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The Wolf's Den
The Wolf's Den is a unique store located in a rural setting, offering
a wide range of hunting and fishing supplies, decoys, furs, archery
accessories, 3 Dimensional targets, videos to rent and for sale,
binoculars, outdoor clothing and hunting clothing. They also offer
various services associated with hunting and wilderness. There is a
3 Dimensional Archery Club on 30 acres of land situated at the back
of the store. The course is ½ mile long with approximately 40 3D
targets with various skill levels and range of targets available.
Also on site is a 3 room Clubhouse and an indoor range in the
basement. There is a stocked fish pond with bass and trout and
they are also a "Hats for Hide" Depot.
This father and son operation started as a hobby collecting, buying
and selling guns in their basement. When the son, Gary Banting found
himself out of work, they began to concentrate more on the gun
business. A lucky break for them got them some inventory from
another family owned business. Gary and his wife
went to Archery School and took the Precision Shooting Equipment
(P.S.E.) course offered in Tuscon Arizona. Being a P.S.E dealer
was a prerequisite to qualify for the course. So with the inventory
they had already built up, plus $1,000-$2,000 in cash, they started
their business slowly 1995. They didn't take a salary from it until
much later. They started with a room in his basement and then
expanded twice and then realized that they needed to build a
separate shop.
They experienced many road blocks along the way. When they applied
for their business license from the Solicitor General, they had to
get prior approval from the township stating that they were not
contravening any township by-laws and submit the approval in writing.
They were also required to obtain a special permit called an AB
permit which is a firearms and ammunition business permit from the
Solicitor General. This special permit involves having an annual
inspection done, including a thorough checking of the books. Even
the information about the owners of the guns that are on consignment
are checked out.
The challenges facing them in
establishing the business were financial
constraints, long hours, developing a market for their products and
obtaining wholesalers that would deal with them because they had a
rural location. With the recent changes in government regulations,
it has made it harder to do the footwork themselves and as a result
the sale of guns has decreased. They accessed financial institutions,
and a policy of paying up front or as soon as possible avoiding going
into debt too much at a time. Incorporating living accommodations
with the business cut down on their overhead.
Their customer base is throughout Ontario from North Bay to London to
Kingston. They cater to families promoting family memberships in the
Archery Club. Their commitment to the customer is exemplary, when a
customer purchases a bow, they provide training and guarantee
consistent hits on a 3" group before they leave the store. They also
send a representative to all school archery tournaments offering on
site repair, advice and troubleshooting. The local High Schools have requested archery as part of the physical
education programming and one staff is teaching archery at a local
High School. Used bows are donated to the local schools.
The Firearms Acquisition Certificate Course and the Hunter's Safety
Course are offered on the premises, which provides advertisement for
the business, as does the use of their property which is also donated
for the tournaments. The Wolf's Den Archers formed a non-profit club
through memberships with is also associated with the Federation of Hunters
and Anglers and they have the benefits of the use of the land and 3D target
course. Every year they host 3D Tournaments for all ages and four tournaments
are already planned for 1999. Participation in the tournaments ranges from 6
years of age to 80+ years of age. They are preparing to go on the Internet
to offer there products through Mail Order.
Owning his own business offers Carl Banting the opportunity to leave a legacy for
his children and grandchildren. The business makes it
possible for him to retire early and spend time with his
grandchildren. Crucial to success in this business is having an
interactive personality with the public and treating the customer
with special care with the belief that the "Customer Is Always
Right."
His advice to young entrepreneurs:
· Don't be afraid to give it a try and ask for help. Help is there
and so it good advice.
· Don't jump too quick.
· Only give away profit if donating for charity, not the cost of the
items.
Other businesses that have the potential to flourish in this area are: Canoe and kayak
retailer, Small Engine Repair, Snowmobiles, All Terrain Vehicle Sales, Soft Targets and
a Pet Crematorium.
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