By Shirley Steffen
BACKWATER GUNS
From a one-man shop to a GunBroker powerhouse, Backwater Guns delivers top-tier firearms, unmatched service, and nationwide sales. Family-owned. Customer-focused. Always evolving.
GUNBROKER.COM: How long has Backwater Guns been selling on the GunBroker.com platform?
BACKWATER GUNS: We have been selling on the GunBroker.com platform since 2009. We started as a small, one-man operation, and our business has grown exponentially since then. As our in-person business and retail store have grown, so too has our online presence and our GunBroker.com business.
GUNBROKER.COM: Do you have dedicated staff members who work on your GunBroker.com business on a regular basis?
BACKWATER GUNS: Yes, we have dedicated staff members who work on our Gunbroker.com business every day. From pricing, taking photos, and writing individualized ads to communicating with customers and packaging/shipping orders, our dedicated staff members work each day of the week to ensure that our Gunbroker.com business stays consistent.
GUNBROKER.COM: We’ve learned that Backwater Guns has an excellent selection of firearms and ammunition available to fit most customer’s preferences that come through your door. You also display a tremendous assortment of firearms. Do your walk-in customers mostly know what they want when they come in or do they lean on your sales staff for direction?
BACKWATER GUNS: While we have a few customers that walk through our door knowing exactly what they are looking for, the majority of our customers definitely lean on our sales staff for direction. This is where customer service is of utmost importance. Our sales staff is trained to get to know each customer and his or her unique needs. We try to spend time getting to know each customer and learning exactly what the purpose of their purchase is. Whether it is for personal protection, hunting, or target practice, we can point them in the right direction once we get to know them. Also, it is important to gauge a customer’s comfort level. Some customers are extremely confident in the firearms industry, but others may be novices, and maybe they haven’t had the time to build that confidence. It is our job to meet them where they are and help them find the perfect firearm for their needs, skill level, and confidence level.
GUNBROKER.COM: Concealed Carry is a hot topic in the state of NC where you’re located. Are most of your customers looking at concealed carry handguns or is there a healthy interest in all categories of firearms?
BACKWATER GUNS: Concealed carry is certainly a hot topic here in NC. Many of our customers are looking at concealed carry handguns, but a good majority are looking for home protection, such as a larger handgun or even a shotgun or rifle. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to protection, but, yes, concealed carry handguns are one of our best sellers here at Backwater Guns.
GUNBROKER.COM: Do you feel that your strong customer service that you’ve worked so hard to obtain carries over to your online business?
BACKWATER GUNS: Absolutely. Customer service is the most important aspect of our business. We are a family owned and operated company, and we want all of our customers to feel like family too. Our staff is trained in customer service and to make sure every customer feels seen, heard, and valued. We treat our online customers just as we would in-store customers and hope that they feel that same level of appreciation. We know that communication is key, so we try to make sure every online customer is given regular communication and treated with respect and kindness.
GUNBROKER.COM: How important are new releases and technology to help grow your business and stay ahead of competitors?
BACKWATER GUNS: In our ever-evolving world of technology, it is so important to stay aware and ahead of the game. Whether that technology is related to inventory management, compliance, or assistance with online sales, it is imperative to stay knowledgeable. Unfortunately, we live in a world where many will be left behind if they don’t adapt to new technology. We aim to be teachable and adaptable, and we also feel that it is important to teach and guide our customers as technology changes within our industry.
GUNBROKER.COM: Do you feel that your business on GunBroker.com will continue to grow as you become more familiar with new release offerings on GunBroker.com that you may not have utilized in the past but are now familiar with?
BACKWATER GUNS: We definitely feel that our business will continue to grow as we become more familiar with new release offerings. Our Gunbroker.com business has grown significantly over the life of our business, and we aim to constantly grow and evolve. The goal is to never stop growing!
GUNBROKER.COM: We know that you are part of a Buy Group. As an FFL retailer how important are the benefits of the buy group you belong to you? Could you secure those benefits without being a member?
BACKWATER GUNS: Being a member of our Buy Group is one of the most important aspects of our business. Our Buy Group allows us opportunities and connections that we simply would not have if we were not a part of it. From access to the newest releases to volume quantities and pricing, our inventory offerings are stronger than they ever could be without our Buy Group. Even more than that, our Buy Group offers connections with industry insiders, manufacturers, and other dealers. We can reach out to these connections at any time to have questions answered or just for support. This access to other like-minded individuals is invaluable. We are greater as a community than as one unit, and our Buy Group truly supports this mentality.
To learn more about Backwater Guns, visit their store on GunBroker.com: https://www.gunbroker.com/s/seller/backwater-guns/
View their listings click here
Founded in 1999, GunBroker.com is the world’s largest online marketplace for firearms, ammunition, and outdoor gear. With over 8.5 million registered users and 32,000 FFL dealers, connecting buyers and sellers in a safe, law-compliant environment. From hunting gear to collectible firearms, the GunBroker platform offers a trusted, user-friendly experience.
