Ok, big question.

How do you decide where to buy your weapons/accessories?

My brother and I are about to start the process of opening a gun shop. We are doing a lot of research on our competition and how they deal and for the most part, has left a very bad taste in our mouth.

When your deciding on a new firearm or parts for, what is your deciding factor?

Mine, usually knowledge, customer service and then cost. I rarely buy online and have shipped to a FFL, but that is me.

We are not going to be a "stock every kind of gun" kind of shop, but much more specific (and restricted due to location, Commifornia). We have a couple of friends that work in LE near us, and we are pursuing LE sales as well.

But, would you mind a brief "how i buy" story?

My experiences lately, VERY SHITTY customer service, and that is just unacceptable in todays retail world.

 

I buy from a store that tries to make the process as simple on me as possible. In CA, it is a paperwork nightmare, so I would recommend you have a dedicated person that ONLY does that, and that does it FOR the client so they are free to browse. Then they can verify everything and sign, and they will take the word to other future clients. Good luck bro.

 

Price, Location, Service/Reputation. Online presence, and accountability are huge... I know of shops that are active on forums, etc and have a great following where people will drive 100+ miles to just go to that shop based on others reviews, and familiarity with the shop. But service is also the hardest to manage in that industry and the customers are all over the place, and can be tough to deal with. Also ease of paperwork, transfers, etc. I know PPT, and FFL transfers dont really bring in the $$ but it can start a foundation for a good customer base - and I've heard alot of people say they will never go back to a shop just because there PPT/FFL Transfer fee's were too high.

Agreed about Customer Service though, as mostly anywhere you go nowadays (not only gun shops) there is basically no customer service - its a buy it or dont bother me attitude. So going above and beyond for your customers always helps, but its hard to control your employees in that regard as they are not as motivated as you "the owner".

Also I know its a tough one, but having a shooting range attached or nearby (partner with) will help greatly, as you can get alot of foot traffic in the door, give customers a chance to "try/rent" some stuff they would be interested in.

*As you might notice I've tossed the idea around as well - as there is a Vacant Shooting Range near my house that has been Empty for almost 4 years, and had a great following, and perfect location (no other shops/ranges for at least 30 miles).

Good Luck!

 

We are super lucky in our location, cost per foot is really good, traffic will be enormous for the location.

I strongly agree with the customer service idea, and we have some thoughts to make it a "special" experience to buy. Since its family, brother and wifes, to run the shop, and we all understand the need for a customer driven attitude, I think it would be a success.

 

Customer service, location, then price. Price can trump the other two if it is a very significant amount. For example, if one shop is selling an Ed Brown for $2500 and another is selling the exact same model for $2200 Id strongly consider the one for $2200

 

I am definately sensing a theme here... customer service.

I had a FFL for 3 years a decade ago, doing gun shows and internet sales. We did really well, almost a 1/4 million in sales in one year, and we never had a complaint ever. The customer is king in my book, you do what it takes to make him/her happy with the purchase he made.

I explained it to my wife like this. The profit on sale in no way will buy you the advertising to offset an angry customer in todays electronic world. A dick customer cannot be a dick if you make him happy. But a dick customer can be a NIGHTMARE if he isnt.

 

What he said. And customer service again. I find that lacking in most fun shops.

 

I like the range idea, and agree with customer service.

 

Jeeezzz Curve, now you got me re-thinking this again. Hopefully this year business will be better than last and I can actually get some funds behind this idea... How difficult is it to run a Shooting Range? I imagine the Liability insurance is insanely high.

 

^^ just have them sign a term (the couple of hrs they are there) life insurance policy with you as the beneficiary and you should be set.