Buying Guns Online - What should I do differently?

[streetsamurai7]

Good afternoon all, and Merry Christmas!

I don't often have funds to purchase a new firearm, but finally landed a great job, and am treating myself to a new rifle. I found the lower I wanted on PrimaryArms.com, and purchased it. I filled out the info for my local FFL (I chose ZX Guns, due to being in Fort Wayne and thinking it would be a painless experience).

Now, I've done this process once before for a Palmetto State Armory lower, and had a similar experience, but at a different store.

Here's what I'm doing: I purchase the item, fill out the info for the FFL. I then email the FFL to let them know I have something on the way. In both cases, the stores say "We'll call you when it is ready for pickup." In both cases, no call comes.

In this most recent situation, tracking states that it was delivered on Tuesday. I waited to call until today (Thursday) as they say to wait for 24 hours before checking on it. The guy on the other end of the phone at ZX was not able to tell me where my lower is, but did make sure to mention that they sell the same brand of lower I purchased at their store (it's not on their website, nor have I ever seen them in there).

So... what am I doing wrong?

My plan is to wait until next week to call again if I don't hear from them, but I want to know how I can change the process to be more straightforward in case I choose to do this again.

 

[churchmouse]

Well, in my mind I would buy local but that is just me. Paying a few dollars more and having the parts/gun in hand (plus supporting local gun stores) are all a plus. Takes all the hoops and hurdles out of it.

But again, that's just me. And that's how I would do this differently.

And congratulations on the new job.

 

[Ark]

If tracking says it's there, walk in and ask for it.

 

[Itchytriggerfinger]

Find a different ffl.

 

[DadSmith]

I call my lgs and ask always before ordering to make sure it's okay and like above they will tell me if they have one before ordering online which is nice. They give me the okay and then I place my order to be shipped to them.

I haven't bought a firearm online since I built my Aero Precision AR-15 5.56x45 pistol. They usually don't carry Aero Precision so I usually order them in the lowers.

 

[streetsamurai7]

If tracking says it's there, walk in and ask for it.

Yeah, that's my plan if I haven't heard from them by next week, factoring in Christmas closures and whatnot.

 

[Ark]

Yeah, that's my plan if I haven't heard from them by next week, factoring in Christmas closures and whatnot.

A lot of FFLs are simply too busy to keep up with courtesy calls.

 

[Mongo59]

First, make friends with, and purchase items from, the FFL. Then you have already started a relationship when the day comes when you need them.

My LGS gets on the phone and calls the person just as soon as he gets the package open. Some shippers forget to put the client's name on the item, it would be good to ask them to add your phone number to the shipping sheet also.

If the two two FFL's have done transfers before they have the lic #'s on file and the shippers get distracted as to how little info they added to the item.

I just stay with my fav LGS and do business through him, no headaches...

 

[Expat]

My LGS is lucky to have 2 guys working at any point in time. So if most all day they have a couple shoppers in there, logging in a shipment keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the pile of things to do. ZX charges what $20-25 for a transfer. Not saying it is right or fair, but that becomes a low priority.

 

[streetsamurai7]

First, make friends with, and purchase items from, the FFL. Then you have already started a relationship when the day comes when you need them.

My LGS gets on the phone and calls the person just as soon as he gets the package open. Some shippers forget to put the client's name on the item, it would be good to ask them to add your phone number to the shipping sheet also.

If the two two FFL's have done transfers before they have the lic #'s on file and the shippers get distracted as to how little info they added to the item.

I just stay with my fav LGS and do business through him, no headaches...

This is a good idea, and I am definitely going to have a conversation with them when I go in. I don't purchase firearms often enough to be memorable I'm afraid, but I'll ask what their preferences are for the future.

 

[streetsamurai7]

My LGS is lucky to have 2 guys working at any point in time. So if most all day they have a couple shoppers in there, logging in a shipment keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the pile of things to do. ZX charges what $20-25 for a transfer. Not saying it is right or fair, but that becomes a low priority.

This is a great point, and something I'm trying to keep in mind. I'm not really in a hurry, but it would be nice to at least know that they are in possession of the lower receiver. UPS just "lost" some jewelry I had ordered for my wife so I'm a bit sensitive about where my stuff is right now.

