Non-FFLs: How to keep handgun shipping costs down?

FortWorthJake

April 23, 2011 12:37

Hi,

Sorry, I've searched the forum and can't find this specific topic on shipping:

Just wondering if any non-FFLs have sold many handguns and how they price shipping. I sold a couple on gunbroker back in 2005 and don't remember shipping being so high (used FedEx). I was thinking of selling some again, but when I calculate UPS and FedEx overnight to Washington state (about as far as I could ship from N. Texas in lower 48), it comes up around $80.

I looked at a few handgun listing today that looked like non-dealers, and I think $40 shipping was the max I saw. How does someone do that without taking a beating?

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  armilite

  April 23, 2011 12:43

  You can take your handgun to a dealer and have him ship for it you. Mine charges me about $35. A dealer can ship a hand gun through the mail much cheaper and it does not have to ship over night. A non dealer can not do this.

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  mark christian

  April 23, 2011 13:35

  If you have an account then UPS and FedEx will cut you a small price break, otherwise you have to just grin and bear it. I typically charge $20 to mail a handgun for a non licensee. Since there are very few handguns which cannot be mailed insured in a Priority Mail medium flat rate box for $20 (or less) this makes the typical total $40, or roughly half of what FedEx demands.
  
  That is some nice easy money for me [;)]

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  nmyers

  April 23, 2011 17:39

  I usually ship handguns for a fixed $40 shipping fee. I know that I will probably have to eat the $25 difference, so I factor that into my starting price.
  
  At least, that keeps prospective bidders from thinking I am trying to overcharge them for shipping.
  
  I don't use an FFL to ship, as those around my area charge $60 plus USPS charges. That's really not unreasonable, since it can take an hour to drive to the PO & stand in line.
  
  Neal

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