Armory Sponsor
Posted: 9/26/2014 11:24:48 AM EDT
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Hi Guys,
I am applying for my 07 FFL (I plan on the 02 SOT, but not yet) and I was wondering if you guys could answer a few questions, or at least point me in the direction where I can read up on pertinent information. I am very familiar with both state and federal laws (still constantly reading ATF guidelines book, other literature) but I don't know much about daily business. For example, I know the forms that need to be filled out and how in my state a NICS check needs to be performed. But is there something I can read/watch that walks me through a transaction so I can understand each step and the proper order? And how to log a transaction in the A&D book, as well as whatever computer program/book used to keep track of inventory for taxes etc. I guess what I am trying to say is that it would be great if there was a resource that could show you how to complete a sale, transfer, etc. |
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Just find good small business articles and insert the firearms requirements (which you sound familiar with). We've used Quickbooks at shops I've been at. Once you have a solid understanding, role play it a few times with somebody, and see if you can streamline anything. Forms, pens, table, phone, (NICS E-Check), cash register, CC machine... The hardest part is generally keeping up with customer orders (and back-orders). I use a spreadsheet, hand-written on a clipboard... Columns for everything. Barney-style. |
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That's a good idea. Never really thought of it that way. I'm just nervous that someone will come in asking to buy a gun, and I'm not going to know the exact proper procedure.
It's a small office space, not retail. Most customers will be by appointment only. So luckily I won't have to worry too much about falling behind/being to busy with customers. At least at first that will be the case. |
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I think you're being too nervous. Just get a buddy or 2 to do lots of role-playing to ease your concerns. Split it up into a couple days, like not-so-serious workdays. Go grab lunch, beer, and hang out. Have fun with it while you practice and learn. Have them be a dick sometimes, a nice guy asking the craziest questions they can think up at other times, an annoying frat douche bag, a callous trucker who uses few words, etc... Have someone pretend to be an ATF agent calling to ask for a trace request (you'll love that one)  It's like anything else you do in life, it takes experience and no one expects you to get it perfect the first few times. This includes real customers. Hell, I've got lots of experience and I've still screwed up things I've done plenty of times perfectly before. We're all people. A good attitude goes a loooonng way. You can apologize to a customer if you make a mistake. Most really will forgive you. If you aren't sure what trace request calls sound like, email me with your #; I'll help you out.  |
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Firearm arrives at your premises (either from a person or UPS/FedEx/USPS)
You log it into your books as an acquisition from the person or dealer/distributor/manufacturer you received it. If you use a preprinted A&D book it will show you what info goes where. When a customer decides to purchase a firearm, you hand him a 4473. He completes, signs and dates it and hands you his photo ID. You check that the 4473 information matches the info on the photo ID, and record the ID info on the 4473. You then call NICS (or a state POC) for a background check. They will tell you "proceed", "delayed" or "denied". You record the NICS transaction number and result in the 4473. If the NICS result was "proceed" you hand the customer the gun. (when you take his $$$$ is up to you, some do it before the 4473/NICS, some do it after) You then log the firearm out of your books as a disposition to the buyer. |
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Quoted:
Firearm arrives at your premises (either from a person or UPS/FedEx/USPS) You log it into your books as an acquisition from the person or dealer/distributor/manufacturer you received it. If you use a preprinted A&D book it will show you what info goes where. When a customer decides to purchase a firearm, you hand him a 4473. He completes, signs and dates it and hands you his photo ID. You check that the 4473 information matches the info on the photo ID, and record the ID info on the 4473. You then call NICS (or a state POC) for a background check. They will tell you "proceed", "delayed" or "denied". You record the NICS transaction number and result in the 4473. If the NICS result was "proceed" you hand the customer the gun. (when you take his $$$$ is up to you, some do it before the 4473/NICS, some do it after) You then log the firearm out of your books as a disposition to the buyer. Thank you for that info. Do you store 4473's by month, or year, etc? Do you have any opinion on the programs that do most of this stuff? Or is excel and some paper the best way? |
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Quoted:
Do you store 4473's by month, or year, etc? Do you have any opinion on the programs that do most of this stuff? Or is excel and some paper the best way? I number mine in sequence of the transaction. I place each month in a file folder inside a storage tub. If you plan to do less than 200 a month, just go the paper route. Brownells sells a very inexpensive bound book that fits 3 ring binders. If you think you'll do more than 200 a month I would recommend electronic. |
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