 

[churchmouse]

This is a great point, and something I'm trying to keep in mind. I'm not really in a hurry, but it would be nice to at least know that they are in possession of the lower receiver. UPS just "lost" some jewelry I had ordered for my wife so I'm a bit sensitive about where my stuff is right now.

The perils of buying on line.

 

[Born2vette]

This is a good idea, and I am definitely going to have a conversation with them when I go in. I don't purchase firearms often enough to be memorable I'm afraid, but I'll ask what their preferences are for the future.

It does not take firearms purchases to establish a relationship. Buy an accessory, ammo, magazine every now and then even if you can get lower price elsewhere. That way they get to know you. I always touch base with my LGS before buying online as many times once you factor in shipping and transfer fee they are only a few $ apart. And, if unfortunately you need warranty service you have someone local to talk to face-to-face.

 

[BugI02]

Find a different ffl.

THIS ^^^^

The one I use for transfers calls me promptly the day the item arrives

 

[KMaC]

My LGS gets on the phone and calls the person just as soon as he gets the package open. Some shippers forget to put the client's name on the item, it would be good to ask them to add your phone number to the shipping sheet also.

If the two two FFL's have done transfers before they have the lic #'s on file and the shippers get distracted as to how little info they added to the item.

I just stay with my fav LGS and do business through him, no headaches...

This happened to me last March. The FFL knows me by face and name but counter staff kept insisting that they didn't have the shipment.
After a week I finally spoke to the one person that logs in shipments and told her the model of gun I'm expecting and the USPS tracking number. She realized that the shipment they had for a week without contact info was for me. FFL had emailed the vendor asking for buyer's info but they didn't respond.
That's the only time this has happened out of 17 internet purchases. Finding a quality internet vendor is as important as using a quality FFL.

 

[armalitesheepdog]

I would definitely find another FFL. Last time I ordered something I had it in hand same day it was received. And they called me . They charge 35 bucks but there Service is stellar. Like someone said above I also try to throw some local business there way from time to time. Even if its just mags or something they have in stock I need.

 

[WebSnyper]

Good afternoon all, and Merry Christmas!

I don't often have funds to purchase a new firearm, but finally landed a great job, and am treating myself to a new rifle. I found the lower I wanted on PrimaryArms.com, and purchased it. I filled out the info for my local FFL (I chose ZX Guns, due to being in Fort Wayne and thinking it would be a painless experience).

Now, I've done this process once before for a Palmetto State Armory lower, and had a similar experience, but at a different store.

Here's what I'm doing: I purchase the item, fill out the info for the FFL. I then email the FFL to let them know I have something on the way. In both cases, the stores say "We'll call you when it is ready for pickup." In both cases, no call comes.

In this most recent situation, tracking states that it was delivered on Tuesday. I waited to call until today (Thursday) as they say to wait for 24 hours before checking on it. The guy on the other end of the phone at ZX was not able to tell me where my lower is, but did make sure to mention that they sell the same brand of lower I purchased at their store (it's not on their website, nor have I ever seen them in there).

So... what am I doing wrong?

My plan is to wait until next week to call again if I don't hear from them, but I want to know how I can change the process to be more straightforward in case I choose to do this again.

I'd call ZX back. I've not had an issue with my FFLs of choice being able to find a gun I had shipped in. Might try a different FFL if you call back and they still can’t be troubled to take a look. Never done a transfer there but seems like at least the person who answered your call doesn‘t value transfer business very much

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I would definitely find another FFL. Last time I ordered something I had it in hand same day it was received. And they called me . They charge 35 bucks but there Service is stellar. Like someone said above I also try to throw some local business there way from time to time. Even if its just mags or something they have in stock I need.

I've been using USDS and they've been great about transfers.

 

[WebSnyper]

I've been using USDS and they've been great about transfers.

My go to as well, and I live a good ways from them. I do transfers there because they seem to really value transfer business. They post their ffl online so you can just send a link to the online seller if needed.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

My go to as well, and I live a good ways from them. I do transfers there because they seem to really value transfer business. They post their ffl online so you can just send a link to the online seller if needed.

Exactly. They make it easy. When you think about it, it's almost pure profit for them. No stocking cost, and the transfer price is reasonable, especially for about 5 minutes of work.