Best Non-FFL items you buy at the show.?

[mergatroid]

Would love to be a vendor at the show just for a hobby, but don't want to sell guns. So........

What are your most popular items you have found at the show?

Jerky? Holsters? Any input might be helpful.

 

[target64]

Steel targets, safes or ammo are too heavy to tote in and out.
Jerky, nuts or candy would be ok but you will get into your profits.
Kydex holsters are nice but take a bit to make / form.
Leather holster are real nice, something to consider.
Scopes, uppers, or knives I do not think would suit just a “hobby” business.
Magazines or clips equal a lot of different inventory to cover your bases.
Brand or platform specific parts would be ok if you like a particular subset. Such as Glock, 10/22, 1911, or AK /AR.
cleaning and or maintenance products are also a good market.
Just a couple of thoughts.

 

[CampingJosh]

You definitely want to limit your needed inventory, which means that you don't want anything to be firearm-specific. But you also don't want anything that is available at 20 other booths.

I haven't been in a while, but I don't remember there ever being a table dedicated to slings. That might be a viable specialty without having to keep hundreds of varieties. A few colors in each of 5 or 6 styles might just be all you need to get started.

 

[VUPDblue]

candied pecans, and Zick's Stix.

 

[Hop]

The things I miss from the Indy1500 shows are the couple of vendors that carried some higher end parts. Trijicon, GG&G, AD, ARMS, Badger, Aimpoint, LaRue... parts, etc. I'm SOO sick of all the cheap China parts.

PK out of Illinois was one of those vendors. They probably stopped showing up because the Indy1500 is turning into a flea market instead of a gun show.
PK Firearms |

 

[JettaKnight]

The most useful non-gun item was I got was a belt.


I wear it near every day.

 

[Hkindiana]

There seems to be a proliferation of purses, jewelry, t-shirts, dog treats, fidget spinners, and other flea market items. The shows are really going downhill.

 

[rosejm]

The most useful non-gun item was I got was a belt.
I wear it near every day.

QFT, I bought 2. Full grain, thick. The kind your father got hided with.


I like the sling idea too. Some swivels/QDs, not a huge space taker.
Just tell 'em everyone needs a carry strap on their rifle.

 

[ndbbm]

Gun cleaning accessories, rods, brushes, solvents, bore guides, etc. I've not seen anybody doing it at the 1500 since my friend Bernie passed away some years ago.

 

[STEEL CORE]

Semi Topless, pretty vendor selling LBE/LCE or whatever they call it nowadays.

 

[Winamac]

For me ammo and cheese. For the wife... the giant caramel chocolate turtles.

 

[Anduril]

People not selling firearms or firearm related items is what is causing the 1500 to go downhill.

Don't want to sell guns or gun related things? Don't.

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

Ouch! Welcome to INGO! LOL

 

[braydenw]

I mostly go for bayonets, been looking for a Jungle Carbine bayonet

 

[tribeofham]

People not selling firearms or firearm related items is what is causing the 1500 to go downhill.

Don't want to sell guns or gun related things? Don't.

I have to agree. Spending my time, paying for parking, paying the entrance fee only to be greeted by candied nuts and beef jerky is disappointing. While the jerky might be good, it's not the place to sell it. And for this reason, I silently boycott everything which is not firearms related.

 

[ibwaltb]

I have to agree. Spending my time, paying for parking, paying the entrance fee only to be greeted by candied nuts and beef jerky is disappointing. While the jerky might be good, it's not the place to sell it. And for this reason, I silently boycott everything which is not firearms related.

I agree as well. I've only gone once in the last couple years and I'm not sure I'll be back... I'd go if I'd want to amuse myself with viewing the sky-high prices. The mil-surplus items seem to be drying up so fast these days. I got started collecting mil-surp too late in the game to see the initial & incredibe low prices that I'm sure were to be had in the past at shows like these late-90s and early-00's.

 

[Nazgul]

Spelling

One vendor I look for sells UNder Armor type t shirts in XXXL that are long.

I am a well nourished big guy and never see them in my size.

Don

P. S. - Not to worry, worn as undergarments only!

 

[fullmetaljesus]

I have to agree. Spending my time, paying for parking, paying the entrance fee only to be greeted by candied nuts and beef jerky is disappointing. While the jerky might be good, it's not the place to sell it. And for this reason, I silently boycott everything which is not firearms related.

Taking about silently boycotting something on the internet removed the silently part

 

[Winamac]

I have to agree. Spending my time, paying for parking, paying the entrance fee only to be greeted by candied nuts and beef jerky is disappointing. While the jerky might be good, it's not the place to sell it. And for this reason, I silently boycott everything which is not firearms related.

FWIW...The candied nuts folks have been a part of the 1500 even back in the "glory days" when mil-surp and such was plentiful. Back in the 80's they were about the only non-firearms related booth at the show. I guess what I am saying is they are kind of a staple at the show and I rather enjoy the smell of their product versus the smell of...well you know...the un-bathed and crop dusters. Just my

 

[Clay Pigeon]

All shows need a few more hucksters selling tasers so its a constant stream of someone yelling TASERS FOR SALE while cracking one off.....