The Debate: Are “Basement Dealers”
Really Making A Dent?
I read the debate on basement FFLs versus brick-and-mortar (BM) businesses.
The argument is moot, in my opinion. The dissenting opinion makes the statement, “One brick-and-mortar ‘mom and pop’ shop will sell more units of firearms and accessories than dozens or even hundreds home-based businesses.”
If that’s a true statement, then basement FFL businesses aren’t making any dent into the BM market anyway. I have a basement FFL business. I’m in business to transfer firearms that were purchased online because local sellers don’t have the inventory or charge way too much (as to punish an internet purchaser for buying online instead of from their inventory).
I don’t care about how much of a substantial investment someone makes in their business efforts … it comes down to buyer’s choice!
A BM retailer can offer to get the gun for a buyer, or they can do the transfer. Better to have the customer come to their store to get the online firearm they purchased (and buy accessories like holsters, bullets, targets, etc.) rather than leave them to basement FFLs. But many do not. There’s a market for basement FFLs.
Like previous pro-basement FFL dealers have said in the past, we don’t get rich off of these transactions. I transfer weapons for first responders for free. In the four years I have transferred guns I’ve made $2. Gross! And I don’t think I have put any kind
of a dent in any BM business in the five towns that border mine. Not one BM firearms business has closed its doors.
Bill Artemik, President/CIO
Innovative Systems Direct
Wilton, N.H.
Bill, thank you for reading Shooting Industry and joining this discussion.
The market certainly has changed, and Shooting Industry is committed to helping retailers serve customers better. Ultimately, if a customer isn’t getting the service he or she isn’t looking for, it’s their choice on where they want to spend their hard-earned money.
SI is committed to helping both brick-and-mortar and online-only retailers succeed in today’s market. Dealers, have a reaction to share? Send anytime to editor@shootingindustry.com.
— Jade Moldae, Editor
