Armory Sponsor
Posted: 4/12/2013 7:42:50 PM EDT
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Parts kits at the last gun show (Wannemachers) that I attended were going to for $75 and up for "name brand" kits. My question is this I've looked at Brownells and the PK's that they have start at $85. Has anybody thought about buying 50 of every part that is normaly in a kit and sell them that way? Would there be a reasonable savings to this when buying in bulk? I'd think that if a person could have $45-50 tied up in one kit, and then sell them for $65 that they could sell the crap out of kits like this. What is the difference between a DPMS kit, Del-ton Kit, and just buying the parts in bulk and making your own kits? I know that just parts to build one or two there is no savings, but there has to be a number where it would start to pay off. Do I just look at a parts diagram and start creating a list from someplace like Brownell's or someplace else (I don't know where else).
I know I've rambled, but I hop to get some good responses. |
| I thought about doing something similar, but on a much smaller scale. Then I tried to find the parts on one site to save shipping. No luck. Was gonna order set of $4 gas rings from midway until I realized it would cost $12-13 with shipping and special handling. In theory sounds like a great idea though |
| It does sound good on paper. I am wanting to start doing some of the local gun shows and I am trying to find things that will sell well, and still be able to turn a modest profit. I am already a dealer for Nebo Tools (flashlights). I can get a table at most shows for under $100 dollars. I figured I could get one table starting out and then gradually expand to two or three tables, and add some help. I'd like to be able to make this a decent side business while keeping my day job. |
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It seems like a lot of work for little potential return. First you have to order and RECEIVE (not so easy lately) all the parts to put together complete kits. If even one item is on indefinite back order you are going to be sitting on a lot of incomplete kits that will be hard to market.
Then, once you have the kits you will have to find a venue for sale. A typical gunshow table runs ~$100 which means you will have to sell enough kits at a price above your cost to cover this expense before you can start thinking about profit. Even selling them online in the EE will have hidden and not so hidden expense. Then, since you are a vendor, you will have to warrant your product to some degree. Even if you sell the kit "as-is" a disgruntled customer can create more grief for you than the $10 "profit" is worth. Besides, a plastic bag filled with a bunch of no-name parts with a note that says "AR15-LPK sold As-Is" will make most people who have ever completed a stripped lower to 
If you are indeed successful and start to actually make any real money at this endeavour, you will soon catch the attention of whoever collects sales tax in your state. Once that door is opened you will need to deal with getting a business license, reporting to the IRS and possibly a few questions from ATF. A small business can be a bureaucratic nightmare. Lastly, not all parts are created equal. I had one AR build that gave me fits until I discovered the hammer was ever so slightly out of spec. The vendor claimed it was not one of theirs but replaced it at no cost because I was able to show them that I had purchased the complete LPK from them directly. Either they were lying (doubtful) or someone had substituted a different hammer at some point between them putting the LPK in a bag and me assembling the lower. Either way it cost me a lot of grief. Not trying to rain on your parade just some thoughts. If you move forward, best of luck 
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