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Making money from a Firearms blog

by bsurb
26 replies
Hey guys, been a few months since Iv been on here.. Iv had trouble in the past choosing a certain money making niche so I took some time off from the internet world and kind of came up with a new hobby.... And that is "Firearms".

I'm currently in training to become a police offer and Iv gained a lot of interest and knowledge with firearms and ammo. I have also been online buying guns and found some legit companies who have cheap firearms which I know I could sell to my targeted audience..

Now, how would I go about making money from this niche? Besides creating a blog, what are some profitable ideas that I could use? I have a few sites that offer affiliate programs to sell "ammo", but is there ANY way I could actual offer FIREARMS on my blog?

To become a firearms dealer, I know you need a FFL to sell guns. But are there actual drop shippers or companies out there where you can get firearms at a discounted price? That would save people money from buying guns at their local pawn stores?

Iv gained lots of knowledge with firearms lately and I'm learning every single day.. I figured blogging about my reviews on my new gun purchases, videos/reviews of how the gun operates at the gun range, what ammo to buy etc.. and hire others from fiverr who actual are have more knowledge.

The gun market is pretty big and it always will be. When choosing a niche..... would it be as profitable and worth the time to cover ANY gun as opposed to choosing ONE gun model, such as GLOCK? And blog only about that one gun brand?

Any ideas?
#blog #firearms #making #money
  • Profile picture of the author expressg
    Firearms enthusiasts are also a big chunk of the survivalist market. Survivalists love guides, instructions, gear lists, etc. Very easy to monetize. Another suggestion would be gun comparisons, entry level priced guns, intermediate, high ticket... Think case study for functionality and shoot-ability.
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  • Profile picture of the author bsurb
    I was also thinking about the possibility of covering "Concealed Carry Firearms"

    What do you think?
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  • Profile picture of the author stevefox88
    Nice niche! High ticket niche.
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  • Profile picture of the author mich800
    With firearms they must be shipped to a FFL dealer and not directly to the consumer unless they are also have a FFL. So that adds a layer to your sales transaction. There are some drop shippers that will ship to FFL dealers but I cannot remember how good their prices were.
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    • Profile picture of the author bsurb
      Originally Posted by mich800 View Post

      With firearms they must be shipped to a FFL dealer and not directly to the consumer unless they are also have a FFL. So that adds a layer to your sales transaction. There are some drop shippers that will ship to FFL dealers but I cannot remember how good their prices were.
      Iv researched on how to become an FFL dealer, it runs a couple hundred bucks and you can run the business right out of your home. As long as you're not using it strictly for self use.
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      • Profile picture of the author mich800
        Originally Posted by bsurb View Post

        Iv researched on how to become an FFL dealer, it runs a couple hundred bucks and you can run the business right out of your home. As long as you're not using it strictly for self use.
        I thought you meant selling them online and shipping them to the customer. Yes, you can make a decent living as a dealer selling out of your home. Where I am from you need approval from the main police entity to get the FFL. If you are going into law enforcement or that should make your application that much easier to get through.
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        • Profile picture of the author myob
          For more immediate monetization, consider selling relevant books, accessories, personal security products, hunting equipment, etc. Amazon particularly has a wide array to choose from, and perhaps targeting people who already own firearms may be a better marketing strategy. This arena is heavily competitive, so IMO you should leverage your experience and associations and directly target the estimated 52 million gun owners in the US.
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  • Profile picture of the author trobo
    This niche is obviously "high ticket", but it's also probably one of the most highly regulated niches out there, as you know already.

    Also, gun enthusiasts tend to be "bargain hunters", especially if you're dealing with ammo or reloading equipment and supplies. They like to think they are getting the lowest price possible and will shop around until they find it. This is certainly something I would consider before jumping into this market.
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  • Profile picture of the author kk075
    Four words- "Sell the Confederate Flag!"

    Online stores can't keep it in stock since the incident in South Carolina, and gun owners are deeply rooted in their freedoms. Find a vendor, sell the flag = you win.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      If you are indeed training to be a police officer - that is NOT something you want to be selling.

      In fact, if you are going to be working in law enforcement you may have restrictions on what types of small business or second jobs you are allowed to do on the side.

      I see a lot of assumptions about gun owners - and none of them fit the people I know. What that tells me is that stereotyping can be way off at times. There are so many people who spend a lot on gun paraphernalia - holsters and ammo holder, expensive gun safes and carrying cases, skeet throwers and clay pigeons - add in "hunting gear" and you can fill up a site fast with products.

