Top Firearm Marketplaces for Selling Guns Online

GunBroker.com

GunBroker.com, often referred to as the Amazon of the firearms world, dominates the online firearm marketplace. In 2024, it was reported that the platform generated $301 million in sales. With over 7.3 million registered users, GunBroker.com lists more than 1.6 million items daily and, as of July 2024, attracts approximately 12.73 million monthly visitors.

Fees and Costs

Bidding and Buying Fees

• Compliance Fee: A 1% charge on the purchase price.
• Collector’s Elite Auction Items: A 10% buyer’s premium applies.

Selling Fees

• Insertion Fees: Basic listings are free.
• Final Value Fee: Charged only if the item sells, based on the item price.
• Optional Services Fees: Applied at the time of listing, these are non-refundable.

Optional Listing Enhancements

• Boldface Title: $1.00
• Colored Title: $1.00
• Featured Listing: $2.95
• Highlight: $2.00
• Scheduled Listing: $0.10
• Showcase Listing: $4.95
• On-site Sponsored Listing: $4.00
• Off-site Sponsored Listing: $7.00
• Subtitle: $3.50
• View Counter: $0.50
• Reserve Price: 2% of the reserve price, with a minimum of $1.00 and a maximum of $100.00.

Final Value Fee Structure

• Guns & Firearms: 6% on the first $400, 4% from $400 to $15,000, 3% from $15,000 to $20,000, and 2% beyond $20,000.
• Other Categories: 8% up to $15,000, 3% from $15,000 to $20,000, and 2% beyond $20,000.

Listing Durations

• Basic Auction Listings: Valid for up to 90 days.
• Fixed Price Listings: Active until sold or the set end date.
• Expired Listings: Must be manually relisted.

Payment and Refunds

• Monthly Statement: Fees are billed around the 2nd of each month.
• Payment Method: Must be on file; otherwise, new listings are blocked.
• Refunds: Non-refundable for optional services. If an item doesn’t sell, relisting is free if using the same options.
• Incomplete Transactions: Credit requests can be made within 40 days.

Compliance and Regulations

GunBroker.com facilitates legal firearm transactions, requiring compliance with federal, state, and local laws. For the transfer of firearm ownership to be valid, it must involve a holder of a Federal Firearms License. Buyers are advised to make arrangements with an FFL transfer dealer to oversee the transfer process before placing a bid or completing a purchase. Also, certain items may have specific shipping restrictions based on state laws

Ease of Use for FFL Dealers

GunBroker.com is a user-friendly platform offering both auction and fixed-price options for firearms, much like eBay but tailored to this specific firearm market. While the platform is straightforward, listing firearms can be complex due to the need to strictly adhere to regulations and guidelines.

GunBroker.com enforces policies against practices like keyword stuffing or spamming to maintain a clean and trustworthy marketplace.

To streamline the listing process, many sellers turn to firearms automation platforms. This platform offers seamless integration with GunBroker, simplifying the listing creation and order automation processes.

With Flxpoint, sellers can easily automate the creation of both the auction and fixed  listing—a feature not available on other softwares. This capability makes Flxpoint a favored choice for sellers on GunBroker.com  who are looking for efficiency and ease of use.

Payment Processing 

Sellers are required to set up a merchant account with a firearm-friendly payment gateway. Buyer’s complete transactions via Immediate Checkout, and any payment disputes need to be handled directly between the buyer and seller. GunBroker.com supports various payment gateways including Fast Charge, EBizCharge, Authorize.net, PayPal, and others, ensuring smooth transactions.

Seller Support

FFL dealers can join the GunBroker.com FFL Dealer Network, allowing quicker firearm transfer processes. For any issues, dealers can contact GunBroker.com support with their FFL details for assistance.

Also, if an FFL dealer requires help with their eFFL profile, they can reach out to Gunbroker.com customer support and share the first three and last five digits of their FFL number.

For FFL dealers seeking assistance, GunBroker.com provides customer support through multiple channels. Dealers can directly contact support by supplying specific information about their FFL number to receive help with their accounts or any challenges they may face. This includes making changes to their FFL profile or resolving verification issues.

