At-a-glance comparison

	WeBuyGuns.com	Consignment
Who buys my firearm?	Licensed buyer (direct sale)	End buyer through the shop
Timeline	Defined steps and a clear payout timeline	Depends on when it sells
Price certainty	Clear offer up front	Final net depends on sale price and fees
Fees	No seller fees	Typically a percentage or listing fee
Control	Accept or decline a documented offer	Shop sets listing, handles inquiries, manages sale
Payment timing	Paid after receipt and inspection	Paid after it sells and terms are met
Best for	Sellers who want certainty and a fast path to payment	Sellers willing to wait for the right buyer

Our process

How selling through We Buy Guns works

Selling a firearm can seem complicated. Our process is designed to reduce uncertainty:

Tell us what you’re selling so our team can evaluate it for market demand and compliance. → Submit your firearm: Submit your firearm details online
We review your submission and issue a documented purchase offer. What you see is what you are paid, there are no additional or hidden fees.: Receive a fair market offer
We provide a prepaid shipping label and clear instructions for packaging and sending your firearm safely and legally. → How shipping works: Ship using provided instructions
Most sellers are paid within 24 hours after inspection and verification. → How payments work: Get paid after inspection
Our team is available to answer questions and help at any point.: Dedicated Support

The alternative

How consignment typically works

With consignment, the shop or dealer sells your firearm on your behalf. The steps often look like this:

You bring the firearm to a shop or consignor, then agree on terms like pricing strategy, duration, and the fee structure that will be deducted from the final sale.: Drop off and set terms
The consignor takes photos, creates a listing, and markets the firearm in-store or online. The exposure can help, but timing depends on demand and buyer interest.: Listing and marketing
Offers and negotiations are handled by the shop. Some consignors will contact you for price changes, others may adjust pricing within the agreed terms.: Negotiation and pricing
Once it sells, the shop completes the transfer to the buyer. Your payout typically comes after the sale is finalized, fees are deducted, and any shop-specific policies are satisfied.: Sale, transfer, and payout
If it doesn’t sell, you may need to pick it up, revise pricing, or move it elsewhere. Some shops also have return windows, storage rules, or minimum listing periods.: If it doesn’t sell

For sellers who prefer a defined timeline and a clear offer, a direct sale can remove a lot of the waiting and uncertainty.

Key differences that matter in practice

With consignment, your payout depends on when the firearm sells, the final sale price, and the fee structure agreed with the shop. With We Buy Guns, you receive a clear offer up front and a defined path to payment once the firearm is received and verified.: Price and payout certainty
Consignment typically involves fees that reduce your net proceeds. Those fees vary by shop and can depend on price tier or time on shelf. We Buy Guns provides a documented offer with no seller fees and no percentage-based consignment commission.: Fees and net proceeds
With consignment, your firearm may sit until the right buyer shows up. Demand, seasonality, and pricing all affect time-to-sale. We Buy Guns is designed as a single guided transaction with clear steps from submission to payment.: Timeline and effort
Consignment requires trusting a third party to store, handle, and market your firearm. Policies vary and communication can range from hands-on to minimal. We Buy Guns keeps the sale structured with documented steps and a support team available throughout the process.: Handling and clarity

When consignment might make sense

Consignment may be appropriate if:

You are comfortable waiting for a buyer
You prefer the shop to handle listing and inquiries
You understand the fee structure and payout terms
You believe your firearm will do better with retail exposure

If you are selling multiple firearms from an inherited estate or a gun collection, a structured process can reduce the back-and-forth.

Why many sellers choose We Buy Guns instead

Sellers often choose We Buy Guns because it offers:

✓ A clear offer without consignment commissions
✓ A defined timeline from shipping to payment
✓ A compliant sale through a licensed dealer
✓ Prepaid shipping and guided instructions

We’re a federally licensed firearms dealer offering secure transactions, free shipping and fast payment.

Frequently asked questions

Is selling my firearm to WeBuyGuns.com legal?

Yes. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer located in the state of Indiana. You, the seller, are covered under our license just as you would be if you walked into our store. There are no laws preventing you from selling your firearm to us. If the process seems daunting, give us a call at (317) 804-8713 and we'll walk you through it.

Is gun consignment legal?

Generally yes, when handled through a licensed dealer following applicable federal and state rules. Policies and eligibility can vary by location.

If you have questions about your state, see our State Legal Guides.

Will consignment get me a higher price?

Sometimes, but it depends on demand, time-to-sale, and the final fees deducted by the shop. Higher gross price does not always translate to a higher net payout.

How long does consignment usually take?

It varies widely. Some items move quickly, others take weeks or months depending on pricing and buyer demand.

When do I get paid with consignment?

Typically after the firearm sells, once shop terms are met and fees are deducted. Payout timing depends on the consignor’s policy.

We Buy Guns vs gun consignment: comparing two ways to sell a firearm

What do we mean by gun consignment?

At-a-glance comparison

How selling through We Buy Guns works

How consignment typically works

Key differences that matter in practice

When consignment might make sense

Why many sellers choose We Buy Guns instead

Frequently asked questions

How We Buy Guns compares to other ways to sell

Private Sale

Auction Companies

GunBroker

Consignement

Gun Shops

Pawn Shops

Start your secure, compliant sale today