Buying OnLine Tips

As with any online transaction, eBay or Gunbroker.com, the buyer needs to be aware that there is always a chance of fraud. I have processed hundreds of transfers, all web based sales, from individuals and business. I have never seen anyone taken as an outright fraud. I have had firearms received damaged and in all instances, so far, the buyer has taken them back or aided the seller in resolving the problem, be it a new part, replace, or repair.

I would always research the company or individual you are purchasing from by doing the following:

1. Check their feedback – most sites have some sort of feedback system or another third party site,

2. Goggle search their name and address – make sure there is a building at the address, Google Maps.

3. Call them – make sure they are "REAL PEOPLE" and can answer questions about what you are buying.

4. Use a credit card if you can – Certified Check is a common practice between individuals (may take up to 7 days to clear)

5. Verify their shipping charges - these vary greatly 

6. If you have to send a check send it signature required.

7. If something doesn't feel right - DON’T DO THE TRANSACTION!

Shipping Requirements:  

Buyers should note: handguns are suppose to be shipped via a “Priority Service”. Such as: Priority Mail (Post Office) or an Air service: Next day or 2nd Day (FedEx or UPS). If you use any of these services I recommend insurance and signature required.

Long guns (rifles) can be shipped via a ground (UPS, FedEx) or Parcel Post (USPS), insurance and signatures are still recommended. Gun parts, pistol or rifle, can be shipped ground. Note: lower receivers (or the serial numbered part) are required to be shipped to an FFL.

Packing Guidelines:

The damaged items I have seen have all been poorly packed by the shipper and most of them are rifles. Rifles are difficult to pack because they tend to slide in the box when placed on end. All parcel companies (UPS, FedEx, and USPS) are sorted electronically or by people that are not going to read a “this end up” stickers.  One should always use a Styrofoam block, on the barrel end, or something to prevent a rifle from sliding in the box and breaking through the outer box.

If you are shipping a rifles I can provide packaging for rifles for a $20 fee.

Pistols:

Are easy to pack and lighter in weight. They should still have 2” of bubble wrap between them and the outer box as a rule, shipping in a factory padded case and then boxed works very well. Never ship a firearm just in a plastic hard case. You will be charged additional shipping (if it is not in a cardboard box) and the plastic does not hold up to the impact received in shipping.

Display Cases:

Shipping of display cases seems to be very problematic. The case should be EMPTY. and wrapped separately from the firearm. Packing a heavy metal item (firearm) next to glass is never good. I recommend packing the case in a box with padding, then putting that and the firearm in a larger box with additional padding. The rule with glass is 2-4 inches from the outer edge of the box. If you have any questions please contact me.