Fortunately there are Robust e Commerce platforms that don’t care what you sell
Last Week Shopify has shown their true anti second amendment colors when they updated their AUP (Acceptable Use policy) more specifically the”Restricted Items” in regards to firearms and firearms related parts. Now they have finally released the deadline! The changes basically copy California’s strict gun laws. Hundreds if not thousands within the firearms industry are being forced to find new E-commerce solutions. While some businesses websites have been untouched some have already been shut down even though it clearly violates their contract. “The firearms industry is under an unprecedented attack from the leading facilitators of interstate commerce that deny legitimate firearm businesses access to important structural supports of modern business.” Counsel for Franklin Armory®, Jason Davis, stated. Businesses within the firearms industry whose products fall under the restricted items list have until December 31st to be within compliance of the updated AUP or stand to lose everything!
Many were notified via email with a message similar to this one.
We have provided a copy of Shopify’s recently updated policy below;
“Restricted Items” means:
- an automatic firearm that has not been rendered inoperable
- a semi-automatic firearm that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine, with one or more of the following items:
- magazine capable of accepting more than 10 rounds
- bump stock
- rapid fire trigger activator or trigger crank
- barrel shroud
- thumb hole stock
- threaded barrel capable of accepting a flash suppressor, sound suppressor or silencer
- grenade or rocket launcher
- flash suppressor, sound suppressor or silencer
- pistol grip (or in the case of a pistol, a second pistol grip)
- forward pistol grip
- a semi-automatic firearm that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds
- firearms without serial numbers
- ghost guns and 3D printed guns, including blueprints for such guns
- any part, component or kit for any firearm or gun listed above
Certain Firearm Parts
- 80% or unfinished lower receivers
- magazine capable of accepting more than 10 rounds
- bump stock
- grenade or rocket launcher
- pistol grip (or in the case of a pistol, a second pistol grip)
- forward pistol grip
- barrel shroud*
- thumbhole stock*
- threaded barrel capable of accepting a flash suppressor, sound suppressor or silencer*
- flash suppressor, sound suppressor or silencer*
- rapid fire trigger activator or trigger crank
- any part, component or kit for a firearm part or including a firearm part listed above
*only if for use with a semi-automatic firearm
Many businesses who used Shopify took to social media to spread the word. With companies such as Spikes Tactical posting to their Facebook page.
And Mr. Wilson of Defense Distributed.
My business has been summarily disabled by @Shopify against our contractual terms. pic.twitter.com/sTKEsrvnBV
— Cody R. Wilson (@Radomysisky) August 10, 2018
According to Cole Leleux, general manager of Spike’s Tactical, “This decision will have significant ramifications to our business and should concern every online retailer and Second Amendment supporter,” . Leleux also added, “We have invested more than $100,000 in the development of our Shopify store, which will disappear once these policies go into effect,” and herein lies the problem many in the industry have dumped thousands if not hundreds of thousands into Shopify’s proprietary system all of their information cannot simply be transfered to a new e-commerce system and will most likely be lost.
So is there a solution? Ultimately, Yes! Companies have the option to move to other E-commerce Platforms such as Magento or WordPress’s WooCommerce. Both E-commerce platforms are open source and offer one advantage that Shopify has done away with. They are Pro-Everything when it comes to products!
WordPress’s platform WooCommerce is meant for the smaller stores with hundreds of SKUs or less. However, It can add unlimited products and users, and take unlimited orders. They allow their users to sell anything from physical products and digital downloads to subscriptions, content and even appointments! as mentioned before WooCommerce is open source and HIGHLY customizable.
Magento is also an open source E-commerce platform owned by eBay that is also believes that their clientele should be able to sell anything. It is geared to larger businesses with hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of SKUs. Magento offers it users the unlimited ability to customize and has great features such as B2B commerce which allows business to purchase direct from vendors with self-serve information as well as being able to aid with global expansion!
We at DangerCloseGroup are ready with our Magento developers and designers on staff to help YOU with this MASSIVE undertaking. If you are interested in switching to Magento or the WordPress Platform call now before it is too late!
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