by Kamala Bird

The firearms industry is a lucrative one and exploring it as a business opportunity is a smart idea. But there is much that you need to do to sell guns legally, whether as a retailer or a wholesaler. Primarily, you need to fulfill certain requirements to get a license to sell them. Although procuring one is not as tough as it sounds, there are some formalities that you need to fulfill. So it would be wise to know how the process works before you take the plunge. Here are the steps you need to follow to become a wholesale distributor of guns and tactical gear.

Determine whether you match the legal requirements

First things first, you need to know whether you match the compliance requirements for getting a license. According to the law, anyone who wants to get a license for selling firearms should be at least 21 years old. Further, they should not have violated the Gun Control Act or convicted of a felony before. Also, you must not be prohibited from using firearms by the law.

Find a suitable location

Finding an apt location to run your wholesale distribution business is equally important. The rules of business operations differ from state to state and you may want to operate in an area that has a favorable landscape. As a rule, your business premises should have proper facilities for the storage of firearms and should abide by certain safety norms as well. The purpose of these rules is to ensure safety for your business and others as well. 

Notify the local authorities

Even before you start a firearms wholesale business in a specific jurisdiction, do inform the local authorities (the sheriff or the chief of police) as well. This is perhaps one of the most vital steps of becoming a law enforcement wholesale distributor that you need to follow. You need to inform them by a registered mail and keep a copy of the same for your own record.

Follow best practices

Once you start your business, follow best and honest practices while adhering to local laws. Honest dealings will get you a solid customer base and also build a reputation for your business. A good credit rating is something that will make you grow as well. It can even improve your chances of getting a loan for business expansion in the long run.

Research the local regulations

Besides following the rules for getting a license legally, you also need to research the local firearms regulations. Since these regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, you need to carry out thorough research. Make sure that you have complied with these regulations within a month of the approval of your license. Also, keep documentary evidence of the compliance for future reference.

Work on building a loyal customer base over the years. At the same time, you should always try to be on the right side of the law so that your business never gets into trouble. Running a wholesale firearms business can be challenging but the rewards make it worthwhile if you do things right.