Right now, Coronavirus panic is sweeping the country. President Trump has declared a state of emergency, and at this writing, Washington State is the latest state to close bars, restaurants, and nearly all public gatherings. Grocery stores and gunshops alike are selling out of inventory, and along with the need to handle retail operations during increased demand, there is also the very real question of how to deal with health and safety during this time.
Here are three expert tips to help FFL holders deal with Coronavirus concerns.
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Keep Safe
Basic sanitation isn’t cutting it anymore. With increased demand for guns, some FFL holders are seeing massive lines out their stores. In states that have restricted the size of crowds and public gatherings, this can be a problem. In all places, you want to think about basic safety rules for dealing with the Coronavirus.
Whenever possible, minimize lines. Consider giving people numbered tickets and asking them to wait in their cars. Get a phone number and call them. If they are willing to wait in line, I’m sure they’ll happily wait in their car instead.
Take advantage of online gun purchases. Many distributors and retailers sell guns online and have them shipped to FFL’s for final transfer. Let your customers know that in a couple days you can get them almost any gun on the market at a reasonable price and direct them to an online dealer portal. Bonus points if you already are integrated to one or more. Online transfers can be handled on a set appointment which minimizes large groups gathering.
For customers who want to buy existing inventory, consider keeping an updated list on your website and giving people the chance to pay a deposit over the phone and come in at a scheduled time to complete the background check.
You might also consult with your local health department. They will have the latest advice and directives from the CDC regarding dealing with this sort of thing. If you are worried about being targeted by anti-gun government officials, don’t tell them what you are selling, only that you have a lot of customers.
Try to keep hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes available. Pens are cheap, and when people sign their 4473, let them keep the pen. If you use a computer for digital background checks, wipe the keyboard clean after each use or provide disposable gloves if possible for people to wear instead.
Basically a little common sense, and some basic health and safety supplies will go a long way to keep you, and your customers safe right now.
Keep Rational
Between the Coronavirus and the upcoming presidential election, people are feeling antsy and that always leads to buying guns. Now is not the time for political conspiracy theories, tactical bravado, or chest pounding memes about civil war. Instead it is time to work on making sure all the new gun owners coming through your doors get the right gun for their needs, sound advice on gun use and gun ownership, and access to good training. The National Shooting Sports Foundation offers some excellent safety and training resources you can share with your customers.
Remember, the best way to boost support for 2A is to welcome anyone who wants to buy a gun. If they are buying guns, they are realizing that they need guns, and will weaken anti-gun efforts in this country no matter how they vote. Isn’t that a lovely thought?
Keep On Top of Things
The political and health landscape is changing rapidly. The only sure thing is that things are changing and usually not for the good. This is a near guarantee though that FFL holders will see an uptick in gun sales. Your local health department will have guidance on keeping retail operations going during whatever local controls are instituted to stop the spread of Coronavirus. As vague as that sounds, that is also the first and best source of information specific to your location that exists, and you should make use of it.
The political landscape is also changing rapidly and that will bring increased gun sales too, usually from people who already own guns and want to “get while the getting is good” in case of left wing victories and their open promises to engage in gun confiscation.
All you can do at this point is to sit tight, and make use of what knowledge you can acquire. FFL123 will be working hard to bring our customers the latest industry related news and tips, and are working around the clock to stay on top of events that impact our industry.
Remember, we are Americans and we’ve gone through far worse than what we are facing now. If examples elsewhere are to be believed, in a few short weeks, we’ll be coming out on the other side of the Coronavirus problem, and can turn our attention to restoring our economy after the temporary blip. Meanwhile, FFL holders can expect a wild ride, but most should also expect it to be a profitable one too.
