Gun Broker not for me....Just sharing

[Absalom]

I think in these LGS-vs-online discussions we frequently talk past each other because we have different objectives.

I have never and won't buy a NIB current-production gun online that I can order anytime I want through my local FFL guy. I may find it somewhat cheaper on GB, but with shipping and transfer fees, any price advantage becomes so insignificant that I wouldn't consider giving that business to someone I don't know and deprive a guy I know locally.

But when you get serious about collecting and are looking for specific guns, waiting for one to show up at your LGS or even your local gun show is simply no way to build a collection. In the old days, you perused print ads or placed them yourself or put a lot of time and miles into travelling to out-of-state shows IF you had the time and money. That's where GB and other online sites come in. For me it's about selection, not the price. I don't have enough years left to wait for everything I'd like to eventually show up locally.

 

[Skeet 028]

But when you get serious about collecting and are looking for specific guns, waiting for one to show up at your LGS or even your local gun show is simply no way to build a collection. In the old days, you perused print ads or placed them yourself or put a lot of time and miles into travelling to out-of-state shows IF you had the time and money. That's where GB and other online sites come in. For me it's about selection, not the price. I don't have enough years left to wait for everything I'd like to eventually show up locally.

A very good point

In the absence of good gun shows to go to the online sites are almost the only game in town for the above mentioned. In years past when I collected Winchesters I traveled a lot and hit about every gun show and gun shop looking for the harder to find guns. But I did find most of what I needed. I am at the point of selling many of what I found and am just buying good S&W shooters and some that are a little harder to find. I just dickered for a pre 18 in the box. Looks unfired but that seems almost impossible so will say like new. Otherwise not looking for big buck collectibles any longer. I pretty much go to gun shows for the small stuff like bullet molds powders bullets etc. Going to the biggest show in Montana at the end of the month..800 tables..big for out here..

 

[sodacan]

Common sense should prevail when buying on internet auction sites, especially gunbroker. Some of the things to consider:

1. Buy with your head. Keep your emotions in check. Bidding wars can get very pricey.
2. Be aware of the market prices for the item you're bidding on.
3. Look carefully at the photos. If their quality is poor ask for more from the seller.
3. Ask specific questions.
4. Try to buy from reliable sellers. Look at their feedback.
5. Keep records of your correspondence.
6.Don't expect GB to help you if you have a problem. They talk a good game, but they're basically worthless if you have a problem. Anecdotal evidence may controvert this, but expecting anything more will likely result in huge disappointment.
7. Read the descriptions CAREFULLY. It's what is not said that will get you. For example, a seller may say the stocks on a revolver are in excellent condition, but they don't say they are not original to the gun. You have to know about the gun your're bidding on, and the things that are important to you.
8. Know the terms of the sale. Returning a gun can get expensive. You will lose the original shipping you paid, plus return shipping and FFL fees.
9. Because of the fees involved, buying locally may be your best option. This generally applies to new guns, when you can find what you want.

The whole process can be fun, but you have to be careful. The hunt is half the fun. Remember, unless you're seeking the rarest of the rare, another one will come along. Good luck.

 

[Skeet 028]

I'll take your word for it. Since sniping is the ONLY thing the 15-minute rule is about, and it doesn't kick in or really have any impact otherwise, I don't know what else you would be addressing when expressing your dislike for the rule.

Come to think of it, you could have experience with an auction that kept going on forever in 15-minute segments because people kept bidding. I guess that could happen, but I've never heard of an example. But maybe someone has.

