[cbb35]

I started a firearms business recently that is out of my garage and an adjoining room. Business is steadily increasing and even though I just started in September, I am on track to sell in the neighborhood of 30 guns by the end of this year. Granted, not a lot by some standards, but for my small business, I am excited.

I want to give kudos to the following Good wholesalers/distributors: RSR Group, Lipsey's, Davidson's, MGE Wholesale, and Zanders Sporting Goods. Each one of these businesses has helped me get started, and have worked with me to establish a supply chain for my new business.

I want to say boo (among other things) to the following Bad guys: Jerry's, Sports South, Bangers, and Camfour/Hill Country. These guys will not sell to those starting businesses out of their home. Each one said it is "company policy." I hope one day to have a storefront, but finances rule the day. If your business is to sell wholesale guns, why would you care how an FFL holder has their business set up? If BATFE grants the license, I fail to see why you would deny sales to a dealer just because that dealer does not have "traditional" retail space. Even if you sell only 25 guns a year to that dealer, that's 25 guns sold.

I encourage everyone to support the distributors that are helping ALL dealers (home, internet, and retail space) grow their business, and I am asking everyone to tell the other jerks to go pound sand. If they lose enough accounts, they just might change their tune.

[danf_fl]

Welcome to the Forum. We have an "Introductions" area where you can say "Hi" and tell us a little more.

We also have a section where you can discuss your relations with companies.

[silverado113]

Originally Posted by cbb35

I started a firearms business recently that is out of my garage and an adjoining room. Business is steadily increasing and even though I just started in September, I am on track to sell in the neighborhood of 30 guns by the end of this year. Granted, not a lot by some standards, but for my small business, I am excited.

I want to give kudos to the following Good wholesalers/distributors: RSR Group, Lipsey's, Davidson's, MGE Wholesale, and Zanders Sporting Goods. Each one of these businesses has helped me get started, and have worked with me to establish a supply chain for my new business.

I want to say boo (among other things) to the following Bad guys: Jerry's, Sports South, Bangers, and Camfour/Hill Country. These guys will not sell to those starting businesses out of their home. Each one said it is "company policy." I hope one day to have a storefront, but finances rule the day. If your business is to sell wholesale guns, why would you care how an FFL holder has their business set up? If BATFE grants the license, I fail to see why you would deny sales to a dealer just because that dealer does not have "traditional" retail space. Even if you sell only 25 guns a year to that dealer, that's 25 guns sold.

I encourage everyone to support the distributors that are helping ALL dealers (home, internet, and retail space) grow their business, and I am asking everyone to tell the other jerks to go pound sand. If they lose enough accounts, they just might change their tune.

While I don't agree with these types of policies from distributors I can understand it. As a business owner you have certain policies that some of your customers probably don't agree with. As you'll see if you stay around long enough home based FFLs come and go like you wouldn't believe. So instead of having a higher rate of turnover they just don't sale to us. That's okay, I'll be happy to spend my money elsewhere.

[bearrwe]

Originally Posted by cbb35

I started a firearms business recently that is out of my garage and an adjoining room. Business is steadily increasing and even though I just started in September, I am on track to sell in the neighborhood of 30 guns by the end of this year. Granted, not a lot by some standards, but for my small business, I am excited.

I want to give kudos to the following Good wholesalers/distributors: RSR Group, Lipsey's, Davidson's, MGE Wholesale, and Zanders Sporting Goods. Each one of these businesses has helped me get started, and have worked with me to establish a supply chain for my new business.

I want to say boo (among other things) to the following Bad guys: Jerry's, Sports South, Bangers, and Camfour/Hill Country. These guys will not sell to those starting businesses out of their home. Each one said it is "company policy." I hope one day to have a storefront, but finances rule the day. If your business is to sell wholesale guns, why would you care how an FFL holder has their business set up? If BATFE grants the license, I fail to see why you would deny sales to a dealer just because that dealer does not have "traditional" retail space. Even if you sell only 25 guns a year to that dealer, that's 25 guns sold.

I encourage everyone to support the distributors that are helping ALL dealers (home, internet, and retail space) grow their business, and I am asking everyone to tell the other jerks to go pound sand. If they lose enough accounts, they just might change their tune.

I'm sorry but I just cant see your side in this. As a business owner you will make decisions for yourself and your business. You want people to "pound sand" because they dont cater to you, how are you going to react when someone tells you how to do business? Just find someone else to buy from. I used to work for a gunshop in Ok, one of our distributors was in MO, I went to a gunshow in MO while visiting friends and there was my distributor selling at wholesale at the gunshow. We changed distributors,sh** happens. As a at home gunshop you are going to run into problems, shops with overhead are going to resent you!, distributors with lots of stocking dealer customers my offer to not sell to non stocking dealers to retain customers. In truth they are fighting to stay above water and you are working out of a boat! It can work out foreverybody but you aren't going to always play nice.

[cbb35]

bearrwe: I started my business after I lost my job in this hope and change economy. So I don't need you to tell me stuff happens. I have a family and a mortgage, so if I'm "working out of a boat", the darn thing has holes in it. You don't know me, so let me tell you that I will "play nice" until its impossible to do otherwise. You certainly have no idea about how I will make decisions, so go roll your eyes or whatever your cute little graphic means at somebody else.

My point is simply this, if you are in business to sell wholesale firearms, then sell them. Don't pick and choose who you sell them to. You might as well open a taco stand and have a policy that you only sell to Hispanics. So, I am not asking anyone to "cater" to me individually. I'm just not a fan of discriminatory business practices in general. If you disagree with me, fine. But you need to take a step back and not attempt to lecture someone you don't know about how and why they will make decisions. That's called talking out of your rear end, and it is not particularly useful.

[cbb35]

silverado113: I see what you are saying, and you have a good point.

[silverado113]

I would also add that if business goes good and you get into a storefront don't forget they didn't sell to you when you were home based. Here is the intro section: http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f2/

[cbb35]

danf_fl: Thanks for the welcome, and I am still looking for the introductions area. If you could point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it.

[cbb35]

I'd like to add Williams Shooters Supply, Inc. to my list of Good Guys. Thanks for the help!

[silverado113]

WSS has been good to me as well. I haven't ordered from Lipseys though it seems like everything is allocated. Also check out OMB Guns, LM Burney, Independent Sports Supply (little company with good service).