Documentation & Storage Guidelines for Private Firearm Sales
Documentation
The seller is required to provide the SAPS 271 form to the buyer, depending on the type of sale:
- Private sales: The SAPS 271 form must be provided by the seller.
- Dealer-stocked firearms: The SAPS 271 form must be issued by the dealer.
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:
- Confirm the correct firearm has been delivered.
- 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, transport documentation, or related arrangements must be made directly with the firearm courier and/or the relevant DFO, depending on the specific transport and regulatory requirements.
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.
Please note: Payment to the seller of firearms is made as soon as the firearm is handed over—either at a dealer or to a courier. Payment is NOT made upon arrival at the buyer. For this reason, it is recommended that firearms be handed in at a dealership and couriered from there.
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.
- Send the completed licence application forms (SAPS 271) along with all relevant documentation to the buyer within 5 days of payment confirmation. This may be done electronically; physical delivery is not required. Ensure that clear copies of your ID and firearm licence (both sides) are included. 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)
- A 10% seller’s commission is charged on the final sale price.
- A 5% buyer’s commission is added to the winning bid.
Allowed
- New and used firearms
- Optics and scopes
- Binoculars
Not Allowed
- Ammunition
- Reloading equipment and components
- Gunpowder or other explosives
- Handmade goods
- Bulk-imported items
- Any item prohibited by applicable law
You have two ways to advertise your item:
- Auction Listing – List your item in one of our scheduled online auctions.
- Firearm Marketplace – Advertise your item for sale at your own asking price on the Firearm Marketplace.
If you require additional information about a listed item, simply contact us and provide the lot number or item details. We will supply any additional information available to us.
For items listed on the Firearm Marketplace, you can use the Questions feature to ask the seller directly for more information.
No. To protect the privacy of both parties, buyers and sellers may only exchange direct contact details once payment has been completed and the transaction has been confirmed.
For items listed on the Firearm Marketplace, buyers can communicate with sellers using the Questions feature without exchanging personal contact details such as cellphone numbers or email addresses.