1911Forum banner

FFL Transfer Fees raised

17K views 127 replies 108 participants last post by  Ranger566 
#1 ·
Walked into my LGS last Saturday to pick up a pistol I purchased on GB.com.

This sign was posted by the cash register--------------"Effective immediately, FFL transfer fees are being raised from $25.00 to $45.00, plus an additional $2.00 handling fee."

Because I've let them handle my purchase transfers for so long, the store owner gave me a break and let me pick this one up at the old rate.

Anyone else got this good news yet?

I live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Steve
 
#3 ·
Hmmmmm.

Really.

Maybe I gotta find a new place to do business.

If you're gonna do this to me, you at least need to kiss me in the process................:>))
 
#4 ·
I don't see the problem. The business needs to make money in the process of doing the transfer. When they do a transfer, it is essentially a lost sale because the customer is purchasing a gun from another firearm dealer.
 
#6 ·
$45 isn't all that bad.
Richmond has a couple of places that charge $70 (although there are plenty that do it for 30-40).

They are just trying to get the sale since the total price of the gun bought online from Gunbroker will have shipping + transfer pushing the price up by $70+. I have used this in negotiations. Will you sell this gun for Z? (Z = lowest internet price + shipping + transfer). Sometimes they go for it, sometimes not.
 
#8 ·
Ok, guys. I get it. Guess I didn't know how good I had it.

I buy lots of guns and ammo from my LGS too, so no guilt trips for me. I always give him first shot at my business if he's got what I want behind the counter. Sometimes it works----------sometimes it doesn't

But I'll tell you this----------------I pay about $35.00 for an oil change/service at my local garage.

If I pull in the next time and the manager charges me $55.00 for the same service, I ain't going back.

But that's just me.:rolleyes:
 
#7 ·
I am sure it is different depending on where you live. When I bought my SR 1911 last year I used a local shop that charges $25 standard or $20 if you have a Georgia Weapons License. They were fine but this year when I ordered a stripped lower I used a hardware store in a small town South of me. He sells used guns & does some gunsmithing as a sideline of sorts. He did it for $10 if you feel they are charging to much shop around.
 
#22 ·
It's all regional. You can't find a new place if that's what everyone charges. Around here its $40 standard or spend double that in gas and tolls to go an hour or two out of the way. There's at least a dozen shops, one doesn't do transfers because they don't feel like dealing with cry babies who bitch about a $2 difference. Another store charges $20 but I can never make it in to them because their hours and mine don't mesh. Everyone else charges $40.
 
#10 ·
Ranger, if you have a long and well developed relationship with them, talk to the owner or manager about it.

I have a couple favorite shops, and have spent a lot of time cultivating those relationships. If I'm buying new, I talk to them about what they can get the same gun to me for. They usually get it within 10%. Fair enough for me. If they can't get it, or its a used gun, I pay between $0-15 for a transfer, depending on their mood at the time and how business has been. I also get a call within an hour of it being checked in.

Buying from their used inventory, they also give me a pretty fair break. The Springfield 311 I bought from them to cut down into an SBS came in from a seller while I was there. They bought the gun for $90, fair retail was probably $150. I walked out with it 30 minutes after the seller left with my money clip lighter by a $100 bill.... 9 months, $200, and a hacksaw blade later, I had an 18" OAL shotgun.....

But I digress; talking to them and see if they're willing to work with you.
 
#13 ·
As a home based FFL, I've never understood the practice of gun stores charging so much for transfers.

Sure, they'd rather you buy the gun from them, but the customer is going to need ammo, holsters, cleaning gear, etc...

Doing the transfer at least brings customers into the store.
 
#16 ·
VA. dealers who are listed as accepting transfers ... contact them for pricing ...