      Gun owners are regular people - some are budget conscious, some aren't. Some are 'country' - some aren't. If you are going to talk to gun collectors you better know what you are talking about....because they will.
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      • Profile picture of the author bsurb
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        If you are indeed training to be a police officer - that is NOT something you want to be selling.

        In fact, if you are going to be working in law enforcement you may have restrictions on what types of small business or second jobs you are allowed to do on the side.

        I see a lot of assumptions about gun owners - and none of them fit the people I know. What that tells me is that stereotyping can be way off at times. There are so many people who spend a lot on gun paraphernalia - holsters and ammo holder, expensive gun safes and carrying cases, skeet throwers and clay pigeons - add in "hunting gear" and you can fill up a site fast with products.

        Gun owners are regular people - some are budget conscious, some aren't. Some are 'country' - some aren't. If you are going to talk to gun collectors you better know what you are talking about....because they will.
        Hey sorry to bring the thread back to life, but rather than trying to sell firearms, I was thinking about creating a blog for concealed carry, where I could blog about the right firearms for concealed carry, holsters, and other guides for people who are looking to start concealing. Also adding lots of accessories for concealed firearms... a big one is ladies guns/plasti dipped firearms.

        Do you see a blog about concealed carry being profitable?
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        • Profile picture of the author myob
          Originally Posted by bsurb View Post

          Do you see a blog about concealed carry being profitable?
          Absolutely, this is a huge market, with about 8 million concealed carry holders in the US. I've made a killing in the firearms niche; mostly from Amazon sales. The laws vary widely by state, so what I did was target gun owners and permit holders.
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  • Profile picture of the author Key Seek
    I have a chl and a lot of experience in this area. I own a dozen guns and train regularly. My friend is a chl instructor, LE instructor, and a SWAT team member. Another friend a former army Ranger who just sold his gun store.


    There are long established forums and blog regarding firearms. You are trying to get into a highly competitive area with no actual experience. You will be ferreted out immediately.


    Furthermore, you will need a ffl, and if you sell using the internet, you cannot ship directly, the gun will have to go to a ffl where the buyer can go and get a background check.


    Some ffl's charge up to $100. Gun guys on the internet already know the cheapest places to buy guns, and also know that the ffl fee often kills their ability to compete on price.
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    • Profile picture of the author bsurb
      Originally Posted by Key Seek View Post

      I have a chl and a lot of experience in this area. I own a dozen guns and train regularly. My friend is a chl instructor, LE instructor, and a SWAT team member. Another friend a former army Ranger who just sold his gun store.


      There are long established forums and blog regarding firearms. You are trying to get into a highly competitive area with no actual experience. You will be ferreted out immediately.


      Furthermore, you will need a ffl, and if you sell using the internet, you cannot ship directly, the gun will have to go to a ffl where the buyer can go and get a background check.


      Some ffl's charge up to $100. Gun guys on the internet already know the cheapest places to buy guns, and also know that the ffl fee often kills their ability to compete on price.
      I know my local pawn shops charge $25 for the transfer/background check when buying a weapon online.

      So you believe that the gun market is quite competitive to test out?

      I have a domain, "LegitCarry.com" that I thought was a good name but I'm just not sure if I could compete and make decent money.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
        Not a niche I'd ever get into for personal reasons.

        But - if it were the only niche in the world, I'd go toward the accessories - like holsters - nice customized leather ones, goggles, and look out for proper training videos.

        There is likely some interest in the survivalist type forums which would give some good ideas.

        A lot of stuff here:

        http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...m+%2Caps%2C400

        Maintenance and safety is important.
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      • Profile picture of the author Key Seek
        It is very, very competitive. The amount of regulation and paperwork will be a full time job, you cannot also be an officer.


        This choice would be a good one after you retire from LE, say at around 50-55 years old You will then have the experience and the time.




        Originally Posted by bsurb View Post

        I know my local pawn shops charge $25 for the transfer/background check when buying a weapon online.

        So you believe that the gun market is quite competitive to test out?

        I have a domain, "LegitCarry.com" that I thought was a good name but I'm just not sure if I could compete and make decent money.
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        • Profile picture of the author bsurb
          Originally Posted by Key Seek View Post

          It is very, very competitive. The amount of regulation and paperwork will be a full time job, you cannot also be an officer.


