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Documentation & Storage Guidelines for Private Firearm Sales


Documentation

The seller is required to provide either the SAPS 271 or SAPS 534 form to the buyer, depending on the nature of the sale:

  • For private sales, the SAPS 271 form must be provided.
  • If the firearm is dealer stocked, the SAPS 534 form must be issued.

Private Firearm Sales – Legal Storage Options

There are three legal options for storing a firearm after purchase but before the licence is issued:

Option 1: Storage with the Seller

The sold firearm remains in the possession of the seller until the buyer receives their firearm licence and collects the firearm. We strongly recommend that the buyer and seller sign a written agreement outlining this arrangement.

Option 2: Storage with a Registered Dealer

The firearm is handed over to the seller’s nearest registered firearm dealer, where it will be stored until the buyer’s licence is issued. Alternatively, the buyer may arrange for the firearm to be couriered to their dealer of choice.

Important Notes:

  • All storage and courier costs are the responsibility of the buyer.
  • The buyer must contact the receiving dealer to:
    1. Confirm the correct firearm has been delivered.
    2. Provide their personal and contact details as the new owner.

Option 3: Application for a Holding Permit (Bergingspermit)

The buyer may apply for a temporary holding permit from their local DFO. This option requires:

  • The seller’s consent.
  • Approval of the application by the buyer’s Designated Firearms Officer (DFO).

Important Notes:

If this option is chosen, the buyer must first apply for the firearm licence before collecting the firearm from the seller. Proof of application must be submitted to the seller. Any additional permits or transport documentation should be arranged with the local DFO in advance.

Important Recommendation

We strongly advise private sellers to hand over sold firearms to a registered firearm dealer for secure storage during the licence application period.

Seller Payout

Sellers will be paid once the buyer has received all the necessary documentation required to apply for the licence and a storage option has been finalized. If any accessories were sold with the firearm, payment to the seller will only be made after the buyer confirms receipt of those items.

Please note:

We do not wait for licence approval to process seller payouts.

What Must the Buyer and Seller Do After the Auction?


Buyer Responsibilities:

  • Settle the invoice within the specified timeframe after the auction.
  • Contact the seller once we confirm that the funds have cleared in our bank account (we will provide the seller's contact details).
  • Arrange firearm storage and ensure you have all the necessary documentation to apply for your firearm licence.
  • If the lot includes non-firearm items or consists solely of non-firearm items, discuss courier arrangements directly with the seller.
  • Confirm with the dealer that the firearm has been handed in, along with any advertised extras. Provide your personal details to the dealer.
  • If the seller is storing the firearm, draw up a simple written agreement outlining the storage arrangements, and have both parties sign it.
  • Notify SA Gun Auctions once you have received everything as per your purchase, so that payment can be released to the seller.

Seller Responsibilities:

  • If we have provided you with the buyer’s contact details, it means we have received the payment.
  • If we have provided you with the buyer’s contact details, it means we have received the payment.
  • Send the licence application forms and all relevant documentation to the buyer within 5 days of payment confirmation. This can be done electronically — physical delivery is not required.
  • Hand in the firearm at the designated dealer if it will be stored there.
  • For non-firearm items or lots with additional accessories, arrange for courier delivery to the buyer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Both private individuals and licensed dealers within South Africa are welcome to list items on our auction platform.

Both the buyer and the seller are responsible for commission fees.
  • A 10% seller’s commission is charged on the final sale price.
  • A 5% buyer’s commission is added to the winning bid.

No, VAT is not currently applicable on any auction items.

Yes, mobile applications are available. Please refer to the provided links to download them.

Allowed: New and used firearms, optics, reloading equipment, and bows.
Not allowed: Ammunition, gunpowder, handmade goods, or bulk-imported items.

You may either list your item on the live auction platform or use the “Listing” tab for direct marketing purposes.

No, there are no listing or cancellation fees if your item does not sell.

No, bids cannot be cancelled. All bids are binding. A mandatory confirmation step is built into the bidding process to prevent accidental submissions.

Contact us directly with the item details, and we will provide any available additional information.

No. Direct contact between buyers and sellers is only allowed after payment has been made.

No. Full payment is required for all purchases.

Yes. Viewings can be arranged during the auction period. Contact us to coordinate a viewing at the item's location.

No, lots start closing from Lot 1, with a 2-minute interval between lots. If a bid is placed within the final 2 minutes, the timer resets to allow fair bidding.

You will receive an SMS notification alerting you if you have been outbid.