How to Sell on GunBroker.com: A Complete Guide

Selling firearms online can be a complex process, especially with strict legal requirements in place. However, GunBroker.com offers a secure and structured platform designed eCommerce firearms sales. As the largest online marketplace for firearms, ammunition, and accessories, it provides sellers with a massive audience, boasting over 4 million registered users and 7 million monthly visitors.

Unlike traditional eCommerce marketplaces, GunBroker.com requires all transactions to comply with federal and state laws, including mandatory Federal Firearms License (FFL) transfers and background checks. If you’re new to selling firearms online, understanding how to navigate GunBroker.com can help you streamline the process, ensure compliance, and maximize your sales potential.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about selling on GunBroker.com—from setting up a seller account to handling FFL transfers and listing firearms effectively.

What is GunBroker.com?

Established in 1999, GunBroker.com is an auction-based and fixed-price online marketplace specifically for firearms and firearm-related accessories. Unlike marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon, which prohibit firearm sales, GunBroker.com is built exclusively for legal gun transactions. The marketplace ensures that all firearm sales comply with federal and state regulations by requiring transactions to be completed through licensed dealers (FFLs). This makes it one of the safest and most trusted online marketplaces for buying and selling firearms legally.

Sellers on GunBroker.com can list a wide range of products, including new and used firearms, ammunition, gun parts, scopes, and hunting accessories. However, certain items, such as unregistered suppressors and high-capacity magazines (where restricted), are strictly prohibited.

The Benefits of Selling on GunBroker.com

GunBroker.com is a user-friendly and secure platform designed specifically for firearm sales, making it easy for both new and experienced sellers when it comes to creating your product listing. The step-by-step listing process walks users through every detail, ensuring accuracy and compliance with FFL transfer regulations. With millions of active buyers, sellers gain access to a highly targeted audience, increasing the chances of quick and successful transactions. The platform also offers various selling formats, including auctions and fixed-price listings, allowing sellers to choose the best option for their business.

Beyond its intuitive listing process, GunBroker.com provides responsive customer support, helping sellers with listings, payments, and policy guidance whenever needed. The secure transaction system ensures that all sales follow federal and state laws, protecting both buyers and sellers. By consistently delivering a smooth and reliable customer experience, GunBroker.com allows sellers to build credibility, attract repeat buyers, and maximize sales in a legally compliant marketplace.

Legal Requirements for Selling Firearms Online

Federal Firearm Laws

The sale of firearms in the U.S. is regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Federal law mandates that all firearm sales, whether online or in-person, must be processed through an FFL dealer. This ensures that buyers undergo a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) before taking possession of a firearm.

Additionally, federal law prohibits shipping firearms directly to buyers. Instead, the firearm must be sent to a licensed FFL dealer, where the buyer will complete the necessary paperwork and background check before taking ownership.

State-Specific Firearm Regulations

Each state has its own firearm laws, which sellers must comply with in addition to federal regulations. Some states, such as California, New York, and Illinois, have stricter requirements, including:

• Mandatory waiting periods before firearm pickup.
• Restrictions on certain firearm models and magazine capacities.
• Additional licensing and paperwork requirements for buyers.

GunBroker.com provides tools to help sellers determine which states they can legally ship to, but sellers are ultimately responsible for verifying compliance before completing a sale.

FFL Transfers and Background Checks

Because firearms cannot be shipped directly to buyers, sellers must use an FFL dealer for every sale. The process is as follows:

• The buyer selects a licensed FFL dealer in their state to handle the transfer.
• The seller verifies the FFL dealer’s license before shipping.
• The firearm is shipped to the FFL dealer, not the buyer’s home.
• The buyer completes the required background check before taking possession of the firearm.

If a buyer fails the background check, the sale is canceled, and the firearm is returned to the seller.

How to Sell on GunBroker.com: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Setting Up Your Seller Account

To begin selling on GunBroker.com, you must first create an account and register as a seller. This process includes identity verification and payment setup. Businesses and verified sellers may have access to additional features that enhance credibility and sales.

