Year: 2018

Memberships and Marketing – Building a Foundation for Success


THE POWER OF BRANDING

Once you’ve built your range, you have the task of attracting and forging relationships with customers. To achieve this, your business requires a distinctive and memorable persona. The marketing world refers to this persona as a “brand.” Having a strongly-defined and reliable brand builds recognition and familiarity, which breeds credibility and trust. Your brand goes hand in hand with your reputation, so it’s imperative you pay ample attention to this aspect of your business.

 


CUSTOMIZE YOUR EQUIPMENT

A consistent look and feel throughout your facility creates an impression of polished professionalism and reinforces your range’s brand. Action Target offers extensive customization options to make it easy to achieve this consistency. For example, we can manufacture shooting stalls decked with your company colors, apply your logo to your equipment, and design paper targets uniquely for your range.

There are additional ways you can brand your building, such as etching your range name and logo into doors, interior viewing windows, walls, floors, and tables. You can also draw attention to your building by making it highly visible with attractive lighting and signs. Consider placing company mascots or branded vehicles in strategic locations to catch the attention of passersby.

Furthermore, invest in merchandise customized with your name and logo. It’s more valuable than you might realize. Not only will your customers enjoy the swag, but they will also serve as ambassadors of your business when wearing and using your branded gear. The sky is the limit when it comes to what you can customize, be it apparel, patches, coasters, mugs, pens, flashlights, bumper stickers, and keychains. Remember, the experience your customer has with your brand impacts your reputation, so we recommend you purchase good quality items.

 


ALL-INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

While your facility may be a gun range primarily, it’s no secret that the success of your range is hinged on the quality of your customer’s experience. So why not make a name for yourself by offering more than a shooting space? For starters, ensure information about your products, services, and membership is readily accessible. Install markers to let customers know exactly where to go and with whom to speak if they have questions. Be aware that demonstrating expertise is critical when it comes to developing customer trust and loyalty, so take adequate time to educate yourself and your staff on range equipment, operation, and retail products.

It is also recommended that you invest in additional services, thereby creating a “destination location” for visitors. Such amenities may include:

  • Coffee shops/dining establishments/grab-and-go snacks
  • Locker rooms
  • Gun safe room
  • Firearm build services
  • Corporate event space
  • Member-only lounge

Remember, you don’t have to break the bank to make your space more inviting. If funds are limited, consider a comfortable conversation area and luxury coffee station.

 

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS AND PERKS

Gun range membership programs are one of the best revenue builders a business can employ. They provide a reliable income, grow your customer base, and motivate shooters to return again and again. It benefits both you and your customers to build a solid and rewarding membership program. There are many ways to enhance these programs, such as multi-member discounts, family packages and corporate bundles. You can also advertise gift memberships for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries.

When it comes to making your gun range membership program enticing and accessible, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Consider combining memberships with discounted training classes. In addition to growing membership, this will also strengthen participation in your education platform. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to be creative in your approach to incentivizing membership and encouraging member participation. For example, nominate a “Member of the Month” and assign a prime parking space for this special member.

 


PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS

Product promotions and gun range events are a tried and true method for growing your business. While the options are countless, here are some suggestions to kickstart your creative ideas:

  • A special discounted item of the month. Educate range employees about the item and encourage them to discuss it with customers.
  • Member-only discounts on non-sale items. This shows loyalty to your members and promotes the perks of membership.
  • Offer discounted lane time during off-peak hours or during extremes in temperature when shooting outside is undesirable.
  • Host events such as special product release nights, date nights, zombie shoots, carnival night, costume parties, birthday parties, and bachelor/bachelorette functions.
  • Capitalize on local events such as rodeos, fairs, and elections. For example, recognize customers who participate in an election by offering them a free patch or T-shirt (adorned with your range logo, of course!).
  • Participate in charity fundraisers. Being active in your community has reciprocal benefits and raises awareness of your business.

Whatever your promotion or event may be, it is essential that you keep your members and followers in the loop via social media. Post well-timed, useful, and appealing information about product discounts, special rates, and upcoming events. Additionally, engage your followers by posting exciting images and stories during exciting and special occasions.

Beyond capitalizing on social media, invite a local news station to get the word out. It usually doesn’t require much effort to coordinate a media visit. Simply call the desired local radio or television station and provide event details. It’s a win-win situation: it provides content for the media and brings visibility to your business. Additionally, the presence of cameramen and broadcasting vans are an effective way to create hype and interest among those in the vicinity.

