Opening a holster shop in Texas is not a bad idea, considering that Texas has a high gun culture and is after the Second Amendment. Nevertheless, to enter into a holster outlet business, one must be familiar with and compliant with state and government laws in the interest of operating a legal and successful business. This blog has taken you through the process of requiring a licensed custom leather holster outlet in Texas.
Make a Business Plan
Behind every prosperous business there is a defined plan. The plan of your company must consist of:
- The kinds of products (handmade leather holsters, tactical holsters, concealment holsters, etc.)
- Target market (gun owners, hunters, law enforcement, etc.)
- Sales mode (retail store or online, or both)
- Beginning expenses and budget, and startup costs
- Marketing and branding max
The solid plan assists in leading your choices in licensing, place, and operation.
Decide the Type and Name of Business
Choose how you prefer to organize your business as far as the law is concerned:
- Sole Proprietorship
- LLC (Limited Liability Company)
- Corporation
Next, you must file your business name with the Texas Secretary of State or the county clerk, depending on your type of structure.
Tip: LLC is a form of business that has liability protection and is best suited to retail businesses.
Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Apply to the IRS to get an EIN. You will be required to open a commercial bank account, employ staff, and pay business tax. You can apply for free on the website of the IRS.
State and Local Taxes Registration
You should have your business registered with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to charge the sales tax on your holster products. You will also be issued a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit, which is required by any company dealing in tangible goods.
Note: You must have a sales tax permit even when you only do online business to make sales to Texas residents.
Inquire about the Local Zoning and Building Codes
Here, when opening a physical location, you must ensure that your premises are within the required zoning of your locality. Contact the planning or zoning department of your city to make sure that retail sales of firearms accessories have been permitted in the area where you want to sell the accessories.
Apply for Texas Sales Tax Permit
The application for a Sales Tax Permit can be done at the Texas Comptroller website. This is a license that is essential to take the position of retailer in the state of Texas.
Read about the Federal Firearm License (Provided that it is required).
When you are going to sell holsters exclusively, you do not require a Federal Firearms License (FFL) in general. Nevertheless, should you wish to bundle or sell guns or components of said guns, you should contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to procure an FFL.
In cases where a person just wants to produce holsters or sell accessories, the FFL is unnecessary; however, it is always better to have a second thought reference to what you offer.
Acquire a Business License and other Necessary Permits
Texas does not have an overall statewide business license, but other local cities or even counties might introduce a local business permit. Its common examples are:
Licenses to conduct general business. The following are unrestrained practices of business licenses:
Signage permits
Adherence to health and safety (in case of production of such materials as leather or synthetic plastics)
Install Liability Insurance
General liability insurance and product liability ought to cover retail stores, particularly those related to firearm accessories. This safeguards your company against cases filed concerning product faults or injuries.
Market your brand and Open Your Store
When you are a licensed and insured person, you are to:
- Establish your shop front or online store
- Write a list of your products and prices
- Market via Texas gun shows, forums on the Internet, social networks, and local partnerships
- Establish a reputation based on quality and durability, and Texas-made goods.
Final Thoughts
Licensing a leather holster outlet in the state of Texas does not entail producing a good product alone. Whether it is tax registration or local permits, all have been taken care of, making your business legal in every aspect and prepared to grow. With these measures and up-to-date knowledge on the holster and gun accessory regulation, your brand can become a household name in the upsurging holster industry in Texas.
