A self-defense company is a business that is involved in the manufacturing of self-defense products such as pepper spray, personal alarms or whistles, stun guns and tasers, tactical whips, steel batons, tactical pen, baseball bats, emergency whistles, pestle, penknife and any other item that can be used for self-defense.

Available data shows that the global self-defense products market was valued at USD 2.5 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 3.7 Billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2022 to 2028. Increasing crime cases against women and safety concerns for oneself are a few of the factors fueling the growth of this market.

In the United States alone, the pepper spray market was valued at $23,750.2 thousand in 2020 and is estimated to reach $60,187.9 thousand by 2028, registering a CAGR of 13.1% from 2022 to 2028.

Steps on How to Start a Self Defense Products Business

  1. Conduct Market Research

If you are considering starting a self-defense products business, you would need reliable market research to be able to maximize profits from the business. The first step in the market research process for your self-defense products business should be to develop market-based research questions in line with your overall business goal and objective.

In this regard, you should source for information that will help you maximize your business, information that will tell you what your potential market will be looking out for from a self-defense products business, and also help you bring out strategies that will help you compete favorably and of course, build the business to profitability.

a. Who is the Target Market for Self-Defense Products Business?
  • Security companies
  • Individuals
  • Martial arts schools
  • Students
  • Paramilitary organizations
  • Firearm and self-defense retailers
  • Foreign governments
b. Is Self-Defense Products Business a Profitable Business?

Yes, the self-defense products business is profitable. The market for the sale of self-defense products is projected to reach USD 3.7 Billion by 2028. Increasing crime cases against women and safety concerns for oneself are a few of the factors fueling the growth of this market.

c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

No, there are no existing niches when it comes to the self-defense products business.

d. Who are the Major Competitors?
  • Lockheed Martin (US)
  • Boeing (US)
  • Raytheon (US)
  • General Dynamics Corporation
  • BAE Systems PLC
  • Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • Olin Corporation
  • Smith & Wesson Brands Inc.
  • Sturm, Ruger & Company Inc.
  • American Outdoor Brands (US)
  • Colt (US)
  • National Presto (US)
  • Remington Outdoor (US)
  • Vista Outdoor (US)
  • Beretta (Italy)
  • FN Herstal (Belgium)
  • Glock (Austria)
  • Heckler & Koch (Germany)
  • Kontsern Kalashnikov (Russia)
  • Norinco (China)
  • Taurus (Brazil)
e. Are There County or State Regulations or Zoning Laws for Self-Defense Products Business?

Yes, there are county or state regulations or zoning laws for the self-defense products business. Federal gun manufacturing laws apply to persons engaged in the assembly of stun guns, teasers et al for-profit and livelihood. If you want to manufacture firearms and some self-defense products, you will be using the ATF Form 7 to apply, just like you would if you want to do business as a “dealer”.

You must be 21 years of age or over, pay the required fee, and not otherwise be a prohibited person. The applicant must also have premises from which he conducts business.

Please note that Federal law allows people who are not prohibited from owning firearms and some key self-defense products to manufacture them for personal use. Certain types of self-defense guns, including those with short barrels, require a tax payment and approval from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

f. Is There a Franchise for Self-Defense Products Business?

No, there are no franchise opportunities for the self-defense products business.

g. What Do You Need to Start a Self-Defense Products Business?
  • A Feasibility Report
  • Business and Marketing Plans
  • Business Licenses and Permits
  • Business Facility
  • BATF manufacturing license (Type 07 Manufacturer of Firearms other than Destructive Devices)
  • Startup Capital
  • Insurance
  • EIN (Employer Identification Number)/Federal Tax ID Number.
  • A Corporate Bank Account
  • Employees
  1. Memorable Self Defense Products Business Names

  • Life First© Self-Defense Products Company, Inc.
  • Brest Blue® Self-Defense Products Company, LLC
  • Bally Tryone© Self-Defense Products Company, Inc.
  • Defense Solutions® Self-Defense Products Company, Inc.
  • Defense King™ Self-Defense Products Company, Inc.
  • Rake Group™ Self-Defense Products Company, LLC.
  • Putin Joe and Co© Self-Defense Products Company, LLC
  • Roland TAC® Self-Defense Products Company, Inc.
  • Alex Wane© Self-Defense Products Company, Inc.
  • Che Gerson© Self-Defense Products Company, Inc.
  • Half Dozen® Self-Defense Products Company, LLC
  • Red Group® Self-Defense Products Company, LLC
  • Convoy™ Self-Defense Products Company, LLC
  • Fred Junes© Self-Defense Products Company, Inc.
  • Amour Rise® Self-Defense Products Company, Inc.
  • Hone TM™ Self-Defense Products Company, Inc.
  • R Tenor™ Self-Defense Products Company, Inc.
  • Leo Defense© Self-Defense Products Company, Inc.
  • Big Network® Self-Defense Products Company, LLC
  • Rodman Fowler™ Self-Defense Products Company, Inc.
  1. Register Your Business

a. What Type of Business Structure is Best for Self-Defense Products Business?

