Rookie Question - VC

[Dylan Rhodes]

I apologize since this is probably common knowledge to everyone on this forum, but I need to flex my lack of experience a bit here. I’m headed to the Vintage gunners this year since it’s not far away.

When going to a shoot where people are buying/selling vintage guns, how does it work? Should I be bringing a nice stack of cash, or does it get “bought” then paid for later? Or do you say you’re going to buy it then go get the cash? The FFL transfers and stuff seems straight forward enough, I just want to come properly prepare in case I see something that suits my fancy. Apologies for the inexperience.


Thanks,

[Paul Ehlers]

The old sayings apply on these type of transactions.

"Cash is King" or put another way "Cash talks-Bull S**t Walks"

[todd allen]

I have fallen into quite a few good gun deals over the years, and the secret is what I learned in sales.
ABC. Always Be Closing. Nothing closes for a buyer like cash.
I have seen many really good deals unwind because the buyer had to go get the cash, and then a better deal for the seller comes along.
That said, I have overpaid a time or two.
;-)

[CraigThompson]

I was of the opinion that it was all cash , but over the last three years I’ve written and taken a fair number of checks with no hiccups either way . Plastic however is more of a rarity . I think some of the larger dealers will accept plastic but they need be somewhere they have cell/net service .

[Bill Murphy]

Cash. Checks when you have attended about ten years of double gun shows unless the seller knows you. The cash needs to be physically offered at least a second before the gun changes hands. This is all so easy.

[John Davis]

I’ve never had a problem giving or accepting a check, but cash will always work.

[Frank Srebro]

It's generally best to bring enough cash for potential buys. Personal checks can be a hassle. Buyer gets the gun once it's legally transferred and, what(?), the seller gets a piece of paper that may or may not be good or that may take a week to clear once he deposits it after getting back home. Now let's say the seller will accept a personal check while at the VC, he can't use those funds to buy something himself while there.

Really, the financial part isn’t much different than buying a gun from an on-line Dealer. Buyer sends a Cashiers Check or USPS money order and the FFL copy, and the Dealer usually ships the next day. But if the Buyer sends a personal check, the Dealer waits X days for it to clear before sending the gun.

[Bill Davis]

As far as check clearing a bank these days, it’s quite speedy, generally a day in my area. Two days occasionally. But cash, as has been stated is king! Sometimes a combination of cash and a check gets the deal done. See you at the VC next week…….

[Keith Doty]

Cash is always in good taste and welcome with any seller. Besides, as mentioned earlier, I MIGHT want to buy something nice for myself and that guy wants cash! Your check, no matter how good, doesn't work there.

[CraigThompson]

As far as check clearing a bank these days, it’s quite speedy, generally a day in my area. Two days occasionally. But cash, as has been stated is king! Sometimes a combination of cash and a check gets the deal done. See you at the VC next week…….

Yes I have an app on my phone for my bank . If I recieve a check I endorse the check and write deposit only under my name . Then click on the bank app and click deposit , take pictures of both sides click which account I want the funds deposited , type in the amount click two more prompts and it’s done . I get an email in about three minutes that typically says funds will be available in your account the next buisness day .

[edgarspencer]

I know it's in the middle of almost nowhere, but if you have to, jump in the car and find an ATM machine.

[tom tutwiler]

I had the late Steve Barnett tell me he had never had a check given to him at one of these high end events not be good. Bottom line is not everyone can fork over 30K (and up) cash for a gun.

[John Dallas]

A friend of mine who has been attending gun shows for over 50 years, ended up with well over $500,000 in cash in his gun safe. Is having a hard time getting rid of the cash

[randall rosenthal]

I'm as new to this as you are (buying classic shot guns) but ive bought and sold a lot of cars and boats and cash is never turned away (if there is enough)....why would it be? it works both ways...I've gotten great deals and took less than asked when looking at the cash.