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I'm thinking about doing it, again.

Doc
Going back into the gun selling business, that is.

I had an FFL from 1985 to 1994 and operated out of my home doing transfers and some selling at local shows. Never put a lot of effort into it but made enough to justify keeping the license. Then I moved to a city where you could not have a business license at a residence so I gave up the FFL since I couldn't get a city business license.

Well, in the next 2-3 years I am looking at making some changes, like perhaps moving and changing jobs. I am sort of thinking about maybe giving the gun selling business another try, perhaps more seriously this time. I am thinking of actually renting a small storefront as a business location. I would not maintain a large inventory, but mostly advertise my services for transfers and consignment sales. Seems like costs could be kept down quite a bit by not trying to have 200 guns and tons of accessories in stock that must be paid for up front. But can a gun dealer make it by dealing in the manner I have described or do you need that inventory on hand to make sales? Is there enough transfer and consignment business to survive?

I know there are several dealers here and I would appreciate some input on this idea. Anyone operating in this fashion? Anyone deal with an FFL who operates like this? How's it working out?
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Comments

13 comments

Date Votes
  • Colt Super
    SP - I'm not an FFL, but maybe I can contribute.

    Margins on firearms are generally low. Accessories generally have pretty good margins. The reason the stores carry lots of guns is so that when a person walks in, finds and buys the firearm which he wants, they can offer add-ons to the sale which improve their gross profit margins.

    That aside, I think you would probably be successful doing what you have outlined.

    Good luck, and keep us posted - pun intended.

    Doug
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  • sig232
    Good luck with your new business. I do agree that you have to have a certain amount of inventory to cycle in customers, but profit is the name of the game and holsters and other goodies are where the bucks are.

    Put up a website and we will all buy from you![:0]
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  • Cubslover
    As Doug said...ammo, accessories, hunting/reloading supplies, and used guns are where the money is at.

    Best of luck.
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  • pabooger
    Better hurry before your required to do a Mental Health evaluation!!![:p][;)][;)][;)][:D][:D][:D]
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  • Jgreen
    Guy who owned a great local little shop ended up closing. His big problem was that he was too close to Detroit. He wanted to sell the high quality hunting rifles, and top end handguns. No joke, he could have sold the crap stuff ALL DAY LONG (i.e., bryco, hi point).

    I got some Awesome deals from him over the years on some great used stuff. Sig 239, used, NIB, for $400.00. S&W 66, used, NIB, $300.00. Beretta 70, nice shape, $200.00. Used to get GREAT older guns, becuase his shop was in an older area.

    I'd second all of the statements about where the Money is.
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  • Colt Super
    Do it to it !!

    D.
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  • dongizmo
    Do some research on your next home, see if you have the zoning to allow a home business, there is nothing wrong with starting out of your home.
    BTW,
    The township I live in CHANGED the ordinance to allow home based business (FFL's) after the crime bill was passed, the department director told me they did not like the feds telling them what their residents could do! So you might want to check with your local goverment, maybe you can have a license where your at now.
    Don
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  • Doc
    If I do this, and it's a big if and down the road a ways, I would prefer to have a storefront. Operating from home is limiting in many ways.

    I think those who suggest ammo and accessories as big sellers are right. The complaint I have (among many) with the local shops is that they don't carry squat for supplies. The cost of stocking up a few cases of ammo in popular calibers wouldn't be bad, nor would keeping a few other handy items, either.

    I'm just thinking about it at this point and it would require a specific set of circumstances (that I won't bore you with) to actually try it. Just looking for opinions and experiences at this point.
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  • drobs
    There's a shop near my work that charges $42 on anything new or used. They also have a decent selection of all used guns -- nothing new. They'll order new guns but don't stock them. They seem to be doing pretty good.

    http://www.gundr.com/oldindex.asp

    Gotta have gunsmith though or know one that does decent work.
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  • Cubslover
    Special orders are also money makers.

    Get an agreement with Accusport for your special orders. Order a gun from them when a customer wants one, then name your price on top of that.

    When you mention ammo, keep a case or two of 223, 7.62x39, 7.62x54R, or even 9mm in the store. Then when people see how nice it would be to have a couple cases, order from AmmoMan or someone similar.
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  • Da-Tank
    The brothers armry in Arkansas is for sale. Price seemed right if your looking to get serrious. Good luck, we need all the gun stores we can get out there.
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  • Mossbergboogie
    You should of bought that outfit that recently didnt sell.
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  • 41 nut
    You are going to have to sell a lot just to pay the rent and for insurance, and other operating costs. If you are located close to one of the big box stores that sells ammo cheap then you will not have a big ammo business.
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