So I was only bidder on a nice rifle, I paid the minimum starting price.
Guy did not respond to me for 4 days, and then he wanted me to pay with paypal. Naturally I won't, and dont have an account.
Now he wants a money order, and that was my preferred method of payment that I checked off as a buyer. But now he said he is not setup to accept GB checkout. I don't know what that means. I do know he has not completed the GB form that requires him to give a shipping cost, so the GB invoice is not active. So he did not accept yet I guess.
to me this looks fishy. Since I did not buy anything from GB for a few years, this seems unusual.
I sent GB the details, but I wanted to see what you guys think about the safety of the transaction. He has a newer account with a few transactions this year. Thanks.

Talking to the seller on the phone, or better yet via facetime, has worked well for me.

I had that happen with 1000 primers, got it on a low/ no bid, took seller 2 weeks to contact me, then said that he was not set up for checkout/ taxes. WTF

Nothing wrong with the not being set up for Gunbroker checkout. To be set up for that you have to have a merchant account and take an associated payment form. All of which take a cut/charge a fee. Increasing the seller cost increases the price to the buyer. I’ve sold more than 50 items on Gunbroker over the last 10 years and have a perfect A+ rating. Some of the guns I’ve sold have been high end, well over $2500. If you need the merchandise immediately then use Venmo or Zelle. You’d be surprised at the buyers who expect you to ship before the check has cleared. In fact a couple had the nerve to ask me to ship before they sent payment.

I have also purchased a couple items of GB where the sellers didn't use GB checkout. One was a sporting goods store and the other a pawnshop. Both transactions went perfect. However, before I sent payment I requested a phone number and spoke with the seller asking a few basic questions just to see if any red flags came up!

Thanks now I understand the GB checkout part.
The transaction is still froze at step #3 where the seller sets the shipping and total cost. In step #2 I said I would pay via USPS MO. I did that 4 days ago.
So with the order not finalized, he wanted paypal, and now USPS MO. But I think he has to accept step 3 before I mail the money. I hope he was not trying to get me to send without completing through GB, that way I have some protection.
I will call and see what is happening.

Is he using an FFL on his end TerryK ? Or would he be willing to if you paid the extra fee ? I have used an FFL as a 3rd party a couple times as an extra layer of protection against getting shafted. I have constant contact with the seller as well as their FFL. Ive even sent the MO to their address but in the sellers name.

The rifle is a flintlock, so no FFL.

Just got a rifle last month off GB. Guy wasn't set up. I couldn't do steps to check out and contacted the seller. We agreed to use PP, F&F to protect us both. He agreed to only go through FFL on both ends. Worked out fine, but admit it was a bit un-nerving at first. Direct contact and see if you get a bad feeling about him.

P P friends and family didn’t protect anybody. If he hadn’t shipped the gun you would have been SOOLuck.

Likewise if it was paid as goods and services, or whatever the fee-based one is called.

Does the seller have positive feedback?
A lot of sellers are not set up with the auto check out. I've never used it.
If the seller has plenty of positive feedback you should be good to go!
Good luck
Ed

OBDGB

Only
Buy (From)
Dealers on
Gunbroker

there are as many fraud ph-uks on GB as Craigslist or armslist. that sucks too because there are becoming fewer and fewer honest personal sellers in the world. I buy on GB but only from dealers. don't trust anyone. the better the deal and the longer the wait for communication only raises more flags.

MHO. strike

I'm not a dealer and have bought and sold loads on GB. Without an issue. I also have 250+- 100% feedback.
I've returned one gun and had 2 returned to me.
If a seller has 100% perfect feedback, what difference does it make if the seller is or isnt a dealer?
I'll talk to any buyer via email or they are welcome to call me.

What protection??? Gunbroker wont do anything ! ask me how I know .