Home-Based licensed firearms dealer

Local hunters, sport shooters and collectors who buy online and need a licensed dealer, plus customers who want special orders.

Transfer fees on each firearm you receive, plus a margin on special-order firearms, ammunition, safes and accessories.

• Careful with paperwork and record keeping
• Firearms knowledge and safe handling
• Customer service and clear communication

• A federal firearms license is needed to deal in firearms, and approval can take time
• Some cities, counties, HOAs and landlords do not allow home-based dealers, so check before applying
• State and local licenses and rules vary a lot, so check with your state attorney general or licensing office
• Strict record keeping and inspections, and serious penalties for mistakes
• Insurance, banking and payment processing can be harder to get, so ask early
• Safe and secure storage of stock and records

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your secure storage setup, licensing costs and starting stock of accessories. These are estimates, so check each cost for your own situation before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many transfers, special orders and accessory sales you handle. These are estimates only and will vary with local demand and the hours you put in.

Check that you can get a federal firearms license, as approval can take time. Also check whether your city, county, HOA or landlord allows home-based dealers, and ask your state attorney general or licensing office about state and local licenses.