Guns.com

Guns.com stands out as a prominent player in the online firearm marketplace, attracting over 2 million visitors each month. The platform has established a significant presence with a robust social media following of more than 1 million users across various networks. The company generates an impressive revenue stream, primarily through its performance-based fee structure, which aligns its success with that of its dealers.

Key Features of Guns.com

No Upfront Fees

Guns.com allows dealers to join and list their firearms without any initial costs. This model encourages participation from a diverse range of dealers, making it accessible for both small and large businesses.

Performance-Based Fees

The platform operates on a commission basis, meaning Guns.com only collects fees when a firearm is sold. This eliminates the burden of listing fees, allowing dealers to focus on sales rather than upfront expenses.

Comprehensive Transaction Management

Guns.com handles the entire transaction process for dealers. This includes payment processing, securing the necessary Federal Firearms License (FFL) documentation, and generating shipping labels. By managing these logistics, Guns.com saves dealers considerable time and effort.

Dealer Requirements

To list and sell firearms on Guns.com, dealers must meet specific criteria:

• Brick-and-mortar Storefront: Dealers must have a physical retail location.
• Firearm Transfers: Dealers must be willing to perform firearms transfers.
• Inventory Maintenance: Dealers are required to keep their inventory updated on the Guns.com platform.

Compliance and Regulations

Guns.com prioritizes legal compliance by only allowing licensed dealers to sell firearms. The platform ensures that all sales adhere to legal standards, including:

• Age Verification: Purchasers must be verified as of legal age to buy firearms.
• Record Keeping: Dealers must maintain a bound book to document all firearms acquired or transferred, in compliance with ATF regulations.

Shipping and Transfers

Guns.com simplifies the shipping and transfer process by managing all necessary paperwork. The platform contacts local FFLs to obtain and verify licenses, relieving dealers of administrative burdens associated with firearm sales.

User Experience

Guns.com emphasizes ease of use with a streamlined inventory management system. The platform offers a straightforward process for listing firearms and integrates with various Point of Sale (POS) systems through API connections.

Payment Processing

Guns.com accepts major credit cards, including Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Additionally, the platform provides financing options through Credova, allowing customers to apply for financing directly on the site.

Dealer Support

Guns.com caters to dealers of all sizes, from small local shops to larger operations. The platform aims to support the Second Amendment and strengthen gun shops across the country, providing a broad selection of firearms for customers.

GunsAmerica

In July 2024, GunsAmerica reported a revenue of $2.7m, reflecting a solid performance in the competitive sporting and outdoors industry. The firearm marketplace platform operates using a combination of classified advertisements and auction formats. Users can explore a diverse range of product categories, including:

• Rifles
• Pistols
• Shotguns
• Tactical Gear

Each category features thousands of listings, providing ample options for buyers and sellers. The platform allows sellers, particularly Federal Firearm License (FFL) dealers, to create merchant accounts and list their products efficiently.

Fees and Costs

GunsAmerica offers three main types of seller accounts:

1. Basic Seller Account (Free)
   • Unlimited free postings.
   • Local sales within a 50-mile radius are free.
   • After-sale fee of 4%, with a minimum of $20 per gun sale.
   • Non-gun after-sale fee of 4%, with a $2 minimum.
   • Allows up to 5 local-only ads.
2. Trusted Seller Account ($49.95/month)
   • Reduced fees, saving 50% on all transactions.
   • After-sale fee of 2%, with a minimum of $10 per gun sale.
   • Non-gun sales up to $10,000/month are free.
   • Ability to include a phone number in listings.
   • Access to bulk upload options via Excel, CSV, or REST API.
   • Free advertising for local stores on GunsAmerica Digest articles for one year.
   • Local sales remain free, and the platform provides personal dealer support via phone and email.
3. Platinum Access

• No After-Sale Fees Ever

User Base and Traffic

GunsAmerica has a robust user base, with over 591,227 sessions recorded in July 2024. While it falls short of competitors like GunBroker, which had over 12 million sessions, GunsAmerica still maintains a strong presence with its unique offerings.

