FFL and selling reloading equipment ?

[cjmac]

so I'm thinking of starting a small business in selling reloading equipment . local and online , no one in my area sells stuff like brass ,any kind of match bullets , dies or press I'm sure theres other things ill think of … most of the wholesale companies want a "" firearms related business license "" . do thay mean a FFL ? or me having a business license selling firearm related equipment ? i may also start doing custom loads , i know i have to have a manufacturing license for that..

 

[22DASHER]

Typically either an FFL or a sales tax ID will get you a wholesale dealership. Some also require a store front w/ pictures and such.

 

[hpshooter]

Be sure to carefully investigate the liability insurance in addition to the manufacturing permit if you are considering reloading for others.

TWH

 

[CJ6]

Contact your local "business development council" and get the straight info on zoning and other regulations you will need for your business (home or storefront).

 

[amlevin]

If you start "custom loading' you'll need an FFL that covers manufacturing (O6 I believe).

Depending on your locale this can bring on all kinds of "zoning" requirements. Where I live you can manufacture ammo in your home if it's not prohibited by zoning requirements. Just don't tell your neighbors

 

[dragman]

Cut your losses and do something else! seriously you might have a lot of new business if no one around sales this stuff but it wont last, and with margins as slim as the computer has made them it's not a business to get into unless your going to throw a LOT of money at it and be a big player. Just my suggestion.

 

[rogn]

A firearms business license would probably be served with a sales tax license or business license having a business title that incorporated the proper wordage such as "Pensacola Reloading Supply". Storefront picture would clinch it. I think though unless this is going to be a hobby that fuels your own reloading vices, Dragman has struck the nail upon the thumb. Margins and competition will be difficult to overcome. Niche market, like off the wall brass and components, obsolete, double rifle, odd proprietary items may be viable, but the road will be all uphill.

 

[Steve3]

Where are you, what state?

 

[DennisH]

How many levels of FFL's are their?

 

[stacy]

NOT SURE DENNIS ON HOW MANY BUT CLASS 1 DEALER IN FIREARMS OTHER THAN DESTRUCTIVE DEVICES CLASS 06 AMMUNITION AND CLASS 3 FULL AUTO AND SILENCERS

 

[andre3k]

You can start out with just a DBA and a sales tax license from your state. That will allow you to gain access to distributors for stuff like powders, bullets, brass, etc. No firearms. Margins are low on reloading components and people that reload are generally pretty frugal. Start figuring out how you plan on financing inventory now.

 

[cjmac]

will the aft treat a 06 FFL like a regular ffl ? i know i clean and clear to get one , just wondering

 

[deepwater]

In Winchester, VA there is a reloading supply business that has been successful for many years. He buys, sells and trades "used" (open boxes) components, including powder (without incident). Also.does custom reloading. Has a bank of Dillon presses. It is a fun place to shop as the used inventory is always changing. He had new and used firearms at one point but gave that part of the business up.

You need something that will bring in new reloaders. With preppers and the cost of ammo, reloading is on the rise. Maybe offer classes and demos, beginner and advanced gear. Books, coffee pot and and a few chairs.

deepwater

 

[Joe Wade]

cjmac

Just a state tax license wont get you what you want. Even though you don't need a FFL for reloading
components, the wholesalers and manufacturere you will be getting your inventory from will not give you the
time of day without a FFL. I know because I invested six months trying to start up a business just as you
describe. Secondly, you will need to place minimum orders of $5,000-$50,000 to each vendor in order to
get the "dealer" pricing to be competitive with the other well established on-line companies that are already
selling reloading components. Third consideration is the market timing, the fast moving products (currently
gun powder and primers) are unattainable when your customers want it the most. I hope you do well with what ever you decide. There are many things to consider when starting a business.

Joe

 

[amlevin]

Cut your losses and do something else! seriously you might have a lot of new business if no one around sales this stuff but it wont last, and with margins as slim as the computer has made them it's not a business to get into unless your going to throw a LOT of money at it and be a big player. Just my suggestion.

Like a smart man once said "If you want to become a millionaire in the firearm, reloading equipment, and component, business ------Start with at least two million!" 8)

 

[lightman]

I would think that this would be a very hard way to make a living. I admit, I really miss the days that you could go into a store and look at the reloading equipment. Those old time stores were really cool!

 

[amlevin]

I would think that this would be a very hard way to make a living. I admit, I really miss the days that you could go into a store and look at the reloading equipment. Those old time stores were really cool!

Those were the days when one could put merchandise in stock, not have to have $250,000 or more tied up in inventory, and then have the factories sell the same product through online "discounters" that makes it virtually impossible to make a profit.

 

[arvind02]

It is good, you are thinking about different business.
I like your idea.
Please update if you succeeded in business.
It will also motivate us.

 

[cjmac]

well at first . I'm sure i won't be making a living . i hope that i will be able to grow into gun sales and other things. gun parts , precision parts, ……...any other ideas will be great

 

[amlevin]

well at first . I'm sure i won't be making a living .

And sadly that condition may well extend far into the future.


Locally we had a club member buy and existing gun shop. Not only has his "traffic" been dismal but he city is planning a new batch of taxes on not only firearm sales but ammo and components as well. With all the License Fees, City, County, and State Taxes, as well as all the regulations, he'd make more on his money if he just put it in a CD and left it there. Even Savings Bonds pay more than the average local Dealer sees on his Financial Statement as a profit.