Online firearms and accessories stores are rapidly becoming popular thanks to the proliferation of fast-paced communication technology. Today’s increasingly advanced wireless connectivity has literally placed the world in the palm of our hands.
Since online sales are sharply increasing, the firearms industry is also now shifting to eCommerce platforms to bolster its revenues. However, not every eCommerce gun platform can achieve the heights of success. There are plenty of pitfalls and mistakes that can harm an otherwise thriving online gun store.
- Failure to Identify Your Target Audience
No matter how good your online store looks and how well stocked it is, if you can’t attract the ‘right’ visitors, you won’t be able to succeed. Hits that don’t translate into conversions are meaningless, so there is no point in trying to satisfy everyone. Here, it is imperative to identify your target audience.
You can, for instance, focus on young up-and-coming executives looking for the latest conceal carry weapons. Alternatively, you can opt for traditional DBBL shotguns for middle-aged and elderly hunters. There is no harm in keeping your online gun store stocked with all kinds of products. However, you must focus on a specific audience and create targeted marketing campaigns for that particular audience.
- Selecting the Wrong Web Hosting Site
Suppose you are a customer and have found a deal you like, but the site takes ages to add the product to your cart. You will lose interest and shop elsewhere. If this happens in your online gun store, you have lost a valuable customer!
The speed and performance of your site is dependent on your hosting service. Opting for a cheap or free solution might lead to lagging and latency issues. Avoid making this mistake if you want your store to thrive.
- Not Paying Attention to Customer Services
A well-rounded and comprehensive customer service policy is integral to the success of just about every retail endeavor, both online and offline. You have to respond to customer queries in real time and assist them in making the right choices and decisions for their firearms needs. You should also provide post-purchase services and help track their purchases through their local FFL dealers.
- Not Following the Latest Trends
Trends dominate the retail trade, and firearms are no exception. If you prefer all-metal 1911 style .45 pistols or Colt revolvers, well and good. However, forcing your choices on your customers is a surefire way of running a loss.
Quite simply, striker-fired, polymer-based wonder nines are ‘in,’ as are many other new fads. Follow these trends to remain relevant in the industry.
- Choosing the Wrong Platform
This is the single most important mistake you must avoid at all costs. This holds particularly true for the online firearms industry. Many popular eCommerce platforms offer limited functionality or outrightly ban firearms sales altogether. That’s why the wrong platform can make or break your store.
If you want to know how to set up an online gun store, you must contact Make Ready Arms. We offer a dedicated platform meant specifically for the online firearm retail trade.