Even though there are several options when it comes to the business structure of a self-defense products business, the one that most players in this line of business consider is an LLC. It is common to consider an LLC because providers want to protect themselves from lawsuits. Please note that an LLC will need an EIN if it has employees or if it will be required to file any of the excise tax forms listed below.

b. Steps to Form an LLC
  • Choose a Name for Your LLC.
  • File Articles of Organization.
  • Choose a registered agent.
  • Decide on member vs. manager management.
  • Create an LLC operating agreement.
  • Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements.
  • File annual reports.
c. What Type of License is Needed to Open a Self-Defense Products Business?
  • General Business License
  • BATF manufacturing license (Type 07 Manufacturer of Firearms other than Destructive Devices)
  • Dealers’ License
  • Zonal Permits
  • Signage Permit
  • Operational State Facility Inspections
d. What Type of Certification is Needed to Start a Self-Defense Products Business?

You don’t need any certifications to start a self-defense products business. But it is important to note that it will be to your advantage to own an Advanced Gunsmithing Certification, and Certification in Firearms Technology.

e. What Documents are Needed to Open a Self-Defense Products Business?
  • DBA
  • EIN
  • Business and liability insurance
  • Federal Tax Payer’s ID
  • State Permit and Building Approval
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • BATF manufacturing license (Type 07 Manufacturer of Firearms other than Destructive Devices)
  • Dealers’ License
  • Business License
  • Business Plan
  • Employment Agreement (offer letters)
  • Operating Agreement for LLCs
  • Insurance Policy
  • Online Terms of Use
  • Online Privacy Policy Document
  • Contract Document
  • Company Bylaws
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?

Yes, you would need a trademark, copyright, and patent for your self-defense products business.

  1. Cost Analysis and Budgeting

a. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Self-Defense Products Business?

The startup cost for a self-defense products business is not uniform. A self-defense products business will cost from $200,000 – $600,000 and to even millions of dollars to start and that can easily go higher depending on your overall business goals and objectives.

b. What are the Costs Involved in Starting a Self-Defense Products Business?
  • The total fee for registering the business in the United States of America – is $750.
  • Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services totaling – $3,200.
  • Marketing promotion expenses (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $80.
  • The cost for hiring a business consultant (writing of business plans inclusive) – is $4,500.
  • Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation, and property-casualty) coverage at a total premium – $12,400.
  • The cost of logistics software, accounting software, CRM software, and Payroll Software – $4,500
  • The cost for leasing a facility (long-term lease agreement) – is $105,600.
  • The cost for facility remodeling and installations – $40,000.
  • The cost for the purchase of manufacturing equipment: $200,000
  • Other start-up expenses including stationery – $10,000
  • Phone and utility deposits will cost – ($2,500)
  • Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $100,000
  • The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $3,150
  • The cost for the purchase of office furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al) – $8,000.
  • The cost of launching an official website – $600
  • Miscellaneous – $2,500
c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Opening a Self-Defense Products Business?
  • The size of self-defense products business (number and types of self-defense products you want to manufacture in a day)
  • The choice of location
  • The required licenses and permits
  • The cost of hiring and paying a business consultant and attorney
  • The cost for branding, promotion, and marketing of the self-defense products business
  • The cost for furnishing and equipping the self-defense products business – facility
  • The cost of insurance
  • The cost for registering the business
  • Cost of recruiting and training your staff
  • The cost for the purchase and customizing of uniforms
d. Do You Need to Build a Facility?

