How To Be Taken Seriously At Gun Shop

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1. Know your guns. Research your intended purchase. Know the exact model and specification of your intended purchase whenever possible. Despite the myth dealers don't know everything.
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Oh, it that what the myth is? I thought it was just the opposite.

Scott
 
Ok a LOT of people misunderstood me.

I never said you HAD to know everything about a intended purchase. My point was if you DO know what you are looking for and why things will be much better.

I don't know where some of you guys got things like "Any gun store that expects me to "prove" my worthiness to shop there or to be treated with respect will not get my business" from my post.

The post was meant to be insight from the other side and advice on how to purchase guns more effectively.
 
Large local store. VERY close to my home. The largest selection in the area. Prices are a teensey bit high but I hear that they do deal a little.
Been there window shopping a few times. Bought holsters, ammo, and a few other accessories from them. Happy so far.

Last month I walk in, and go over to the case with the used Semi-auto pistols. Clerk asks if he can help me. As I am browsing I answer, "Sure, I am looking for either a Colt Lightweight Commander, Enhanced Model in Blue or a Colt Government, Enhanced in Blue. Know where I might find either?"

Clerk answers something like, "Ain't seen one in a while, probably won't either since Colt stopped making handguns." Other clerk chimes in, "Sure is a shame about them going bankrupt."

:rolleyes: Oh brother! I'll just let this one slide by.

He then askes if there's anything else I'm interested in. I say "Smith & Wesson, 3" N frame, Blue Steel, no ports, in either .41 magnum or .44 magnum. Will buy both if I can find them as long as they're blue steel and in decent shape."

Einstein replies, "nothing like that right now. But check back in a few weeks we should be getting some MORE from the distributor by then."
:what:
I perk up and say "Oh really?!" (Secretly hoping that Lew Horton has once again shown S&W what the public really wants.)
Einstein says, "Yeah we get a few in every other month or so." :scrutiny:
"OK... Thanks, I'll check back in a few weeks."


Man, the older I get the more my moron tollerence diminishes. :fire:


Instead I bought a like new, Blued, Colt Government Enhanced, with box & papers, from a fellow THRer :) :) :)
 
You certainly don't have to answer if you don't want to, Xavier, but what happened that turned a favored gun shop into less than dirt?
 
Simple rule...

if you want to get the best price without sounding like a jerk, ask simply and politely (while looking a the price tag)

"Do you have room on this??"

Looking at a Model 700 .223 NIB condition at a local pawn shop. It was marked $275. I know the guy behind the counter real well

I asked "the question". He says "since you're a good customer, $225 and tax":D

$275 was a great price....$225 was greater

Got a 98% Marlin .22 mag with scope at the same shop for $90

As stated above, best advice I can give is "mind your manners". If he's a jerk, walk.
 
In truth I can only say I have seen only two good gun shops in my life time,
not sure if the business attracts the wrong type of dealer or they
become that way once in the business. :confused:
 
I patronize most of the "legitimate" shops in the area. Some are higher than others, but make up for the price difference in superior service and/or onsight range availability.

I don't expect to make the seller bleed. I respect his need to make a profit. But, I won't have my head knocked off either. My philosophy is simple: I want the best deal I can get without making that dealer run the other way the next time he sees me.

With guns, just like any other commodity, the spoils will always go to those who have done their homework, educating themselves as much as possible about the product they're looking for. The people I deal with at each shop know that I'm probably going to know what I need about a given firearm when I walk in the door. They also know me well enough to know that I'll be honest in asking when I DON'T have all the specs in hand.

Most importantly, they recognize the value of REPEAT business and don't try to retire off the first sale. They also know from experience that I'll continue to reward them for continued prompt, fair, polite and accurate service.

There is one shop here in OKC that posts prices that are insultingly high - ALWAYS well above retail, then give you a "today only deal" that brings the price down to the retail level. It took me about two minutes to recognize them for what they were. When I later encountered one of the owners in the midst of setting up yet another gun shop I decided to confront him about his methods. His response to me was, "Yeah, they're high. But you wouldn't believe how many people will pay those prices". :confused:

Now there's a man that knows nothing of the value of repeat business...

