Gunbroker sellers

[runscott]

This is my first thread I've started since introducing myself. I'm doing it out of frustration. I realize that when you first join a forum there is a period of older members 'warming up' to you, and I do the same I guess, in forums that I've been a member of for many years; however, I'm stunned that I cannot get answers to simple questions from Gunbroker sellers, as there is actual money involved, and it's generally substantial.

If you are selling on Gunbroker, I realize that zero-win bidders might be a pita;however, they also might be 60+ guys like me who have been spending loads of cash on collectibles for decades, but who are new to Gunbroker. Why not take my money? At this point I will contact ANY Gunbroker seller before bidding, and if he/she does not respond, I will not bid. I have no issue with flipping the tables, as there are plenty of choices.

Did the rest of you experience this with Gunbroker when you were new there?

 

[gman51]

When I first bought guns I dealt with sellers not requiring call ins before bidding. I didn't bid on guns requiring a history before being able to bid. I just passed them by because like you said there are plenty of other sellers.
I have my preferences also to protect my wallet. If seller says money order only, isn't an FFL or has a few bad reviews then I pass them by. Protecting oneself goes both ways. I don't sell on any gun sites either just because I don't want to deal with what could go wrong. There are shyster buyers as well as sellers.

I recently noticed a gun at near end of ad with a low starting bid that had no bidding on it. I wondered why then I saw the seller wanted money order only and he wasn't an FFL. Other buyers are evidently suspicious just like I am when dealing with hundreds of dollars.

 

[Ματθιας]

Are you saying that when you contact a seller and you don't get a response, you won't bid? By not you not bidding, how are the sellers not taking your money? I"m not understanding what you're trying say, honestly.

 

[Kanewpadle]

This is my first thread I've started since introducing myself. I'm doing it out of frustration. I realize that when you first join a forum there is a period of older members 'warming up' to you, and I do the same I guess, in forums that I've been a member of for many years; however, I'm stunned that I cannot get answers to simple questions from Gunbroker sellers, as there is actual money involved, and it's generally substantial.

If you are selling on Gunbroker, I realize that zero-win bidders might be a pita;however, they also might be 60+ guys like me who have been spending loads of cash on collectibles for decades, but who are new to Gunbroker. Why not take my money? At this point I will contact ANY Gunbroker seller before bidding, and if he/she does not respond, I will not bid. I have no issue with flipping the tables, as there are plenty of choices.

Did the rest of you experience this with Gunbroker when you were new there?

Your not making any sense friend.

Why contact them before bidding? If the auction terms are clearly explained and the item is adequately described, why waste their time and yours?

I've been in customer service for thirty years. These days the customer is NOT always right. If you're respectful, you will get the same in return. If you're a jerk, you will be treated as such.

 

[gman51]

There are several sellers on GB that require a bidder call them before bidding if buyer doesn't have x amount of buying history. I have seen it a few times.
OP I get what you are referring to. Like you said just don't bid and pass them by.

 

[runscott]

Your not making any sense friend.

Why contact them before bidding? If the auction terms are clearly explained and the item is adequately described, why waste their time and yours?

I've been in customer service for thirty years. These days the customer is NOT always right. If you're respectful, you will get the same in return. If you're a jerk, you will be treated as such.

You've created a straw man. In the past I have contacted some sellers before bidding because the item in question was NOT adequately described, or the terms were not. I am repeating myself, but in most instances I did not get responses. I have always been respectful - you seem to be assuming I was a jerk.

I get the "bash the newbie" mentality, but my question was sincere. You're not doing much for this forum's credibility.

 

[amazingflapjack]

I always send a test email to the seller before I bid-If they don't communicate before they have my money, they probably won't afterward either. Poor communication is a deal breaker before there even is a deal.

 

[runscott]

There are several sellers on GB that require a bidder call them before bidding if buyer doesn't have x amount of buying history. I have seen it a few times.
OP I get what you are referring to. Like you said just don't bid and pass them by.

Yes, and those sellers always respond, but that's not surprising since they solicited your contact. Up until now I have not asked questions of other sellers (and wasted anyone's time) unless I had a legitimate question. For instance, a gun was described as having significant finish issues, but I didn't see anything significant. So I asked what he was referring to. Based on the photos, and believing the item was actually better than described, and I was ready to bid; however, the seller ignored my question (twice) and that gave me no confidence in bidding on his item.

You folks may disagree, but I feel you are taking a big gamble when you buy from a seller you don't know, on the internet, without getting a chance to check out the gun. It's the seller's job to give you confidence in him so that you are willing to take that leap of faith.

But quite frankly, based on the responses I've gotten here, I'll go back to lurking as I did for years before finally joining this forum. You folks can chew each other up.

 

[Kanewpadle]

You've created a straw man. In the past I have contacted some sellers before bidding because the item in question was NOT adequately described, or the terms were not. I am repeating myself, but in most instances I did not get responses. I have always been respectful - you seem to be assuming I was a jerk.

