Fear Fuels Firearms Sales

Many moons ago I sold AT&T Security Systems in the metro Detroit area. We were trained by Chaz Robertson, one of the slickest salesmen this side of the Mississippi, in the fine art of using scare tactics to sell security systems. But, we weren't selling security systems; we were peddling fear-of-the-unknown to folks who couldn't afford our overpriced protection. This was back during the last mini-depression in the early 90's. There were over 2,000 people who applied for 50 positions. I was one of the "chosen" 50 who were put through a month-long training program and memorized sales techniques that came straight out of the classic Tom Hopkins book, "How to Master the Art of Selling." This was Mr. Chaz Robertson's Bible. We were his disciples. Those who mastered the techniques were considered "champions."

We memorized a one-hour plus presentation that was filled with FBI statistics and trips around the home to show weaknesses to would-be thieves. The tipping point for virtually every sale was when we would go through the motions of kicking in the front door and highlight the deficiency of dead bolts (or lack thereof). It was hard-selling 101.

The fact is - fear is the driving force behind the skyrocketing gun sales in North America. Sales are through the roof. These banner ads were found at xdpistols.com.
The Outdoor Wire, the Outdoor Sports Industry's Daily Transaction Newsletter recently named President Obama as the "Gun Salesman of the Year." Claiming that Obama is the impetus for the surge in sales. Look at the FBI's latest statistics and you'll find the highest number of National Instant Check System (NICS) background checks in the system's history. The official total NICS Checks can be found here, and here.
Fear of increased crime, a majority leadership in the House and Senate, along with the inevitable reintroduction of the National Crime Gun Identification Act have all spurred on the spike in sales. Having just gone down to the AKC Dog Show in Detroit this past weekend I have to admit that there were a few times I wish I had some extra protection along.