I inquired about getting my completed 80% AR lowers anodized. I will have them serialized prior to anodizing. The response I received from Richard there is that he can't accept my lowers unless transferred by an FFL. He won't accept them in person from myself. And it has to be transferred to an FFL when finished. He told me it is federal guidelines. Southwest Metal Finishing does have an FFL. So, if this is the case, how do people get their lowers cerakoted? Isn't it a matter of fact to drop off the lowers, pay for the service, and pick it up?

Any other anodizing options in the Valley (preferably East) for Type 3 Class 2 black dyed anodizing?

As with any gunsmith work, if the serial number item is left at the shop, that shop needs to have an FFL.

The other side is, if the shop receives and returns the serial numbered item from the owner, there is no need for another FFL to do the transfer either way.

Exactly what I thought. SW metal finishing has an FFL, but requiring me to have an FFL to bring in my lowers.

That'd be a company policy issue.  They probably don't want to deal with dozens or hundreds of individuals bringing in receivers and the resulting paperwork nightmare.  That shop is very booked up with work.  And logging a 100 receivers out to one manufacturer is much easier than tracking and logging receivers to individuals.

They will likely not get business from me. I don't want to pay transfer fees back and forth.