alaskanativeson
DO NOT LET THESE NAYSAYERS GET YOU DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'd still be working for convenience stores hoping get to be 3rd manager in charge of icee machine cleaning if I listened to everyone say no. Rule number 1 get all the negative people out of your way. This is in some ways the hardest because it can mean cutting out lovely old Aunt Betty who just doesn't understand why you quit your job to do those gun things. But, you need to do that at least emotionally until you're established.
Keep in mind though that the current shortage is going to end, but build it into to your business plan such that you are on store shelves when prices drop you can make yourself a nice little business here using this shortage as a lever to wedge your way into a niche. Then when then inevitable slump comes to an end you're in a perfect position to grow. Just realize that it's called the business cycle for a reason, and have faith that it will cycle.
My suggestion would be some (one or two) state of the art high end machines (Dillon has some nice ones) that you man during your long winters, lots of insurance, and a ton of marketing. Concentrate on a couple of super popular loads - 9mm 124gr round nose, and 5.56 mm mil spec come to mind - and wedge yourself into the market with those. Once you have several retail outlets etc stocking your product grow from there.
Concentrate on the basics. Build a good product at a good price, and the American market place will reward you. One thing I think a lot of people do is focus on the product and forget to sell it. Then they sit around going broke wondering why they can't make any money. Make certain that you have a good marketing plan, the money (and most importantly), the WILL TO IMPLEMENT THAT PLAN. If you do that you'll do fine. Just also make sure you have a plan to survive the bottoming of the market when the it comes and it will come.
I once looked at this business, and wouldn't mind being in it myself, but just wasn't in a position to capitalize on it well in my earlier years. I may come back to it full cycle when I get my current business stabilized and have some time/cash to invest in something else. In the mean time good luck, and don't let the naysayers get you down. As my mom would say, "If they could do it they'd be busy doing it not taking the time to tell you why it can't be done!" Mom isn't very politically correct as you may notice, but she is damn smart.
Oh, one other thing, don't listen to the naysayers. Find some forums for other entrepreneurs people like your self that can dream outside the box. They may not understand your product, but they will understand your passion, and encourage it. But, and this is the most negative thing you'll see me say, don't do this unless you're in it for the long haul. Having a passion for your sport is fine, but unless you're ready for that passion to be rule your life you're not ready for this step. But once you're ready to commit your blood, sweat, tears, and gonads to it go for it. Dream big, and MAKE IT HAPPEN. If you'd like to pm me for my email I'd be happy to speak to you in private.
Now don't think I'm some Donald Trump (hair not good enough for one), but I've never given up on myself. And, I can look into my own eyes the mirror every morning in ways I couldn't before I struck out on my own so don't let a bunch of doom and gloom types talk you out of it before you even start. Heck you may get into it, and decide you don't want to do ammo, (one guy suggested doing just primers I think this is a great idea BTW), just don't change course because someone said the road was bumpy. All the roads are bumpy. You at least have the courage to look at your choices, and choose your own bumps. Something that most naysayers have never, and will never be able to do.
Good luck and God Bless
Dan
