First Gun Show
So I'm a newish firearms dealer. Started this past December. I'm thinking about renting a table at next gun show near me. Any advice on what to bring as far as supplies, inventory,quantity of each, etc. Thanks for any advice!
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Hi-cap semi-auto pistols, small pocket size personal protection handguns, AK's, & AR's. With edition II of the nobama gun panic starting to take off again, they will sell like hotcakes as long as you have them priced right. 0 -
As a former gun show seller. Take what no one else has. Be willing to trade. And be CAREFUL that you do all of the right paperwork. 0 -
duckhunter is right about the paperwork. Things sometimes are hectic but make sure all items are checked, signed, etc.
I suggest taking a cleaning rod with various size jags, powder solvent and oil. Have small containers each that don't leak. A bore light will be useful. A gunsmith screwdriver kit is good to have. Take as much cash as you can as bargains sometime come along.0 -
No matter how much a buyer begs or wheedles you, do NOT skip any legalities. He may claim he is local to that state, but just hasn't updated his drivers license since he just moved there or he left it at home, etc. The one time you do take him at his word and try to be a "good ol' boy", guess what, he is a BATFE shill and you're BUSTED. Stick to the straight and narrow. [:)] 0 -
expired ID's don;t cut it 0 -
I live in Florida and the laws here are much more liberal (Sorry for using that word) that in New York. Any individual who is selling their personal collection can set up tables at a gun show with no impact (legally speaking). Those are the folks I visit because they are much more willing to negotiate or trade for something I have. The dealers seem unwilling to negotiate and have set prices. Anyway, that's how I "shop".
You would have to know the client base first, as some gun shows are set up for primarily C&R and older fire arms, and some are more centered around "new" items for the most part. Depending on what type of a show you are considering, you need to bring items for that market.
HAving no clue what laws are in place in NY, I could not begin to guess what is the best items to sell. In my neck of the woods, you would think folks were setting up militias by the amount of high capacity pistols and rifles that come up in local news papers and local web sites. Those type of guns always sell.
Aaron0 -
quote:Originally posted by MOONED
I live in Florida and the laws here are much more liberal (Sorry for using that word) that in New York. Any individual who is selling their personal collection can set up tables at a gun show with no impact (legally speaking). Those are the folks I visit because they are much more willing to negotiate or trade for something I have. The dealers seem unwilling to negotiate and have set prices. Anyway, that's how I "shop".
You would have to know the client base first, as some gun shows are set up for primarily C&R and older fire arms, and some are more centered around "new" items for the most part. Depending on what type of a show you are considering, you need to bring items for that market.
HAving no clue what laws are in place in NY, I could not begin to guess what is the best items to sell. In my neck of the woods, you would think folks were setting up militias by the amount of high capacity pistols and rifles that come up in local news papers and local web sites. Those type of guns always sell.
Aaron
The FEDERAL laws still apply, and the BATFE will not be looking to enforce the liberal Florida state laws, but will enforce the FEDERAL laws. If you are an FFL, you MUST abide by those laws, and individuals selling off a collection story will not cut it.
Best0 -
An observation from one who works the gun check table and sees nearly all of the local shows: The biggest complaint I hear, and observe to be true, is that prices are usually retail +. If I am looking for something, I will have researched actual sold for prices on-line before I begin looking. Selling at full retail may get you exposed to more potential buyers than will walk into your shop that day, but your sales will largely depend upon prices. Do indeed be sure to strictly by the (BATF) book. 0 -
You really need to think about security. There's a good reason so many dealers string a cable through their guns, or cover them with chicken wire. You should never be alone; while you are showing a gun or are distracted by NICS or filling out forms, inventory can quickly disappear.
Neal0 -
quote:Originally posted by rabump199
So I'm a newish firearms dealer. Started this past December. I'm thinking about renting a table at next gun show near me. Any advice on what to bring as far as supplies, inventory,quantity of each, etc. Thanks for any advice!
It is a gun show, take gun stuff. Did lots of shows before 2000 and while I could say some shows were better for some items, I would never leave anything behind. You never know who will walk in looking for something. I also found that just because it sold like ice in summer at that show last time you may never sell one this time.
I would not stock up on anything special for your first show. You need to find what people are looking for and what you want to sell. No one can sell everything. That is why some sell books, ammo, spiff it up accessories, collectible guns, fun to shoot guns, and discount guns they make 10 bucks a sale.
Don't ask others dealers that go to the same show. Every show is the best they have ever gone to.
So take what you know and can sell outside the show. Buy only what you know at the show to make sure you do not get took. Be prepared to do well or sell nothing. Open your table on time and be willing to stay to the end. Take snacks if you can and don't drink too much coffee.0 -
depending on the vicinity of the show to your shop, how many tables, how much help you have etc; i would say bring everything you have. even if you cant fit it all on the table at once, most shows have lot security(at least they do around here). leave the overstock in the truck and if you know you have something outside that someone wants, either you or one of your assistants can go out and get it.
on day two, if you brought enough inventory you can still have a full display.
i work a few shows a year for a friend of mine. one of the shows he does is the better part of two hundred miles from the shop. a few years back, he sold damn near everything he brought with him day one and had to go back to the shop to resupply. 400 miles between 6p and 8a, all that diesel burned and he was fried(hes not a young man). he had plenty of room in the truck and could have saved himself the trouble.
now, he closes the shop for the weekend and brings EVERY gun he has in his book.0
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