AGNOR'S GUN WORKS, LLC
540-463-1934 154XXXXXXX01778 09/01/2012 283 EDGARS WAY LEXINGTON VA
ASHBY ARMS, LLC
540-435-2819 154XXXXXXX06456 12/01/2015 870A N LIBERTY ST HARRISONBURG VA
BLUE RIDGE ARSENAL INC
703-818-0230 154XXXXXXX35833 10/01/2012 14725-K FLINT LEE RD CHANTILLY VA
BOB MOATES SPORT SHOP INC
804-276-2293 154XXXXXXX11873 02/01/2013 10418 HULL ST RD MIDLOTHIAN VA
DOMINION SHOOTING RANGE INC
804-276-2851 154XXXXXXX04237 09/01/2013 106 TURNER RD RICHMOND VA
EAGLE MILTARY OUTFITTERS LC
540-667-6947 154XXXXXXX02730 08/01/2014 1810 S LOUDOUN ST WINCHESTER VA
GREEN TOP SPORTING GOODS CORP
804-550-2188 154XXXXXXX37186 02/01/2014 10193 WASHINGTON HWY GLEN ALLEN VA
LOUDOUN GUNS INC
703-771-7479 154XXXXXXX06170 08/01/2015 302 INDUSTRIAL CT SE STE F LEESBURG VA
MACKS UNLIMITED INC
434-917-0342 154XXXXXXX39259 07/01/2013 113 PINE LN SOUTH HILL VA
NOVA ARMAMENT LLC
703-370-1523 154XXXXXXX06623 01/01/2016 795 CENTER ST #4A HERNDON VA
QUARTERMASTER POLICE SUPPLY INC
757-877-6755 154XXXXXXX40187 06/01/2013 13769 WARWICK BLVD NEWPORT NEWS VA
REBEL SPORTING GOODS LTD
804-754-5179 154XXXXXXX05192 08/01/2014 115 KING ST KEYSVILLE VA
SCHWIEGER, THOMAS J
703-250-1070 154XXXXXXX02084 04/01/2013 11637 HAVENNER RD FAIRFAX STATION VA
SHOOTERS INC
757-461-9152 154XXXXXXX00618 08/01/2010 5139 STANART ST NORFOLK VA
W & W NOVELTY CO INC
434-385-5323 154XXXXXXX39527 05/01/2014 2323 LAKESIDE DR LYNCHBURG VA
WOODS & WATER SERVICES, INC
757-546-9770 154XXXXXXX01478 01/01/2012 800 BATTLEFIELD BLVD S # 104 CHESAPEAKE VA
A to Z Firearms Inc 154XXXXXXX04995 06/01/2011 132 Turner Rd Ste BC Richmond VA
ALBEMARLE COUNTY FIREARMS LLC 154XXXXXXX07742 09/01/2016 722 W RIO RD STE 4 CHARLOTTESVILLE VA
ALL SHOOTERS TACTICAL 154XXXXXXX09217 10/01/2014 3310 NOBLE POND WAY STE 105 WOODBRIDGE VA
BALLISTIC SPECIALTIES 154XXXXXXX11613 12/01/2015 8325 MARYE RD PARTLOW VA
BASS PRO SHOPS OUTDOOR WORLD 154XXXXXXX05189 05/01/2014 11550 LAKERIDGE PKWY ASHLAND VA
BEAR ARMS LLC 154XXXXXXX12996 10/01/2016 5526 INVERNESS WOODS CT FAIRFAX VA
Bob Moates Sport Shop Inc 154XXXXXXX11873 02/01/2010 10418 Hull St Rd Midlothian VA
CGI GUNS & TRAINING 154XXXXXXX09328 10/01/2014 22 JACKSON AVE ROUND HILL VA
CLASSIC FIREARMS
757-425-2827 154XXXXXXX40012 05/01/2010 1329 HARPERS ROAD #102 VIRGINIA BEACH VA
COASTAL GUN WORKS
757-496-6694 154XXXXXXX10320 04/01/2015 5003 ADMIRAL WRIGHT ROAD VIRGINIA BEACH VA
