dogtown tom
Member
Welcome to 2014.Has anybody noticed that most gun shops are struggling and in debt?
Welcome to 2014.Has anybody noticed that most gun shops are struggling and in debt?
I have had a license for 9 years and work out of my house without a store front. I asked the ATF agent who interviewed me about not having a store front and he said that you would be surprised how many FFL holders work out of their home. Now, there are some distributors who will not sell to you without one, but the idea that ATF doesn't allow it is wrong.For many years in the 70’s and 80’s I bought guns from co-workers or acquaintances who had FFL’s as a hobby. BATF queered that with their store front rule.
Good to know.I have had a license for 9 years and work out of my house without a store front. I asked the ATF agent who interviewed me about not having a store front and he said that you would be surprised how many FFL holders work out of their home. Now, there are some distributors who will not sell to you without one, but the idea that ATF doesn't allow it is wrong.
Speaking for myself, the only guns I'm interested in purchasing online are AR uppers and parts (technically not a firearm).Internet killed gun shops.
Good to know I’ll be near Wilmington in a couple of weeksThe most successful gun shop I frequent is Midsouth Guns in Wagram NC. Yes, I'll plug him. He keeps between 4000-5000 guns at al times. Yes you read the numbers right. He carries everything from Taurus to 50K Vintage Doubles and everything in-between. Been there many years and keeps growing if that is possible. He is reasonable on prices and offers great customer service. His secret is to try to keep something for everyone. From the low budget guy just looking for a cheap self defense gun to the high end collector, he has something to offer. He also does trade ins and buys collections, estates and from individuals who walk in. He also offers fair prices for buys and trade ins. He is in the middle of nowhere in a little town of probably less than 1k people but customers ride for hours to shop there and he has customers all over the United States. If you are ever in SE North Carolina, you should drop in and just look around. I'll bet lunch you will be overwhelmed.
There are many gun shops in my part of the world. None of them display their books, tax returns, profit/loss statements, etc. so I have no idea what their financial situations are. The same is true of every private business in the area.most gun shops are struggling and in debt
... There is a dealer that doesn’t display his guns. He has everything listed on his website. You tell him what gun you are interested in and he goes to the back room and brings it out to look at. I told him that is missing sales to customers like myself who don’t have a specific gun in mind and make a impulse purchase. For me there is a lot of enjoyment in the hunt...
Oh good grief.For many years in the 70’s and 80’s I bought guns from co-workers or acquaintances who had FFL’s as a hobby. BATF queered that with their store front rule....
Oh good grief.
Why will this nonsense not die?
ATF has NEVER had a "store front rule"....ever. Not now, not in 1986, not in 1968.
What caused your "co-workers or acquaintances" to lose their FFL's was more likely because they had "FFL's as a hobby"......clearly not permitted by ATF since 1968. Other than the 03FFL, Collector of Curios & Relics, all FFL's are licenses to engage in the business of dealing, manufacturing, importing or exporting AS A BUSINESS, not as a hobby.
"FFL's" didn't exist before implementation of the Gun Control Act of 1968.Thanks for clearing that up. Gentlemen I referred actually predated 68, I started with the phone company in 67. Perhaps that’s was what the reference was.
Most gun shops say buy sell or trade except for the old timers ( a few still out there) nobody knows what FAIR trade meansIf you open a retail store front, that is an open invitation for me to come in, examine your merchandise and ask you (or your employees) questions any time you are open for business. The only limit is your closing time. None of this obligates me to buy anything from you.
When I do come in and ask questions, peer through your scopes and try triggers, that is me accepting your invitation, not me promising to buy anything.
This thread has explained a lot to me; I had no idea that there were business "owners" out there who didn't realize these simple facts of life.
This thread does go quite a ways towards explaining why Cabella's is still in business.
There's only one reason people use the internet, and I'll demystify it for you: money.
Drop your price below the internet and I'll never buy online again. Otherwise, have a seat, you've been beat.