Like any small business, you want to bring in more customers to increase profits. While guns are a unique product in many ways, fixing guns is similar to selling any product or service: You have customers to satisfy, inventory to manage, and profit margins to hit.
You can use the strategies we highlight below to develop your firearms repair business to grow your sales.
Grow A Community Around Guns
People enjoy being in groups, especially when it has something to do with their favorite hobbies. Whether they like to buy pistols or long guns, gun enthusiasts always enjoy getting together and talking about their hobby. And they also need to have their firearms serviced and repaired often.
You should make your firearms repair store a place where gun owners can spend time hanging out and relaxing. Consider adding a few tables and chairs off to one side but close to the door. Consider adding a bulletin board for gun-related events, and don’t forget to include a coffee pot!
Next, find some spare time daily for casual conversations with your gun repair customers that aren’t focused on only repairs and service. Your idea is to make friends and give them a reason to stop by and talk about guns.
You should link up with local groups that support firearms safety, for starters. You could have a shooting range nearby, a gun safety school, or even a competitive league. While you don’t need to give them money or buy ads, try to be an active member of these organizations, so folks know who you are.
Also, talk to your gun repair customers when they aren’t in your business. Create social media profiles so you can share entertainment and news about the trade. Also, get their feedback about their experiences in your store, and ask for their emails when they bring a rifle or revolver in for service.
Make Yourself Stand Out From Other Repair Companies
Offering the lowest prices on gun repairs probably won’t sustain you in the long term; someone can always offer your services for less. Instead, figure out strategies to make you stand out from other gun repair firms. You want to make your clients prefer your business. How to do that?
First, learn about the competitors in your town. Go to their places of business with one of your guns that needs repair. See if the company offers other services or promotions. What additional value do they bring customers?
You might learn that another gun repair store across town offers ammo reloading or gunsmithing. This tells you that gun customers are interested in visiting the business for other services. Perhaps you could offer some add-on services in your repair business, such as repairing antique firearms?
Search for gaps in the local market. Is it challenging to find gun repair companies in your region? Do they only repair modern guns? Do they cater to all types of gun owners or only serious collectors? These are your chances to be different and make a name for yourself.
Set Up Shop Near Similar Businesses
Why do strip malls sell so much product? You might think it would be better for similar businesses to be far apart. But people tend to shop where it’s convenient, and it’s convenient where there are many similar companies.
For instance, you might try to set up your gun repair operation across the road from a shooting range. Or, open your storefront next to a gun store. Either way, you will be placed strategically where people who are buying other gun-related products and services are.
As your company launches, you can quickly establish your gun repair company as a serious player in your market with these tips!
