Internet purchasing from individuals

[Jagrmaister]

I've done a few Armslist transactions, but would never do them if they weren't FTF. I have done transactions here, but only with accounts that have a long standing on the site and have frequent/current posts. So far so good, but there's always a chance if not dealing with a credible business or FTF.

 

[Kensterfly]

I'm the OP. As things stand now, should I decide to make the purchase... We are both using FFLs. I will send the USPS money order to his FFL. We will exchange FFL info in advance. When the gun is brought in to the FFL for shipment, only then will the seller get his money order.
This will be my first such transaction but am I right in thinking that going FFL-to FFL brings a lot of weight to the table? Seems like an FFL wouldn't want to get into trouble by taking part in fraud.

 

[usm1rifle]

I would only do it FTF or through a FFL using a USPS money order.

eBay owns PayPal, if he doesn't ship or ships you a brick, when you say it was for a firearm they will not help you. They will freeze all money in in the seller's account for at least 90 days but they still won't give it back to you.

 

[operator18]

The seller tells me he will talk to his FFL about shipping. He normally sells only face-to-face. I wasn't aware that PayPal doesn't allow guns.
Heck, you don't even have to buy anything to send money on PayPal. I could be sending him money for a birthday gift. I know Ebay doesn't allow guns.
Still, Maybe a USPS money order is the best way. Does it take long for the seller to get the money?

Your losing your protection if it's a gun deal on paypal. Ebay owns paypal.

 

[4x4moses]

I have sold several firearms through armslist, and never had any problem. I always insist on seeing the buyer's identification. I willingly show them mine. And I always give the buyer a bill-of-sale. Armslist encourages face-to-face transactions, and that is my preference. Also remember that if you're shipping the firearm out-of-state, you must ship to a FFL holder. As far as Paypal goes, they do not allow firearms related transactions. My only experience (firearms wise) was a purchase (ammo) I made on Gunbroker. The seller asked that I send the money through Paypal, and mark it as a "gift." I did it, but never felt good about it; and won't do it again.

 

[Kensterfly]

Okay, here is a message I have prepared for the seller, but haven't sent yet:

1. We exchange FFL information and let our FFLs contact each other to verify.

Once we're both comfortable with that...

2. You turn over the item to your FFL to hold.

3. I send a postal money order to your FFL. When he receives the money, he ships to my FFL.

4. When my FFL receives the item and checks it to make sure it is the agreed upon item...

5. He notifies your FFL to release the money.

6. I pick up the item from my FFL.


The only thing I'm not sure about is the part where the seller doesn't get his money from the FFL until I get the gun. Someone else said his FFL could release the money when the gun is turned over for shipment.

Am I on the right track?

It would be so much easier if I could find what I want nearby so I could do a Face-to-Face but that's not always possible.

 

[Sebago Son]

I would suggest that you document a 5 day, "non-shooting" inspection period on your end so that you can look the gun over and ensure that you have return priveledges if it's not as represented and you need to unwind the deal. You could ask the buyer's FFL to hold the funds until you verify that you are satisfied on your end and will be taking the gun.

 

[4x4moses]

Kensterfly
You are right that the shipping FFL has no obligation to hold the money until you (or your receiving FFL) receive/inspect/approve the weapon. In fact, most probably would turn over the money the moment the gun is received for shipment. As a seller, I would never agree to turn over my gun (even to a FFL dealer I trust), and wait for payment. If you order from any online dealer, they require payment first - then they ship to your FFL.

IMHO, it seems that you're stressing a lot about this "deal." Unless it is some sort of super-fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime bargain, I think I'd just walk away.

One final thought about armslist: I've sold about half-a-dozen guns on armslist, and never had a problem. However, I've always insisted on face-to-face transactions. Even at that, I've always worried that I might be selling to someone who might not be legally allowed to own a firearm. And I know this may be hypocritical, but I won't buy a firearm on armslist unless the seller has documentation to prove he/she is the legal owner.

 

[zzzippper]

I have completed a transaction via armslist with a private party and it went great. We used our FFL dealers to broker the transaction. He sent the money (US Postal MO) to my dealer. After my dealer received the money I went down and checked the gun in with him to ship and only then did he give me the money order. It is a safe way so that both sides are protected and is the only way I would personally do it should the need arise again.

That is a full service FFL for sure. Now that CO requires all transfers to go through an FFL fewer want to waste their time unless they are selling the gun.

Did the buyer get a copy of the FFL license before he sent the money? Otherwise how did he know he was dealing with a real FFL?

 

[pownal55]

I have sold a few on GB over the years and always offer a 3 day no-fire option to return. If the seller is honest and accurate in his description of the gun he should agree, if not no deal.

 

[Bosswife]

never send m.o. to po box--ask me why--bw

 

[Comrad]

I usually google everything I can about an unknown seller. His alias used as a seller, his real name, address, I look up the address and google earth the house. You would be surprised what you can find out. Postal Money order for sure and I always deal with an FFL and happy to say I have never been burned and have bought some fine Smiths that would never be found in the great state of NJ. A little sarcasm at the end.