Highlights
- You must be 18+ years old to sell guns on Florida Gun Trader.
- What you’ll need:
- Gun details (make, model, caliber, etc.)
- Your credit card (it costs $3.00 to verify your identity)
- Camera and computer
- Understanding of the value of your gun
- Cash for Arms is a great alternative if you don’t want to deal with the headache of listing on a classifieds site.
Steps in Selling Your Gun on Florida Gun Trader
Create Your Florida Gun Trader Listing
Create an Account
If you don't have a Florida Gun Trader account yet, head to floridaguntrader.com and click "Register" to create one. If you're an existing user, simply log in with your credentials.
As a new seller, you'll be asked to pay a one-time $3.00 identity verification fee. This helps maintain the site's integrity and security. Provide your credit card info to complete this step.
Create a New Classified Listing
- Select a gun category. Choose the most relevant category and attributes for your firearm. Be as specific as possible to ensure your listing reaches the right buyers.
- Craft the title and description. Include key information like the gun's make, model, caliber, and condition. Be upfront about any wear or issues. The more accurate your listing, the smoother the selling process will be.
- Add photos. Upload several high-quality photos of your gun. Use bright, clear images that showcase all angles and details. Avoid blurry or low-light pictures. Good photos are essential for attracting serious buyers.
- Set the price. Based on your gun's details and market research, set a competitive asking price. Check comparable listings to ensure you're in the right ballpark.
Promote Your Listing
After completing your draft, publish the ad and make sure it's appearing in relevant search results. Use strategic keywords in your title and description to improve visibility.
For even more exposure, consider paying for a featured listing spot. These appear at the top of search pages and can help you sell faster. Weigh the added cost against your selling goals.
2. Screening Potential Buyers
Communicate With Interested Buyers
Once your listing is live, you'll likely start receiving inquiries from potential buyers. Be responsive and patient in answering their questions. Provide any additional information or photos they request.
The more responsive and transparent you are, the more trustworthy you'll appear.
At the same time, use these interactions to vet buyers. Ask about their gun knowledge, experience, and intentions with the firearm.
Make sure they're legally eligible to purchase in Florida. If anything seems suspicious or "off," trust your instincts and proceed with caution.
Your safety is paramount.
Arrange an In-person Meeting for the Buyer to Inspect the Gun
Always choose a safe, public location like a police station or gun shop. Avoid secluded areas or the buyer's home.
If possible, bring a friend or family member with you to the meeting. There's safety in numbers. Let someone else know where you're going and when you expect to be back, just in case.
At the meeting, present the gun unloaded and safety-checked. Maintain control of the firearm at all times. Allow the buyer to inspect it but watch for any unsafe handling.
Avoid Any Unusual Payment Requests or Suspicious Behavior
Be on high alert for any red flags from buyers. If they refuse to meet face-to-face, consider it a major warning sign.
A legitimate buyer should have no problem inspecting the gun in person.
Also, be cautious of pushiness, haggling, or pressure tactics. A serious buyer will negotiate fairly and respectfully. Don't allow yourself to get lowballed or scammed out of your asking price.
3. Completing the Sale
Agree on the Final Sale Price With the Buyer
After the buyer has inspected the firearm and expressed their satisfaction, it's time to settle on a final price. Negotiate fairly and honestly. Stick to your asking price, but be open to reasonable offers.
Be cautious of buyers who try to dramatically lowball you or pressure you into accepting a price you're not comfortable with.
Some may try to take advantage, especially if they sense you're in a rush to sell.
Remember, you control the transaction. Don't let yourself get pushed around.
Use Bill of Sale to Document the Transaction
Once you've agreed on a price, draft a bill of sale. This is a simple document that records the key details of the transaction. Be sure to include:
- The make, model and serial number of the gun
- The agreed upon sale price
- The date of the sale
- The full legal names and contact information of both the buyer and seller
Both parties should thoroughly review the bill of sale, then sign and date it. Make two copies for each. This creates a paper trail and helps protect both parties if any issues arise.
Transfer the Firearm
While Florida law doesn't require private party gun sales to go through a federally licensed dealer (FFL), it's still smart to take this extra step. It ensures a background check is conducted on the buyer and that the sale is properly documented.
- Meet the buyer at a local FFL. The buyer will fill out ATF Form 4473.
- The FFL will then run the standard FBI NICS background check.
- Wait for the FFL to confirm the buyer has passed before proceeding.
FBI NICS will only take minutes to process the background check.
If the buyer doesn't pass, cancel the sale immediately. Don’t transfer the gun under any circumstances, as this would be illegal.
Receive Payment
If the background check is successful, you can go ahead and accept payment from the buyer. The safest options are cash or a direct wire transfer.
Avoid accepting personal checks as they can bounce. Never agree to take partial payment or installments.
The full payment should be made before you transfer the gun to the buyer, especially if you're going through an FFL. Don't hand over the firearm until you have cash in hand and have signed off on all the paperwork.
Getting paid upfront protects you from potential scams.
Once payment is complete, you can transfer possession of the gun to the buyer.
If you're at an FFL, they will record the transaction in their bound book, and you'll be all set.
Additional Reminders
- No inappropriate language, hate speech, or illegal activities allowed in listings.
- Listings must be sincere; joke or test ones will be removed.
- FloridaGunTrader.com has final discretion on ad violations.
- Users must be 18+ and follow all applicable firearms laws.
- No full-auto weapons, select fire guns, or destructive devices permitted.
- Non-gun items are allowed in a designated section only.
- Users will receive account-related emails; contact info will be kept private.
- No ads for "cheap pistols" or "throwaway weapons."
- Users must periodically review and follow site FAQ/guidelines.
- Admins can terminate accounts at any time for any reason.
Great Alternative to Florida Gun Trader
While Florida Gun Trader offers a platform for firearm transactions, many gun owners are turning to Cash For Arms for a superior selling experience.
Unmatched Security and Fraud Prevention
Unlike online marketplaces where scams and fraudulent activities are common, Cash For Arms provides a secure, controlled environment for your transaction.
Our rigorous verification processes and direct dealings eliminate the risks associated with peer-to-peer sales. Check out our customer reviews to see how we've consistently delivered safe, reliable transactions.
Stand Out in a Crowded Market
On platforms like Florida Gun Trader, your listing can easily get lost among thousands of others. It's challenging to make your firearm stand out, potentially leading to longer wait times and lower offers.
At Cash For Arms, every gun gets individual attention from our expert appraisers, ensuring you get the best possible offer based on your firearm's unique characteristics and current market value.
Expanding Your Reach
While Florida Gun Trader limits your potential buyers to within the state, Cash For Arms operates across multiple states, significantly expanding your pool of potential buyers.
This broader reach often translates to better offers and quicker sales.
Conclusion
Selling a gun on Florida Gun Trader can be a viable option for Florida residents. If you follow this blog, you can create an effective listing, screen potential buyers, and complete a safe, legal sale of gun.
However, selling a gun privately can be daunting and time-consuming, especially for first-time sellers. That's where Cash For Arms offers a simpler, safer alternative.
Our experienced team will come to you, appraise your gun for free, and make you a fair cash offer on the spot, handling all paperwork and payment instantly.
Either way, stay safe and informed. Happy selling!