          This choice would be a good one after you retire from LE, say at around 50-55 years old You will then have the experience and the time.
          Not necessarily in the need to sell firearms, but at least provide useful information or guides on different weapons, clothing, how to conceal, or what ever would benefit people who are thinking about getting a permit.
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        • Profile picture of the author bsurb
          Originally Posted by Key Seek View Post

          It is very, very competitive. The amount of regulation and paperwork will be a full time job, you cannot also be an officer.


          This choice would be a good one after you retire from LE, say at around 50-55 years old You will then have the experience and the time.
          Would breaking it down to a niche such as "Florida concealed carry" make it a lot less competitive?
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          • Profile picture of the author agmccall
            Originally Posted by bsurb View Post

            Would breaking it down to a niche such as "Florida concealed carry" make it a lot less competitive?
            It would be a great idea to break it down on your site for all states. A simple category labeled "CC by State" or something similar with a dropdown listing all states with news and information would be helpful not only to those states residents but also to people wanting to move to that state.

            The rest of the site can be used for general CC information. I would monetize with Amazon, Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, and any other sporting store that has shooting supplies.

            al
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            • Profile picture of the author bsurb
              Originally Posted by agmccall View Post

              It would be a great idea to break it down on your site for all states. A simple category labeled "CC by State" or something similar with a dropdown listing all states with news and information would be helpful not only to those states residents but also to people wanting to move to that state.

              The rest of the site can be used for general CC information. I would monetize with Amazon, Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, and any other sporting store that has shooting supplies.

              al
              So you think with the high competition out there that this could be worth the time and profitable?

              I was hoping I could find possible drop shippers or wholesalers who I could get concealed accessories from. I know holsters is one of the popular products.
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              • Profile picture of the author Kay King
                You are asking questions of people who don't know the answers.

                Do the research - check out other sites.

                I thought of this thread this week when I was having dinner with 7 other people. Of the 8 at the table - one was under 21....and 5 have carry permits.

                People I know spend a lot of money on guns - and they are NOT hunters.
                They are target shooters, collectors, etc. They buy ammo holders and hats and tshirts and carry cases and holsters and cleaning kits and all sorts of accessories....one of these even gave a "rifle plunger" as a gag gift.

                It can be done but you can't do it by asking people who aren't in the niche - or who are new to niches themselves.

                Do the research, find the products, take the plunge and see if it will fly. What's the worst that can happen? You lose a little money, some time - and learn a lot along the way.

                Edit: I was the ONE at the table who has the least experience with guns. If you want to blog or write in this niche you need to LEARN the niche. There is terminology, slang, details that you can't fake. If you know nothing about that particular niche....it will show and you will fail.
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                • Profile picture of the author Kay King
                  Hey bsurb -

                  Gotta tell you this one! Still 8 people here and we fixed a big dinner tonight....one of the men pulled out some "little gifts" he'd forgotten about and passed them around to the rest of us.

                  They were CORN COB HOLDERS - shaped like little 4 inch long M16 Rifles - 8 to a pack. He paid 7.50 per pack online....and bought 20 of the packs to hand out to friends. Some of these folks will buy anything related to guns.
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                  • Profile picture of the author bsurb
                    Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

                    Hey bsurb -

                    Gotta tell you this one! Still 8 people here and we fixed a big dinner tonight....one of the men pulled out some "little gifts" he'd forgotten about and passed them around to the rest of us.

                    They were CORN COB HOLDERS - shaped like little 4 inch long M16 Rifles - 8 to a pack. He paid 7.50 per pack online....and bought 20 of the packs to hand out to friends. Some of these folks will buy anything related to guns.
                    Thanks for the advice.. I have a high interest in firearms, especially concealing my self daily.. and not to mention Im in the law enforcement field now.

                    I think Ill give it a try and find me some contributors who can provide me some good articles to publish while i market the blog and handle the social media.
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  • Profile picture of the author HelpingYouBeAnExpert
    I was told that firearms are going to be against the law soon. Just saying!
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  • Profile picture of the author etoong87
    very nice business. This should permit long to be able to do business in this field
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  • Profile picture of the author bsurb
    If I could come up with a unique way of marketing concealed carry, I think I could make out good because I belong to several private Facebook groups that have 20,000+ members on that are in my state.. If I built some sort of relationship with them and the admins to let me pin a post of the blog or contests or something it could be a hit...

    This week, I opened a discussion about "concealed cover" which is a mirror that goes onto your wall that you keep your guns in.. and is locked. The discussion is huge on my thread on Facebook and LOTS of people are interested in.. So if I could find a product that would interest most of them, I could possibly make a decent amount of change.
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