Gun stores like yours offer a huge selection of firearms and accessories designed to meet the varying needs of a diverse customer base. 

For you as the owner, the challenge lies in how to manage and optimize your inventory so that you can meet client demands efficiently without maxing out your financial resources. 

Fortunately, there are ways that your point of sale system can be your vital ally in optimizing product management decisions.

1. Prepare your infrastructure

It all starts when you find the right gun-friendly payment provider. This is the company that will partner with you to offer the systems, security and customer service that will support and enhance every aspect of your store, including inventory management.

Since the market is teeming with options, it is vital that you do your research to vet the best firearms-oriented payment services provider. 

Focus on the company that offers transparent and affordable pricing, compatibility with your current third-party software, prompt and knowledgeable customer service and scalability to grow with your business over time. 

Once you settle on just the right provider, you can work with them to select the suite of payment processing services that best meets your current needs and can evolve with your store well into the future.

2. Unleash the power of data analytics

Now that you have selected your POS, it’s time to put its full complement of features to work for you. One of the most under-used is its grasp of data. Each time a new item comes into your warehouse, and every time a shopper makes a purchase at your store, your POS registers it and stores the details in its database repository.

It then becomes a matter of just a few clicks to harness the potential of this storehouse of information. Create reports that show which items are flying off your shelves, and which are languishing. 

Learn about your busiest times of the day, month or year, and understand which segments of your customers are making the most of your deals and promotions.

Data also allows you to gain valuable insights about your current customers that will enable you to keep them coming back. What’s more, the trends that it identifies can assist you in coming up with strategies that will give you everything you need to attract the next generation of clients.

3. Track your way to inventory success

Your POS and its robust database functions give you the tools to keep a laser focus on every piece of inventory as it travels on each step of its journey with you, from arrival in your warehouse until it leaves in the hands of your firearms customer. 

Because everything is updated in real time, you can generate accurate inventory count reports whenever you like. Your system can be configured to alert you as soon as you start to run low, so that you can re-order proactively.

The same information can also give you insights into which firearms and accessories are selling poorly. This gives you the opportunity to reduce their quantities, or change your displays to run targeted promotions that can get them moving. 

Learning about which accessories your customers prefer to pair with your firearms offers you everything you need to create innovative bundles that spur additional sales.

Success in the firearms business does not happen by accident. In order to rise above your competitors, you must learn about your customer base in order to provide the full set of products and services that they are demanding. 

The informational and educational components your store provides can inform and generate interest while simultaneously promoting safe gun use.

Throughout it all, your point of sale system is the lynchpin. When you fully utilize its robust tools, you will be able to make intelligent inventory orders that perfectly match what your customers are looking for. What’s more, you can ensure that inventory levels never run low, ensuring that shoppers never need to wait for you to restock the firearms or accessories they want in their gun safe today.

Start by selecting the best firearms-friendly payment processing services provider. Then maximize your sales and reputation for excellent customer service by using the POS they have furnished to its maximum effect. 

You will be rewarded with happy customers and with any luck, increased profits.