Thinking about a career change

[shortgrass]

Thanks to everyone on their input, truly insightful. Respectfully my question was about the paperwork and hassle involved in legally selling and transferring firearms and dealing with product shortage. I am already a successful business owner, just thinking about changing businesses

Sorry, Didn't get that from your opening post. Dealers FFL, approx. 2 months after the interview with a ATFE investigator. Provided all is correct with him (zoning, secure gun storage, etc.). Keeping records, easy if you're the type that can follow instructions to the letter. Dealing with product shortages,,,,, well, your on your own there. The volume you purchase from your suppliers will have some bearing on what and how much you can get (top of the list or.......) Some wholesalers don't act that way, others do. Plan on spending lots of time on their web sites, "the early bird catches the worm". The rub, they may have one or two items you want. Pay hazmat & shipping, regardless. Mark it up for the profit. Listen to customers complain about the price and have them tell you they can get it cheaper from Powder Valley. Not much mark-up on bullets unless you purchase volume from the makers (Sierra, Hornaday, etc.). Then, it's minimal. Look at what's available today. Reloading equipment? At one time Forester offered to sell to the small shops for what anyone can buy from MidWay. Same story from Redding & Hornaday. All three like that, unless you can start moving the volume MidWay does. Much is not available that you could sell if you had it on your shelf. If you don't have it, you can't sell it. Just do a Google search of the number of FFLs in your state. I think you will be surprised! Just being in the 'retail' end of the business, it'd be hard to pay the insurance and keep the lights on unless you can move everything in volume. Even the shop I spoke of in my previus post has diversified into premium tack and horse care/feed products (his wifes' hobby, I think). He's always had a section in his shop with quality archery equipment/bow shop. I'm not sure how many he employs, although I do know he had to hire a 'manager' for the sales counter/area so he could manage/handle internet sales and keep merchandise coming into the store. That's why there are fewer and fewer 'little' gunshops, these days.

 

[NateHaler]

There has been a turning point in my life that could allow me to do what I
Want to when I grow up. Open a gun shop.

If you'll need the store to be profitable, then I say don't do it. If you live in CA or NY or other problematic states, then I say absolutely DON'T DO IT.

On the other hand, if you won't rely on the store to make money, and if you live in a gun-friendly state/county/town, and if you understand your marketplace, then it just might be a lot of fun for you. However, owning the store is probably a LOT more work and less fun than just browsing in one.

I think the advice to get a job in a gun shop first (to see how you like it) is really good.

 

[birddog1]

Thanks to all