Sociopath Community

He could hope nothing happens I guess lol, but it's a shooting range. He's going to want insurance or he'll get sued for everything he's worth. He's talking about building this thing from the ground up, purchasing land and everything. His start up cost is going to be significant and I would hope that if he put in that much time, money, and effort that he'd want to protect it.

I have been thinking about buying some land and opening up a outdoor shooting range. I'm not sure about insurance costs, taxes and permits. Do any of you have any experience with the legal side of starting a business? 

Is Insurance a must by law? I do not know.

If its not, then maybe he can start it and accumulate the money and hope nothing happens, till he gets Insurance.

by TheSocio

You're going to need many permits and licenses such as ones to purchase and sell firearms along with a go ahead from the government as far as zoning laws and building permits. You will need a federal tax identification number but I don't know much about the tax part of it all. There are many restrictions regarding whether or not you can even open a shooting range, the hours you're allowed to operate it, and what accommodations it must have.

Insurance is going to cost you a fortune, I'll estimate at around $500,000 at least.

 

Something tells me you don't have this kind of money. Like having a $4,000 vacation budget? Just saying, might want to go with another business.

 Wow. You are correct. I don't have have the funds for that. I didn't know I would need a license to purchase and sell firearms. I had a feeling that insurance costs is probably the number one reason there are a lack of outdoor ranges. 

I was hoping to get a small business loan if I did pursue this. As far as out of pocket money goes. I'm not sure what is required to obtain a small business loan. This has only been a fantasy of mine so far. I haven't looked into costs,  other than land. I didn't even consider zoning laws.

There is no way someone is going to insure you for accidental death by shooting at a shooting range. Only my opinion.

If it worries you, then get people to sign waivers when they pay money up front.

Depending where you are, the legalities of selling ammunition is probably of more interest. I imagine it is probably a license, which is seperate from a business registration.

Hope that helps at least a little.

You probably want to incorporate. That way liability does not fall solely onto your shoulders. That is how I remember people explaining it to me in the past. Example, someone shoots himself with one of your shitty guns. He sues the corporation, and does not sue you. Your personal assets are protected/seperate in the event people come knocking... I am not a lawyer...

The Socio is right about the zoning by laws as well. You will probably need to scope out the land you want and apply for a re-zoning application if the plot is supposed to be for farming, yet you want to build commerical property there.

Hey, you might be able to do it cheap and dirty as well, as in, register a sole prop, make all customers sign waivers, and sell holiday packages to your personal "retreat". I am not a lawyer... but I imagine that explanation might make the law perceive your business slightly differently. Unsure... What technically is a hunting lodge anyways? Is that commerical property or just some shmoe with deer antlers and a painted sign? I dunno...

Just a hunch though, I highly doubt that farmers apply for an application when they set up a hut and lay out bushels of fruits and vegies for sale. Maybe farming land is commerical land and residential at the same time? I really do not know with absolute certainty.

Pretty much. Here's a link that gives a broad overview of certain zoning requirements and such if you want to skim it over in your spare time. Any commercial lawyer should know most of the answers to your questions though.

by Creedmoor

 I think I will leave out the fact that I was consulted initially by a sociopath on this matter. Lol

I'm curious. What particular traits stand out to you that you make you think TheSocio is a sociopath?

His name certainly doesn't. That only tells us that he wants to be seen as one.

Most of the licenses aren't that expensive. The permits can get up in there in costs, but yes, insurance and zoning regulations I think are two main contributors as to why there aren't many around. As far as your business loans goes, you should look into it. Depending on your credit and how well you have your shit together you may be eligible for more than you think, but this is decided on a lot of factors so who knows.

No no, you should tell him you were and give him my card.