It is not compulsory to build a new facility for your self-defense products business, but if you have the required finance, it will pay you to build your own facility and administrative office. The truth is that building or reconstructing a facility will help come up with a facility that will perfectly fit into your overall business goals and vision.

e. What are the Ongoing Expenses of a Self-Defense Products Business?
  • Raw materials and packaging materials
  • Utility bills (internet subscriptions, phone bills, signage and software renewal fees et al)
  • Salaries of employees
  • Machine maintenance
  • Insurance
  • Marketing costs
f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?
  • Chief Operating Officer (President) – $68,000 Per Year
  • Plant Manager – $58,000 Per Year
  • Technical Personnel – $50,800 Per Year
  • Admin and HR Manager – $48,000 Per Year
  • Marketing and Sales Executive (Business Developer) – $42,000 Per Year
  • Accountant – $38,000 Per Year
  • Machine Operators – $32,000 Per Year
  • Customer Service Officer (Receptionist) – $26,100 Per Year
  • Security Guard -$24,000 Per Year
g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Self-Defense Products Business?
  • Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
  • Raising money from investors and business partners
  • Sell shares to interested investors
  • Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
  • Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.
  1. Write a Business Plan

a. Executive Summary

R Tenor™ Self-Defense Products Company, Inc. is a registered and licensed self-defense products manufacturing business that will be based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We are in business to manufacturing a wide range of self-defense products for both the United States and international market.

R Tenor™ Self-Defense Products Company, Inc. has been able to secure all relevant licenses and permits to operate in the United States. We will ensure that we abide by the rules and regulations guiding the self-defense products manufacturing industry in the United States of America.

b. Products 
  • Pepper Spray.
  • Personal Alarms or Whistles.
  • Stun Guns and Tasers.
  • Tactical Whips.
  • Steel Batons.
  • Tactical Pen.
  • Baseball Bats.
  • Emergency Whistles
  • Pen Knives
  • Pestel
c. Mission Statement

Our mission is to ensure that we build a successful self-defense products business that will not just sell self-defense products in the United States of America and Canada, but all across the world; a company that will boast of having some of the best and most reliable workforces in the United States of America.

Vision Statement

Our Vision is to become one of the preferred choices of individuals and organizations when it comes to self-defense products in the whole of the United States of America and other counties of the world.

d. Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives of a self-defense products business are to design and manufacture self-defense products for the government and civilians.

e. Organizational Structure
  • Chief Operating Officer (President)
  • Plant Manager
  • Technical Personnel
  • Admin and HR Manager
  • Marketing and Sales Executive (Business Developer)
  • Accountant
  • Machine Operators
  • Customer Service Officer (Receptionist)
  • Security Guards

Marketing Plan

a. SWOT Analysis
Strength:
  • Excellent operational history
  • Attention to detail.
  • Experience and trained professionals.
  • Large manufacturing facility.
  • Excellent customer testimonials.
  • Reliable and efficient self-defense products manufacturing process.
Weakness:
  • Not enough existing clientele to run at full capacity immediately
  • The owner is new to large scale marketing
  • We will need a loan to build our facility and to purchase manufacturing equipment
  • The owner is currently running the business solo and will need to manage construction/build out the existing business
  • Lack of economies of scale.
Opportunities:
  • The surge in crime and violence has led to an increase in people thinking about self-defense
  • Growing acceptance of owning self-defense products in the United States.
  • Build upon existing clientele
  • Online market, new services, new technology, and of course the opening of new markets.
  • Increase in security activities on a global scale.
Threat:
  • Loans diminish profitability until they are paid off
  • The first year will be financially tight while we gain customers and pay off loans
  • Competition in the area could increase
  • Management of employees requires time, money, and efforts
  • The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives could change its regulatory status and decide to enforce strict regulations that can strangulate our business.
b. How Do Self-Defense Products Manufacturing Companies Make Money?

Self-defense products manufacturing companies make money by selling;

  • Pepper Spray.
  • Personal Alarms or Whistles.
  • Stun Guns and Tasers.
  • Tactical Whips.
  • Steel Batons.
  • Tactical Pen.
  • Baseball Bats.
  • Emergency Whistles
  • Pen Knives
  • Pestel
c. Payment Options
  • Payment via bank transfer
  • Payment with cash
  • Payment via credit cards
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via mobile money transfer
  • Payment via bank draft
d. Sales & Advertising Strategies
  • Introduce your self-defense products business by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to The US government, especially the Department of Defense, corporate organizations who are into security, paramilitary organizations, schools, martial arts clubs, firearm merchants, and key stakeholders in and around your city and state
  • Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities, train stations et al.
  • Use friends and family to spread the word about your business
  • Post information about your company and the products you sell on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops et al.
  • Place a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about your company and the product you sell
  • Leverage on referral networks such as gun dealers that will attract clients who would need your products
  • Advertise your business in relevant magazines, newspapers, TV, and radio stations.
  • Attend relevant expos, seminars, and business fairs et al to market our firearms
  • Engage in direct marketing approach
  • Encourage the use of word-of-mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients

Financial Projection

a. How Much Should You Charge for your Product/Service?