2. Listing Your Firearm

Pickett’s Mill Armory GunBroker.com Product listing

Creating a strong product listing is essential to attracting buyers. Be sure to include clear, high-resolution images of the firearm from multiple angles. Your listing should also have a detailed description that includes:

• Manufacturer and model details.
• Caliber and firearm condition (new, used, etc.).
• Included accessories, such as cases, magazines, or scopes.

Pricing competitively is also important. Research similar listings to determine a fair market price, and consider using the auction format if you’re looking to maximize your profit.

3. Completing the Sale and Shipping

Once your item is sold, GunBroker.com does not process all payments directly—payment is completed based on the method you selected, such as GunBroker Pay, credit card, money order, or bank transfer. Always ensure the payment clears before proceeding with shipping.

Before shipping, confirm the buyer’s selected FFL dealer by requesting a signed copy of their license and verifying it through the ATF’s FFL eZ Check system. Never ship a firearm without confirming the FFL’s legitimacy.

Firearms must be securely packaged and shipped through an approved carrier. Handguns must be shipped via UPS or FedEx Overnight services, while USPS allows the shipment of rifles and shotguns but prohibits handguns. Some states impose additional shipping restrictions, so verify compliance before finalizing the sale.

Provide the buyer and FFL dealer with tracking information and retain transaction records for legal and tax purposes. If the buyer fails their background check, the firearm must be returned to you, and next steps depend on your sale terms—options include issuing a refund, charging a restocking fee, or relisting the item.

GunBroker.com Selling Fees and Costs

Selling on GunBroker.com is not free, and sellers should be aware of associated fees, which include:

• Final value fees ranging from 6-15% of the sale price.
• Optional listing upgrades for increased visibility.
• Payment processing fees based on the chosen method.

Sellers should account for these costs when setting prices to ensure they maintain profitability.

Best Practices for Selling Successfully on GunBroker.com

Use High-Quality Photos and Detailed Descriptions

Nspec Innovations High-quality image

The way you present your firearm can make or break a sale. Buyers want to see clear, high-resolution images from multiple angles to assess the condition of the firearm. Include close-ups of important details, such as serial numbers, markings, and any wear or modifications. A well-written product description should provide all essential details—manufacturer, model, caliber, condition, and any included accessories. Transparency in your listing builds trust and reduces buyer hesitation.

Set Competitive Pricing

Pricing too high can drive buyers away, while pricing too low may mean missing out on potential profit. Research similar listings on GunBroker.com to determine a fair market price. If you’re uncertain, consider using the auction format, which allows buyers to bid and often results in a higher final sale price than a fixed-price listing. Also, clearly outline shipping costs and payment options upfront to avoid confusion.

Respond to Buyers Quickly

Prompt communication can make a significant difference in securing a sale. Buyers often have questions about shipping, payment, or firearm details, and responding quickly shows professionalism and reliability. Many sales are lost simply because a seller fails to answer inquiries in a timely manner. Building trust through clear and responsive communication can help you attract repeat buyers.

Encouraging Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are essential for building trust and credibility on GunBroker.com. Our client, NSPEC, highlighted how positive feedback helps sellers establish a strong reputation and attract more buyers.After a sale, prompting customers to leave a review through a follow-up message or a note in the package can make a big difference. The more positive reviews you collect, the easier it becomes to build buyer confidence and drive more sales.

Ensure Legal Compliance

GunBroker.com requires all firearm sales to follow federal and state laws, meaning all transactions must go through a licensed FFL dealer. Before completing a sale, verify that the firearm is legal in the buyer’s state and confirm the FFL transfer process. GunBroker.com provides tools to help sellers check regulations, but ultimately, compliance is the seller’s responsibility. Failing to follow legal guidelines can result in account suspension or legal consequences. In some cases GunBroker will reach out to you if they feel one of your lsitings may get you introuble.

By following these best practices, you can increase sales, build credibility, and establish yourself as a trusted seller in the eCommerce firearms industry.

Final Thoughts

Selling firearms online requires careful adherence to legal regulations, but GunBroker.com makes the process structured and secure. By following federal and state laws, working with FFL dealers, and creating high-quality listings, sellers can tap into a large market of interested buyers.

If you’re ready to start selling, visit GunBroker.com today and list your first item.