Gun Show?

[bigo5552000]

Well..Firstly, I am gonna have a booth at an upcoming gun show. Has anyone done any? Comments on them would be awesome. How much merchandise should I bring? Also, what guns should I bring the most of? Any help or suggestions would be awesome!

Thanks

[Randy Cornelius]

I have done a couple gun shows, and I must say did not do so good. Most I found are looking for a bargin. I handed out a lot of cards, got a couple calls later but for the most part it was a bust. I did sell a couple CC holsters and a couple ancle holsters for the smaller guns but never got close to covering my expenses. I was not selling guns just leather stuff. I had a lot of traffic at my booth, with lots of intrest but the money was just not there. Not sure if I would do another one.

Randy

[DCKNIVES]

I have done quite a few but enjoys custom knife only shows as well.If this is your first, don't expect a sellout and count this as a learning experience.It's like going to school.Dress nice but casual, comfy shoes as you will be up alot , stand as much as you can and engage your customers and ask what they maybe looking for.I would take as much as you can have built and afford to, empty tables don't sell. At a knife only show I don't setup without at least 12-15 knives and sheaths.At gunshows I have knives,sheaths,holsters,slings and whatever else I can put up.As far as type of guns, alot depends on your area but typically Glock 19 and 1911 holsters are always popular.Advertise if you want to do custom work and what kind you'll do.Have pics or a laptop to show previous work, better yet is to have power and a slide show on a laptop showing your work all day.There is some that say don't show prices but I have prices on all my goods and will continue to do so.Remember that there will be a ton of tire kickers but it only takes one guy to make your show.At a show several years ago, I was having a slow day then a guy walked up looked around and walked away, came back bought one knife and left.He then called me the next day and purchased the 12 knives I had left.He continued to purchase over 20 knives and at least 6 holsters over the next two years.Good luck and learn alot.Dave

[Big O]

I spent two days and $25 at a gun show back in October. Had plenty of Glock 17 and 1911 holsters. Nothing sold. Had ONE order for a holster and magazine pouch. Back in December, one of that guy's friends contacted me and ordered a holster. Just a few days ago, a friend of one or the other of them called me and wants to order three holsters.

So......seemed like a waste of time to begin with, but I'm experiencing a snowball effect.

[Lobo]

Gun show instructions:

1. Spend an hour or two getting there and setting up your display.

2. Spend 8 or 10 hours on your feet, keeping a close eye on everything you have displayed to make sure nothing grows legs and walks away.

3. Answer a dozen questions per hour, usually one of which makes sense.

4. Smile as you politely decline each offer to "take it off your hands" from the bargain hunters.

5. Listen to a couple of lectures daily about what you're doing wrong, what you should be doing, and how you should be doing it.

6. Eat lousy food from gut-truck concessionaires. Take plenty of antiacid tablets. NEVER drink the coffee!

7. Spend an hour or two packing up and going home.

8. Take the phone calls from the two guys who bought holsters from you, then traded off the guns that fit those holsters, and now would like to have a refund.

9. Take the phone call from the guy who bought the holster for the gun he was going to buy, then bought a different gun, and found another holster for that gun, and would like to have a refund.

10. Add up your total sales, subtract your booth rental and materials costs, deduct your gasoline and meals, then compare what is left (if any) to the number of hours you spent making everything and tied to a table for 2 or 3 days.

11. Take the solemn oath never to do it again.

I've also had a few folks who wanted to order a quantity of my products to sell at gun shows. Typical questions:

Q: Will you give me a couple of dozen on consignment?

A: No.

Q: If they don't sell can I return them for a refund?

A: No.

Q: Will you pay the booth rental if I man it for you and handle sales for a commission?

A: No.

Q: What do you think will sell the best?

A: Left-handed cross-draw holsters for 1895 Mosin Nagant 7.62mm revolvers with barrels cut down to 2" and target sights installed. But only if you have one in the right color.

Q: What is the right color?

A: The one you don't have with you.

Q: You don't think this is a good idea, do you?

A: Yes, I do. It's such a good idea that I will give you a 20% discount on everything I have in stock right now so you can take it all to the next gun show! Cash only at that price, of course. Sorry, no checks.

[TwinOaks]

+1 Lobo, but I think you left off one...

Q: Will you match the price of the guy selling 'name brand' knock-offs for $10/holster.

A: No. Please excuse me, I need to get started on the IWB for a S&W 500 Mag.

[Hicks02]

I did one show and would like to do another. I had fun, but everything mentioned so far happened to me. About the only thing I sold were the holsters I had lying around for years. I still have holster that I made for the show left. It seems like it should work, I just can't figure out how to make it worth while. I was advised to take something to do and a pretty lady to sell the stuff. And for what guns to take holsters for, I was asked for a ankle holster for a full sized 1911. I hope this helps. JH

[Frank]

Lobo,

I had to copy your instructions and post them in my shop for future reference! Thanks for the laughs this morning. My show wasn't that bad in comparison to some. I fortunately did sell enough at my first show to pay for the trip and a new gun! I also received 4-5 orders from people after the show, which made it really worth while. I know that this isn't the norm but I would do it again even if it's only to get my name out there and get a little more exposure.

Frank

[bigo5552000]

hmmmm.. thanks everyone! i must ponder!

[Eaglestroker]

From everyone I have talked to in this business and in others, it seems that shows are almost like an introduction into the community. It's a scout patch if you will - everyone has at least one! It makes for good stories when surrounded by like minded folks as well

Go into it planning to not make any money, then anything over that is gravy.

Edited March 8, 2011 by Eaglestroker