I get the "bash the newbie" mentality, but my question was sincere. You're not doing much for this forum's credibility.

Not all. Your post was very nondescript. I guessed wrong.

My point was, do your thing. It's your money. But be respectful and thoughtful when you do. If you don't get the same in return, move on to the next one. If want credible answers, post credible questions with some thought behind them.

 

[gman51]

OP don't be discouraged by some posts that didn't understand your question. I have had a few times I have gone back and delete my response when I realized I misunderstood the OP.
This is one of the better forums so give it a chance as there are more than a few very knowledgeable members here. I don't know squat compared to most members here.

 

[Ματθιας]

Yes, and those sellers always respond, but that's not surprising since they solicited your contact. Up until now I have not asked questions of other sellers (and wasted anyone's time) unless I had a legitimate question. For instance, a gun was described as having significant finish issues, but I didn't see anything significant. So I asked what he was referring to. Based on the photos, and believing the item was actually better than described, and I was ready to bid; however, the seller ignored my question (twice) and that gave me no confidence in bidding on his item.

In my experience, a lot of sellers sell things that are better than the pictures and descriptions.

You folks may disagree, but I feel you are taking a big gamble when you buy from a seller you don't know, on the internet, without getting a chance to check out the gun. It's the seller's job to give you confidence in him so that you are willing to take that leap of faith.

That's what feedback is for.

But quite frankly, based on the responses I've gotten here, I'll go back to lurking as I did for years before finally joining this forum. You folks can chew each other up.

Wow! On the internet, there are so many different people with as different styles of written communication from all over. You'll find that on ANY forum.

My unsolicited advice: If you're going to participate on any kind of online communication, grow a thicker skin and don't be so sensitive.

 

[Tom K]

This is my first thread I've started since introducing myself. I'm doing it out of frustration. I realize that when you first join a forum there is a period of older members 'warming up' to you, and I do the same I guess, in forums that I've been a member of for many years; however, I'm stunned that I cannot get answers to simple questions from Gunbroker sellers, as there is actual money involved, and it's generally substantial.

If you are selling on Gunbroker, I realize that zero-win bidders might be a pita;however, they also might be 60+ guys like me who have been spending loads of cash on collectibles for decades, but who are new to Gunbroker. Why not take my money? At this point I will contact ANY Gunbroker seller before bidding, and if he/she does not respond, I will not bid. I have no issue with flipping the tables, as there are plenty of choices.

Did the rest of you experience this with Gunbroker when you were new there?

I've been buying on Gunbroker for about ten years now. When starting out I never noticed any particular difficulty with bidding on items even though I had no or little feedback yet. On the other hand I didn't ask any questions back then either and honestly, I rarely do even now. Most of my questions on Gunbroker ads have been to find out how much shipping will be when they vaguely say, "Actual shipping costs" (a particular pet peeve of mine).

That said, if you feel you have been getting the cold shoulder from GB sellers because you don't have any feedback, you might try buying a few low buck items such as grips and accessories to get you started. If you do have a reasonable amount of feedback and still are not getting answers to questions, passing on the auction is perfectly reasonable.

There will always be some sellers who can be jerks even when treated respectfully - you don't necessarily get back what you put out. There can also be those who have perfectly valid reasons for not replying, but you may never know. There are all kinds, on GB and on forums as well. It's like a microcosm of life. How you react to it is up to you.

 

[GRT3031]

I've been using gunbroker, auctionarms, and gunsamerica since they started. In the fledgling years, you could find great deals, and reasonably priced guns in as described condition. Over the first few years, I always got prompt responses to my questions, and most of the guys I dealt with were great. As time went on, gun dealers of all types started using the auction sites. Pawn shops, high end retail dealers, even some box stores. To sum it up, you now have people who don't care about the feedback or the customer. They are in it to move product and make money. To them, gun descriptions are very subjective. One sellers excellent condition is another buyers very good. There are sellers who says look at the pictures for the description, then the pictures are blurry, and they won't send you a clear photo, or update the ad, well, I've been foolish enough to buy from them only to rue it later. I learned later on you can't just ask a general question any firearms aficionado would be able to understand and give you an accurate detailed description as a response (think NRA Blue Book Descriptions). A great example is bore condition. Ask the question "what shape is the bore in?" You'll get a one one word response "good". Well good in NRA good is really not what anyone is looking for in a modern gun. And does the responder mean NRA Good, or does he mean NRA Antique grading good...More often than not, todays sellers on auction sites don't even know those grades.

Now when I ask the question about bore condition, I'm very specific, and I give them possible responses to select from.

"What is the condition of the lands and grooves in the barrel?"

1. Bright and shiny with strong / sharp lands and grooves, excellent condition, no issues.

2. Strong lands and grooves exhibiting some wear, free of rust or defect, good to very good.

3. Looks like an old hunk of sewer pipe when you look through it, dark, rusty, can barely see the light of day through it.

