Snapshot: A Niche (But Growing) Apparel Segment

Recent surveys report that roughly 40% of adult Americans own a gun, or live with someone who does. Many of these gun owners are passionate about the 2nd Amendment, and regularly purchase apparel that reflects their patriotism or their enthusiasm for gun rights.

Moreover, it is reported that nearly 20 million adults currently hold a permit to conceal carry. Many people who conceal carry utilize special clothing and accessories to make their daily carry more comfortable and convenient.

Both of these market segments represent a growing revenue source for specialized apparel manufacturers, as well as retailers who sell firearms or sporting goods.

Merchant Services In The Firearms, CCW & Patriotic Apparel Industry

Regardless of the significant growth occurring in this segment of the apparel industry, if you own or operate an apparel business which sells firearms-related clothing or accessories, you may have been previously turned down for a merchant account from a mainstream bank or merchant services company.

Or worse, your apparel business may have had its merchant account terminated with little or no previous notice.

Many banks and merchant services providers will not accept your business for one of two reasons:

1. Firearm sales are regulated by the federal government, and therefore, additional underwriting is required by the credit card processor. (Even if you don’t sell firearms, and only sell clothing or accessories, your business may be lumped into this category by the bank.)
2. Because firearms and the 2nd Amendment are a “hot button” political issue, many banks and merchant services companies have taken an “anti” 2nd Amendment stance, and refuse to work with these businesses, even if they are otherwise highly desirable clients.

Tactical Payments, by contrast, was founded with the exact mission to serve the many fantastic firearms industry businesses out there today. We will offer you competitive pricing, easy integration, and friendly, USA-based customer support.

Firearms Lifestyle & Patriotic Apparel Merchant Account FAQs

The following are the most frequently asked questions we get from businesses interested in being approved for a firearms & patriotism apparel merchant account from Tactical Payments.

What kinds of firearms or patriotic apparel businesses do you accept as merchants?

Tactical Payments accepts a wide variety of patriotic or firearms apparel-related businesses, including retail, eCommerce and mobile-based businesses which are related to apparel. This includes retailers selling items such as t-shirts, hats, and coats with firearms or patriotic imagery, as well as clothing designed for comfortable conceal carry. Hunting apparel would also be accepted. All merchants must abide by all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations.

What type of patriotic imagery or firearms related imagery is acceptable to sell using a merchant account with TacticalPay?

As enthusiastic supporters of 2nd Amendment rights and freedom of speech, Tactical Payments accepts most types of imagery you could find on apparel related to firearms and patriotism.

While other “progressive” merchant services companies may be hostile to imagery that could be viewed as politically conservative, too “pro gun”, or “overly patriotic,” Tactical Payments supports these quality businesses selling legal apparel to their customers.

However, a small amount of imagery and apparel might fall into a category which we cannot serve: any imagery calling for or depicting violence against individuals or groups would not be able to be approved. Furthermore, any imagery implying racial supremacy or supporting hate groups would also be prohibited.

What criteria does my apparel business need to meet to be approved for a merchant account by Tactical Payments?

To be approved for a merchant account by Tactical Payments, your apparel business must meet the following criteria: (a) Your business must be located, and operate, solely within the United States of America (and the business owner must be a US citizen with a SSN); (b) you must be willing to provide the following documentation:

1. A voided business check or verified bank letter
2. a valid government ID such as a driver’s license
3. 3 months’ previous business bank statements, or personal bank statements if the business is a startup
4. 3 months’ previous credit card processing statements, if applicable

If you will be selling any firearms along with your apparel, you must have an FFL to do so.

​Is Tactical Payments compatible with my existing ecommerce or Point Of Sale (POS) software?

Firearms and patriotism apparel businesses typically have a preferred ecommerce or POS (Point Of Sale) software system they use. Because Tactical Payments works with most major payment gateways (including Authorize.net, USAePay and NMI), our merchant accounts integrate with most popular ecommerce and Point Of Sale systems. Tactical Payments is compatible with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Volusion, and many other ecommerce software packages, and is also compatible with GunBroker.com.