Opening a gun store!

[ironjaw]

I'm going to TSG next week!

say hello to mr and mrs G for me!

 

[Cru]

Will do. I may see them at the 1500, but I'm waiting until I can just go in their shop and chat to buy stuff. I always feel rushed and like a nuisance at the 1500.

 

[SilentWarrior1]

I have yet to go into TSG. I've been meaning to since they opened. I know a little bit about shotguns, but my forte is Rifle/Pistol of the tactical flavor.

Perhaps this week when I have some time off!

 

[SilentWarrior1]

also if you are looking for a store front location, The McCordsville/Fortville area is the area I'd look into!

Any idea what the property cost to rent up there is like?

 

[ironjaw]

Any idea what the property cost to rent up there is like?

no idea, I would imagine tho that the further east you go, say Fortville the cheaper it will be. oh crap, the game is on gotta go!

 

[ironjaw]

Will do. I may see them at the 1500, but I'm waiting until I can just go in their shop and chat to buy stuff. I always feel rushed and like a nuisance at the 1500.

but YOU ARE A NUISANCE!!! what? just saying

 

[shooter521]

I really wanted to keep my shop to the South Side/Greenwood area, but if the Northside has opportunity, I won't say no!

I was just discussing this with a friend and fellow INGOer the other week. The north side is where the vacuum is. South side already has Bradis, BGF, Indy Trading Post, LE Firearms, TSG, Elmores and Outdoorsman.

 

[SilentWarrior1]

I was just discussing this with a friend and fellow INGOer the other week. The north side is where the vacuum is. South side already has Bradis, BGF, Indy Trading Post, LE Firearms, TSG, Elmores and Outdoorsman.

Duly noted. Man, rent's gonna suck.

 

[sj kahr k40]

Clermont needs a gun store, with a couch and a big screen TV

 

[shooter521]

Duly noted. Man, rent's gonna suck.

Gotta pay if you want to play.

Also, I'd recommend that in addition to a geographical area, you set out to establish a product and/or service niche for your shop. All of the previously-mentioned joints on the south side can coexist to a degree, because each one has a different take on the gun biz, and caters to a slightly different clientele (although there is a lot of crossover, and that's OK).

 

[Naptown]

Duly noted. Man, rent's gonna suck.

I'm guessing you are looking at $15 - $20 per square foot in a RETAIL area like that. Sure gives you a different perspective of each 12" tile you look at in the retail market. Stuff ain't cheap. Gotta sell a lot of accessories, ammo and guns to pay for each tile...

I love the idea of the North Side.

 

[SilentWarrior1]

Gotta pay if you want to play.

Also, I'd recommend that in addition to a geographical area, you set out to establish a product and/or service niche for your shop. All of the previously-mentioned joints on the south side can coexist to a degree, because each one has a different take on the gun biz, and caters to a slightly different clientele (although there is a lot of crossover, and that's OK).

I've done that already, I believe. It's going to be mostly training-oriented. I have plenty of experience training soldiers in the Army in pistolcraft. I wanted to apply that aspect along with providing the tools to do the job.

 

[JJGatesE30]

The worst thing you can do is develop die-hard leaches who hang around your store, block your inventory, never buy anything but stare at the people who otherwise would while talking to you about the good ol days.

 

[SilentWarrior1]

The worst thing you can do is develop die-hard leaches who hang around your store, block your inventory, never buy anything but stare at the people who otherwise would while talking to you about the good ol days.

Only politicians make their money standing around and BS'ing all day. Not my style.

 

[Zimm1001]

For what it's worth here are some suggestions.
1. It is imperative you establish a niche to attract people to your shop. My suggestion would be to open an airsoft range which would also allow you to train people in an almost live fire situation but without any of the special building modifications, zoning, airhandling etc etc. to worry about.
2. This gives you a primary product line being airsoft.
3. Try selling firearms on consignment. You have a lot more inventory without the investment.
4. Find someone who knows computers and design a good website and also have the ability to put your merchandise on the website.
5. Manage your fixed costs. They will make or break you.
6. Do your cash flow requirements for atleast two years. More cash will be needed to operate upfront until you can build up cash flow from operations.
I can give you more suggestions if you want but the most important is for you to differentiate yourself from the others. In other words you need to give people a reason to come to a small shop instead of the big boys.

 

[Zimm1001]

As far as location. You would be much better served to locate your business outside the main areas (cheapter) but along a major artery leading from one place to another. Be careful and do your homework. Make sure the traffic is workers going from home to a job each day and not transient interstate traffic. Your rent will be less but your opportunity for people to see your shop and stop off will be much greater. Just a thought.

 

[360]

Bloomington is lacking in the gun shops in a most dramatic fashion. Just sayin'.

 

[GARANDGUY]

360 is right! My dad has a small shop outside of Corydon/Palmyra and we get alot of customers from up around Bllomington! If you have any questions or need anything feel free to PM me. I run my dads shop for him. Before that I worked for one for a good while. BTW dont try to get rich of every gun and accessories and used guns is what you will make the most off of.

 

[Disposable Heart]

I worked at AAC, Plainfield and several gunshows, plus my work at a local range. How can I help? Maybe a commission situation until you get on your feet?

PM me a phone number, let's talk a bit. I work on the northside, you could stand to make some serious money and steal ALOT of business from Gouger Mountain if you start up here. Also, more flexible hours: Not everyone can get off of work and get to your shop by 6PM! Plainfield and AAC would actually turn a decent penny when they stayed open to at least 7PM. With traffic being worse now due to construction, longer hours can mean better business. Bradis would get a TON more of my money if they would stay to 7, but something about their customer base and location that makes it unprofitable to stay open until 7 I guess (so I was told).

Also, try to find a place next to a salon, pet shop, etc... While the wife is getting permed, the husband can come in to look around, maybe buy at later date. Find something that has a womanly feel to it to be next to, might pay off in spades.

Keep a diverse inventory with the promise of "I can get it for you". Don't get too highly focused on "tactical only" or similar, you will kill some business by doing so. Plainfield is VERY diverse, thus their success. Upon opening, be open to trades and such, build your inventory with inexpensive but quality arms.

Reloading supplies can help out big time, particularly "impulse" style stuff: Basic die sets, basic Lee handloaders. Don't invest in Dillon or Hornady just yet. Building your base, then begin working on getting good stuff in. Keep a modest supply of bullets, decent powder and primers. I think Indiana Gun Club in the north has the powder and such down pat, work with a local guy to get "homebrand" lead bullets in your shop. Maybe work out something with a caster online, such as Dardas or similar to get more Impulse buys in your shop.

I could go on for days... Not alot of it needs TONS of cash, but it does require some stick-to-it-tiveness. Lots of shops fold due to lack of attention by ownership or poor employee selection. When you make a policy, STICK TO IT, dont waffle.

 

[Anonymous]

The North side is definitely lacking.

There's a place in Cicero called Wyatt's, that would make a great place for a gun shop.