Call, Roscoe David 154XXXXXXX39773 04/01/2009 688 Upper Poore Valley Rd Saltville VA
D & R ARMS
757-483-6948 154XXXXXXX40269 02/01/2011 3020 TYRE NECK ROAD PORTSMOUTH VA
DALE'S GUNS
804-794-8208 154XXXXXXX18834 07/01/2014 3017 JUDES FERRY RD POWHATAN VA
DAVENPORT ARMS
757-482-8499 154XXXXXXX04135 07/01/2010 713 COLONY DR CHESAPEAKE VA
DOMINION ARMS CORPORATION
703-330-2772 154XXXXXXX01453 01/01/2015 7253 CENTREVILLE RD MANASSAS VA
DOMINION OUTDOORS
540-337-9218 154XXXXXXX00461 05/01/2010 15 ANGELA COURT FISHERSVILLE VA
FRANKLIN OUTDOORS
540-483-5608 154XXXXXXX04125 05/01/2010 320 OLD FRANKLIN TURNPIKE ROCKY MOUNT VA
FRENKEL, JULIE RENEE 154XXXXXXX09722 01/01/2015 279 INDEPENDENCE BLVD VIRGINIA BEACH VA
Family Pawn LLC 154XXXXXXX00456 04/01/2010 231 W 4th St Salem VA
G & L ARMS
757-565-2820 154XXXXXXX21354 12/01/2012 6064 MOORETOWN RD WILLIAMSBURG VA
GANDER MOUNTAIN #343
651-325-4300 154XXXXXXX04767 02/01/2014 8195 GANDER WAY ROANOKE VA
GUNS & AMMO WAREHOUSE
703-365-9941 154XXXXXXX03129 05/01/2015 10981 NOKESVILLE RD MANASSAS VA
Gilbert Small Arms Range Inc 154XXXXXXX23427 10/01/2008 8194-M Terminal Rd Lorton VA
HANSOHN BROTHERS LLC 154XXXXXXX11367 09/01/2015 12310 ROSE COTTAGE LN CULPEPER VA
HANSOHN BROTHERS LLC 154XXXXXXX11367 09/01/2015 12310 ROSE COTTAGE LN CULPEPER VA
HERITAGE FIREARMS CO 154XXXXXXX07127 03/01/2013 2781 MEHERRIN ROAD MEHERRIN VA
HIGH CALIBER
703-222-7554 154XXXXXXX04209 09/01/2010 4415 HOLLY AVENUE FAIRFAX VA
HILLSVILLE GUNS 154XXXXXXX09457 09/01/2014 43 SYLVATUS HWY HILLSVILLE VA
HILTON SPORT & HOBBY SHOP
757-594-0733 154XXXXXXX01976 12/01/2012 10219 WARWICK BLVD NEWPORT NEWS VA
J G ELARDE FIREARMS
703-779-2461 154XXXXXXX39382 02/01/2011 209 CRANBROOK DR NE LEESBURG VA
KING ORDNANCE INDUSTRIES LLC 154XXXXXXX06894 03/01/2013 307 BONHAM RD BRISTOL VA
KRISS USA, INC 154XXXXXXX02925 11/01/2014 2697 INTERNATIONAL PKWY SUITE 4-180 VIRGINIA BEACH VA
LOUDOUN GUNS
703-771-7479 154XXXXXXX39324 09/01/2010 302-F INDUSTRIAL CT SE LEESBURG VA
LYNCHBURG ARMS & INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE INC 154XXXXXXX06864 03/01/2013 113 SUNBURST RD LYNCHBURG VA
LYNCHBURG FIREARMS
434-665-1112 154XXXXXXX03269 05/01/2012 52 FNB DRIVE LYNCHBURG VA
LYNCHBURG PAWN INC
434-845-7296 154XXXXXXX02860 09/01/2011 6115 FORT AVENUE LYNCHBURG VA
MARINE CORPS EXCHANGE MCCS 0120
