If there is one thing we have learned over the past few years, it’s that the post-pandemic world is digitizing at a very rapid pace. In fact, just about everything you want is as close to you as your smart device. That’s why plenty of brick-and-mortar stores are now joining the online marketplace.
This holds particularly true for the guns and accessories business. Brick-and-mortar stores have always dominated this sector as a whole. However, high-speed internet connections and the (by now) ubiquitous smartphone have changed the dynamics of this industry in a big way.
Today’s net-savvy consumer can take advantage of ultra-fast download speeds and increasingly powerful devices to browse for products at their own convenience, whenever they like, wherever they like. After all, when you can check a product in 3D, why take the trouble and expense to shop in a physical store?
Keeping this in mind, many gun stores are now moving to the digital space. Even real-world outlets now maintain online outlets along with their offline ones.
Launching an Online Gun Store: What You Have to Do!
Due to its very nature, the firearms industry is more regulated than most other consumer goods outlets. Here’s what you have to do to set up your online gun store:
- Obtain Necessary Approvals
This is the first step. You will have to comply with the local, state, as well as federal laws regarding the firearms business. Many states have different regulations regarding calibers and ammo capacities. Before you sell and ship your products, you’ll have to be cognizant of all these requirements, FFL license, and other paperwork.
- Select a Target Audience and Stock Your Wares
Just because it’s online doesn’t mean it shouldn’t have a specific target audience. You will have to decide what kind of customer you are interested in, and then create a marketing strategy for that target audience.
If you are interested in young and upcoming executives all over the country, you may consider polymer frame, striker-fired, compact and subcompact handguns along with AR platform rifles. Conversely, if your target audience consists of older, rural-dwelling customers, you may stock up on 1911 .45 ACP caliber pistols, Magnum revolvers, and bolt-action hunting rifles.
Apart from that, an online store with a limited inventory won’t get traffic. You will have to refresh your inventory, and ensure you have the best products in line with your target audience.
- Select Your Overall Theme
Your theme includes everything from the colors on your website to typography and the way you display your products. If you don’t want people bouncing from your site, make the theme as catchy as possible.
- Select a Great Platform
Your web platform would not only power your site, but also provide eCommerce solutions for your store. Most conventional builders restrict or outright refuse to allow firearms sales. That’s why the Make Ready Arms eCommerce platform is the perfect solution for all your firearm e-store needs.
When it comes to knowing how to set up an online gun store, you can’t go wrong with Make Ready Arms!