Gun Shows

[Hicks02]

I am going to have a booth at a gun show and was wanting some input form the pros. Do these shows seem to be worth thE time and what would be some good gun suggestions. Thanks for looking Jeremiah

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

Having attended a TON of gun shows, I would say to just have some examples of your skill, and concentrate on taking custom work orders. The reason I say that, is at any of the gun shows I have been to there are guys selling new holsters from the bigger manufacturers, guys with large tubs full of NOS (new old stock), and tons of used holsters. What does that mean? Prices run from $2 on up, so you will have to offer something that they cannot get there at the show, or online. Look into offering leather repairs also, again, something the other guys may not offer. I have a friend who had to have a WWII Luger holster repaired. If you get into that type of repair, you better be good as some surplus holsters are worth big bucks now. Use the correct threads, do it right, and you will have customers.

[DCKNIVES]

I would agree, got to be different and unique.Most of the folks there are buying the cheapest holsters available, so to sell anything at a reasonable price you need to have superior quality and be able to show why your product is worth that extra money.I try to cater to the high end crowd , which means I make fewer sales but I do make more money per item.I also try to do a variety of items, holsters,slings, knives,sheaths etc.The good part of Gun shows is they are relatively cheap to setup at and can give you a good local presence.Dave

[gregintenn]

Great answers. Take a few nice holsters to make an attractive display and a deck of business cards and brochures. There's something about the feeling of having a holster made especially for you that does not happen when buying a production piece.

[Hicks02]

Thanks for the help. I am not making a lot stuff, just an example of what I do and of things that I have sold the most of. The cheap dealers do concern me, I wish people would see quality other than price. Again thanks for the input. Jeremiah

[RMB Custom Leather]

I am going to have a booth at a gun show and was wanting some input form the pros. Do these shows seem to be worth thE time and what would be some good gun suggestions. Thanks for looking Jeremiah

Jeremiah,

I have done about 10 gun shows and they can be good places to sell. You need to have alot of business cards, a sample of stamps or border patterns you can customize items with, alot of belts striped out, key fobs cut out, and cell phone cases cut out. I know you are going to a gun show but I will be willing to bet you will stay busy making belts and cell phone holders if you plan to do it on the spot like I do. I would have a good display of several items like a cartridge belt if you have time that always brings alot of attention. I would have holsters for the following guns: pocket holsters for the keltec .380, / Ruger LCP, Some IWB for Glocks, a few 1911's, a few small frame revolvers, a few pocket holsters for the small .22's, a few western styles for 6" revolvers. You need to have a few of the items you plan to sell cut out and ready for stain and tooling, being able to make items in front of the customer really generates a crowd and equals more sells. I would also find me a nice looking lady to go with me and watch the table when you're busy hahahahah! ..but it works. Find a rebel flag stamp you will need it and stamp your initials on a few of the holsters for display. You will take alot of orders so have you an order form with all the needed information on it ready for them to fill out.

Edited August 9, 2010 by wwwrmbbladescom

[Hicks02]

I was not planing on doing anything on the spot. I really don't have the set up for a lot of belts. I was going to bring examples of the boarder stamps. I didn't know that cell phone cases would sell. This is my test run to see if I can get some orders and sell my products. I had not thought to have order forms, I am for sure going to take some. I am new to selling on a high level. Since January I have been able to sell more and even picked up a store to carry my holsters. I have high hopes. The show is Saturday so I will post how it goes. Thanks again for the help. Jeremiah

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

It is OK to keep your hopes high, but stay realistic too. Be prepared mentally in case you do not make one sale. It happens. Try and use the bad experiences to make make sales at another show by asking -why?. Why can answer a lot of questions. Why didn't I sell any cowboy rigs? Show concentrated on tactical gear. Why didn't anyone look at my high end items? Prices were above the areas market, IE: there is more disposable income in some cities compared to others. Why didn't I sell hardly anything at this show? Got stuck in the back corner, hard to find, no foot traffic, poor table display, confusing display, low attendance, weather- you get more attendance during rain than nice sunny days. You get the idea.

Walk the show yourself to see what else is being sold, and at what price. Talk with some of the other vendors, and drop cards off at tables. I don't know how big some of your shows are, but the one at Cal Expo in Sacramento CA used to be 1000 tables . If you have some cowboy action shooters promoting a club, drop off a card. Gun club have a table there? Drop off a card. Reenacting group there? Drop off a card. Make up some inexpensive cards/flyer with your table location on it to leave at every table. You may find that by doing this they will send people your way. You may also look to see if anyone has a leather item that needs to be repaired on their table. I picked up a couple of "leg-o-mutton" shotgun cases really inexpensively due to threads falling out. The leather was solid, just bad threads. Buy, fix, resell.

Always keep you eyes open, and ears listening for opportunities.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.