703-432-8800 154XXXXXXX12960 01/01/2014 MARINE CORPS EXCHANGE BLDG 3500 QUANTICO VA
MERCURY PAWN SHOP
757-826-0500 154XXXXXXX39248 10/01/2010 3300 A W MERCURY BLVD HAMPTON VA
NUCKOLS GUN WORKS
540-886-3061 154XXXXXXX04110 06/01/2010 1801 WEST BEVERLEY ST STAUNTON VA
OLD DOMINION GUNS
757-238-3913 154XXXXXXX04662 02/01/2014 15143 CARROLLTON BLVD CARROLLTON VA
PATRIOT SERVICES 154XXXXXXX08188 02/01/2014 8949 BRUCEWOOD DR RICHMOND VA
PAWN SOLUTIONS 154XXXXXXX09789 02/01/2015 18317 FOREST RD LYNCHBURG VA
PEMBROKE STOP N SAVE
540-626-7077 154XXXXXXX23355 09/01/2011 138 GRILLE RD PEMBROKE VA
PRE 98 ANTIQUES
703-628-5862 154XXXXXXX05079 07/01/2014 19 BATTERY DR WINCHESTER VA
QUANTICO TACTICAL 154XXXXXXX10986 07/01/2015 13329 WORTH AVE WODDBRIDGE VA
RAYMONDS GUNS AND SUPPLIES
434-822-0722 154XXXXXXX06638 01/01/2016 5660 RIVERSIDE DR DANVILLE VA
ROADSIDE MARKET
540-947-5409 154XXXXXXX10600 05/01/2015 10761 W LYNCHBURG SALEM TPKE MONTVALE VA
SHARPSHOOTERS SMALL ARMS RANGE
703-550-8005 154XXXXXXX05388 11/01/2014 8194-M TERMINAL RD LORTON VA
SIGNAL HILL SUPPLY
703-620-0441 154XXXXXXX05373 10/01/2011 7039 SIGNAL HILL RD MANASSAS VA
SIGNAL HILL SUPPLY LLC
703-368-6333 154XXXXXXX11282 10/01/2015 7039 SIGNAL HILL RD MANASSAS VA
SSG
540-582-7726 154XXXXXXX04734 04/01/2011 56 JOSEPH MILLS DR STE 102A FREDERICKSBURG VA
TAYLOR ENTERPRISES
540-882-3236 154XXXXXXX06110 07/01/2012 17158 BRIDGE VIEW CT PAEONIAN SPRINGS VA
THE ARMORY
757-424-1617 154XXXXXXX00804 01/01/2011 5313 INDIAN RIVER RD STE 112 VIRGINIA BEACH VA
THE BROWN BEARS DEN 154XXXXXXX18433 02/01/2015 14547 MONETA RD MONETA VA
TIMBERLAKE TRADING POST
434-401-2097 154XXXXXXX05653 02/01/2012 22273 TIMBERLAKE ROAD LYNCHBURG VA
TOBEY'S 154XXXXXXX09534 11/01/2014 801 W MAIN ST STE 104 CHARLOTTESVILLE VA
TOWN POLICE SUPPLY
276-647-4161 154XXXXXXX20042 08/01/2011 3985 VIRGINIA AVE COLLINSVILLE VA
TRIUNE ARMS 154XXXXXXX10475 04/01/2015 7208 PRINCESS ANNE CT WARRENTON VA
TWIN LAKES OUTFITTERS 154XXXXXXX09734 12/01/2013 1320 WEST DANVILLE ST SOUTH HILL VA
The Trophy Room LLC
garyr@TrophyRoomOnline.com 154XXXXXXX00695 11/01/2007 210 King Street Alexandria VA
VIRGINIA ARMS COMPANY
703-368-3949 154XXXXXXX40073 06/01/2010 9760 CENTER ST MANASSAS VA
WATTS TACTICAL SUPPLY
703-793-9123 154XXXXXXX03535 02/01/2010 13168 KIDWELL FIELD RD HERNDON VA
YOUNGS GUN SHOP
804-781-0267 154XXXXXXX07626 04/01/2012 4292 RANGE RD MECHANICSVILLE VA
FFL Dealers (79)
 
