Streamlining the BigCommerce FFL Search and Shipping Process for WBTGuns.com

Young people on tactical gun training classes. Shooting and Weapons. Outdoor Shooting Range. BigCommerce Checkout - FFL Dealer Search and Shipping

Founded in 2011, Wilde Built Tactical (WBT) has become San Diego’s leading source for California-legal firearms and tactical gear. Based in La Mesa, CA, WBT specializes in converting firearms to comply with California laws while offering a wide selection of rifles, pistols, and shotguns. 

To better serve their growing online customer base and ensure compliance with complex firearm regulations, Wilde Built Tactical recognized the need to improve the FFL purchasing process. They partnered with IntuitSolutions to develop a solution designed to simplify FFL dealer selection, manage restricted products, and streamline shipping options.

The Challenge: Simplifying the FFL Purchase Process

Selling firearms and other regulated products online comes with a unique set of challenges. Ecommerce merchants selling guns must navigate restrictive state and federal regulations, ensuring compliance at every step while providing a seamless experience for customers. 

For WBT, the ideal solution would streamline the FFL dealer selection process while also managing restricted products and special shipping requirements. It would also eliminate the need for multiple third-party apps, simplifying workflows and improving operational efficiency.

Key challenges included:

  • Ensuring customers could easily select preferred FFL locations 
  • Integrating additional fees for background checks and selected products
  • Providing flexible options for shipping or in-store pickup of non-FFL items
  • Managing restricted SKUs for specific customer groups

The Solution: A Custom-Built FFL Experience for BigCommerce with Additional Checkout Customizations

BigCommerce FFL Checkout Solution Checkout View - Select Your Location Option to Show FFL Dealers Nearby
Checkout View - Select Your Location to Find FFL Dealers Nearby

To address these challenges, IntuitSolutions built a comprehensive, custom FFL checkout solution using the Ebizio Checkout app for BigCommerce. The solution included the following:

BigCommerce Checkout Application for FFL Dealer Search and Shipping

  • Automatically prompts customers with FFL-required items to select a dealer pickup location via a modal popup during checkout
  • Provides a radius search powered by Google Maps API, enabling customers to easily find and select their FFL locations nearby
  • Highlights ‘preferred’ dealers, designated by the merchant, at the top of search results for quicker selection
Map Showing FFL Dealers Nearby

Product Group Restrictions

Certain products, such as those restricted to law enforcement or other designated customer groups, require customer login to verify purchase eligibility, ensuring legal compliance

In-Store Pickup and Shipping Customizations

  • For non-FFL items, customers can choose in-store pickup at checkout 
  • This option automatically fills in the store’s address in the shipping field and selects the appropriate shipping method (In-Store Pickup: Free)
BigCommerce FFL Checkout Solution - Checkout View showing Ship to Store option for Non FFL Items with Shipping Address Autofill
Ship to Store Option for Non-FFL Items - Autofill Shipping Address

Additional Product Fee Customizations

  • Custom shipping fees are applied based on the product category, including handguns  and long guns
  • A background check fee is applied for in-store pickups
BigCommerce Checkout FFL Solution - Checkout view showing custom fees
Checkout View Showing Custom Fees

The Results: A Scalable BigCommerce Checkout Solution for Gun Merchants

With their new custom FFL checkout solution, Wilde Built Tactical has transformed what can be a complex purchasing process into a seamless, user-friendly experience. 

By consolidating multiple functions into one integrated solution, they’ve removed the friction of third-party apps and manual workflows, allowing their business to scale more effectively. This tailored solution ensures compliance with regulations while positioning their business for long-term growth.

If you’re looking to streamline your own FFL processes or looking for another custom checkout solution, contact IntuitSolutions today. Our team specializes in creating custom FFL solutions that simplify operations, improve the customer experience, and drive more sales.

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