The Labor Day weekend represents the last big hurrah of summer while simultaneously opening the door to activities that occur when the weather gets cooler. If you sell firearms, ammunition, or other related paraphernalia, you should make the most of the sales opportunities that arise during this transition time. 

1. Make sure your payment processing systems are ready.

If you are new to selling in this industry, you need to be aware that you cannot accept customer payments through popular payment software companies such as PayPal. The firearms sector is always placed in the category of “high-risk businesses” because of the added regulations surrounding it, the nature of the products sold, and the above-average likelihood of chargebacks. As a result, you need to partner with a high-risk payment processor who can provide you with the software and user-friendly payment terminal you will need to succeed in this sector.

When you partner with a high-risk merchant account company, you can expect to undergo stricter scrutiny during the application process. Moreover, you could be required to pay higher per-transaction fees and may also be asked to open a rolling reserve account that ensures the company will get their money even if something happens to your business. Do thorough research to find the best provider to ensure that pricing is fair and transparent, customer service is prompt and effective, and the lender has expertise in the firearms industry.

2. Understand your customers and meet their needs.

The best way to mount an effective Labor Day campaign is to be very familiar with the clients you serve. This will enable you to focus on highlighting the products and accessories they already want instead of attempting to make them spend their hard-earned dollars on items they don’t care about.

You can gain insights about customers by learning directly from them. Tap into social media, entering into dialogues, and sponsoring polls and surveys. Encourage people to post suggestions on your website or on social media forums, and use the analytics tools in your point of sale system to examine past shopping behaviors.

3. Find your Labor Day promotion niche.

Once you know who your customers are and what types of products they gravitate toward, it’s time to create a Labor Day-focused promotion. Since many consumers have especially tight budgets this year, try to come up with bundles that pair firearms with paraphernalia. You might even consider collaborating with an outdoor gear store or camping supplier to diversify your offerings and piggyback on their customer base. Also, focus on the upcoming hunting season to lure outdoor-oriented patrons to get prepared for the coming months.

4. Build anticipation.

Several weeks before the big weekend, begin spreading the word about your upcoming Labor Day sale. You can do that by using traditional methods such as in-store displays, print and broadcast media, and the internet and social media. The newsletter that you should already be sending to regular customers is a great place to highlight the upcoming festivities as are blogs and social media.

You can increase customer engagement even more by sponsoring a contest or giveaway. The drawing can be held on Labor Day, with first prize being a holster, membership to a range, or a cleaning kit. (Be sure that anything you do is in compliance with the state and federal laws governing your business.)

Labor Day can provide you with just the sales boost your firearms store needs. Take the time to prepare in advance by understanding your customers and their priorities and advertise ahead of time and on multiple platforms. If you do, your event is sure to be a success.