However, there must be enough idiots out there to not only keep him in business, but to generate enough revenue to allow him to open a new venue.

Makes me wonder about the intellegence of many of our shooting bretheren...

stellarpod
 
I like the thread it is interesting but I think it points out a major problem with gun ownership. That is getting into it. I know a lot of you bought your first gun from the local hardware/gun store when you were 12. That’s great but I have never seen a hardware/gun store. A lot of people today have to walk into these stores where you may or may not get a friendly and/or knowledgeable staff. That makes gun buying tough. Lets also not forget that this is an expensive hobby, and a gun is an investment. Yet why when a newbie walks into he store does the store owner get annoyed when someone just wants to look and handle a couple of different pieces. Hey maybe that would be an opportunity to offer a little friendly advice. Nothing complicated just something like you see that a single action this over here is a double action. That has a light trigger pull this has a heavier one. I don't pretend that they know everything but a little help will make someone feel at home. I know the location where I bought my first gun got my money for that very reason. Now In know that some stores certainly do this, but many don't. Being younger though I see that I often bare the brunt of the idiocy at times. We need to start being a more inviting group.
 
Most of the gun stores in KC have redeaming features. How well you know the staff goes the longest way. My favorite dealer has one person who I don't like to deal with and it's been turning me off from them. The rest of the guys are great but when the odd man out asks if he can "help" I politely decline.

My closest store is also a range, and in one of the richest per-capita counties in the country. Almost everything is marked retail, and lots of people come in and pay it. But if you know what the guns worth, and tell them you know ;) they are more than happy to come down to a reasonable price to make the sale and be friendly about it the whole time.

At first I thought they were over-priced but I got to know them a little better and found out why they're the oldest gun store in town :) The Bullet Hole, right next to the Hodgden offices.
 
I agree with iamkris to a point. I think the gunshops - if they want to stay in business for the long term - should have a policy of education for the customer. Everyone that walks into the gunshops doesn't have a base of knowledge (yeah THR :)) and you never know when someone who is considering buying their first gun - (and becoming a repeat customer, and buying supplies - and joining the NRA - and becoming politically involved eventually - and voting) could be turned off by a "get educated and then come in to buy" attitude. I see this particularly with females who might be intimidated from the start by even going into a gunshop. We need everyone we can get these days and courteous and helpful customer relations can not only help maintain a client base for the gunshop owner but also the voter base as well.

As for price: go to two or three shops if your lucky enough to have that many to choose from these days and compare - but I'd compare more than the price of the gun. I don't always buy from the shop that has the very lowest price - I'll pay a few dollars more to support the shop that is glad to see me walk in the door - whether I'm buying a gun or some grease that day.
 
I think the larger the store, the less "personal" the service. As a general rule of thumb, if there are more than four people (including the owner) working in the gunstore or gun department, it's been my experience that I'm "lost in the crowd" of customers. In the smaller places, one gets a lot more personal attention, I've found.

My favorite gun store is a combination gunshop/coin dealer in Pineville, LA. There's always a pot of coffee on the table, and sometimes donuts as well. Customers like me drop in weekly just to bat the breeze, even if we're not buying anything. The owner has a limited selection of guns on display, but freely offers to get anything we want at cost plus 5% (cost includes shipping, of course), provided we pay in advance. He gets out the distributor catalogs so we can see exactly what he's paying, and doesn't mind our borrowing the catalogs and browsing through them to see if there's anything we want. He also does transfers for a minimal charge (I've done about a dozen through him), and if you're a good customer, he'll often waive the charge altogether, because he knows he'll make money off you anyway. Basic gunsmithing services are available on site, and often will be free if one's a regular (e.g. if you buy a gun, the scope mounts will be put on and the scope bore-sighted for free). There's always a smile, a handshake or (in the case of the female staff) a hug for regulars, and we have a great time. Sure, I could get better prices on some guns elsewhere, but why should I even try when it's such a pleasure to do business there?

