and factor in shipping (find out first!), and any transfer fee plus tax. Sometimes by the time those are figured in for new items, you might as well just buy locally. Good luck.

 

[JD 500]

Thanks Racegunner.

After $30 shipping, $30 extra for using ccard, and $30 on my end for transfer, I'm still $300 cheaper than local.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Don't bid drunk. Ask me how I know this

I've bought several and have always been well pleased.

 

[wsl1971]

I always look for the 3 day inspection period it tells me that the seller isnt trying to get over on the buyer. If your not happy send it back the only thing you will be out is the shipping cost.

bill

 

[JD 500]

Originally posted by CAJUNLAWYER:
Don't bid drunk. Ask me how I know this

I've bought several and have always been well pleased.

It's a "buy it now" !
and I haven't had a drop tonight. Yet

Originally posted by wsl1971:
I always look for the 3 day inspection period it tells me that the seller isnt trying to get over on the buyer. If your not happy send it back the only thing you will be out is the shipping cost.

bill

He's got it. Three days from the date the item is received.

Just the info / tips I was hoping for. I really appreciate it.

I think you guys are pushing me off the fence.

Thanks.

Now I see where all these nice collections come from...

 

[mtb1bkr]

JD,
I have bought a few guns on Gunbroker over the years. The most recent I bought from a guy with no prior sales and this is his first and only listing. He had a P.O. Box listed on GB so in my first e-mail I asked for his street address, his phone number and the name and number of the transfer dealer. He responded back within minutes and sent his cell phone. I called him back and we talked about the gun for a bit and I felt comfortable with him. A couple of days later when I finally spoke with my FFL I decided to call the guy and tell him I was going to send the payment to the transfer dealership and he could pick it up when he dropped off the gun. He said that would be fine. The add also said buyer pays for shipping. I did an estimate for shipping on FedEx and included it in the price for the MO. I went ahead and sent the MO to his house. He recieved the MO when I expected him to and went straight to the transfer dealer. I called the dealer the next morning and verified it was there and now the gun should be here Monday. Sadly, my dealer doesn't open on Monday so I won't get to see it until Tuesday at best. You can see that thread in the 1896-1961 section, I think it's on page three. I bought the gun because it has a "hopefully" nice set of pre-war magnas on it that I may use for another gun that's on page 2 I think. BTW, I didn't send enough money for the shipping and the seller made up the cost and added extra insurance. I offered to cover it and he said no thanks. I can't wait to get the gun in my town so I can post a great first feedback for him.

Bill

 

[JD 500]

Thanks Bill !

You back in the states ?

 

[pbslinger]

I have concluded that any gun that you have not held and inspected is worth less. Unknowns should have a discount.

 

[badge107]

I have had approxmately 60 transactions on Auctionarms and Gunbroker. Only had one transaction that was bad. Won a rare german holster on gunbroker. Sent seller $165.00. Never sent holster. First a bunch of excuses then ignored emails. Did same to Gunbroker Mgt. Took about 9 months to receive $90.00 for Gunbroker Insurance. Seller was kicked off. He ripped off several of us. I still bid on these two auction sites but am more careful.

 

[ServiceGun]

I would add be sure you have a receiving FFL lined up before you make the deal.

Don't assume the guy you thought would do it will unless you speak to him first.

 

[mtb1bkr]

JD,
I am and have been since May of 08. Unfortunately the Corps has sentanced me to 4-5 years in California which has kinda put a damper on my gun buying to some extent. I guess it's nice to have the extra money around in case a really nice deal comes along though.

Bill

 

[zercool]

Originally posted by ServiceGun:
I would add be sure you have a receiving FFL lined up before you make the deal.

Don't assume the guy you thought would do it will unless you speak to him first.

There's a big plus-one!

There's two dealers I frequent in my area. Same fees at both. I generally do transfers through one because his hours are more convenient.

I bought a rifle on GB for my wife, called my dealer to arrange FFL info ... and he says, "Oh... I'm going to the hospital Monday for surgery, so I'm closing the shop for a couple weeks." Wished him well and promised to stop in sometime thereafter, and then hung up to panic.

I emailed the other dealer (irregular hours) and scrambled to arrange it through him. He was quite accomodating, just has weird shop hours because he works a full-time real job too.

Fortunately, the wife loves the rifle.

 

[onegunshort]

Originally posted by wsl1971:
I always look for the 3 day inspection period it tells me that the seller isnt trying to get over on the buyer. If your not happy send it back the only thing you will be out is the shipping cost.

bill

Remember that it is not cost effective for a non-dealer to offer an inspection period. I have never offered one and all my buyers have been pleased.

But if the seller is an FFL and doesn't offer an inspection period........take you money elsewhere.

 

[JD 500]

Originally posted by mtb1bkr:
JD,
I am and have been since May of 08. Unfortunately the Corps has sentanced me to 4-5 years in California which has kinda put a damper on my gun buying to some extent. I guess it's nice to have the extra money around in case a really nice deal comes along though.

Bill

Maybe I should move to CA so I can save some.....Nah..Nevermind.

Glad you're back safe. Thanks for your service !

 

[JD 500]

I'm underway with both dealers, and feel pretty comfortable. Talked to the seller today and was very comfortable. He's a full time gunsmith and dealer, has a small store, and seemed to be a nice old gentleman.

I sure appreciate all your help !