In my experience, $10 for the use of an FFL is very low! Perhaqps you may find this low fee in a smalltown, but I live in a very large metro area (the Phoenix, AZ metro). Many charge something like $40 or more. I recently bought a Ruger GP100 (6" doubke action stainless), and I looked for a much lower cost FFl and found one that deals in tactical arms, where the sell mainly assualt rifles and machine guns, and even build machine guns. So, they had no rifles nor revolvers for sale. Their fee was $15, and their service went well.
In MN, a $20 transfer is a pretty good price, everywhere I've checked. Many charge more than that. A few FFLs here will do $10 transfers for LE/military.
GunBroker has a "Find an FFL" type feature on their site, maybe other sites do, as well. If you can find a small shop or "kitchen table" FFL, they are likely more interested in doing reasonably priced transfers, and/or building a clientele base.
My two old FFLs (both passed away), and my new FFL all charge $20. I give a $5 tip- keeps me in good graces, and $5 on the cost of a gun is minimal. I have ALWAYS gotten great service from my small FFLs.
Shipped one purchase to a Scheels (regional mall-type sporting goods chain) store. It was $35 (15-20 years ago!), but I thought I'd "spread the wealth," so to speak. I had to wait a week for my overpriced transfer, while their "transfer guy" was on vacation. NEVER AGAIN!
I'm getting crotchety, and would raise hell, if that were to happen today. At the time, I didn't get excited- I just took it as a hint that they're primarily in the sports bra and yoga pants business, and clearly not interested in doing repeat transfers!
Many sellers on the auction sites are starting to charge exorbitant shipping rates. Saving $100 on a gun isn't all that great if you're paying $60 shipping, and a $30 transfer fee!
Many (most?) states are now collecting sales tax on online purchases, so any "private sale" tax savings are gone, for many of us.
Like any auction, pick a max bid, and stick with it. DON'T get sucked into a bidding war at the last minute, willing to "win" at all costs!
That happens regularly, but it doesn't have to happen to you!
Online sites can be a great way to find rare models, and to check out current pricing- just be sure that you are checking the SOLD prices, not just "pie in the sky" asking prices!
I won a fixed-sight NM Single-Six (missing .22WMR cylinder) on GunBroker one time by throwing in a lowball "starting bid." Forgot all about it, until I got the notification that I won!
It's a pretty nice revolver for $225…