#17 · (Edited)
It's $20 here. Used to be $10. They stock nothing but a few odds and ends, mostly odds.

They do have access to every catalog and on line source and will help you find the cheapest price. Once you pick it out they take your money, order it and then transfer it for $20, no sales tax.
 
#100 ·
"they take your money, order it... no sales tax."

They're living pretty dangerously there. If they take your money and place the order, they are very unlikely to convince a sales tax auditor that they were simply facilitating an interstate transfer.

Now, if they sat you down at a computer and let you place the order - helping you if you got confused - they would probably still be okay.


As for the OP: Your LGS (and every LGS) is jealous of the competition of online sales. But it is a fact of life in their business and every retail business. Unlike other retailers, at least your LGS has the opportunity to make something by facilitating your transfer. And given what retailers spend in advertising and promotion to try to get you into their stores where they can tempt you with their wares, it is pretty short-sighted to drive away the transfer business.

Every new gun you purchase will immediately create demand for ammo and sundries like holsters, cases, cleaning tools and supplies, etc. What a wonderful opportunity to have you in their store as this new demand is created!
 
#19 ·
During the 2012 post Obummer reelection panic, there were Gun Shops around here charging upwards of about $100 for a receiving FFL transfer.
Their prices have come back down, but they haven't seen any of my business.

Also in CO., private party transfers and receiving FFL fees are all over the scale. Anywhere from $20 ($10 to Gov. Hinkenpooper and $10 to the FFL) up $50 ($10 to Gov. Hinkenpooper and $40 to the FFL).
It is a sad day in CO. When two law abiding citizens cannot sell a gun to one another without the State's approval.

:mad:
 
#27 ·
They have to make their money, and I don't fault them for that. However, $45 just for a transfer is a bit too much. What I would do if were my store is to charge $75 and give a store credit of $50. They would make $25 transfer and a side sale of $50.
 
#28 ·
On average I have encountered $25 as the fee. To almost double a fee is not reasonable unless something has really gotten more expensive on the FFLs end that has increased their cost for doing transfers. I run a business too, so you have to be very careful with fees. What is reasonable and fair for your area? Also, you must consider the message you send by doing this, such as "we really do not want to do this for you." I understand that the local gun guy has to make a living, but I do too. I have to wisely spend my money. I'm willing to spend a little more to support the local guy, but I have my limits.
 
#29 ·
First, the $2 fee may be a state thing, I'm not in Virginia so I can't say. Second, it's a service. Stores can charge whatever they feel meets their needs for return as well as what the market will bear. Third, you're always free to use another FFL.

But the big one, the cost isn't just "a little paperwork" for most FFLs. A transfer is the same work as selling a gun out of stock except you don't normally tie up capital waiting for the sale. It is transferred into stock and out to a customer, and often requires the same NICS check as well. You still have the same overhead, insurance and labor costs as if the gun were a stock item. Usually as well as taxes and state fees. And, for what it's worth, FFLs don't make much on gun sales anyway.

Locally there are a few that will do a $10 transfer plus a $5 NICS check (that's a state mandated fee). Most are in the $25 to $40 range, a few are higher. If you can find a home-based gunsmith, especially if they are a member of a local shooting group you can join, they are often your least expensive options.

Or, order from Davidson's Gallery of Guns. You get a flat price that includes the transfer fees and you know what you will pay when you walk in. Most FFLs will have a Davidson's account anyway, though some don't do the Gallery of Guns sales (there's VERY little profit in it).

Jeff
 
#30 ·
My LGS in Acworth, GA charges $30 for transfers. I mostly buy online and use them for incoming and outgoing transfers. They typically only charge my $15 for incoming transfers and I'm pretty sure that more than half the time they only charge shipping on outgoing transfers. They're a nice little shop and they treat me pretty well.
 
#31 ·
When I set my fee, I looked around town and set my fee ($20) at $5 below the lowest I could find. Some around here charge $45. Those are the gun shops that sell guns. I see why they do it. But I am even thinking of raising my fee since the entire procedure from the time the customer contacts me to tell me he will be using my services (10 minutes on the phone, educating him), going to the post office to pick up the gun (20 minutes), calling him to tell him it came in (another 10 min to tell him how to get here and arranging the date and time), Then he comes in the door (educate him on the forms he has to fill out, checking his ID, fixing the errors on his form, calling in the background check,gun talk, etc....another 30 minutes) all adds up to OVER an hour, 8 miles on my car and gasoline, and being ALWAYS at an inconvenient time.

Its not all that easy !
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top