That causes them to think, and gives them an easy, 1, 2, or 3 response.

Now I've had guys respond positively, I've had some guys not respond at all, and I've had a few flat out say, this guns not for you.

And for those of us who have stood behind the counter at a brick & mortar shop, the same guys that come in week after weeks after week, and get their paws all over the merchandise, saying "I'll be in next week to pay, I wan this" and never do, well those same guys exist in the virtual world. So for the sellers who don't respond, well, I understand why some don't.

Long winded, I know....

 

[chief38]

I have purchased quite a few guns from GB and have always had good luck with the exception of ONE time. That one particular time was not due to a deceitful seller, it was due to the fact that he sold me what he believed to be a normal ANIB M60-7 and when I received it I discovered in 2 seconds it was DAO version made for the LAPD!! Since he was a Rookie Cop and thought ALL M60-7's were made that way and did not understand that they weren't, he did not list it as such. It was originally purchased as his BUG, but then he decided on something else so he sold it.

As soon as I explained all this to him, he paid all the freight, any fees I incurred, apologized profusely and all was made good. Other than that one instance, I've never had any problems with GB. NOW, I haven't purchased on their in at least a year or so and scams might have increased, but our due diligence as buyers MUST be done prior to hitting the purchase button. Read the description multiple times, look at the sellers history and ratings, look at the pictures with a magnifying glass or ask the seller to provide you with additional pictures, closeups, what ever until you feel comfortable.

My general rule is...... if a situation starts to "smell" - run and never look back! That said, one of my good friends just Monday, received a 1993 Colt Detective Special ABIB from the early 90's for $675. I looked at it today and it is indeed ANIB! Nothing at all wrong with it and I would have bought this gun myself if in the market. He asked me to look at the auction before he hit the buy button an I did - I also read up on and spoke to the seller. All seemed good and he now has a great gun!

So while I'm sure scams have increases (everywhere - not just on GB) legit people and guns are still there for buying. Just be cautious. Seems to be the way of the world these days!

 

[Simson-Suhl]

Look for the sellers on GB with large amounts of great feed back. If you, the new buyer have little or no feed back, some sellers require a phone call from you to be certain that you are not a scammer.
I belong to several different gun forums, and this is by far is the most outstanding one that I am proud to be a member of. After I do the morning banking, it is the first one I go to.

 

[pawngal]

I understood the OP's question just fine.
Some sellers require a newbie to contact them OK, then seller doesn't acknowledge them with a reply I would pass on to another auction.

I've seen sellers state that bids from 0 feedback bidders would be cancelled.

Pick your sellers as carefully as you pick the guns

 

[arjay]

I don't bid if a seller doesn't respond to a question I might have.I just assume his/her answer is bad news.

 

[hoosierone]

I've bought and sold on Gun Broker several times. All positive transactions. If I sell there again I will specify "no CA buyers". Sold a rifle to a guy out there and he was unaware that CA would stick him on sales tax. I was willing to let him off the hook, but he went ahead and completed the deal. Disappointed he never gave me feedback as I sent him the original box, papers, the whole deal, and dealt with the CA laws. He wanted a bill of sale showing a lower price to save on CA taxes. I wouldn't play the game.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

This is my first thread I've started since introducing myself. I'm doing it out of frustration. I realize that when you first join a forum there is a period of older members 'warming up' to you, and I do the same I guess, in forums that I've been a member of for many years; however, I'm stunned that I cannot get answers to simple questions from Gunbroker sellers, as there is actual money involved, and it's generally substantial.

If you are selling on Gunbroker, I realize that zero-win bidders might be a pita;however, they also might be 60+ guys like me who have been spending loads of cash on collectibles for decades, but who are new to Gunbroker. Why not take my money? At this point I will contact ANY Gunbroker seller before bidding, and if he/she does not respond, I will not bid. I have no issue with flipping the tables, as there are plenty of choices.

Did the rest of you experience this with Gunbroker when you were new there?

I have been active on GunBroker for over 15 years. I learned early on that sellers who do not reply to questions during an auction are highly unlikely to respond to problems after the money has changed hands.

I seldom bid on any item of significant value without "testing the waters" by contacting the seller with some questions. This has worked well for me.

By the way, welcome to the forum. Those who raise interesting questions and articulate the issues clearly are an asset to this community.

 

[Golddollar]

I have been buying on Gunbroker, Auction Arms and Gunrunner for years. Any time I made an inquiry of a seller I received nothing but courtesy and respect. In one deal for an unusual piece that was advertised as being built by an old time pistolsmith, but without the usual provenance, the seller could not have been more helpful in explaining the history of the pistol and providing pictures that authenticated the gun to me. I printed our email exchanges and have kept them so that the provenance will be available for when my estate sells it.