Compliance and Regulations

Sellers on GunsAmerica must ensure compliance with all applicable laws regarding firearm sales. Key compliance points include:

• Legality of Sales: Sellers are responsible for verifying the legality of their items and the identity of buyers.
• Shipping and Documentation: It is recommended that sellers use shipping insurance and document items with photos before shipping.
• “In Hand” Requirement: Firearms must be in the seller’s possession or readily accessible.
• Payment Regulations: Payments must be processed through the Live Checkout system, and unauthorized payment systems are prohibited.
• Identity Verification: Sellers wishing to become “Verified” members must undergo a verification process.

Ease of Use

The platform is designed for user-friendly navigation. Users can filter searches based on various criteria, such as location, price, and type of firearm. GunsAmerica also integrates with point-of-sale (POS) systems, allowing FFL dealers to automate the payments efficiently.

GunsAmerica serves as a reliable platform for FFL dealers and buyers in the firearms market. Its combination of a comprehensive marketplace, structured fee system, and user-friendly features positions it as a strong contender among traditional firearm marketplace platforms.

GunAuction.com

GunAuction.com has established itself as a prominent player in the online firearm auction market, showcasing robust revenue in July 2024: $599,222. The significant revenue generated in July reflects the platform’s growing popularity and effective strategies that have attracted more visitors.

Fees and Costs

Listing firearms on GunAuction.com comes with a straightforward fee structure:

• Registration is free for both buyers and sellers.
• Bidder membership options include a free Regular Bidder plan and an optional Unlimited Bidder plan for $1.00.
• Seller membership is free, with no application or sign-up fees.
• Selling fees include no insertion fees for creating a No Reserve listing, while final value fees are charged as a percentage of the sale price for successful auctions.
• Various special services are available for a fee, such as featured auctions, highlighted listings, and boldface listings.
• Auto-Relist is a free service for sellers, with fees for special services charged at half-price during Auto-Relist.
• Relist Credit is issued for final value fees if a bidder fails to complete the auction, provided appropriate feedback is left.

Compliance and Regulations

All participants on GunsAuction.com must comply with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations concerning the sale, transfer, and ownership of firearms. It is the responsibility of users to familiarize themselves with these laws to prevent any legal repercussions.

1. Inspection Policy:
   • A 3-day inspection period is provided for firearms, allowing buyers to return items under certain conditions.
   • Sales marked “As Is” are final and do not qualify for the inspection period.
2. Seller Responsibilities:
   • Sellers are required to accurately describe their items, provide clear images, and disclose all terms of sale.
   • Sellers are responsible for managing returns and issuing refunds according to the specified terms.
3. Legal Matters and Dispute Resolution:
   • All disputes will be governed by the laws of Utah.
   • GunsAuction.com will cooperate with law enforcement in cases involving illegal activities.

Return Policy

In case of buyer dissatisfaction with a purchased firearm, sellers are required to accept returns and issue refunds (excluding shipping and insurance costs). This policy aims to maintain trust and satisfaction among users.

Ease of Use

Usability: Some have reported that the site can be challenging to navigate compared to competitors like GunBroker. Many have expressed frustration with the user interface, indicating that it lacks intuitive design elements and comprehensive FAQs that cover common queries.

Seller Support

GunAuction.com offers various support channels:

• Text support is available during normal weekday business hours at (435) 547-1194.
• Email support is encouraged, with users advised to use the email associated with their account for more effective diagnosis of issues.

Weapon Depot

An online marketplace for firearms and related products, offers a unique platform for licensed firearms dealers or individuals selling from home to expand their reach and connect with a wider customer base. With its user-friendly interface and robust compliance features, WeaponDepot.com stands out as one of the top traditional firearm marketplace platforms.