Didn't see this last night.. As I said earler.. I bid my max and forget it..don't get in bidding wars(well maybe at local estate auctions...not gun stuff). Maybe I am very cynical...but it is very apparent the 15 min thing is about one thing only...money..not for the seller...for GB. We have a local online auction site that has the same thing in place...but their time frame IS reasonable i.e. 2 minutes. Still stops your hated sniping! I know one of the principals and he told me outright. It is about the money. Pretty honest I think. But he also stated that the seller makes more...tongue in cheek. But that is true. And yep 2 to 5 mins is enough. That'll still make more money. The things I despise about many auctions(local and otherwise) is the buyers premiums from 5 to 15%. There is one auctioneer locally(montana) that gets 5% but his commission runs as high as 35%...that is a rip

 

[df06]

GB

I have bought quite a few items on GB and for the most part the transactions have gone fine.
I know some guys that have received used guns bought on GB that were a lot worse than advertised. They returned them in several case.
One thing that bothers me is the rating of sellers.
Some have some pretty nasty comments against them but they are A+ yet. How does that work?

 

[Skeet 028]

Ratings? Understand first off GB is a business oriented site. The people that make them the most money are dealers and high sale regulars. You can have a few bad feedbacks and still have high ratings. A question of percentages. Also remember that dealers and high sale people have accounts. They pay an account fee per month or whatever. Not actually a fee per item sold. Or so I have been told...That is why there is some shill bidding on GB. If the item doesn't get sold or whatever it costs no more. On ebay the sellers can have stores and pay for the privilege with lower fees per item sold. Not being a GB seller I assume the same occurs on GB. I do know ebay gives the high sales individuals some latitude with some received feedback. Ebay is a business that has a type of banking system attached... note I did not say a bank. Paypal would like us to believe they are a bank. I also think ebay has sales of millions of items. Again...I did not say listings..Sales. From this point most people that think can figure it out. As far as GB... Absalom was right..probably one of the best places to find those elusive items you may be looking for. It can be a really expensive place if you find that neat hard to find item

 

[jtcarm]

I'm sorry to hear about the bad experience. I'd report the seller to GB and forward the emails. I disagree completely with whomever said the seller had a legitimate reason for concern. A seller doesn't ship the gun till payment is received, so it's risk-free on his side so long as they insure the shipment and have some sort of tracking/delivery confitmation. If the buyer doesn't pay, you just report it to get your fee back (takes a little while) and re-list.



I've had good experiences buying, and, for the most part, selling. I started out selling in 2003. The only issues I've run into are whiny buyers who think you can just drop a handgun in the mail.1

I've done well buying, much better than I could shopping LGSes or gun shows and with less expenditure of time & gas.

Yes there's shipping and transfer fees, but on a gun over $350, it's less than sales tax . There's jerks & flakes, but I've run into plenty of them FTF, too. Come to think, the biggest annoyance I've had has been transfer dealers. I've got a really good one now.

It seems to me like the stuff that's getting bid up to absurd prices are collectible guns. I'm a bottom feeder, so I don't run into that as much. I've bought 5 guns (all S&Ws) and been surprised on every one when my bid held up.

YMMV.

 

[Bob T]

Before I place a bid I have a price I will not exceed. I use the auto bid feature and then walk away. If I get a you won e-mail then fine; if not oh well. Use buy now mostly.

I have made dozens of purchases on GB and have yet to have a Problem with a big P. Vast majority of sellers are easy to deal with and the transaction has been smooth.

Always read the seller's feedback from buyers. I weed out many that way.

Don't like e-bay as PP is the preferred payment method and I won't use them.

 

[jtcarm]

If the item doesn't get sold or whatever it costs no more.

That's the norm for just about any auction. Listing doesn't cost anything unless you want extras like featured listing (always listed first,) You only pay if the item sells and that's a percentage of the sale price.

Commercial accounts make sense, but the seller would have to be very confident of the volume they'd sell through GB to pay a fixed monthly price since only a small fraction of listings result in a sale.

Feedback ratings are indeed an average, but averages don't lie,. If 1,000 sales result in 990 positive feedbacks a and 10 negative, that's 99% customer satisfaction. The 10 bad ones were more than likely buyers with ridiculous expectations, sometimes even trying to scam the seller.

eBay & PayPal are getting divorced, if they haven't already.

 

[Skeet 028]

That's the norm for just about any auction. Listing doesn't cost anything unless you want extras like featured listing (always listed first,) You only pay if the item sells and that's a percentage of the sale price.

