Selling on Gunbroker - Looking for advice

[th3w01f]

I'm going to take the recommendation of a few people in my earlier consignment thread, and list the two rifes I have in the Trading Post on GB.

I've sold quite a few things on EBay and various other marketplaces so I understand how they work but I'm looking for any advice you might have and any specific gotchas for selling on GB.

I'm especially looking for advice / feedback on setting up to accept credit cards for just a couple of transactions (I have 4 or 5 others I might sell, but I'll list here first). Maybe invoice through PayPal (not even sure if that's allowed, just brainstorming).

Thanks

[kidicarus13]

GunBroker.com preferred payment methods are Credit Cards and USPS Money Order. We prohibit using Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal Friends and Family (PPFF), Walmart2Walmart, MoneyGram, and any other person-to-person money transfer or cash payment application.

As of January 1 , 2022, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, ApplePay, and any other money transfer application or person to person transfer cannot be used for firearms, firearm accessories or parts, or ammunition and we do not permit it to be used on the site or for collection of payment for any of our transactions, as it is against the applications terms of service, and against the User Agreement, Site Rules, and listing policy.

[copfish]

I’ve purchased a few items from an individual seller, make sure the receiving FFL accepts from individuals. I’m at that point where I need to clear out some items that I no longer take to the range and not willing to take them to local shops for lowball offers. I'm willing to take the chance on GB, just make sure you opening price is what you will accept should there be only one bid. I’ve placed the opening bid on a Legion 365 and forgot about it. I was pleased and surprised to get the “you’re the winning bidder!” email. Just be sure you are willing to accept the opening bid.

[kidicarus13]

Get an idea of what individual shipping or shipping through an FFL will cost you. It was more than I anticipated when I recently guessed low at $40. Inflation, I guess.

Make sure to consider excluding some states and US territories. I was once on the hook for mailing an item to Puerto Rico- not inexpensive! Now, I exclude all those non-48 state places like Marshall Islands, Guam, Hawaii, etc.

Know that GB will collect tax.

The extra eyes GB generates that usually equals extra is worth the GB fees on firearms no longer manufactured/imported and worth north of $1K.

[eddiememphis]

I have sold on Gun Broker several times. No buyer had an issue sending me a money order.

I use shipmyguns.com and it was always around $40 for handguns and they have a list of FFLs on file. If not, you have to send them the info but they are pretty quick about verification- a day or two.
I just did a quote for a 15 pound long gun with $2500 insurance going to 10030 zip code and it's $46.79.

kidicarus13 is right about the taxes- they will calculate it and take it out of your checking account so make sure to add that to the final price. I missed it on one deal and had to pay it.

[th3w01f]

Thanks for the feedback. Based on auctions I've been watching for the last six months, the HK should go $5500+ and the Galil around $4500. My concern is not being able to accept credit cards, since at that price, a lot of people will probably want to use a card.

Has anyone used Guntab escrow services? They will accept CC, which may be much easier than setting up a credit card processor for a few transactions.

With the GB fees of about 4.2% and 3% for guntab, I'd still be well ahead of the 20% from the shop I'd use for consignment.

[th3w01f]

Get an idea of what individual shipping or shipping through an FFL will cost you. It was more than I anticipated when I recently guessed low at $40. Inflation, I guess.

Make sure to consider excluding some states and US territories. I was once on the hook for mailing an item to Puerto Rico- not inexpensive! Now, I exclude all those non-48 state places like Marshall Islands, Guam, Hawaii, etc.

Know that GB will collect tax.

The extra eyes GB generates that usually equals extra is worth the GB fees on firearms no longer manufactured/imported and worth north of $1K.

For taxes, it sounds like GB would add the tax to the invoice and I'd need to make sure and give the buyer the total with tax. If they pay through money order I'd be responsible for getting the tax to their state but if I use guntab it sounds like they handle it if it's enabled on the account. https://www.guntab.com/help/articles...ax-for-sellers

Of course I'd want to list that local sales tax will be added based on the shipping address. ;-)

[def90]

Clean the guns first and then take as many high quality photos as you can with the firearm setting against a plain background that doesn't distract from the firearm under good lighting. Don't lay the rifle down on the bed covered in cat or dog hair.

Generally highly desireable guns do best with a penny start no reserve auction that runs two weeks and ends on a Sunday night. You can get some idiots in to some real bidding wars.

If these are run of the mill firearms that you can find at any gunshop I might start the auction a little short of what you would truelly take for them or maybe start a little low and offer a "buy now" price at a reasonable sell it quick price.

The market is a little soft right now though so be aware of that.

[th3w01f]

…The market is a little soft right now though so be aware of that.

Great points. I agree with the .01 start, I’m just a bit worried about coming out on the wrong side of it. I have a perfect rating but it’s only 15 and only as a buyer.

Given the soft market maybe I’ll park them at the shop in the springs that only charges 10% consignment for a coupe of months any maybe I’ll get lucky.

[rfenster]

Clean the guns first and then take as many high quality photos as you can with the firearm setting against a plain background that doesn't distract from the firearm under good lighting. Don't lay the rifle down on the bed covered in cat or dog hair.

Generally highly desireable guns do best with a penny start no reserve auction that runs two weeks and ends on a Sunday night. You can get some idiots in to some real bidding wars.

If these are run of the mill firearms that you can find at any gunshop I might start the auction a little short of what you would truelly take for them or maybe start a little low and offer a "buy now" price at a reasonable sell it quick price.

The market is a little soft right now though so be aware of that.

Great point on timing the auction end (which means the auction start) to a time when potential buyers will be online, awake and feeling competitive. Don't list things in the middle of the night, or have them end at 7PM on a Friday or Saturday when people are busy. Ending on a Sunday afternoon or early evening is ideal, but late morning weekdays can work as well.

Good luck with your sales th3w01f!