Future FFLs: Do your research before getting started.

[RhinoDefense]

Call it a public service announcement, if you will. Those that want to become dealers or manufacturers in this industry, do your research ahead of time. If you don't know half of what's involved it's going to be a rough several months, if you even last that long. Guys that don't know the tiered system of manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer.

Take any business in any industry and it's 80% business skills, 20% about the product or service. Don't get an FFL, join a FFL forum, then get awestruck at the amount of regulations you failed to meet and are operating illegally under because you didn't do your research.

Just because you like guns and money, doesn't mean you should become a gun dealer. Don't put the cart before the horse. I know of at least 2 dozen 07 FFLs that had to close up shop because they didn't know about ITAR and how it applies to them. Good riddance. Thou shalt not bring it weak. Business does not suffer fools.

 

[OARNGESI]

What is itar and i have no interest in becoming a ffl

 

[o Unforgiven o]

ITAR is the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...JGAfbEWdxRGavtAtQ&sig2=LImpCY7ZufjsFzxAnissvg

I have sold quite a few Surefire models on another forum that were subject to ITAR, mostly weaponlights, and because I am not a licensed exporter could only offer shipping to a US address.

 

[leadcounsel]

Part of the anti-gun big picture plan is to make it soooo hard to sell and buy guns that it drives FFLs out of business.

And it works.

Being an FFL would rank up there with jobs I would never ever want to have. The profit margins are thin and the risks are very high, and you are an open book to the ATF.

NO THANKS>

 

[XD 45acp]

I gave up my FFL back in the mid 90's. They hassled the heck out of me over, qty sold in a month ( I sold 1-2 Mth ), i's not dotted, t's not crossed, and even sold a gun to a lady who was born in July and made that funny "f" looking 7, and had to get her to return to re-do the form. I quit, it was no where near worth it.

 

[Bubba613]

What is itar and i have no interest in becoming a ffl

ITAR requires registering with the State Dept and paying about 2300 a year. We closed our ammo business because paying it would make the gov't the only paid partner in the enterprise.

It is a tough career. Liking guns is the smallest part of the requirement. If you can't deal with dunderheads then you really shouldn't do it. And if you aren't detail-oriented enough to follow the regs then you wont be in it for very long.

 

[Grey_Mana]

This advice is good, and applies to lots of careers.

• There is only one state in the US that will allow you to practice law without graduating from an accredited law school.

• Become an OB/GYN and half your take will go to insurance premiums.

• Let your 10 year old open a lemonade stand without the proper forms and you'll have to go downtown to bail her out.

 

[GoWolfpack]

The gun business is for people who love business and have a passing interest in guns, not the other way around. Holding an FFL and running a business is much harder than a lot of people think it is.