Remember to keep careful track of the performance of your promotions, gun range events, and advertising strategies so that you learn which efforts are most profitable. This will allow you to determine which activities you should repeat and evolve.

 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Networking with other local businesses may not seem practical for the niche shooting range business. However, crossing industry borders and working with other businesses in the community provides you with the opportunity to appeal to patrons from other industries who may not have otherwise been aware of your business.

Exactly how do you work with your community and appeal to different demographics, thereby expanding your customer base? Consider sharing your facility, for starters. Make your classroom available to other groups that need a place to convene, such as self-defense clubs, scouting programs, charity organizations, and your local chamber of commerce. Furthermore, become acquainted with catering companies and event organizers. Let them know referrals are welcome and provide them with details regarding group discounts and other package deals.

We also recommend building a strong relationship with your local law enforcement agency. Consider offering special “closed-range” training sessions for officers. In addition, show your support of military members through exclusive product promotions, special membership rates, and discounted shooting range time. Having a reputation as a select training facility for law enforcement and military will have a significant influence on your brand and credibility. Moreover, your customers will be attracted to the prestige and bragging rights of training in a select range of police officers and military personnel.

You’ve Just Built A Shooting Range: Now What?


You’ve undertaken the multifaceted process of planning, designing, and building an indoor shooting range. You’ve discovered that creating a viable, ballistically-safe facility is no small feat. In fact, the process can challenge even the most stout-hearted, second-amendment-supporting, gun-crazed patriot. However, you persevered because the satisfaction and rewards of owning and operating a shooting range can be substantial.

It’s just important that you remember a “build it and they will come” philosophy does not apply to your gun range business. Persistent effort, strategic marketing, and awareness of industry trends is required to attract, engage, and maintain your customers.

ACTION TARGET’S BEST PRACTICES
Action Target has been the world leader in shooting range design, technology, supplies, and aftermarket services since 1986. With our time and standing in the industry, we have become experts in how to develop and manage a successful shooting range. Over the next few months, we will be collaborating with key individuals across our organization to share our best practices with you. Our expertise will help you excel in the business of running your range, while making you aware of potential pitfalls along the way.

So that you know what to expect, we have divided these best practices into the following 8 categories. Each category will be fully explored in a dedicated future post.


1. Memberships and Marketing
In this post, we will discuss the importance of branding your range and products. Other topics we will cover include growing your customer base and enhancing customer relationships through product promotions, giveaways, loyalty points, multi-member discounts, and corporate events. We will also delve into lesser used marketing strategies, such as cross-promotion with the assistance of other local business.


2. Training your Staff
We will demonstrate how to amplify your success through great customer service. We will show why it is important to find employees who not only have broad gun knowledge but are also experienced in retail sales. Learn how to build a loyal and happy sales staff through incentive programs, specialized training, and strategic staff meetings. Discover the importance of leading your grand opening with a soft opening and how neglecting to do so may have significant repercussions for your reputation.


3. Retail Sales
This post will be dedicated to helping you understand how much inventory you will need based on the size of your retail space. We will examine the importance of stocking retail items according to demand and local needs, as well as maximizing your gross profit through tracking retail turns. We will also walk you through analyzing data from your point of sale system.


4. Website and Social Media
Successful businesses are familiar with free advertising through social media platforms. We will provide pointers on how to think outside the box for marketing your shooting range via other businesses in the community. You will also have access to our experience on branding and creating a “personality” for your shooting range as well as pointers for your website and other range events.


5. Engaging Your Customers
Learn how to implement and structure memberships. We will dive into concepts for developing classes that reach all ages, genders, and lifestyles and will also provide ideas for home and personal defense training. Additionally, we will discuss how adding gun build options and services to your retail offerings drives revenue.


6. Security
It’s vital that you protect your range adequately from criminal activity. We will highlight security, closed circuit cameras, various types of alarm systems, locking cases, as well as offer suggestions about how to safely store excess inventory. You will learn how to implement emergency protocols in the event of injury or fatalities and how to deter tragedies of this nature from occurring in your range.


7. Other Revenue Streams
We will teach you how to capitalize on other revenue streams for your shooting range business, such as recycling your lead and brass and saving money through dealer pricing programs with Action Target and other vendors. We will also examine how you can share your knowledge and experience of planning and building a shooting range with other interested parties.


