Greece, NY Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Chapter 163A defines a secondhand dealer broadly to cover anyone buying used gems, jewelry, coins, tools, electronics, firearms accessories, antiques and similar goods, including anyone who advertises buying such items in the Town. Section 163A-3 makes it unlawful to operate as a secondhand dealer without first obtaining a license from the Town Clerk. Under § 163A-4, the Chief of Police and Code Enforcement Officer must investigate the applicant, the business premises and employees who handle intake, including a criminal history check through the state Department of Criminal Justice Services; a felony conviction within five years or listed misdemeanor/felony convictions (menacing, criminal trespass, larceny, forgery and dozens more) are automatic grounds for denial.

That investigation must be completed within 30 days of a complete application under § 163A-4E. Once the Chief of Police and Code Enforcement Officer recommend approval, § 163A-7 requires the Town Clerk to issue the license only after the applicant posts a $10,000 bond. Licenses run for one year under § 163A-11 and must be displayed on-site under § 163A-12, with the license number required in all advertising. Section 163A-10 requires a detailed transaction record for every purchase, including the seller's photo ID, and § 163A-10H requires daily electronic uploads of all transactions to the Police Department's reporting system.

Section 163A-13 bars a dealer from selling or disposing of a purchased item for seven calendar days after acquisition, subject to a narrow economic-loss defense, and bars purchases from anyone under 17. m.