Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. AIRGUNS AND AND PAINTBALL Ten Tips For Explosive Sales! A irguns, including airsoft, can mean decent bucks in a gun shop — if you’re selling them the right way. Paintball, too, can add dollars to your bottom line. The key to selling both is understanding how the market has changed for these categories and adapting to the changing times. Here’s what experts have to say about selling airguns, airsoft and paintball equipment in today’s marketplace. Carolee Anita Boyles Understanding The The Airgun, Airgun, Airsoft Airsoft Marketplace Marketplace Understanding aren’t just “BB wide range of these new airguns in your may know more than you do! Tip #1: Airguns guns” anymore. Airguns store and including them in your displays. “When someone comes into your store, are often the first “gun” a youngster shoots. However, youth airguns are only a small portion of the airgun business today. “There have been a lot of changes in the airgun business in the last 20 years,” said Roy Stefanko, national sales manager for Crosman Corp. “We’ve seen the largest growth in the adult category. That includes guns like our Discovery and the Benjamin 392 and 397.” Stefanko recommends providing a Tip #2: “There are PCP guns, break-barrel style guns, CO2 guns and pneumatic pump-up guns,” Stefanko said. Understand new airguns. Before stocking your shelves, read up on airguns and accessories. Know how they work and how to use them and, above all, treat your customers with respect. With the amount of information available on the Internet, they find out what their end game is,” Stefanko said. “Why does this customer want to buy an airgun? We’ve seen consumers looking for guns capable of dispatching varmints and nuisance animals in their backyards where they can’t use a .22.” Think about your merchandising. “We’ve spent a lot of money on our packaging because we adhere to the Seven-Second Rule,” Stefanko said. “When a Tip #3: This AirForce Condor air rifle is loaded with accessories, which increases the “cool” factor — and sales. www.shootingindustry.com NOVEMBER 2008 37