On Line Gun Auctions
- Thread starter okc-zee
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I've used Gunsamerica for firearms and everything went smoothly. I've only used gunbroker for reloading components and never had a problem there either. Just check the feedback of the person you're doing business with and ask them relevant questions before sending your payment.
celtickh
Member
I have bought 2 guns from gunbroker,both transactions went very smoothly.Just remember to check the feedback of the person your thinking about buying from.
DaleCooper51
Member
I've used gun broker a handful of times to both buy and sell and never been disappointed or had a buyer be disappointed. Check the feedback of the person.
If your gut is questioning something, then ask additional questions or to speak with the person on the phone. If it doesn't feel right, then walk away.
If your gut is questioning something, then ask additional questions or to speak with the person on the phone. If it doesn't feel right, then walk away.
chas08
Member
I've had very good luck with Gunbroker. As stated read the feedback comments for at least the previous year. Check if the seller has a return policy. Ask all questions before bidding. And if a seller isn't forthcoming with answering your questions or supplying extra photos if needed, walk away.
oneounceload
member
I've used Auction Arms several times and things went very well.
Look at the feedback on the seller and the number of sales - usually a decent indicator of what to expect
Look at the feedback on the seller and the number of sales - usually a decent indicator of what to expect
Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
If I didn't stay away from Gunbroker, I'd be broker.
lpl
lpl
Onward Allusion
Member
I've had (knocking on wood) nothing but good experiences after over 3 dozen transactions on Gunbroker and AuctionArms. GB had 10 times the merchandise available but the prices are usually a little higher.
I would have to say that almost every one of the sellers I've dealt with that I would do business with again. The only exception would be 1 or 2 INDIVIDUAL sellers not merchants/FFLs. The particular individuals were honest but were not versed in being a merchant (i.e. ship on time, respond to emails/phone immediately, send tracking numbers...etc).
I have always received my merchandise and it was always as described. Maybe I've been lucky or more likely, most merchants are honest straight shooters and there are the occasional communication issues.
As far as deals online, they do exist. The really good deals must be dug for or jumped on quickly. I've found that the prices after shipping & FFL fees are generally about 10% lower than retail for new and anywhere between 10% to 25% lower than retail for used. Sometimes there are unbelievable deals. For example, I'd just picked up a 5946 for about 1/3 off of what I would have paid in a local retail store.
Hints....
Ratings are very important. I've always stayed away from NR merchants, unless I speak to them on the phone first and get more information about their business. I also try to pay for everything via CC whenever possible. The 3% upcharge is usually less than the cost of a USPS Money Order plus priority mail with tracking fees. Finally, ask lots of questions. Some merchants will lie by omission but will fess up when asked about specifics.
I would have to say that almost every one of the sellers I've dealt with that I would do business with again. The only exception would be 1 or 2 INDIVIDUAL sellers not merchants/FFLs. The particular individuals were honest but were not versed in being a merchant (i.e. ship on time, respond to emails/phone immediately, send tracking numbers...etc).
I have always received my merchandise and it was always as described. Maybe I've been lucky or more likely, most merchants are honest straight shooters and there are the occasional communication issues.
As far as deals online, they do exist. The really good deals must be dug for or jumped on quickly. I've found that the prices after shipping & FFL fees are generally about 10% lower than retail for new and anywhere between 10% to 25% lower than retail for used. Sometimes there are unbelievable deals. For example, I'd just picked up a 5946 for about 1/3 off of what I would have paid in a local retail store.
Hints....
Ratings are very important. I've always stayed away from NR merchants, unless I speak to them on the phone first and get more information about their business. I also try to pay for everything via CC whenever possible. The 3% upcharge is usually less than the cost of a USPS Money Order plus priority mail with tracking fees. Finally, ask lots of questions. Some merchants will lie by omission but will fess up when asked about specifics.
Frank4711
Member
GunBroker all the way...Lawnman380
chaim
Member
I've bought several guns off Gunbroker and one or two from Auction Arms and I've been mostly happy with them. Watch the feedback and read the descriptions and you should be fine. Also, spend a few days watching auctions for guns you like to get a feel for what they are selling for to be sure you don't spend too much or underbid and lose out on a great gun you really wanted.
I've used Gunbroker and Auction Arms. I apply the same philosophy that I do with eBay. I make sure the seller includes lots of pictures of condition, and detailed description and terms. I haven't had any problems with the auction service, but the last thing I got on Gunbroker listed as "mint" condition was actually missing parts. The seller shipped me what was missing, eventually.
jm
jm
notbubba
Member
What is the best way to pay if you buy from Gunbroker?
The seller sets the payment options. As stated above, I prefer to use credit card when the seller accepts it just for the protection. Almost all sellers accept money orders.
Lightning12
Member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2009
- Messages
- 39
I usually pay by cashier's check from my credit union because it is convenient to do.
