Selling A Gun Collection

[Neal Myers]

These auction stories are scary. I've witnessed several where I thought, "Man, this just doesn't look right.", but if you are an outsider there's no way to know what's going on. My philosphy became, "Know what the item is worth, & pay only what you think is a fair price."

The guns I sold went on Gunbroker, where the fee runs about 10%. Another 5% goes for packing material & underestimates on shipping. (I low ball the shipping charge as some folks don't realize how expensive it has become, & think you are trying to make a profit on the shipping.)

If I were trying to sell high end items (like engraved Colts), I might use Rock Island Auctions. I'd never BUY from them (read their terms), but they have a big customer base that appears rich & not very knowledgeable.

The important thing when selling online is to take numerous high quality photos, & describe every detail of the gun. It also helps to have a fair return policy (I give 30 days, plus refund shipping both ways if item is not as described), as well as good feedback.

[JB White]

Their terms for post-'98 arms are what all Illinois buyers have to go through. In addition to their buyers fees, I would still need to pay sales tax as I'm an Illinois resident.
Given the waiting period and today's fuel prices it's probably cheaper, or maybe break even for me to have it sent to an FFL near me. Then do the paperwork/insta-check/waiting period closer to home.

At least I can't rob a bank with a or do a drive-by bayoneting the same day I purchase. The people of Illinois are so much safer! LOL