If any THR'ers find themselves down my way, let me know, and I'll take you round for a coffee and an hour of bull - er, story-telling... :D
 
Geech,

What made one of my favored gunshops turn into less than dirt? They treated me like less than dirt. When I got back home, I wrote them a letter explaining what happened, since it will likely not make a difference if I do send it, I will cut and paste it here for your enjoyment. Now remember as you read it, I was a prior customer who dealt in cash oin the barrelhead. I do not haggle, I do not poormouth. I do not return pistols bitching, if it's broke, I fix it myself. I was a return customer. I was a referal source for their business. I know all four owners who work behind the counter by name.

Here's the letter.

On October 25, 2003, I came into your store to purchase a used Colt Lightweight Commander. I had noticed the
pistol earlier in the day, and at that time asked the salesman if your gunsmith could remove the slide of the pistol
so I could see the locking lugs. Your salesman informed me that this could not be done, as this was a special pistol.
Being a previous customer, I knew that this was not the case with a used pistol. Your store was busy at the time,
and your salesmen were trying to move your used stock to another case, so I decided to come back when things
were slower and speak with someone else.

Later in the day, around 4PM, I returned with $800 cash to buy this pistol. I again asked if your gunsmith could
remove the slide so I could see the locking lugs. This was done, and I was allowed to inspect the pistol, but not
without a lecture on how customers are never allowed to remove a pistol's slide. I took the lecture in stride,
although I had not asked to remove the slide. Remember, I asked your gunsmith to remove it for me. I found the
pistol to be in fair enough condition to pay the price you had marked. After your gunsmith reassembled the pistol
in the rear of the store, it was returned to the showcase by your salesman, and he left without a word to converse
with your other salesmen at the corner of the counter. I stood at your counter for around five minutes waiting for
anyone in the store to ask me if I wanted to buy this pistol.

Finally, an older saleslady asked me if she could help me. I explained what had happened, and she was apologetic,
but I was no longer in the mood to give your establishment any more of my hard earned money. I refuse to beg
anybody to sell me a pistol.

Thus far, this year alone I have bought two pistols from Diamond Gun, one a nickel plated Kahr K40, the other a
Colt Gold Cup. Both times I was ready with cash, and came away feeling as though I got a fair deal. I remain
happy with both of these pistols. I shoot regularly with friends here in Monroe, and am a member of two hunting
clubs. I also buy firearms at your two major competitors, who have better prices, but rarely the occasional unusual
used pistols I enjoy. I have encouraged friends to go to your store, telling them the prices may be a bit higher, but
the selection and friendliness makes up the difference. I have sent customers your way, including several nurses I
work with, who would prefer to talk to a woman when buying a gun.

Today I left your store with the distinct feeling that Diamond Gun does not want my business. Today you lost my
business not because of your prices, not because of your selection or the condition of your guns, but because your
employees treated me like I was a second class citizen instead of a customer. You call your establishment "the
friendly store." You should remember that there is no advertising like word of mouth. You have lost this loyal
customer. You have also lost any other customers I would have referred to you. I am taking the time to write to you
in the sincere hope that you will understand that a customer does not enter your store with the willingness to
endure rudeness to purchase a firearm. I entered your store today with cash in hand, knowing what I wanted, I had
made the decision to buy at the price you were asking, and then I was treated with such indifference that I left with
the intention of never returning. You could have made an additional $800 today. Instead you have gained another
person who will tell other potential customers to avoid your store. Think about that.



So there you have it Geech. Whether for a justified reason or not, I am able to choose where I spend my money. I am not a "always look never buy" customer. After I have bought over $1500 in pistols and likely $500 in ammo this year alone, you would think these nuts would remember my face. Even if they did not remember me, then they should have treated me like a customer instead of some scum wasting their time. Two other gun stores are actually closer to my home. I went to this one probably five times in the past year, each time buying something, and two of the sales were handguns. I was amazed at their actions, and I can say that it was not the same on prior occasions. The fact is though, I was treated like scum yesterday, when all I wanted to do was buy a pistol at the price marked. Once is enough to loose my business. No customer, whether browsing or buying should be lectured like a child, or scorned by salespeople.
 
In the days of everything being a "MART" with large volume buys from manufacturers, some sellers make it very difficult to make any money.