8. Range Maintenance
One of the most important aspects of your business is keeping your range clean and safe. We will show you how to do this through scheduled maintenance protocols along with a maintenance log sheet. We will discuss how to train employees on required maintenance procedures and performing minor range repairs. All methods we disclose are compliant with OSHA and EPA standards to ensure the protection of your employees, patrons, and range equipment.


How-to install, replace and transport the BCS Deluxe 20

Action Target’s Deluxe 20 Bullet Collection System is the latest innovation in collecting bullets for recycling. The system attaches to the bottom of the Total Containment Trap™ deceleration chamber to collect bullets into 20-gallon drums. The drums can then simply unlatch from the chamber and roll out of place quickly and easily.

Below you will find a video 4 step process of installation, replacement and how to transport the barrels.

 

Step 1: Remove the Drum of the BCS Deluxe 20

Step 2: Use a Gantry Crane to Transport a Drum to a Recycling Pallet

Step 3: Use a Barrel Hawk Lift to Transport the 20 Gallon Drum to a Recycling Pallet

Step 4: Replace the Drum of the BCS Deluxe 20

Action Target Launches The BCS Deluxe 20 Bullet Collection System For Lead Containment

ACTION TARGET LAUNCHES THE BCS DELUXE 20

BULLET COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR LEAD CONTAINMENT

 

PROVO, UTAH – July 16, 2018 – Action Target Inc., the leading manufacturer of modern shooting ranges, has announced the launch of the BCS Deluxe 20 as another solution for indoor and outdoor shooting range bullet collection.

The BCS Deluxe 20 is a bullet collection system that integrates with the deceleration chambers of Action Target’s Total Containment Trap™. The system utilizes a discharge hopper that funnels bullet fragments from the deceleration chamber into a 20-gallon drums. The drums, which are situated on heavy-duty dollies for easy replacement, connect to the discharge hopper by means of quick-disconnect lid clamps. Additionally, a sight window incorporated in the drum lid allows range personnel to monitor the lead fill level inside the drum.

Previously, ranges employing the Total Containment Trap™ system utilized either the BCS Basic 3, which collects lead in 3.5-gallon containers or the BCS Auto 55, which is comprised of a screw conveyor that transports lead to a 55-gallon container. The new BCS Deluxe 20 provides ranges with an additional option that significantly decreases the frequency by which bullet collection containers are replaced.

“Action Target continuously examines options for improving bullet collection and lead management. The BCS Deluxe 20 has been engineered to provide a simple and economical solution that makes it easier for range owners to focus on the other rewarding aspects of running a range,” said Kevin Tomaszewski, VP of Marketing and Engineering at Action Target.

The BCS Deluxe 20 works seamlessly with Action Target’s Metals Recycling Program. This program removes the hassle associated with spent metals and lead management. Within 72 hours of a phone call from range owners who are enrolled in the program, Action Target picks up, sorts and weighs the brass and lead collected in the range. The range owner is then issued a credit that can be applied to hazardous waste disposal services, ammunition and other range supplies found at Shop.ActionTarget.com.

For additional information, visit actiontarget.com/bcs_deluxe_20.

About Action Target, Inc.

Action Target Inc. is a privately-owned business headquartered in Provo, Utah. As a world leader in modern shooting range technology with more than 4,000 products and 50 patents for the systems it designs and manufacturers, Action Target has installed thousands of shooting ranges across the United States and in 25 other countries around the world. Action Target also designs target systems and conducts firearms training for law enforcement and various military divisions. For more information on Action Target, visit www.ActionTarget.com. To learn more about Action Target products or to purchase items online, visit www.ActionTarget.com/Store

 

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Media Contact:

Jonathan Turnbow, Marketing Communications Manager

Contact Information

Action Target

3411 Mountain Vista Pkwy

Provo, UT 84606

Tel: 801-396-1202

 

Action Target Announces New Product, Show Specials and Celebrity Appearances For The 2018 NRA Show

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACTION TARGET ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCT, SHOW SPECIALS,
AND CELEBRITY APPEARANCES FOR THE 2018 NRA SHOW

 

