Steps to getting an FFL? Gun smith shop? - The Firearms Forum

ShawnDow · 08-10-2012, 05:04 PM

OK,
Previous posts have lead me to a new question.

What steps do I need to take to get a FFL, and other business licenses and insurance for the state of Michigan?

I plan on having a "hobby" gun smith and possibly small retail gun shop in a small town with a relatively small population in the surrounding area. I cant compete with the local Wally World for retail, but I was hoping and planing on "Knowledgeable service and sales" would attract people.

Back to the question, I need an FFL, business license (for Michigan), insurance, a small shop and need to consider zoning. If I'm missing some thing, please tell me. What order do I start? Who in the "city building" would I talk to? I know there set application fees, I cant change that, but can I control cost on insurance and property rental?

Thanks for the input,
Shawn Dow

Jim K · 08-10-2012, 08:10 PM

OK, to buy and sell modern guns of any kind, you need to get an FFL and keep books and records as required. Most of the info you need is on the BATFE web site, at www.atf.gov. Before issuing the license, BATFE will require that you have a place of business that will comply with local zoning laws, etc., and that you have the required business licenses. Information on the latter can usually be obtained at your local town hall or county courthouse. Small towns often have few zoning laws, but they also have local "customs" as to what kinds of business are OK and where. If there is no precedent in the town for a gun shop, you might have to appear before a zoning board or the city council to try to show you are not some nutty "militia" type. (In this kind of thing, relatives and friends help; it helps a lot if your father is the mayor and your brother is chief of police, for example.)

As I said before, you will be better off with a storefront, even if you could work out of your house. If you have a local community college, check to see if they have a small business course, and if so, take it. Also check on a machine shop course; it will be worth while.

If you plan to be a stocking dealer, you will need some cash or a line of credit to get started. Even if you just buy guns from the local populace, you will still need money for that and for your bluing equipment if you decide to get into that.

You will need someone to do your books and keep you out of trouble with the IRS and state tax authorities. (You will probably be an S corporation, wholly owned.) I do recommend incorporating, as that way if something goes wrong, liability falls on "Shawn's Gun Shoppe, Inc." and not on Shawn Dow himself. You will also need insurance in case a customer shoots a hole in your roof or you let a round go in the wrong direction. Also, if you have custody of customers' guns, you are liable for theft, loss, or improper work.

Sticking to long guns may make things easier; it would in some states, in others it makes little difference.

You should consider talking to an attorney or at least someone familiar with business law in your state.

Believe me, the FFL is the easy part. The rest can be hard or easy depending on a lot of factors.

Jim

08-10-2012, 05:04 PM	#1
ShawnDow V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Tawas City, Michigan Posts: 395	Steps to getting an FFL? Gun smith shop? OK, Previous posts have lead me to a new question. What steps do I need to take to get a FFL, and other business licenses and insurance for the state of Michigan? I plan on having a "hobby" gun smith and possibly small retail gun shop in a small town with a relatively small population in the surrounding area. I cant compete with the local Wally World for retail, but I was hoping and planing on "Knowledgeable service and sales" would attract people. Back to the question, I need an FFL, business license (for Michigan), insurance, a small shop and need to consider zoning. If I'm missing some thing, please tell me. What order do I start? Who in the "city building" would I talk to? I know there set application fees, I cant change that, but can I control cost on insurance and property rental? Thanks for the input, Shawn Dow __________________ You can't prevent the inevitable.. only alter its time span! -->

08-10-2012, 08:10 PM	#2
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Steps to getting an FFL? Gun smith shop? OK, to buy and sell modern guns of any kind, you need to get an FFL and keep books and records as required. Most of the info you need is on the BATFE web site, at www.atf.gov. Before issuing the license, BATFE will require that you have a place of business that will comply with local zoning laws, etc., and that you have the required business licenses. Information on the latter can usually be obtained at your local town hall or county courthouse. Small towns often have few zoning laws, but they also have local "customs" as to what kinds of business are OK and where. If there is no precedent in the town for a gun shop, you might have to appear before a zoning board or the city council to try to show you are not some nutty "militia" type. (In this kind of thing, relatives and friends help; it helps a lot if your father is the mayor and your brother is chief of police, for example.) As I said before, you will be better off with a storefront, even if you could work out of your house. If you have a local community college, check to see if they have a small business course, and if so, take it. Also check on a machine shop course; it will be worth while. If you plan to be a stocking dealer, you will need some cash or a line of credit to get started. Even if you just buy guns from the local populace, you will still need money for that and for your bluing equipment if you decide to get into that. You will need someone to do your books and keep you out of trouble with the IRS and state tax authorities. (You will probably be an S corporation, wholly owned.) I do recommend incorporating, as that way if something goes wrong, liability falls on "Shawn's Gun Shoppe, Inc." and not on Shawn Dow himself. You will also need insurance in case a customer shoots a hole in your roof or you let a round go in the wrong direction. Also, if you have custody of customers' guns, you are liable for theft, loss, or improper work. Sticking to long guns may make things easier; it would in some states, in others it makes little difference. You should consider talking to an attorney or at least someone familiar with business law in your state. Believe me, the FFL is the easy part. The rest can be hard or easy depending on a lot of factors. Jim Last edited by Jim K; 08-10-2012 at 08:14 PM..