[southarkrob]

I am a traveling salesman by trade and a when I am in a town for any lenght of time I check out the local gun shops. While on my way to Wichita, KS I stopped at a very well known shop in Tulsa, OK for some reloading supplies. While there I overheard an older gentleman ask an employee of the store (stocking ammo right beside him) what ammo he needed on a TX deer hunt.... the employee told him very rudely that he didn't select customers ammo....the guy looked at me kinda funny and asked him another question and got another very rude smart answer..he turned and just walked out of the store.
In Wichita I visited 2 shops that had indoor ranges and was met with the same kind of attitude at one of the shops...the other one (Bullseye...I believe was the name) was pretty cool and acted like they really wanted business.My point is, what if I was a person that didn't know anything about guns and it was my first trip to a gun store... and get met by this kinda attitude. What gives with these people. I asked the shop in Wichita (the one with the tude) to look at an antique S&W 44 revolver...the guy acted like it killed him....actually I stood in front of the counter for a long time before he actually acknowledged me. I'm just passing on my experiences the last couple of days. Robbie

 

[Raider39a]

I've encountered similar stores in the past. I really don't understand it. the point is to sell stuff, right? but some gun store clerks make you feel stupid. how are we going to recruit new people to the 2nd Amendment cause if gun stores display such attitudes?

On the flip side, I met some stores with true gentlemen and also ladies in them. this tended to be the smaller stores.

 

[CopperKnight]

The employees tend to forget the business principle that "the owner doesn't pay your salary, the customer does." Too many customers are treated as annoyances rather than their meal ticket. Too bad the owner doesn't care enough to fix it.

 

[lechwe]

That's not unique to Kansas. Seems like the majority of shops here in Michigan are just like that. The good ones are great but the bad ones really suck.

 

[Rugergirl]

I'm sorry all of you aren't local to my fun shop, where the peop;e behind counter are like friends, the owner like a brother and the prices and stock are great.
Finding the "best" gun shop is worth the hunt, getting to know a buch of great people behind the counter is even better. A trip to the range is like hanging out with my buddies, a purchase is like a deal between friends.
It's a shame that every gun shop can't be a pleasurable experience, like it should be.

Man I'm lucky:yup:

 

[Rock and Glock]

One of the larger, well known stores in Colorado Springs has a similar attitude. I will never darken their doors again. Their attitude was "get it your damn self" and the like. Too bad. I spend a lot, just not there.

The attitude was not jocular banter, it was "don't bother me, you are a slug, and I can't be bothered to help you". Unfortunately, it is symptomatic in the entire store and includes the owner. It also cuts across customer demographics with remarkable clarity. I know of no one who, having been there once, will ever go back. That includes several folks that spend a lot of money on toys.

I am surprised they are in business. After the "Obama Bonus" I believe they will fail quickly. I will not care, nor shed a tear. They are jerks.

 

[cmdrdredd]

I used to work retail, and have helped out at a local gun shop. There are times when you do feel like you don't wanna be bothered and you might get smart with someone. You gotta put that aside and focus on making the sale.

Sometimes a bit of a smart ass attitude can make someone feel at ease if it's done respectfully and to someone you know for a fact is a joker or can fire back at you. I've met many customers who I would routinely joke about caliber with and be a smart ass about carrying my 9mm vs a .40/.45acp. Others you can tell won't accept that type of attitude and need information that helps them and is to the point. Free of any smart remarks and attitude whatsoever.

 

[Guns and more]

Before I bought a gun online, I went to every local gun store and tried to find the same gun.
Most treated me like I was interrupting their private conversation. I told one what I could buy the gun for on gunbroker, and he told me I was lying. He went and looked on his computer, then said, "well, that's just one." (actually there were four) but by that time I just walked out.
A gun store has to earn my business from now on.

 

[RETSUPT99]

I don't enter 'rude' gun shops more than once...period!:hand1:

 

[Nek]

WOW!! Why am I not suprised. I see the same stinky attitude at EVERY gun shop I have gone to in central and southern Michigan. I am thinking that these damn shops have had a gold mine for the past year with the influx of customers and they could care less if they turn away half of the folks that come through their doors. My last purchase was made online and a very friendly non shop owner FFL did the transaction for me for a whopping $15. Based on the experiences I have had over the past 6 months, I doubt I will give my business to any of the local brick and morter stores.

 

[rottkeeper]

Unfortunately it is not limited to gun shops, customer service really sucks all over. How often do you hand a cashier money to pay for something and they can't even muster up a thank you.

The Harley Davidson shops around here act like they don't need you in their stores. The shop I have bought two bikes in two years at, the owners have yet to even say hello when they walk by.