PROVO, Utah – May 3, 2018 – Action Target INC., the leading manufacturer of modern shooting ranges, has announced that they will be exhibiting at the NRA Annual Meetings in Dallas, Texas with industry leading new shooting range technology, show specials and celebrity appearances by world champion shooter Max Michel.
Innovative products on display at the show will include AutoTargets an intelligently connected target system that allows shooters to interact with their targets in a way never before possible. The recently launched new steel target, the PT Scout will also be on display. Stop by to learn more of Action Target’s innovative shooting range technology including: The AWD Pro retriever, Steel Bullet Traps, Rubber Berm Bullet Traps, Shooting Range Ventilation, Metals Recycling and more innovative solutions for modern shooting ranges.
World champion shooter Max Michel will be at the Action Target booth #3956 on Friday, May 4, 2018 and Saturday May 5, 2018 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Michel will be be giving shooting tips and discussing his experience in helping design the perfect steel target, The PT Scout. Michel will be signing autographs and taking pictures each day. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the very best shooters in the world.
To celebrate the NRA Annual Meetings, Action Target is offering 20% OFF all of their Steel and Paper Targets until May 31, 2018 as part of the NRA Show Special. Action Target will also be accepting new dealers at the NRA Show. Visit booth #8457 to sign up!
About Action Target, Inc.
Action Target Inc. is a privately owned business headquartered in Provo, Utah. As a world leader in modern shooting range technology with more than 4,000 products and 40 patents for the systems it designs and manufacturers, Action Target has installed thousands of shooting ranges across the United States and in 25 other countries around the world. Action Target also designs systems and conducts firearms training for law enforcement and various military divisions. For more information on Action Target, visit ActionTarget.com. To learn more about Action Target products or to purchase items online, visit shop.ActionTarget.com
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Media Contact:
Jonathan Turnbow, Marketing Communications, Contact Information
Action Target
3411 Mountain Vista Parkway
Provo, Utah
84606
Tel: 801-396-1202

Action Target Announces Innovative New Everyday Carry Steel Target, The PT Scout

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACTION TARGET ANNOUNCES INNOVATIVE NEW 
EVERYDAY CARRY STEEL TARGET, THE PT SCOUT

 

PROVO, Utah – May 3, 2018 – Action Target INC., the leading manufacturer of modern shooting ranges and innovative target systems has announced the release of a tool-free target system designed to utilize a 2×4, ring louder, maximize portability and allow for predictable splatter patterns.The PT Scout is Action Target’s first steel target that utilizes a 2×4. This innovative steel target stand can quickly collapse and locks together for easy storage and transport. Because it can break down into such a small profile and weighs as much as a gallon of milk, it allows for maximum portability for every shooter.

“When developing The PT Scout with Tom Yost and World Champion Speed Shooter Max Michel, we set three objectives; that it would ring louder, be more portable, and be more safe for shooters to use than any other steel targets that are offered today, we met each objective.” Chris Hess, Product Marketing Manager, Action Target.

The PT Scout is designed with a forward leaning 2×4. The smooth target plate sits on top in a bracket parallel to the wood. This means that bullets striking the plate are directed towards the ground and safely away from shooters, splatter and spall do not chew up the 2×4, a common problem in other 2×4 target stand systems. The target is also designed with a smooth target surface, integrating high-strength weld studs on the back of the target plate allowing sound waves to reverberate loudly, giving the shooter a much louder ring.

World Champion Speed Shooter Max Michel explains, “As a Pro Shooter, I get to shoot a lot but don’t have the ability to store all my gear at the range. Therefore, I’m looking for something mobile and easy to set up. It’s extremely light weight and easy to store in the back of the car. Once it’s ready to go, it’s the loudest ringing steel target I’ve shot yet. Not to mention the flat faced plate and angled design base makes it the safest target in the industry. I’m excited to get my season kicked off and training with the new PT Scout.”

The PT Scout will be available this summer from Shop.ActionTarget.com. Multiple head plates will be available with package pricing for clubs and teams who compete in Steel Challenge, 3-Gun and Scholastic Action Shooting Program events.

About Action Target, Inc.
Action Target Inc. is a privately owned business headquartered in Provo, Utah. As a world leader in modern shooting range technology with more than 4,000 products and 40 patents for the systems it designs and manufacturers, Action Target has installed thousands of shooting ranges across the United States and in 25 other countries around the world. Action Target also designs systems and conducts firearms training for law enforcement and various military divisions. For more information on Action Target, visit ActionTarget.com. To learn more about Action Target products or to purchase items online, visit shop.ActionTarget.com

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Media Contact:
Jonathan Turnbow, Marketing Communications, Contact Information
Action Target
3411 Mountain Vista Parkway
Provo, Utah
84606
Tel: 801-396-1202