Idea to start a small FFL for Calguns users?

[carbonmetrictree]

Hey guys,

A friend and I had an idea regarding an interest in giving back to the Calguns Foundation by creating a small FFL for the members of Calguns. We have no prior training in being an FFL, but we have been researching what it will take to become one. This idea spurred up after talking to one another about our beloved state and the issues pertaining to living here in California. We would like to make an effort to try and create a small FFL business that would function solely on providing Calguns members with a very affordable FFL to help get through these tough economic times. We don't expect to make much of a profit, as we would be more of a "volunteer" service to help members register their legal firearms in state. After taking a look at the list of CA FFLs, we would love to know what you all would feel to be an affordable FFL fee be (but be fair!). We just want to make sure that the FFL license fees would be covered.

We truly appreciate all of the information and effort you all have provided us, there aren't too many places that one can go to find a plethora of different opinions and ideas regarding firearms and safety. Any ideas and opinions on our "volunteer service" would be greatly appreciated!


Sincerely,

Andrew Hara
Ryan Reese

[Rudolf the Red]

In your area, I am sure that business would be good. I have helped Calgunners and it makes me happy to do so.

[bigmike82]

Hell yeah it'd be good business. It'd be awesome if you were on the West side...MBR just doesn't cut it.

[MiguelS]

Tough sale...there are people all over the place and for someone to travel out of there way to find a smaller discount might not be cost efficient to some. There is a FFL that charges $40 + DROS here but is a bit futher and the next FFL is $50...I rather spend the $10. Time and Gas of course.

A traveling FFL, but that would increase your cost.

[Gavin Twosome]

wonder if it's as easy as a Liquor Liscense ?

[carbonmetrictree]

Yeah, you have a good point there. I've been going to Euroarms in Alhambra just because it's the closest place to me that will do OLLs. We were thinking we would set it up where we will be living, somewhere in the Culver City area. I guess it would mostly be for members on the Westside, as well as for people in the Los Angeles area.

Tough sale...there are people all over the place and for someone to travel out of there way to find a smaller discount might not be cost efficient to some. There is a FFL that charges $40 + DROS here but is a bit futher and the next FFL is $50...I rather spend the $10. Time and Gas of course.

A traveling FFL, but that would increase your cost.

[carbonmetrictree]

And I also apologize for any future breaks in replies. Work is pretty busy as of late and it's hard to get on here everyday. Thank you in advance!

[dirtyJ]

There's a couple here in Sacramento that are pretty good. $60 flat for anything unless it's a PPT.

[Turbinator]

I think it's a good idea, but I have a feeling that pretty soon you'll find out it's tough being an FFL catering to people who are always looking for a bargain. It's going to take up your time, you'll *possibly* be putting yourself at risk legally and financially if you're going to be on the cutting edge of the newest OLL's and NRF's.. In the end, I am going to guess that the headaches won't make it worthwhile. OR maybe you'll find the entire thing rewarding, you won't mind dealing with the hassle and volunteering your time and money for the cause, and you'll receive immense satisfaction out of it. Only time will tell. I certainly give you kudos for thinking of doing such a thing. Good luck!

Turby

[sorensen440]

Id rather support the ffl's that have been with us over the past few years

[Turbinator]

Id rather support the ffl's that have been with us over the past few years

Well, nothing wrong with a new guy on the block who wants to do all the cutting edge stuff - particularly since some of the older FFL's still don't want to get into the OLL and NRF game. I'd support ANY FFL who wants to help us out. Problem is, it's not as easy as it seems.. IMHO.

Turby

[SCMA-1]

I get the impression that most Calguns members are noobs and aren't aware that up until about the mid 90's, there were 3 to 4 times as many FFL's in CA as there are now. Most of these were small "hobby" dealers who mainly used their FFL for buying at dealer cost for their own collection or for friends/relatives. Most of these private dealers eventually gave up their FFL due to ever increasing licensing requirements and fees which were implemented by both the feds and state/local govs to run these private dealers out of business.

There was a time when a private FFL holder could make a few purchases a year for himself and for friends/family and realize a substantial savings over buying retail from a storefront dealer. Licensing requirements have changed to the point that it is very difficult to operate an 01 FFL in this manner.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=65478

SCMA-1

[Can'thavenuthingood]

Get yourself a legal pad and start making up a business plan covering every aspect of the business.

Contact ALL the government agencies and get the paperwork. Local business license, checking account, paid advert for DBA filing, storage locker. COE, FFL etc.

It ain't pretty.

Vick

[carbonmetrictree]

Thank you for all of your replies. Like I said before, this was just an idea that we were considering and are serious about it enough to research the journey of getting of an FFL thoroughly.

Vick - We will be contacting everyone that we can regarding the license, especially the state and local police departments to see if they have any insight that might be missed. I am a sole proprietor for my main business, so I fully understand the "business" part of the FFL idea.


Thanks again,

Andrew

[wildhawker]

You'll be wise to have an attorney on retainer.