TASER and the Consumer
Posted by Steve Tuttle
The sale of TASER electronic control devices (ECDs) to the public is perhaps one of the most often misunderstood aspects of TASER International’s sales. Because of our success and visibility in the law enforcement market, many people believe that we hadn’t started selling TASER devices to the public until the launch of the TASER C2 in 2007. The truth is that our company was founded selling ECDs to the public.
Back in the beginning (1994), our very first sales were to consumers via direct orders, gun stores, catalogs and the Sharper Image. What you got back then was our first model, called the AIR TASER™ Model 34000. It looked something like this (again, back in 1994).
We’ve since sold more than 189,000 TASER brand devices to the general public in the United States and numerous countries around the world. We are permitted to sell to consumers in 43 states (there are seven states and the District of Columbia that do not permit any type of stun devices for sale to the public).
One of the reasons that we are the market leader in consumer stun guns is because we are the only stun gun manufacturer that has added layer upon layer of accountability measures to deter misuse. In a nutshell, it’s all about registration, verification and tracking.
Since day one, our sales to the public have successfully instituted a special safeguard that makes TASER technology a responsible personal safety tool — our Anti-Felon Identification (AFID) program. The AFID program is based upon registration of TASER devices. Every time a TASER cartridge is fired it disperses 20-30 serialized confetti that identifies the owner of the TASER device. At tradeshows, and with the media, I often say, “It’s like leaving 20 to 30 business cards at the scene of a crime.”
Our newest consumer model, the TASER® C2™, will not work after it is purchased out of the box until the device is activated with a unique code. The code can only be obtained by passing two tests: An identification verification test and a felony background check. We’ve made this a fast, simple and thorough test that can be done online at a secure Web site or via a toll-free telephone number.
To learn more about our consumer TASER devices, click here.
# Deborah wrote on 11/5/2009 8:48 am:
hi Chris, thanks for your comment. I’ve cut and pasted my response from your other post below.
“We actually haven’t forgotten our roots, and in fact, continue to invest in new consumer products and services. We are launching a new consumer site this month, and analysis of a consumer X3 is underway. Personal self-defense needs differ from law enforcement, which is why the C2 has a 30 second charge cycle instead of 5 seconds like our LE versions. We are looking at what other modifications, if any, are needed to provide the best personal safety options. Rest assured, TASER International remains committed to our consumer base. 2010 will bring some very exciting developments in ECDs as well as other consumer-oriented products and services.”
# Chris Pancheri wrote on 10/22/2009 8:12 am:
What is sad is that Taser has forgotten how they started, for the Consumer!
Every new development is now only allowed for law enforcement personnel.
Consumers are stuck with old, modified versions when there are no laws that prevent us from having the same protection as the law enforcement versions.
For example, as Taser represents the cutting edge in personal safety, I do not understand why they limit the purchase of the new Taser X3 to law enforcement only.
The purpose of the product is safety. I was an early adopter of the X26, and want to improve for my personal protection and upgrade to the X3. Since there is no law againt the X3, why can’t I purchase one??
I can purchase guns of all kind, but not the X3? I don’t want guns!
Every day that goes by, is one more day that a Taser X3 could save my life or someone else near me… but without it we could be toast! What’s the philosophy here????
Have they forgotten the consumer? I think so.
# Hilary Gibeaut wrote on 5/13/2009 8:42 am:
Larry, I will contact you personally via email to see what types of problems you are having.
# Larry wrote on 5/13/2009 7:16 am:
Suggestion, I bought one for Mothers day and the site to activate it has been for a week. I would suggest not to take down one web site before you get the other one up and running or have a phone number to activate it. The taser seems to be a great product, if I can get it activated!
# Hilary Gibeaut wrote on 4/9/2009 2:14 pm:
Great question Caroline.
If you are in a situation being confronted with two or more attackers, I would suggest that you deploy your TASER C2 at the closest attacker and if the other attackers continue to come for you use the drive stun mode on the additional attackers. That is where you have to physically touch the end of the C2 to the person. There is no need to remove the cartridge that is working on the first attacker. Also, remember if you need additional time on the deployed probes, you can hit the trigger button again and it will give an additional 30-second ride.
Hope that helps! Hilary
# Caroline wrote on 4/9/2009 1:52 pm:
What is the best way to proceed when being attacked by 2 or more people? I haven’t seen cartridges that work more than once, and the time to reload could cost a life if there is more than one attacker present.