Re: If you were to start a gun shop!?

Good location of course, but it doesn't have to be on main street.
People have cars. Just be near SOMETHING!

Good advertisement, and lots of it at first. Radio, paper, cable swap-
n-shop channels, etc.

Find a gunsmith in your area, or reasonable distance for repairs.
There are tons and tons of people that need something reblued, stock
fitted, etc. Even if you only make a % of the money the smith makes,
still, you are having people come through your store. They'll grab a
box of 45s, etc., while they are there just for convienience. Plus,
they can tell they're uncle Louis about that type of little revolver
he has been looking for, that you have for sale.

Keep at least basic reloading supplies. Keep a couple kinds of
powder, primers, etc.
Lear the most reloaded ammo in your area for example, and stock for
it. Blue Dot, Rel #7, 45acp, 30-30, 243, 30-06, 12ga hulls, etc.

Know your hunters. Around August, for example, start bringing out
some muzzle loaders, and deer rifles. In late summer, start bringing
out some dove guns, etc. Know what is big in YOUR area. Don't worry
about turkey guns, if nobody hunts them.

Ask customers what they like, want, and need.

Keep a good rack of good used guns. Used guns bring in people.

Sell used guns realistically. Nothing turns me off from a upstart gun
store, like seeing a rack full of normal used guns, at stupidly high
prices.
$99 well used Marlin 22 auto rifles, $200 well used Mossberg shotguns,
disgust people, and send them right to Walmart where they can buy them
new for that price. You would be better off not to even have that
type of gun out there.

Learn to tolerate and deal with tire kickers. Often its just that
they dont KNOW what they want. Some people need to be told what they
want in order to be satisfied.

Learn to sell people what they want. If somebody wants a 260
Remington for their wife, don't argue with them on why they need a
243. You may suggest a 243, but leave it at that. If they want a
260, Sell them the damn 260, and you'll most likely have a repeat
customer. If not, they will go to the next gun store, and buy a 260
and be THEIR repeat customer, and tell their 5 friends about how you
are hard to deal with. (I watched this exact story unfold at a
gunstore once. The dealer just couldnt keep his opinions to himself,
and lost a sale over it. ?!? What was he in buisness for? selling
guns, or being an ass?
either way, he didnt last)


Learn to tolerate coffee sippers, that stand around the store for 8
hours.

Hire a bussomy, attractive assistant. (Sorry, but its true).








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