I want to be FFL

[jtmkinsd]

If you can get into an area in which there are either no other gunshops or just bad ones, then you might be able to make a mint. Otherwise, it can be a problem and there is a lot to learn.

People are buying, but how do you know what they are going to want to buy? It seems like cheap firearms are selling fairly well.

Yup...the cheaper ones fly off the shelf...unfortunately, almost no margin in them. The "AR bubble" has burst, most of the stuff I see lately is bolt action, shotguns, and the cheaper side of the spectrum handguns.

[remington]

I am FFL from home. Ten Perecent is correct. The FFL is the easy part, the local is more difficult and the wording to your local PD (in my case also requires permit) is very critical. Be prepared to have local PD, DOJ and of course ATF inspect at will. Plan on $600 to $800 to get it all done (my local is $375). This also does not include inventory which could be tens of thousands. I can also tell you it is somewhat un-nerving having your inventory with your personal. I am not telling to not do it, just know there are risks and responsibility that go with it and "they" are not playing when inspecting.

Ten Percent is also right on another thing, there is not nearly as much money in guns as you may think. With out a storefront, your options for distributors is very limited (alot will not work with you unless they have pic of your store and in some cases they visit). Let say you buy guns that costs $500 and sell them from $550. You need to sell 2000 guns to make 100k. Thats gross, not net after your other fixed and variable costs (supplies, licensing, insurance, employee's, etc). Be aware of of what it is all about and make your decision!

[IrishPirate]

so how do you find out if your city would let you sell out of your house??? Just doing PPT and special orders and such??

[remington]

I started by going to ATF and searching for FFL's on the ATF website and gunbroker and just searching my zip code. Once I established they existed I just called the city and told them what I wanted to do. Be aware, "city" folk dont always know the answers. You may have to goto the city to get the answers.

[tenpercentfirearms]

The first step is simple. Find a location to research. Find out who runs the business license for that location. Contact that department and ask them if that spot is properly zoned for a FFL. Go from there.