I always send the payment by US mail, using priority mail so that I have documentation that is was sent. Anything shady about the deal could then be pursued as mail fraud.
I have never had a problem with a deal from one of the auction sites though.
Chaz
I always send the payment by US mail, using priority mail so that I have documentation that is was sent. Anything shady about the deal could then be pursued as mail fraud.
I have never had a problem with a deal from one of the auction sites though.
Chaz
FROGO207
Member
I have used Gunbroker for 80+ transactions both buy and sell. I would recommend them highly. Do pay attention to the feedback however. Also the shipping may be exessive on some items so beware. All honest there IMHO.
gbw
Member
__________________
Exactly right, especially the feedback for many SALE transactions, inspection/return, prompt complete answering (I've had evasive answers), and be willing to walk. There is always another gun. I've had good luck as well. Ask detailed questions.
You must be careful.
I will not bid on AS-IS auctions, you have absolutely no recourse. (Of course, there is no guarantee a return priviledge will be honered, but at least it's there and if you only deal with established sellers with an FFL you'll be fine.)
Most sellers want Postal Money Order or an official (cashiers) check.
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searcher451
Member
Clearly the overall success rate for transactions on places like Gun Broker and Auction Arms, and on GunsAmerica, is pretty darn good; otherwise, the places would go under -- and quickly -- because of the storm that would reign down on them. But you have to know going in that, despite your best efforts, some things can go wrong. Not everyone out there is honest, and some folks out there are out-and-out crooks; just look at some of the posts in the "Rating Transactions" section here. If you keep you eyes open, do your homework in advance, ask appropriate questions in advance, and maintain communication throughout the process, the chances are good that you'll do just fine. As the Boy Scouts used to tell us, Be Prepared.
W.E.G.
Member
I've had pretty good results on Gunbroker.
My biggest beef is sellers/buyers who won't answer their damn phones.
I think the internet is a GREAT medium for sales.
But, call me old-fashioned, I still like to have a one-on-one over the phone to iron out details from time-to-time.
I recently bought a rifle on Gunbroker, and the seller (a licensed FFL - but who has an FFL address out of a plumbing business) was only 30 miles away from me. The seller had an A+ rating and a couple hundred transactions. I figured it would be easier for both of us if I could just drive over, hand him the cash money, and pick up the rifle. Nope. The guy never answered his phone. Somebody else always answered, and promised to "give him the message." After four calls, he never called me back. I ended up only being able to communicate with him by email -- and that was slow. So, I ended up having to go buy a money order, mail the money order, and then get the FFL-seller to ship the rifle 30 miles to a different FFL (where I had to pay a transfer fee). I thought that was pretty stupid, but at least I got my rifle.
My biggest beef is sellers/buyers who won't answer their damn phones.
I think the internet is a GREAT medium for sales.
But, call me old-fashioned, I still like to have a one-on-one over the phone to iron out details from time-to-time.
I recently bought a rifle on Gunbroker, and the seller (a licensed FFL - but who has an FFL address out of a plumbing business) was only 30 miles away from me. The seller had an A+ rating and a couple hundred transactions. I figured it would be easier for both of us if I could just drive over, hand him the cash money, and pick up the rifle. Nope. The guy never answered his phone. Somebody else always answered, and promised to "give him the message." After four calls, he never called me back. I ended up only being able to communicate with him by email -- and that was slow. So, I ended up having to go buy a money order, mail the money order, and then get the FFL-seller to ship the rifle 30 miles to a different FFL (where I had to pay a transfer fee). I thought that was pretty stupid, but at least I got my rifle.
My only (so far) experience with GunsAmerica was great, which is where I got my Plainfield M1C from. Had them hold it for me while my wife did the paperwork with my local FFL.
And from Iraq, no less.
(For those that want to know, yes it was nice to find it waiting for me when I got home on vacation.)
And from Iraq, no less.
(For those that want to know, yes it was nice to find it waiting for me when I got home on vacation.)
clarence222
Member
- Joined
- May 12, 2006
- Messages
- 251
I can't count the number of transactions I've done off the internet. Gunbroker, Guns America, Auction Arms, as well as this and other forums. I've never had a problem, have had to return one pistol due to very poor condition but the seller was great to deal with on the return.
I wish it was I had the money I have now when I first got access to the internet. 10-12 years ago there were a lot more bargains on all of the sites.
I wish it was I had the money I have now when I first got access to the internet. 10-12 years ago there were a lot more bargains on all of the sites.
Salty1
Member
We do a fair amount of transfers for people who buy from on line auctions, for the most part everything goes as I would expect. I have had a few where people purchased used guns and they were in rough shape, what 1 person calls a "90%" gun is subjective, I have seen some that I would call junk that was advertised as in "good" condition. Just check the sellers reputation first. Only had 1 seller refuse to take it back and refund the buyers money. All I suggest is that people know what the real value is, I have transfered guns which I could have sold for less that what they paid.........
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