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Auction shipping costs question.

FatstratFatstrat Member Posts: 9,147
edited January 2006 in Ask the Experts
I'm leary of bidding on auctions where the seller states "Buyer pays shipping costs" without giving an actual amount. I realize that it's a large country and it may be impossible to know beforehand who might bid from where. And what the exact shipping costs will be.
I believe most sellers try to ship as cheaply as possible. Then there are some who want to charge extra for the box,packing, their TIME (this REALLY irritates me), the gas & from the shipping station, and a nice lunch at the bistro on the way. [:D]
Then are handgun sales which must be shipped FFL to FFL. If the seller is not an FFL holder, it'll likely cost an additional $20. (or so) to have an FFL do the shipping.
So what if you bid on one of these non-specif shipping cost auctions, thinking that the costs will be the usual $15-$25. And then the seller says $45. shipping?
Can you say "Whoa, hold on. That's too much!". Or are you on the hook? What's the official GB policy on this?
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Comments

  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Caveat Emptor. E-mail the seller before bidding and find out how he works. Transfer FFL on your end should be your expense. Tranfer FFL on the shippers end, if he is not an FFL should be at his expense.

    These days in business, the bean counters say everything must be a profit item. The days of buying post paid or paying only the actual shipping costs are over. you can expect to pay for the box, the tape and the shipping, and expect the shipper to get paid for doing it.
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  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    A non-licensee can ship to an FFL dealer using FedEx overnight. When I list a handgun, I state that overnight shipping will be $50 or LESS depending on where I ship. Obviously, if the buyer is in Virginia, it's going to cost a lot less than if I ship to Oregon so I just post the maximum.
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  • pickenuppickenup Member Posts: 22,844 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    GunBrokers policy;
    quote:If shipping charges have not been specified, do not assume that they will be a certain amount. If you have questions about any of the terms, please contact the seller by clicking on the 'Ask seller a question' link.
    Like He Dog said, email them AHEAD of time, and nail down the shipping cost. Don't expect to be able to negotiate "after" the auction closes.
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:A non-licensee can ship to an FFL dealer using FedEx overnight.

    Spider, that is correct provided it is not a handgun, and provided the receiving FFL will accept it. It may be ok with the BATF, but a good number of FFL's are only willing to receive from another FFL. Another thing to check up front..
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  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:He Dog Posted - 01/27/2006 : 6:09:24 PM
    Spider, that is correct provided it is not a handgun, and provided the receiving FFL will accept it. It may be ok with the BATF, but a good number of FFL's are only willing to receive from another FFL. Another thing to check up front..

    Sorry, He Dog, but you're incorrect. A non-licensee most certainly CAN ship a handgun to a licensee. USPS and UPS require FFL to FFL but FedEx does not. I've done it many times and here's the direct quote from GB's shipping guidelines regarding the shipment of firearms, including handguns:

    B9) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by carrier?
    A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by carrier to a resident of his or her own state or to a licensee in any state. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm. [18 U. S. C. 922( a)( 2)( A) and 922( e), 27 CFR 178.31]

    I agree with you that some FFL's will not accept a private transfer so I also state that in my auctions.
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks Spider!

    Love the crawlies!
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  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You're a good dog!
    dog0001.gif
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  • dclocodcloco Member Posts: 2,967
    edited November -1
    A gunbroker seller, located in Broomfield, CO (northern outskirts of Denver) is trying to stick me with a $15.00 shipping fee.

    I sent a postal money order for the auction, including how I wanted the item shipped (per his auction rules), AND the USPS postal priority shipping amount....he emails back and wants more money.

    Time to give negative feedback. When I am in Denver, I WILL be stopping by to pick up the item that I bid on, won, and paid for.
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  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If he contacted you after the auction and told you how much to send or stated "free shipping" and the method by which he ships, he's obligated to ship your item for the amount you sent even if he made an error. However, if you simply sent him a money order from his contact info and demanded your preferred method without verifying the total amount due, he's entitled to additional shipping charges. It all depends on how he worded his auction and the communication between the two of you prior to sending payment. A simple e-mail or phone call may resolve this simply and peacably without the need for negative feedback. Bear in mind that he may retaliate and file negative feedback on you as well.
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  • Rebel_JamesRebel_James Member Posts: 4,746
    edited November -1
    1. Find out from the seller what the shipping cost to you will be. Do this before you bid.

    2. Add the transfer fees your dealer is charging you.

    3. Add the cost of the item.


    If it all adds up to be a good deal for you, buy it.
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