A question for you detector dealers.

[Cherry Picker]

OK, kind of an odd question, but, PM me if you feel uncomfortable answering openly.

I'm retired but thinking about opening a metal detector dealership. Here in southwest Kansas, Dodge City to be exact, I'm not aware of any dealers for many miles. Even then it isn't so much a metal detector dealer as a sporting goods store like Cabelas. We had a Garrett dealer many years ago, but nothing for a good 20 years now. I get inquiries a lot from people wanting to buy a metal detector.

I've got nearly 50 years of detecting under my belt. Have used the best of the best and the worst of the worst. I have taught many first time users as well as veterans. My questions are: What does it take to become a dealer, and is there any profit? As I said, you may not want to answer these here so send me a PM if you will.

Thanks

 

[achaios]

Not a dealer, but the dealer who sold me my Tesoro Vaquero left the business because he wasn't making enough money to keep up inventory and continue to work full time at it. Hopefully, some dealers here will reveal some trade secrets about how much inventory you have to keep on hand, business taxes and fees, etc.

--Tom

 

[Cherry Picker]

I just was thinking of it as a side income, but more to keep helping the hobby. There are no dealers in my area and hasn't been for years. I get asked all the time and just send them online. I can understand that most probably feel it is like asking a car dealer how to open competition. Not too many going to jump on that LOL. I have applied for my LLC and to open a business in Kansas. I guess from there I'll just contact the manufacturers and local across the pond dealers.

 

[GeoW]

Only if you would be able to hire and compensate the shills such as those working for other detector companies/dealers.

g

 

[atomicbrh]

I know quite a few people who have retail businesses without a store front but simply use a smart phone to take orders and drop ship products from manufacturers or wholesalers without seeing or handling the products. No physical store expenses. No rent. No city or county inventory taxes. No electrical bill. No heating or a/c bills. No need to be tied to that store for a certain number of hours when you can be anywhere with that phone and make money. It is hard to compete with somebody using that business plan. I would think some metal detector sellers use the same business plan. I am also guessing to get into this drop shipping, a certain amount of money would have to be transferred to the suppliers annually and then you would be drawing off that balance.

 

[Cherry Picker]

I know quite a few people who have retail businesses without a store front but simply use a smart phone to take orders and drop ship products from manufacturers or wholesalers without seeing or handling the products. No physical store expenses. No rent. No city or county inventory taxes. No electrical bill. No heating or a/c bills. No need to be tied to that store for a certain number of hours when you can be anywhere with that phone and make money. It is hard to compete with somebody using that business plan. I would think some metal detector sellers use the same business plan. I am also guessing to get into this drop shipping, a certain amount of money would have to be transferred to the suppliers annually and then you would be drawing off that balance.

That was kind of my plan. Not a full-blown detector dealer, but a place for locals to get a detector. I get asked so often where they can get a metal detector I might as well make a few bucks for getting it done for them LOL. So many people want a metal detector but don't want the hassle of finding a dealer and trusting them to get what they need and send them money. I've done it so many times I can take care of all the hassle from which detector I think would fit their needs, to ordering, paying, and getting it shipped to their door. Or mine.

 

[achaios]

I know that at least in the past, some companies discouraged the no-inventory model and required inventory, but not necessarily a storefront. I have no idea what the metal detecting business is like. I simply lack the assertiveness and salesmanship to be a success in running my own business, but good luck to you folks that do.

--Tom

 

[atomicbrh]

That was kind of my plan. Not a full-blown detector dealer, but a place for locals to get a detector. I get asked so often where they can get a metal detector I might as well make a few bucks for getting it done for them LOL. So many people want a metal detector but don't want the hassle of finding a dealer and trusting them to get what they need and send them money. I've done it so many times I can take care of all the hassle from which detector I think would fit their needs, to ordering, paying, and getting it shipped to their door. Or mine.

I think that is a good plan. Another advantage is you are not stuck with detectors and accessories that are not popular and do not sell. I would get in touch with a real person at the manufacturers and see how their distributor system is set up. It might pay to deposit enough money with a popular manufacturer to get one step distribution if they do one step. Money talks.

 

[choppadude]

From what I have seen in 40+ years of detecting, buying detectors and talking with dealers is there is very little profit margin in selling detectors and an even smaller margin on coils and accessories.
I am fortunate to have a good relationship with my dealer

 

[Coin-Saver]

Not a bad idea Detector. Let us know how the progress goes. If you have a lot of folks new to detecting interested then you might offer courses demonstrating how to use the detector they are buying. People remember things like that and will get you more business.

 

[raptortrapper]

I grew up southwest of you in Johnson, Kansas. Lived there till I graduated high school and headed to college. Loved it there. Still have a lot of good friends there from 30 years ago! You aren't kidding that there are no dealerships around that area!!! I wish you well if you decide to pursue this endeavor.

 

[Cherry Picker]

I grew up southwest of you in Johnson, Kansas. Lived there till I graduated high school and headed to college. Loved it there. Still have a lot of good friends there from 30 years ago! You aren't kidding that there are no dealerships around that area!!! I wish you well if you decide to pursue this endeavor.

Hey, I've hunted Elkhart. My X-Wife comes from there. Perhaps you know the Classens?

 

[raptortrapper]

HOLY CRAP!!! Yes I do! Don’t know them well, but know of them for sure.