Your point of sale system is one of the best business partners you can have. This is true whether your firearms business is a simple, single-license enterprise that you have launched to sell used weapons at gun shows, or a complex, multi-location operation that conducts sales via various channels. If you are not fully harnessing the power of your POS, it’s time to learn how to take advantage of its complete suite of features so that you can remain in compliance with regulations and boost your sales at the same time.
Serial number tracking.
As soon as you acquire a gun, it is vital that you record its serial number in order to be in compliance with regulations. These numbers must also be added when you get a gun from another store, displayed on receipts, and included when an item is returned. Your POS is of invaluable assistance for this task by allowing you to scan in the number via a barcode or entering it manually. You can also use it to create a report that fully describes the transaction history for a particular serialized item.
Contain an electronic A&D bound book.
The Firearms Acquisition and Disposition (A&D) record, also known as a “bound book,” is a paper or electronic record that must be maintained on the premises of your store. Your gun store POS should work with a cloud-based solution or contain an integrated electronic A&D book that automatically records all gun sales, lets you view the history of any firearm you have in stock, generates ATF-required reports, and can be backed up every day. Additionally, it should include 4473 forms that purchasers can complete on an iPad or other device. Finally, you should be able to run NICS background checks in minutes.
Make ordering easier with integrated vendor catalogs.
With the help of your POS, you no longer need to manually enter catalog numbers for the merchandise you want to order from one of your many distributors. Your system can integrate with live vendor feeds so that you can view prices and stock levels in real time. Additionally, you can import product information that provides customers with helpful details about the merchandise you are offering.
Organize and simplify your gunsmithing and work orders.
If you provide a service that fixes customer-owned weapons, it is vital that you have an organized way of keeping track of modifications and repairs by checking in items when they are brought in, collecting a deposit, assigning the job to an employee, and adding necessary parts and services to the record. The system should also have a calendar tool that allows you to schedule jobs for optimal efficiency and customer service.
Special order capability.
One of the ways your POS can assist you in managing your inventory occurs when you need to procure a firearm or accessory that you do not currently have in stock. The system can effortlessly link the item to the customer order when you receive it and tag it so that you can alert the buyer as soon as the merchandise arrives.
Easy integration with your ecommerce site.
Selling products online is an increasingly popular way to provide added satisfaction and choice to your customers. Your POS is equipped to integrate seamlessly with major ecommerce platforms, allowing you to display your product catalog and even coordinate the shipping of firearms and accessories. It also seamlessly syncs inventory and customer data across all channels so that you always have an accurate idea of stock counts and unique customer buying patterns.
Inventory management.
Your POS is capable of providing you with up-to-date data from all your stores, including details about open and committed stock as well as merchandise on order. Your system can also alert you when product counts get low, enabling you to contact your supplier and obtain replacements before you run out.
Integrates with the right payment processor for your firearms business.
Mainstream processing companies are often reluctant to do business with firearms stores or may charge exorbitant rates. That’s why it is crucial that you partner only with a vendor that does not impose restrictions on the types of legal products you sell, offers competitive rates that don’t change over time, and integrates with a variety of ecommerce platforms. They should also provide you with a POS that is equipped with the various firearm-specific tools we have described above.
Firearms stores are gaining popularity with each passing year. With the right POS by your side, you will have all the inventory and customer management tools you need to streamline virtually every aspect of your operation while simultaneously complying with the many regulations that pertain to the industry. With the right POS, your customers will get the items they need and your firearms business will grow.
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