Best way to sell a few firearms from a private collection in 2020?

[Bobby]

My dad is looking to reduce the size of his collection and I have a few things reloading related I wouldn't mind selling off. What is best way to go about doing this in 2020? Is it better to go to a local dealer and see what they will offer up or is it better to set up a table at a local gun show and sell that way? I sold stuff at a local farmers market for fifteen years so I am familiar with becoming a vendor and setting up tables. What are some things to consider with setting up a table with Central Indiana Gun Shows and selling as a private seller? What are some things to NOT do? Thanks for any input you can offer!

 

[DocIndy]

You could always list them in the classifieds and give fellow INGOers the first opportunity at them. It’s a good way to meet fellow members too.

 

[Lilboog82]

I wouldn’t go the local dealer route, they’ll only give you pennies on the dollar.

could talk to an auction company and go that route?

 

[indykid]

Another vote for listing them here first.

 

[jagee]

2nd on the INGO classifieds.

You have already met the requirements to access them, so there is no overhead cost or additional fee. And, INGOers like guns and stuff so give us a chance to enrich our collections.

 

[johny5]

You could always list them in the classifieds and give fellow INGOers the first opportunity at them. It’s a good way to meet fellow members too.

BIG

 

[bwframe]

It's concerning that the question even is asked?

The INGO classifieds, of course.

 

[Ggreen]

If you don't want to mess with meeting up etc.. I know a couple great shops that have reasonable consignment fees. Right now my consignments are bringing more after the fee than I get offered on private sales.

 

[Ggreen]

I wouldn’t go the local dealer route, they’ll only give you pennies on the dollar.

could talk to an auction company and go that route?

Auction fees are astronomical. I would only go that way if I had to have it sold by xdate. Consignment fees are extremely reasonable

 

[SOUP]

I search the classifieds daily and I'm sure I'm not the only one doing that.

 

[Cameramonkey]

2nd on the INGO classifieds.

IF you feel you MUST use a dealer, find one that does consignment instead of selling it to them. You'll get a FAR better deal for them to put it in their display case for a cut instead of paying you cash on the barrelhead for something that may take them a while to turn.

Most places will only give you 60% of what they can sell it for if you want them to buy it from you. Consignment may be half that cut or less. Ive seen shops that charge as low as 15% for consignment. Ask lots of questions and shop around for your best deal.

 

[Ggreen]

Local shop is 10%

 

[snorko]

Auction fees are astronomical. I would only go that way if I had to have it sold by xdate. Consignment fees are extremely reasonable

They certainly can be. In my area the typical auction fee is 20%, same as most dealers. Earlier this year I made a list of about 15-20 guns I decided I did not need to keep. The more expensive ones I sold on 1 INGO and 2 armslist. I ended up with 10 that were either low enough in price that I did not want to spend time and gas travelling or whose basis was such that I would break even or better at auction. My folks used to be antique dealers and due to that and my spending habits at auctions, I usually get a discount from the typical consignment fee. It makes it worth while. Also, the local auction house I use has proxibid online bidding as well which opens up competition to everyone. I have seen many semi-collectable guns peak in the room at say $500 and continue to $8--=$900 with online bidding.

 

[4651feeder]

In this current climate you might be surprised what a FFL/Pawn Shop is willing to pay for firearm especially handgun. I was pleasantly surprised in Goshen about three weeks ago.

What's the harm in asking?

 

[NHT3]

If you don't have success here Gunbroker.com for the guns. Pretty much everything is bringing more that it was worth six months ago.

 

[Ggreen]

In this current climate you might be surprised what a FFL/Pawn Shop is willing to pay for firearm especially handgun. I was pleasantly surprised in Goshen about three weeks ago.

What's the harm in asking?

I've been given nearly retail to trade certain types of guns during the Corona buying spree. I had a bunch of budget tactical style guns, they all did very well even on trade in.

 

[DRob]

Auctions are entirely dependent upon online bidding or the right 2-3 guys being there. If the right buyers aren't there, you might as well give the guns away.

 

[drillsgt]

It's concerning that the question even is asked?

The INGO classifieds, of course.

Well, it depends on the guns, certain things do better here than others!

 

[Ggreen]

Auctions are entirely dependent upon online bidding or the right 2-3 guys being there. If the right buyers aren't there, you might as well give the guns away.

At auction, if you don't get value +20% you're generally losing money

 

[223 Gunner]

If you don't have success here Gunbroker.com for the guns. Pretty much everything is bringing more that it was worth six months ago.

This exactly, make sure you are in a financial position to not be in a hurry to sell them and you will get top dollar out of them.