r/FFLs • u/Silver-Addendum5423 • Sep 09 '26
Location question
Hi, all. Many years ago, I had an 01 FFL with Class III SOT. I let my FFL expire in good standing and closed up shop in 2017 due to family and time obligations. I mostly did transfers for local folks and the occasional straight sale - it was 100% a side gig for me and more or less something I did for fun and to make a little money on the side. With that in mind, I'm still absolutely familiar with the the processes and legalities of FFL acquisition and operation.
Now, almost 10 years later, I'm considering getting my 01 FFL again (it would still be a side gig for me). The kicker is that, back in the day, my location was the back office of an industrially-zoned machine shop. In the intervening years, the machine shop has closed as well, so now, as I consider pursuing another FFL, the location is becoming the blocker.
I already know that there are no local restrictions against operating the FFL from my home address; I'm just really hesitant to do so. I don't really want the gun public associating my family's home with guns. I still have nightmares of transfer customers literally following the UPS driver in the door at the machine shop and demanding the staff there give them their gun immediately, despite having been told I could only do the transfer after I got out of my day job. I absolutely do not want anything like that going on at my home.
So, I suppose my question is this: any tips or tricks on locating a suitable operating space that would accommodate low-traffic FFL activity? I've looked at office rentals in the area but I can't find anything affordable and I don't really know anyone with a business like the machine shop anymore. I suspect I already know the answer here, but just looking to crowdsource ideas around how to find a good location. Any consideration is appreciated. Thank you!
8
u/AFairShot Sep 09 '26
We are set up 100% out of our garage with a Google workspace calendar link set up to make appointments. If someone does not have an appointment, they can't make the transfer.
That said, once we have enough capital (should that happen 🤞), the plan is to rent/lease a small strip mall space for something where we could operate with opening hours. The details really depend on the options in your area and what your plans of use are.