U.S. online firearms sales payment

[buckshot85]

Is there a safe alternative to PayPal/Venmo that offers security for the seller and buyer.
I’m almost ready to go back to personal checks and hold off shipping the rifle for a negotiated/agreed on time frame.
What are you folks doing?

Hate to sell rifles, but it will help fund our safari.

 

[supergrizzly]

Although I am a short time member who doesn't post much, a "regular" on here recently trusted me to send him a personal check and I had no problem with him waiting to ship the rifle until my check cleared. Mutual trust goes a long way and I knew by his posts on here I could trust him. We did speak on the phone too and had a great conversation about the rifle and Africa. I pick up the rifle tomorrow.

 

[JimP]

The trouble with personal checks clearing is that it can still bounce 2 or more months after it clears and you are still libel for it.

Someone on here talked about a escrow service for a purchase of a firearm. But I can't remember who it was

 

[buckshot85]

The trouble with personal checks clearing is that it can still bounce 2 or more months after it clears and you are still libel for it.

Someone on here talked about a escrow service for a purchase of a firearm. But I can't remember who it was

How is it possible that it takes that long?
I get confirmation of checks I write in a couple days.

 

[Challer]

You can take USPS MO or get a square account and take CC

 

[buckshot85]

Square account?

 

[Marc Ret]

Someone on here talked about a escrow service for a purchase of a firearm. But I can't remember who it was

Is this the escrow service you're thinking of, Jim? It wasn't me who mentioned it but I believe it was AH where I learned of it.

GunTab: "The PayPal for guns"

Gun-friendly payments by credit card and bank account, for businesses and individuals. Open an account now.

www.guntab.com

 

[JimP]

How is it possible that it takes that long?
I get confirmation of checks I write in a couple days.

I have no idea but it happens.

USPO money orders are also one of the most counterfeited payment methods there is.

Anymore there is a scammer behind every for sale add either buying or selling. I just had a friend get ripped off for a $100 through Velmo on some furniture she wanted. She went to pick it up and the folks living at the address she was given don't know anything about it.

Over the years I have sold a number of firearms but any more I'll put them on consignment at a gun store unless the buyer wants to meet face to face with cash in hand.

 

[JimP]

Is this the escrow service you're thinking of, Jim? It wasn't me who mentioned it but I believe it was AH where I learned of it.

GunTab: "The PayPal for guns"

Gun-friendly payments by credit card and bank account, for businesses and individuals. Open an account now.

www.guntab.com

Yes, that sounds like the one

 

[sierraone]

Personal checks are fine if you know the person. I know quite a few members personally. I have even sent a rifle to a member's FFL, let him check it out and shoot it. He then sent me a personal check. No issues. But I would never send you a rifle without payment if I didn't know you. I have used Paypal for 12 or 13 years with no problems. But I don't send guns on Paypal.

 

[375Fox]

Square account?

If you set up a square account to take credit card, it’s for business, and you’ll get a 1099

 

[375Fox]

You can take USPS MO or get a square account and take CC

I’ve paid small amounts by money order when asked to do so, but I’d never pay any significant amount with a money order. There is zero protection for the buyer and money is gone on day 1. At least with a personal check you can verify it was cashed and if it does get lost money is still in your account.

 

[buckshot85]

Thanks, Guys. Appreciate the help.

 

[Challer]

Online gun sales are a risk for both buyer and seller. And there are a lot of scammers. When I pay by Amex, Amex has me covered no matter what if there’s an issue. Square let’s me take payment much easier. I’ve never received a 1099 but I do have businesses and send them out.

If I had to rely on local stores, my safe would be relatively empty.

 

[sestoppelman]

Bank checks and USPS money orders for folks I dont know. Personal checks for those I do.

 

[Spartan5]

Certified checks from the bank and USPS Money Orders. Cash in hand works too if they are close.

Screw PP, Venmo, Square, or Cash app. Those last 2 are owned by Jack Dorsey, and all of them will freeze your funds, etc if they know it’s for anything related to firearms.

 

[thi9elsp]

I've purchased three firearms online over the past 10 years. 2 were from Cabelas and the other from a gun shop where my brother lives and he was able to check out the gun for me. I would personally be hesitant to purchase from or sell to an individual unless they were a long time member of this site.

 

[John the Electrician]

I purchased some bullets from our friend Cal Pappas. I’m certain the bullets were on their way to me before I put the check in the mail. If it were for a lot of money I would drive to see and hold the item in question.

 

[sestoppelman]

I buy and sell guns and stuff on Gunbroker all the time. Have only had perhaps two bad deals. Most of the problems we have is late delivery from USPS and Fedex!
The system there works pretty well.
You do have to do your homework and I avoid new non rated sellers but if the seller has decent feedback and a number of sales and purchases, it almost always goes well.
I have found a lot of neat stuff on line over the years that I probably would have never seen at a local gun show or LGS.

 

[Spartan5]

I buy and sell guns and stuff on Gunbroker all the time. Have only had perhaps two bad deals. Most of the problems we have is late delivery from USPS and Fedex!
The system there works pretty well.
You do have to do your homework and I avoid new non rated sellers but if the seller has decent feedback and a number of sales and purchases, it almost always goes well.
I have found a lot of neat stuff on line over the years that I probably would have never seen at a local gun show or LGS.

I agree 100%. No way I would have collected what I have today without buying online. GB may not be perfect but the rating system does help for sure. So far everyone on this forum I have dealt with has been very good as well. Maij thing is if something looks too good to be true it probably is. Trust but verify.