Most self-defense products manufacturing companies sell their firearms based on the type and size. There is no fixed price on a firearm.

b. How Much Profit Do Self-Defense Products Business Owners Make a Year?

It depends, but the available report shows that on average, a self-defense products business owner should net more than $120,000 per year assuming they have a steady clientele.

c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit to Be Made?
  • The capacity of the self-defense products business (number of guns and other firearms to be manufactured in a day)
  • The location of the self-defense products business
  • The management style of the self-defense products business
  • The business approach of the self-defense products business
  • The advertising and marketing strategies adopted by the self-defense products business.
  • The number of years the self-defense products business is in business
d. What is the Profit Margin of a Self-Defense Products Business?

The profit margin of a self-defense products business is not fixed. It could range from 8.5 percent to 11 percent. As a matter of fact, the industry profit margins are much smaller—8.5 percent on the annual revenue of $11.7 billion, according to market researcher IBISWorld.

e. What is the Sales Forecast?

Below is the sales forecast for a self-defense products business. It is based on the location of the business and other factors as it relates to such startups in the United States;

  • First Fiscal Year (FY1): $420,000
  • Second Fiscal Year (FY2):  $580,000
  • Third Fiscal Year (FFY3): $1.15 million
  1. Set Up your Shop/Office

a. How Do You Choose a Perfect Location for Self-Defense Products Business?
  • The demography of the location especially as it relates to security challenges
  • The demand for self-defense products in the location
  • The purchasing power of businesses and the residents of the location
  • Accessibility of the location
  • The number of self-defense products manufacturing companies in the location
  • The local laws and regulations in the community/state
  • Traffic, parking and security et al
b. What State and City are Best to Open a Self-Defense Products Business?
  • Fort Wayne, Indiana
  • Fairbanks, Alaska
  • Jefferson City, Missouri
  • Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • Huntsville, Alabama
  • Fort Smith, Arkansas
  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • Idaho Falls, Idaho
  • Tucson, Arizona
  • Orlando, Florida
c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate a Self-Defense Products Business?

You should be prepared to purchase Gun Drilling Machines, Pull Reaming Machines, Button Rifling Machines (small caliber 0.22 to 50 BMG), Cut Rifling Machines (small caliber 0.22 to 50 BMG), Vertical Honing Machines, Facing and Chamfering Machines, Barrel Straightening Presses, et al. You will also need computers or laptops, internet facility, telephone, fax machine and office furniture (chairs, tables, and shelves) amongst others and all these can be gotten as fairly used.

  1. Hire Employees

When it comes to hiring employees for a standard self-defense products business, you should make plans to hire a competent chief executive officer (you can occupy this position), admin and HR manager, plant manager, marketing and sales executive (business developer), accountant, engineers and technical personnel, machine operators, customer service officer (receptionist) and security guards.

  1. Launch the Business Proper

A self-defense products business may not require an overt party when you want to launch the business. What this business requires mostly is aggressive publicity to get the right people to be aware of your brand. By properly publicizing the self-defense products business, you will be able to officially inform people in your city that your self-defense products business is open for business.

a. What Makes a Self-Defense Products Business Successful?
  • Choose a good location to launch the business
  • Come up with unique designs for your self-defense products
  • Partner with government
  • Hire only competent, hardworking, and trustworthy staff
  • Be deliberate with your marketing sales approach
  • Encourage the use of word of mouth to promote your self-defense products business
  • Leverage on all available online and offline platforms to promote your self-defense products business
b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Self-Defense Products Business?
  • The business is open for the day’s work
  • The production line (factory) swings into action
  • Customer’s requests are taken and they are scheduled or attended to
  • Maintenance of equipment and machinery are carried out
  • Marketing/website upkeep
  • Supply ordering
  • Administrative duties
  • The business is closed for the day
c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a Self-Defense Products Business?
  • Good designing and engineering skills
  • Customer services skills
  • Interpersonal skill
  • Business management skills
  • Work experience in the self-defense products manufacturing industry
  • Experience in managing people
  • Experience in business administration.