My local Rural King is hiring a part time gun counter associate and im thinking about applying but it seems like an awfully lot of crap to go through. Anyone here work at a gun shop? Just wondering if its something i want to get myself into. I guess like half the staff quit so now they are hard up. I have a full time job just looking to supplement the income a little bit. I talked to their old manager and i was told he had to go through a lot of hoops with training, paperwork, etc for BATF. I'm wondering if the sales guys have to go through all that too or just sell guns, do the paperwork, and go home.
gun store jobs?
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MidRoad
Member
If half the staff up and quit,I'd be wary of working there.
Hokie_PhD
Member
The Rural Kink where I used to live had folks in the gun department that I wouldn't trust. They weren't bad folks, just young guys who didn't know much and who were incredibly lazy and didn't care too much. Overall the store was ok, but didn't seem like a great place to work. My suggestion would be to find out why so many folks quit, what it's like to work there and if it's worth it to you to go through the hassle.
Telekinesis
Member
I would be worried about the work environment if half the employees quit at once. On the other hand, having a full time job and just doing this on the side would let you drop it pretty easily if you needed to.
I would expect that all the gun counter employees have to go through the sale training regarding compliance with ATF rules. If you're already fairly knowledgeable about gun laws I don't think it would be too difficult for you.
I would expect that all the gun counter employees have to go through the sale training regarding compliance with ATF rules. If you're already fairly knowledgeable about gun laws I don't think it would be too difficult for you.
rskent
Member
I think I would probably spend more than I would make.
bannockburn
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ohihunter2014
If you've been on the other side of the counter enough you probably already know how to correctly fill out the Form 4473. Getting that right (a lot of gun shops usually have someone else proof check it before it's sent in), and knowing who not to sell to (straw deal, someone who's obviously under the influence of alcohol or drugs), are just part of the gun sales experience. Aside from that know your product and above all treat every customer the same way you would want to be treated if you were the customer (a little tip I picked up from my Dad, a very successful salesman).
The other thing you don't want to do is to become your own best customer! Remember you're there to make money, not spend it! Let us know how it works out for you if you decide to take the job.
If you've been on the other side of the counter enough you probably already know how to correctly fill out the Form 4473. Getting that right (a lot of gun shops usually have someone else proof check it before it's sent in), and knowing who not to sell to (straw deal, someone who's obviously under the influence of alcohol or drugs), are just part of the gun sales experience. Aside from that know your product and above all treat every customer the same way you would want to be treated if you were the customer (a little tip I picked up from my Dad, a very successful salesman).
The other thing you don't want to do is to become your own best customer! Remember you're there to make money, not spend it! Let us know how it works out for you if you decide to take the job.
illinoisburt
Member
My son works the gun counter at a big box outdoor store. From his experience I'd say it can be fun just don't plan to actually make any money. If you are bothered by Fudd Lore, tacticool, blowhards, or completely uninformed folks who all have poor gun handling then you will find yourself frustrated.
It's retail. Going to be hot and cold depending on day and time. Still, my son seems to really enjoy it and being paid in guns, ammo, and accessories isn't too bad.
It's retail. Going to be hot and cold depending on day and time. Still, my son seems to really enjoy it and being paid in guns, ammo, and accessories isn't too bad.
everydefense
Member
Now THAT'S a whole 'nother rodeo!
jonnyc
Member
"just sell guns, do the paperwork, and go home"
That's about it for most counter-sales guys. I am a full-time teacher but got a part-time gun shop gig about 6 months ago, mainly to spend quality time, but also to make a bit of side cash. Fortunately(?), we have a few limits on what and when we can buy, so I do actually take home a little money. It's well worth it to me. I'm both learning and teaching a lot about guns with the other guys at the shop.
That's about it for most counter-sales guys. I am a full-time teacher but got a part-time gun shop gig about 6 months ago, mainly to spend quality time, but also to make a bit of side cash. Fortunately(?), we have a few limits on what and when we can buy, so I do actually take home a little money. It's well worth it to me. I'm both learning and teaching a lot about guns with the other guys at the shop.
One of the counter guys was a retired cop about 70yo so I think he had enough of it. The other guy came from a mom and pop store and was kind of the arrogant counter guy. Claims to be a retired cop but he's only about 50yo, he quit cause the other 2 guys left. 2nd guy got a better paying job. The other guys just seem to be hunters, etc. A very good friend of mine worked there and I asked him about working there before he left but he said they were staffed.