 

[orangevol]

Rob, just like you I travel all over the US and have experienced this same attitude in a lot of shops. I have wondered why and the only excuse I can come up with is that a lot more people like to look at and handle guns than those that actually buy them. I think some store employees have taken the attitude that you are just there to fondle the merchandise.

 

[cmdrdredd]

WOW!! Why am I not suprised. I see the same stinky attitude at EVERY gun shop I have gone to in central and southern Michigan. I am thinking that these damn shops have had a gold mine for the past year with the influx of customers and they could care less if they turn away half of the folks that come through their doors. My last purchase was made online and a very friendly non shop owner FFL did the transaction for me for a whopping $15. Based on the experiences I have had over the past 6 months, I doubt I will give my business to any of the local brick and morter stores.

Just gotta find the right one. Here locally there's maybe 15 shops I can think of, but only 2 that I'd spend any great deal of money with.

 

[Rock and Glock]

Just to put in a local plug for my favorite, helpful, friendly and local store, it's Nimrod's Guns in Florrisant - run by a great lady, Kathleen. Great service - and friendly and happy!

I do want to support local brick and mortar at every opportunity! Just not the jerks to who I referred in my original post Number 6.

 

[southarkrob]

I agree that it can be a frustrating job... but you never know who is the big spender when they walk thru the door. I was at a Honda motorcycle shop talking to some friends that work there one morning...and an old man drove up in a beat up 3/4 ton 4x4 truck..gets out wearing overalls and muddy boots on...(I knew who he was and that he had money) One salesman takes the attitude of the gun shop owners and won't even walk out to talk to him...my buddy gladly goes out and comes right back in and starts the paperwork on3 4x4 atv's...my point is you don't ever prejudge someone.. I was new in these guys shops and they didn't have time to know I was a deadbeat yet!!!! I am glad that I have a good shop that I buy my guns locally from...Robbie

 

[mr.stuart]

Unfortunately it is not limited to gun shops, customer service really sucks all over. How often do you hand a cashier money to pay for something and they can't even muster up a thank you.

The Harley Davidson shops around here act like they don't need you in their stores. The shop I have bought two bikes in two years at, the owners have yet to even say hello when they walk by.

It is everywhere. I no longer deal with the public, but I spent 27 years face to face with all types of customers. I believe so many people in our world were just never taught how to treat others. When I do find a happy retail worker, I am truly impressed. We have a lot of our fellow Americans who believe they are 'entitled ' to everything. They feel no obligation to show kindness or appreciation to other people. I am lucky I had a mother that taught me right from wrong.

 

[Bigpoppa48]

Here in eastern NC I bought two handguns within the past year. The guy in the gun shop instructed me how to field strip the firearm I was interested in and put it back together. He also worked with me on the price so I said to myself "Dang" I might as well purchase the firearm from even if it was a little more than I would pay on line. I wound up purchasing 2 firearms from him and ammo. Personal service does mean something.

 

[pirate]

Here in eastern NC I bought two handguns within the past year. The guy in the gun shop instructed me how to field strip the firearm I was interested in and put it back together. He also worked with me on the price so I said to myself "Dang" I might as well purchase the firearm from even if it was a little more than I would pay on line. I wound up purchasing 2 firearms from him and ammo. Personal service does mean something.

I grew up in eastern NC where folks are generally friendly. Here in the Raleigh area I now only give my business to one store, Fuquay Guns and Gold in Fuquay Varina. The owner Clay and his staff give superb CS and act like they want your business and love to talk guns with you, and will work with you on price. I have purchased 6-7 firearms from him in the past 2 years and have sent many others to him for sales. I have given up on PDHSC (rude and unhelpful) and Davi's (way overpriced) in Raleigh.

 

[luvmy40]

Unfortunately it is not limited to gun shops, customer service really sucks all over. How often do you hand a cashier money to pay for something and they can't even muster up a thank you.

The Harley Davidson shops around here act like they don't need you in their stores. The shop I have bought two bikes in two years at, the owners have yet to even say hello when they walk by.

This is the reason why I have written HD off. I (along with a couple hundred thousand other blue collar bikers) supported and defended them through the tough times(A.M.EFFING What!) But now we are treated like dirt if not ready to drop 20grand without a test ride!</rant>

I am fortunate to have what might be the greatest gun shop in the country in my back yard. The owner is the typical "little old lady" who can and will spend an afternoon BSing with you then give the best deal available on anything she has in the case!

There is also the guy in the next town who might be convinced that you are worth the time necessary to ring up your purchase for overpriced ammo who actually had the nerve to tell me that S&W did not make a compact version of the M&P45(this was six months ago).
Guess who will be selling me my next pistola!

 

[Ram Rod]

I've turned around and walked out of several gun shops where it takes too long for associates to acknowledge me or that have an attitude, and I never go back.