Commercial accounts make sense, but the seller would have to be very confident of the volume they'd sell through GB to pay a fixed monthly price since only a small fraction of listings result in a sale.

Feedback ratings are indeed an average, but averages don't lie,. If 1,000 sales result in 990 positive feedbacks a and 10 negative, that's 99% customer satisfaction. The 10 bad ones were more than likely buyers with ridiculous expectations, sometimes even trying to scam the seller.

eBay & PayPal are getting divorced, if they haven't already.

I may not have made my point about dealer listings. Many dealers pay a monthly fee...and either little to no final value fees. So if they have a shill bidder as high bid...it doesn't matter if they don't actually get paid for the item. Also if you happen to be one of the big sellers some negative feedbacks can be removed for good reasons. And you are right about some negative feedbacks. There are some in even the shooting sports who may be somewhat less than honest and will try scams. I had it happen on ebay and now mark my items. and take pics of the marks...So if I have a return... I am assured of getting the original item back. Yep ebay and paypal are splitting..but..are they really?? On paper?? About more money by listing separately on the stock exchange or are they being made to split...gummit again??( happening in Sept?) As far as GB..if you have say 2000 "dealer" accounts at say 50 bucks each per month...That goes a Looonnnggg way to paying the bills. And I am sure they have dealer accounts that cost much more. Think of it this way... Have a store front gun shop?? rentals or owning say a grand a month... plus utilities. Go to a gun show as a vendor Table rental is 50 bucks each( usually more in this area) 3 tables times 3 shows a month 450 bucks cheaper than owning or renting a big store front...same way with a commercial account on GB!! And you have 1000s of people searching for what you may have to sell. On ebay the lowest cost for a commercial account is like 20 bucks a month with no real break on the final value fee. About like breaking even unless you sell a lot of items as you get approx. 150 no cost listings final sale fees still apply. An anchor store account is 200 bucks a month. Because people don't really research items on ebay when they list their items many items don't sell(bout 50%)...but the commercial accounts usually do well...as I am sure they do on GB. Had a gun shop for 38 yrs.. Till I retired to Wyoming. Looks to me like a 100 buck a month or more GB account would be a steal.

 

[Florida Guy]

There are dopes everywhere you look, and even in places you don't look.

 

[Florida Guy]

I also don't like the 15 minute extension rule on GB

It sure makes the sellers happy

 

[Art Doc]

Not at all hard to understand. You were NR meaning you had not proven that you knew how to and were willing to complete the transaction. With 5 completed auctions and positive feedback from sellers you don't get this nonsense.

He was definitely over reacting, but so what? So you got a few quirky emails. Big deal. That's enough to sour you? Then best if you do go ahead and avoid it. Takes a lot more than that to bother me.

 

[Art Doc]

I like the 15 minute rule. Stand up and bid like a man. I hate worms who skulk around until the last few seconds trying to pull the item out from under you. Not that it can happen to me. I bid once and wait for an email to let me know if I bought it or if I was outbid. The worms just irritate me on general principle.

 

[handejector]

Also remember that dealers and high sale people have accounts. They pay an account fee per month or whatever. Not actually a fee per item sold. Or so I have been told...That is why there is some shill bidding on GB. If the item doesn't get sold or whatever it costs no more.

I may not have made my point about dealer listings. Many dealers pay a monthly fee...and either little to no final value fees. So if they have a shill bidder as high bid...it doesn't matter if they don't actually get paid for the item.

WRONG.
You can see their fee structure here- GunBroker.com Fees - Auction Fees at GunBroker.com

There is no "monthly fee" instead of Final Value Fees offered to dealers that I am aware of. Why can't I find it on GB?
FFL Dealer Services at GunBroker.com

Also if you happen to be one of the big sellers some negative feedbacks can be removed for good reasons.

Yes, they will remove some feedback for good reasons-
Profane remarks.
Libelous remarks.
FB left by a non-paying bidder.
FB that posts the personal info on a person like name and address.

If they simply removed it for "big sellers", NO big seller would ever have a negative, would he?