I visit the store for feed, hunting supplies, ammo, etc and it seems like a decent place and there seems to be the same people there all the time. I'm just looking for extra cash and if it sucks ill quit.
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To be honest I have just about every gun I want. I would like a 1911 and maybe a 357 revolver but this job would be mainly to help knock my student loans down a little bit. I am a very cheap person so dropping money on a gun just to have it usually doesn't happen. They have several signs up on the doors looking for help in the gun dept so I might talk with someone this weekend and see what happens.
entropy
Member
It's not the glamour job you're thinking, and if you think you complain a lot on here now....
Where is Rural King? Never been there and I know it's close to me.
If1HitU
Member
My LGS ,I go to have some retired Police officer working the counter.I have no idea what kind of paper work they filled out to get the job.
Many of those type stores sell new guns only and do not take in trades. Normal customer service pains apply, but the paperwork isn't all that hard to learn , and neither is it hard to learn the laws. It's a job like most other retail with a couple twists regarding paperwork.
If you work the counter you will be asked opinions - my advise is to avoid personal opinions regarding firearms. Sell them what they want without pushing your personal likes and dislikes, and rather than BS , if you don't know - say "I don't know".
If you work the counter you will be asked opinions - my advise is to avoid personal opinions regarding firearms. Sell them what they want without pushing your personal likes and dislikes, and rather than BS , if you don't know - say "I don't know".
Im running out of things to complain about so I need something new.
I gotta keep you guys on your toes! LOL.
Carlisle twp.
I notice that a lot at other stores. I'm not a fanboy when it comes to stuff if it works and has good reviews its good in my book.
MidRoad
Member
Well in that case take the job. Based on your string of luck you could post the happenings at the gun store here. Would be interesting.Im running out of things to complain about so I need something new.
I gotta keep you guys on your toes! LOL.
Anyways if you take the job good luck,extra cash is always nice. Maybe even learn some stuff while working there. Just a warning retail can really suck. Been there done that. Some people are excellent to deal with and make your day,while others treat you like the dirt on there shoes. Needless to say hope all goes well. Maybe you can scoop up a killer deal or two,never know.
I'm most knowledgeable in the hunting firearm aspect then i am pistols and AR/AK. We are in a rural area and it seems they do more hunting stuff then self defense stuff.
dieselchief
Member
I worked in one of the biggest, busiest privately owned gun stores in Minnesota. in the glory years. we sold on average 20 guns a day for five sales guys everyday for years. the owner was the biggest ass I ever had for a boss. had no clue, thought the guns sold them selves. I see the same in nearly every store around. till key gun guys get fed up and move on.
....do not ruin your hobby by working it. same for performance cars, ham radios, bikes etc.
....do not ruin your hobby by working it. same for performance cars, ham radios, bikes etc.
Curator
Member
Rural King is a great store--kinda like Wal Mart for farmers. They sell guns at close to cost, or even their cost as a lost leader to get people in their stores. They do have a high turn-over on employees due to low retail wages and the promotion of the occasional bad store manager. Our local RK has had 12 managers in 3 years. Their gun counter is always busy. They do not take trades or order guns, only sell what they have. I have spent some time attempting to show their gun counter staff how to handle guns safely (not point them at customer, etc.) Their real problem is the customers' bad gun handling. Recently they have taken to putting trigger locks in all their guns. RK employees are trained NOT to recommend one product over another, but there is always some know-it-all customer nearby to offer unwanted advice. I couldn't imagine actually working there, but they have none of the arrogance, condescension, dismissive and bullying tactics one encounters in many gun stores. (luckily, there are a few exceptions)
Hokie_PhD
Member
Curator
Funny. I don’t see them having the best gun prices. So are online dealers selling below cost? I can’t imagine so.
When RK does the 12% rebate like now they’re prices are competitive with online retailers. Otherwise I’ve seen their prices as cheaper than LGS but higher than online.
Funny. I don’t see them having the best gun prices. So are online dealers selling below cost? I can’t imagine so.
When RK does the 12% rebate like now they’re prices are competitive with online retailers. Otherwise I’ve seen their prices as cheaper than LGS but higher than online.
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