Selling Airsoft Guns To Minors

A very interesting thing happened today here at Airsoft Battle Zone. I have explained in previous blogs our policy on selling airsoft guns and 6mm airsoft bbs to minors, we do not allow it for any reason. So here is the event that took place in our store today. A mom came in with her 2 son's which are 14 and 15 years of age to purchase both of them an airsoft spring hand gun and spring shotgun. Mom and both boys signed the waiver after reading it and listening to us on the pros and cons of owning an airsoft gun, and all the safety measures that need to be taken when airsofting. Now it is time to check out, both boys have there own bank account and have debit cards I know I asked mom. Since they were minors I ran there cards and had mom sign both credit transaction receipts. My question is, was this the proper measure to take? How do you as a retailer, protect yourself from law suits? I mean if an investigation was done on our store, say 6 months from now in regards to selling airsoft guns to minors and our credit card transactions were looked at, how could we prove that mom was here when the original transaction took place?

And what about online airsoft gun purchases? If a web store has posted you must be 18 to purchase airsoft guns from this site and by making a purchase you agree you are 18, how does that stop a 15 year old with a debit card from buying anything he wants online. I recently read the following newspaper article:

Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly filed suit yesterday against six out-of-state online retailers and one Massachusetts store owner to stop sales of ‘‘look-alike’’ BB guns and air rifles to minors. The lawsuit follows an undercover sting operation conducted by Reilly’s office, which enlisted the help of a 16-year-old boy who easily purchased the guns online. Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc., the Sports Authority, GSI Commerce Solutions, Airsoft Atlanta Inc., and a Norwood store, Xtreme Action Paintball, have agreed to pay penalties and amend their sales policies and procedures. Reilly is seeking preliminary injunctions against Jungle Toy LLC and Tactical Innovations to prevent them from selling to minors in Massachusetts, where the law prohibits the sale of an air rifle or BB gun to anyone younger than 18.

As responsible airsoft gun store owners we make every effort to assure we never sell to any one under 18. This is easy to accomplish with customers who walk in to our store and purchase airsoft guns, however it is not so easy to police an online store. Is there software one can install to filter credit card purchases?

If any one has any suggestions or recommendations please post a reply to this blog we would appreciate it.

Mr & Mrs Armsdealer