GunBroker is not the seller in any transaction, with the exception of GunBroker logo merchandise and optional membership programs. GunBroker provides the marketplace and checkout tools that support sellers' various methods of completing transactions.
The GunBroker Checkout System does not replace the format of the listing or auction. Instead, Checkout provides a process after an item has been purchased or an auction has ended to collect and exchange the information needed to complete the transaction, such as billing, shipping, FFL, and payment information.
The checkout process may vary depending on the information provided by the seller in the listing, the seller's accepted payment methods, and whether the seller has enabled Immediate Checkout.
What is Standard Checkout?
Standard Checkout allows buyers and sellers to exchange the information necessary to complete an order when payment cannot be completed through an integrated payment gateway during checkout or when additional information or costs must be provided by the seller.
Standard Checkout may be used when the seller accepts payment methods such as:
- Money order
- Certified check
- Other permitted forms of payment specified by the seller
- Credit card payment processed directly by the seller outside of the GunBroker Checkout System
Standard Checkout can also be used when the seller needs to add or confirm shipping, insurance, handling, or other applicable order information before the buyer completes the transaction.
GunBroker does not collect payment from the buyer on behalf of the seller through Standard Checkout. The buyer is responsible for following the seller's payment instructions and submitting payment directly to the seller using an accepted and permitted payment method.
How Standard Checkout Works
1. Access Checkout
After purchasing a fixed-price item or winning an auction, access the order using one of the available Checkout options, including:
- My GunBroker > Buying > You Won! and select Go to Checkout
- My GunBroker > Buying > Won Orders and select View Order
- The Checkout option on the item page after the listing has ended
- The Proceed to Checkout link in the "You Purchased an Item" email notification
2. Complete the Order Information
Enter or confirm the information requested for the order, which may include:
- Ship To address
- FFL information, if the item requires shipment to an FFL
- Shipping method, based on the options offered by the seller
- Payment method, based on the options accepted by the seller
- Bill To address
3. Seller Reviews the Order
If additional costs or information are required, the seller reviews the order and updates it as applicable. This may include:
- Shipping costs
- Insurance
- Handling fees
- Other applicable charges
Applicable sales tax is calculated by the GunBroker system based on the transaction and order information.
4. Buyer Reviews and Completes the Transaction
After the seller has provided any required information, review the order total and payment instructions.
Submit payment directly to the seller using one of the permitted payment methods offered in the listing. For example, if paying by check or money order, follow the seller's instructions for mailing payment.
Because payment is completed directly between the buyer and seller under Standard Checkout, GunBroker may not independently know whether payment has been made unless the order is updated by the buyer or seller.
5. Seller Processes the Order
After receiving payment and any required FFL information, the seller updates the order status as appropriate. This may include:
- Marking Payment Received
- Marking FFL Info Received
- Entering the shipment tracking number
- Marking the order Shipped
When tracking information is entered, the buyer is notified and can view the information from the order.
6. Order Completion
Once the required order steps have been completed and the seller has marked the appropriate statuses, the order will be shown as complete.
The buyer and seller can use the order to:
- View order details
- Access available shipping and tracking information
- Print a receipt
Firearm and FFL Requirements
For firearms or other items requiring transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), the seller must receive the required FFL information before shipping the item.
Checkout facilitates the exchange of FFL and order information, but it does not replace any federal, state, or local requirements applicable to the shipment or transfer of the firearm.
Payment Restrictions
Certain person-to-person payment services may not be used for GunBroker transactions involving firearms, firearm accessories or parts, or ammunition when their terms prohibit those transactions. Prohibited payment methods include PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Ria, Walmart2Walmart, MoneyGram, and other prohibited person-to-person money transfer applications.
GunBroker also does not support wire transfers. Payments made using prohibited or unsupported payment methods may not qualify for protection under the Buyer's Protection Program.
For additional information, see PayPal / Venmo / Zelle / Apple Pay Policy on Firearms.
What if the Seller Offers Immediate Checkout?
If the seller has enabled Immediate Checkout and an integrated payment gateway for the listing, eligible buyers may be able to submit payment during the GunBroker Checkout process rather than arranging payment separately with the seller.
See Using Immediate Checkout for additional information.