A type 01 (dealer) or type 02 (pawnbroker) in firearms other than destructive devices initial application is $200 per 3 years. Type 07 (manufacturer of firearms) is $150 per 3 years. Type 9-11 deal with destructive devices and are $3000 per 3 years. This information is straight off our application from December last year.
I am the first to admit that being a dealer is not for every one. You must be able to keep accurate concise records and be able to use them (thank god for computers). It is definitely not a part time gig. It is also not a way to get rich. However, most dealers are what they are because they enjoy it, and it should be no other way.
There are many posts here that say something like "I knew a dealer who......". I could also relate many horror stories, but the fact is, ATF is no different that any other governmental agency and obtaining and maintaining a FFL is only a small part of a successful firearm business.