Fees and Costs

• No upfront listing fees to create a seller account
• 2.5% fee charged on the total transaction amount, including item price and shipping
• Sellers must register with integrated payment gateways like Authorize.net, EPN, or FastCharge to process credit card payments
• Merchant account details are required to begin selling
• Additional fees may apply if the buyer fails a background check and the firearm needs to be shipped back to the seller
• Sellers are responsible for shipping firearms directly to the buyer’s chosen FFL dealer

User Base and Traffic

• Approximately 7.2K visits over the last three months, indicating growing interest
• Estimated revenue of less than $5 millions

Compliance with Firearm Regulations

• Firearms can only be shipped from one FFL to another
• Checkout process requires firearms to be shipped to a pre-selected FFL
• Sellers must adhere to all federal, state, and local laws regarding firearm sales and distribution
• Sellers must maintain accurate records and follow regulations related to firearm transfers

Seller Registration and Verification

• Fill out the Weapon Depot Vendor Application, which is free
• Verify identity through email and SMS verification codes
• Upload a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) certificate
• Weapon Depot verifies FFL certificate using the ATF EZ Check system

Ease of Use

• Create a unique store on the platform with no setup fees
• User-friendly interface allows anyone to start selling quickly
• Complete control over designing store, adding and managing products, and processing sales
• Integrate seamlessly with Flxpoint to streamline your firearm dropship inventory and order fulfillment processes.
• Purchase advertising space on the homepage, category pages, and subcategory pages on a cost-per-click basis
• Use existing merchant account for checkout, allowing payments to be deposited directly into their bank account
• Checkout process secured using an SSL certificate to protect customer data

Seller Support

• Direct communication between buyers and sellers through an instant messaging system
• Quick resolution of any issues related to transactions

WeaponDepot.com provides a comprehensive platform for licensed firearms dealers, focusing on compliance, marketplace integration, customer communication, and secure transactions. Its user-friendly interface and robust support system make it an attractive option for FFL dealers looking to expand their online presence and sales capabilities.

Used Guns

UsedGuns.com differentiates itself by exclusively allowing licensed Federal Firearm Dealers to sell firearms, ensuring compliance with legal standards. Additionally, it emphasizes user responsibility for legal ownership and transfer, fostering a safer marketplace for buying and selling firearms and accessories compared to other platforms.

1. Fees and Costs:

• Listing firearms on Used Guns is free for FFLs.
• The platform charges a commission of 8% on the total sales price (including shipping) after an item has sold.
• Sellers receive invoices at the beginning of each month and must pay the amount due within 15 days.
• Sellers are responsible for reporting, collecting, and remitting any applicable sales tax or fees.

2. Compliance and Regulations:

• Sellers must be familiar with and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws related to firearm sales.
• By listing items, sellers certify they have the legal right to sell, the sale will not involve fraudulent activities, and the sale complies with all legal requirements.
• Sellers are responsible for completing sales, complying with tax obligations, and indemnifying Used Guns against any claims or liabilities arising from their use of the site.

3. Ease of Use:

• Offers a user-friendly interface for FFLs to list firearms and related accessories.
• The platform provides clear guidelines and support to ensure a smooth selling experience for licensed dealers.

4. Dealer Support:

• Used Guns offers customer support via email and other channels outlined on their website.
• The platform provides guidance on resolving disputes with other users and reporting issues or suspected fraudulent activity.

Comparision Table

This table compares key features and metrics of six popular firearm marketplaces in the U.S., including monthly visitors, fees, listing types, integration, payment options, compliance, and customer support.

Conclusion

Each of these top six firearm marketplaces— GunBroker.com, Guns.com, Weapon Depot, GunsAmerica, GunAuction.com, and Used Guns—provides distinct features suited to different needs. From commission-based models to auction formats and free listings, selecting the right platform depends on your selling strategy and regulatory compliance requirements.

To streamline your selling process on GunBroker.com, book a demo with Flxpoint today. Discover how Flxpoint can simplify your listing and order management, helping you maximize your sales potential effortlessly.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this comparison table is based on publicly available data and may not reflect the most recent updates or changes to these platforms. It is essential to verify the accuracy and completeness of this information before making any decisions or relying on it for business purposes.