Question on 01 FFL

[Guest TankerHC]

So I have been trying to decide on getting my 01. I had started the application process prior to leaving MS, but speaking with the ATF, they suggested I wait until I move to TN since it was so close to time to move (At the time I didnt know we would be moving that quick) and I wouldnt have to go through the rigamarole of changing everything and getting the amended license. 

 

So I figured moving up here, I would have to wait until I purchased my home and property in the county next June so as not to be required to have a store front. I know quite a few home based 01 holders in MS, all of them outside the city limits and have been told numerous times the reason I didnt see any inside the city limits of the city or surrounding cities I lived in was because a Store Front was required inside the city limits. I was thinking the same thing applied here, but speaking about it to someone tonight it occurred to me that the three that I have dealt with here were all inside the city limits (Of their particular city).

 

So my question is, if I have (And I do) a secure area, safes, and live inside the City Limits is there a State Law that requires a Store Front or does the same apply regardless of where you live, you can conduct business from home or a store front? Yes I know I probably answered my own question in the above paragraph but was wondering, is there a State Law or is there a City by City difference, or basically what is the law in TN regarding this?

 

If I am in the City limits, can I still conduct business if I meet all requirements, or do some cities require a store front?

 

 

[runco]

I have not been a FFL holder in 20 years, but I recall "then" the state does not really regulate the storefront, and yes it can be city by city ordinances. I do think you have to have a special permit to sell handguns from the state. Now having said that, I would really deeply reconsider having a home or a building on my home property as my FFL location. You open yourself up to many risks both from the Federal Government intrusion and from the aspects of robbery. The ATF can visit you during your hours, and if you have private collection and store inventory, this can be open to interpretation by the Feds, and lots of other unnecessary scrutiny. Regarding robbery, once the public is aware that you have a gun store at your home or adjacent to your home, each time you are away from your property you are at risk of being robbed. Edited December 4, 2013 by Runco

[DaveTN]

An 01 FFL is only $200; many of us would have one without a second thought. The regulations on home businesses and zoning laws block most of us from doing that. The ATF now checks with local government to make sure you meet their (local) requirements. The ATF is also now trying to weed out those that aren’t actively selling to the public.
I think if you can get a business license and meet the local requirements for having a business in your home, you should be okay. There aren’t any state laws that I’m aware of, but I never got past the city requirements.

[Hershmeister]

An 01 FFL is only $200; many of us would have one without a second thought. The regulations on home businesses and zoning laws block most of us from doing that. The ATF now checks with local government to make sure you meet their (local) requirements. The ATF is also now trying to weed out those that aren’t actively selling to the public.
I think if you can get a business license and meet the local requirements for having a business in your home, you should be okay. There aren’t any state laws that I’m aware of, but I never got past the city requirements.

+1

Check with your county zoning laws. You would be surprised what the rules are - most places have requirements to get a waiver for a business that doesn't conform to certain standard home based businesses

[Guest TankerHC]

An 01 FFL is only $200; many of us would have one without a second thought. The regulations on home businesses and zoning laws block most of us from doing that. The ATF now checks with local government to make sure you meet their (local) requirements. The ATF is also now trying to weed out those that aren’t actively selling to the public.
I think if you can get a business license and meet the local requirements for having a business in your home, you should be okay. There aren’t any state laws that I’m aware of, but I never got past the city requirements.

 

Yea, thats what I suspected, the intent would be to sell (I dont see any other need for a 01 and by ATF Reg's there isnt). I know plenty of home based, but have to say until I started using a couple here, 100% where outside the City Limits. 

[Troutburger]

Before your application is approved you will interview with a field agent.  They will request to see your business license and inspect your premises. They will request that you have a safe or bars on the window basically a means of securing the firearms.

 

There can be exceptions such as proximity to schools and other zoning issues in cities and counties. They wont give you an FFL just for internet sales, transfers, and gun shows. 

 

You will be required to keep all firearms on the premises listed in a bound book, and be subject to inspections. 

 

The margins on firearms from a distributor vs say Buds gunshop are typically less than 5%.  Many times Buds sells for less than wholesale plus shipping. When you have to collect 7%-9.75% sales tax on purchases you wont be able to offer competitive prices. 

 

Another negative to a home based FFL is most of the distributors will only work with you if you are a stocking dealer with an actual store front.  

 

Also, in order to be competitive you will need to participate in stocking dealer programs.  Most of which will only work with storefronts. Apparently Glock even sends a sales rep out to verify your store is up to their standards. 

 

Honestly, I don't see how most gunshops are able to stay in business, and compete with internet sales.

[hipower]

Troutburger raises some very good points.

 

I have an acquaintance that runs a small shop, commercial, not from home, but he's had a hard time getting product to sell. Most of his new comes from distributors, so his pricing usually isn't real low.

 

He was a stocking dealer for Glock for a time, but the requirements for amount of stock and initial purchase was pretty tough on him. 

 

Not trying to talk you out of anything you want to do, just be cautious and careful.

[bersaguy]

Troutburger failed to mention that he is an FFL dealer and that is why he knows most everything he was able to tell you to be fact........jmho