Member on here who started a gun shop?

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earlthegoat2

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There was a member here who ended up starting up a gun shop and maybe a range who asked a lot of questions to the members here about what we all look for in a gun shop. This was probably 4-5 years ago.

I believe it was in Daytona, FL. I searched the area on Google and nothing was ringing a bell except maybe Volusia.

I’m headed down 95 in a few days and would like to pay a visit if I can.
 
In starting a successful business, it is almost vital to see into what most potential buyers would be willing to purchase from you , and especially what no one else offers.
Like if you're selling discounted 1911s, but there's a gun shop one county away that sells discounted 1911s, and 1911s are a thing that everyone wants, the gun shop a county away is going to get the business. But if you do open up, and since you're closer than the other gun shop, people are more likely to make the drive to your shop rather than the one that's a county away.
If two gun shops have the same exact thing, start selling something new. Like, reloading components. Boom, all the reloaders in your community will now pay you a visit. Or black powder shooters. Start selling percussion caps, and balls and black powder. Now all the black powder shooters will buy from you.
So getting as much insight as possible to be at an edge over other dealers in your area is almost essential. Also become an FFL dealer, so you'd be a subject of business for people buying guns online.
 
In starting a successful business, it is almost vital to see into what most potential buyers would be willing to purchase from you , and especially what no one else offers.
Like if you're selling discounted 1911s, but there's a gun shop one county away that sells discounted 1911s, and 1911s are a thing that everyone wants, the gun shop a county away is going to get the business. But if you do open up, and since you're closer than the other gun shop, people are more likely to make the drive to your shop rather than the one that's a county away.
If two gun shops have the same exact thing, start selling something new. Like, reloading components. Boom, all the reloaders in your community will now pay you a visit. Or black powder shooters. Start selling percussion caps, and balls and black powder. Now all the black powder shooters will buy from you.
So getting as much insight as possible to be at an edge over other dealers in your area is almost essential. Also become an FFL dealer, so you'd be a subject of business for people buying guns online.

As a business owner I fully agree.
Also be methodical about paper work and collecting data.

Since guns aren’t a high margin item and the online competition is brutal, to do well you’ll need to figure out what people will buy in volume and with enough margin to cover rent, electric, taxes, insurance, health insurance, employee wages, workman’s comp, advertising, etc etc etc.

Also if you’re running a retail store don’t forget to factor in some “shrinkage” aka theft. People will lift small items. And don’t forget the cost of Security system, any interest on loans, etc.

I’d also suggest writing a detailed business plan, making a financial model in Excel and working with your local SBDC, economic development office and SCORE. Also see if your local community college or university has a business department that woeks with small businesses and startups.

Oh and check for local business incubators.

I know this is a lot but running a business isn’t just the fun stuff. It’s mostly the details and hard work.
 
Hmmm,

I am also a business owner

I'm not opening a shop and do not plan to. I just want to stop at the one I am referring to and have a look around and probably buy a few items to support one of our members here.

I do remember this member checking back in after about a year and if I remember correctly, things were going good.

Again, not looking for business advice but rather if anyone remembers the name of the shop this member runs.
 
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