I want to start a home business selling hunting and gun accessories. Is there a market? How do I start?

Question

I don't have much $ to start up. My husband has all the expertise. I believe there is no FFL needed since we won't be selling guns or ammo.

Answer 1

If you sell hunting accessories let it be different from what you get from regular gun stores. You get all this from gun shops and tackling shops all over the United States especially in areas where there is this sport a passion, like Florida, MI etc;. MI has Deer season and that is the time when you can make the sale start there. I mean the timing is important and the product should be different. Knowing the mindset of the buyers is important. Advertising in Hunting magazines and gun magazines will do a lot of good. Sometimes these people might not work with computers so they may not be able to reach you through websites. Since your husband knows the business he may be able to input into the behaviors of hunters and gun lovers. Asking a few hunters and gun lovers might be a good idea the magazines they read, the time they hit on computers etc;. Magazines is your best bet. You can print at the back advertising section which may not cost much. You can also include some tackling accessories as a business division so that throughout the year you can be busy when the hunting season ends and the tackling season begins or something like that. Check out these seasonal timings. You can also probably include some T-shirts and clothes other than hunting accessories off season. So your business covers the entire financial year.

Answer 2

There are some good responses here so I'll keep this short. I buy things from most, if not all, of the online retailers that would be your competition and am quite happy with most. For your business to succeed, you need to stand out. It's going to be very, very hard to undercut the prices from the "sportsmans guide", "cabelas", etc. They buy huge lots and sell for small margins. Their downfall is their inventory. Many of the specialty items are always out of stock. I can't tell you how often I was willing to pay more for an item that was available now and not 2 to 3 weeks from now. Since you have limited funds, this business plan will be tough to sustain. Finally, the FFL isn't the biggest hurdle you may face. I live in anti-gun California and I know that most cities won't give you a business licence for ANYTHING having to do with guns. Good Luck.

Answer 3

well, you will have to compete with the big box specialty guys which also have an online division. Cabella's comes to mind. go to their website and figure out how you could undercut them on pricing...i bet it will be tough to do. Also, while Cabella has expansive stores in the midwest, montain west, and south I think, they don't have stores in California (well maybe one I think). Despite this, 1/2 of revenues for the company come from California...all through online sales. I would think there is always a niche market for something though. good luck.

Answer 4

best bet for home business with almost ZERO start-up is ebay!!
once you have sold a few items and made some money you can open an online store.
i guarantee you will sell everything you have!