Where to start with a home business gun store?

[Jodyrocks96]

The subject is the title. And GO! I appreciate your guidance!

 

[printcraft]

Best advice:
Once you are open be cautious of people approaching your door to the point of having your gun out low and ready.
PM jeephammer for guidance on home FFL.

 

[Jodyrocks96]

Alright thank you. I looked into it years ago but I was in a different place in life.

 

[Jodyrocks96]

I would only be open by appointment. Operating 99% online and offering FFL transfers at a competitive rate.

 

[Mongo59]

I have no basis upon which to talk. I am a gun guy that tries to help other gun guys. I am the gun doctor to two Amish communities, all I have to say is if you can pick your clients you are way ahead of the game.

 

[Jodyrocks96]

I have no basis upon which to talk. I am a gun guy that tries to help other gun guys. I am the gun doctor to two Amish communities, all I have to say is if you can pick your clients you are way ahead of the game.

Pick your clients as in know who I will sell to? I feel like that's the whole point. To meet new contacts throughout the journey. I have large family and friend group who would benefit immediately from me becoming a dealer but I plan to open to the public on an appointment basis.

 

[Mongo59]

Yes, but it only takes one second cousin one and a half times removed to say to a friend, "I am related to a FFL that could do that for you..." to get on the ATF's radar. These people are not there to keep you in business nor do they see them as resources to your business. They see themselves as adversaries, plain and simple, and kitchen FFL's are what they hate the most...

 

[Jodyrocks96]

I'm confused. I'm almost positive it's completely legal to operate a firearm store out of your home. What is your point exactly? I may be misunderstanding

 

[Jodyrocks96]

Yes, but it only takes one second cousin one and a half times removed to say to a friend, "I am related to a FFL that could do that for you..." to get on the ATF's radar. These people are not there to keep you in business nor do they see them as resources to your business. They see themselves as adversaries, plain and simple, and kitchen FFL's are what they hate the most...

See above reply

 

[OurDee]

Legal is one thing. Government agents that don't like your business is another. First requirement in my book is a valid FFL. Second is protecting that FFL. It doesn't matter what you do in life there will always be a bully somewhere. Dot your eyes and cross your tees. Enjoy your dream as long as you stay lucid and keep your eyes open.

 

[Jodyrocks96]

Can you refer directly to what he is speaking of? What is the potential issue for getting firearms for family friends? If you go about creating a legal entity what are the issues that can bring it out of legality?

 

[Jodyrocks96]

Legal is one thing. Government agents that don't like your business is another. First requirement in my book is a valid FFL. Second is protecting that FFL. It doesn't matter what you do in life there will always be a bully somewhere. Dot your eyes and cross your tees. Enjoy your dream as long as you stay lucid and keep your eyes open.

Please refer to the above reply

 

[OurDee]

I did not imply it would become illegal, just that people running their mouths and exagerating what you can do could catch the ear of someone in the government that doesn't agree with your rights to the point they may try to cause problems. Next you would have a new buddy trying to get you to sidestep some technicality. I have had someone I knew that was involved in "illegal" activity, contact me asking for an illegal favor. The agency had them in a bind and they were trying to save their own bacon. I was and am not mad at them. Duress is something some people can't handle. Like I said, "eyes open".

 

[Mongo59]

Can you refer directly to what he is speaking of? What is the potential issue for getting firearms for family friends? If you go about creating a legal entity what are the issues that can bring it out of legality?

If you think the local ATF gets a notice of a new FFL in the area and says, "Oh, nothing to worry about, just someone providing a service to family and friends..." then you will need medication before this is over. They will make crap up on the spot. They will make a personal call back to the office to get ideas of what crap to make up. They will show up to your house to check your books a 3am. The amount of info on a hang tag can get you a 'noncompliant'. It is not a level playing surface and they see their job as taking your footing out from underneath you. In my world we call it 'crippled chicken'. Chickens can't swim but they push the crippled ones into the deep water...

 

[Chewie]

Can you refer directly to what he is speaking of? What is the potential issue for getting firearms for family friends? If you go about creating a legal entity what are the issues that can bring it out of legality?

I believe what he is saying is be extremely cautious. Helping out a family members friends, friend should be done cautiously, above board, and well documented. No "special" favors. Everything in order and clean, clear, concise, per the lOK. Treat the family friends friend as an unknown person (general customer).

The ATF is not your friend, if you get on their radar (and you will) they will look for a reason to visit. Legal and by the book, you'll be ok.

 

[Jodyrocks96]

I did not imply it would become illegal, just that people running their mouths and exagerating what you can do could catch the ear of someone in the government that doesn't agree with your rights to the point they may try to cause problems. Next you would have a new buddy trying to get you to sidestep some technicality. I have had someone I knew that was involved in "illegal" activity, contact me asking for an illegal favor. The agency had them in a bind and they were trying to save their own bacon. I was and am not mad at them. Duress is something some people can't handle. Like I said, "eyes open".

I understand what you mean. I also have operated 3 other home businesses successfully. I know how to follow the rules. I am also not here to become rich. I want to become enriched in the culture and gain as much wisdom as possible. I have strong ethical guidelines that prevent me from steering off the path.

 

[Jodyrocks96]

If you think the local ATF gets a notice of a new FFL in the area and says, "Oh, nothing to worry about, just someone providing a service to family and friends..." then you will need medication before this is over. They will make crap up on the spot. They will make a personal call back to the office to get ideas of what crap to make up. They will show up to your house to check your books a 3am. The amount of info on a hang tag can get you a 'noncompliant'. It is not a level playing surface and they see their job as taking your footing out from underneath you. In my world we call it 'crippled chicken'. Chickens can't swim but they push the crippled ones into the deep water...

Do you have an FFL?

 

[Jodyrocks96]

I believe what he is saying is be extremely cautious. Helping out a family members friends, friend should be done cautiously, above board, and well documented. No "special" favors. Everything in order and clean, clear, concise, per the law.

I couldn't agree more and I wouldnt want it any other way. Like o said earlier. Not here to get rich. I just want to be a bigger part of something that I have loved my whole life. I look forward to all of the advice.

 

[jcj54]

The first hurdle is local zoning laws. Make sure the local zoning does not prohibit the business you are starting.
On the federal firearm license application one question specifically asks if your business complies with zoning ordnances for the property.

 

[Jodyrocks96]

The first hurdle is local zoning laws. Make sure the local zoning does not prohibit the business you are starting.
On the federal firearm license application one question specifically asks if your business complies with zoning ordnances for the property.

This is exactly what shut me down last time. Marion county has strict policies against home businesses and while some might skirt the law, a firearm store definently won't fly. I appreciate your input and if you know any resources in guidance of this please share.