We’ve gone over some things that cause gun stores to fail, and we’ve talked about building culture and community in your business. Now we’re going to spend some time on some direct ways you can attract more customers into your business and create some additional streams of income.
This is the course that every person living in a state that requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm has to take. Most people in this class are going to be relatively new to firearms, concealed carry and defensive handguns, so this is a great time to make them a customer for life.
This will take some training on your part from a training organization such as the USCCA. The USCCA provides not only a solid training program but also a toolkit that will help improve the quality
With the advent of the Internet and retail behemoths such as Amazon taking over the online marketplace, physical retail locations have seen a marked decrease in profitability.
The same is true for the firearms industry, with everything from training to accessories being available online, and consumers can buy and sell weapons online as well; they just need an FFL to transfer to and from.
Obviously, the traditional retail method has changed and it would behoove the local gun store owner to adapt to this style of business as well.
How does the local gun store differentiate itself in these times of digital deals? Well, there are several ways.
First and foremost
A back-up gun, or BUG, is an important consideration for every responsibly armed citizen. In most cases, the term “back-up gun” refers to a concealed weapon that a person will carry on their body as a back up to their primary concealed carry weapon. Back-up gun can also refer to a gun in your home, car or workplace that serves the same purpose of providing protection if the primary gun fails or is inaccessible.
For many people, especially those new to concealed carry, the idea of carrying two or even three guns instead of one seems overzealous. If you’re new to concealed carry that could be correct; you may need to get used to carrying one gun before carrying two or three.
Other people question why a person would need more than one gun for personal protection, so let’s answer that right off the bat.
Many first time gun owners buy a handgun for self-defense, and for many of these people, their gun collection ends there. Not that there’s anything wrong with only owning one gun, but there is a caliber you should really consider adding to the safe: the .22 Long Rifle.
Firearms enthusiasts the world over have grown up shooting this round, from learning the basics of marksmanship, target shooting, and hunting. The .22LR is a versatile round that is cost-effective, easy to learn on, and is available in many platforms.
You can find pretty much any variation of .22LR platforms: Modern Sporting Rifles, handguns (both semi-automatic and revolvers), lever & bolt-action rifles as well as traditional semi-auto rifles like the incredibly popular Ruger 10/22.
An EDC IFAK, or everyday carry individual first aid kit, is a kit that allows the user to render basic first aid to themselves or others. An EDC IFAK should be small enough to carry on a belt or in a pocket, while being able to treat minor medical issues such as headaches, small wounds or bug bites.
Much like your firearm, a First Aid Kit is something you bring with you but really hope you never have to use. Living in an unpredictable world makes an IFAK a necessary kit for anyone who wants to be prepared, and there are a lot of options out there for first aid kits.
You can buy a ready-made first aid kit, or you can build one yourself. Our focus is going to be on what items you should have in your EDC IFAK, and whether you buy one or build one is up to you. Building one gives you the option to make everything