Case in point. The local gun show has a dealer that started showing up about a year ago selling guns at or below dealer prices. After doing some research it turns out this dealer is related to a midwest distributor.
They are selling guns at 10% above the wholesale mark.

All the established store front dealers started losing business to this traveling dealer/dist. When customers would call to compare prices, the locals started to cop a real bad attitude which is understandable.
This practice according to most gun makers is supposed to be a no no but repeated calls did nothing. All they care about is selling guns and making money.

The US is a free market system, but these type of tactics are harmful to any business and its owners. Anyone who supports these businesses are helping to put small shops out.

A fare price is one thing, a giveaway is something else.

Before long the only place to shop will be Wal Mart. Then with competition gone, prices will rise. Consumers will get penalized down the road.
 
XavierBreath, I liked that letter.

I think a really critical test is how well a gun shop treats a "non-traditional" customer--you know, someone who isn't a "good old boy." Do they make women feel comfortable? How about minorities? Someone in a "Democrats for Dean" t-shirt? A young kid who is kind of clueless but well-meaning? The local queer-studies professor? Unless gun stores start doing a better job with customers like this (meaning, being welcoming enough that they walk in the door, much less stay), I don't think that things will improve.

Probably a good comparison is motorcycle shops. Used to be Harley, BMW, etc had stores that were dirty and smokey and all the good old boys could sit and chat at the counter all day with the owner, who would run you right out of the store if he didn't like you. Now, the manufacturers insist that all the showrooms be clean, more welcoming to women, and the owners have to be businessmen first, rather than dyspeptic grouches. Something got lost, sure, but a lot of people are buying bikes who never would have twenty years ago.

I love watching how gun stores treat my wife, for example. She is very gun-positive, but doesn't care about the technical side of things. She isn't going to stand there and say "let me see a gold-match with semi-ported bipod bolts" or whatever. How they treat her is sort of our litmus test for a gun store--if she is treated with respect and courtesy, it's a place we'll spend our money. If not, we go down the road.

I've found it about 50/50 for small stores vs big stores. I really like my local store here, but I've been in plenty where I was treated rudely and left in a hurry. The big chain discounter about an hour away is very nice, too--the sales drones are clueless, but they are courteous and have good customer service skills. The guys at the local walmart, on the other hand, are useless except for ringing up ammunition at the cash register.
 
I refuse to beg anybody to sell me a pistol
Click to expand...

Xav,

That's it in a nutshell, isn't it? If you aren't going to be treated well, you might as well go down to the big "Mart" and buy there. You won't be treated well there either, but you can console yourself that you saved fifty bucks for enduring the indifference.

Please DO send that letter!

Keith
 
Always Be Closing!

In addition to lacking in the social graces, ahem, seems like the store people ought to try to close the sale.

I refuse to beg anybody to sell me a pistol.
Click to expand...

Once they have complied with your request to field strip all they have to do is ask you if you would like some ammunition to go with your new pistol.
 
Thanks for the support fellows! I printed and mailed the letter.

I like your analogy between the bike shops and gun shops. Just like there are people buying bikes today that would not have twenty years ago, the same is true of guns. When you look at SASS as recreation, the prices of lower end but decent handguns, then the rise of crime along with the ability to carry concealed legally, many, many women and minorities are arming themselves. The good old boy shooter is not the same market share he used to be. If the Mom & Pop establishments do not want learn to cater to a different kind of customer's needs, they will loose their customer base in the next decade. That is bad for us all.

FWIW, my favorite gunstore is also a hardware store (imagine THAT!) with an indoor range. They give hunter safety courses, CCW courses and personal protection courses. The owner, gunsmith, and most of the counter guys know me by name, and even recognize my voice on the phone. Their new stock is great, but the trade-in stuff I really like is lacking at times. The good thing about their trade-ins is that I can take a prospective purchase in the range and shoot it. These folks remember me, my wife, and our little girl by name from the very first purchase. My little girl gets a free sucker each trip. It's an old fashioned establishment where the folks love to shoot, and they have the gun section of the store for that reason. The owner has said he makes no real money on guns, he just likes them. He makes his money selling hardware. This is the place that gets most of my money.
 
<Family Feud game show mode on>

Survey says...**DANG**...majority of posters on this thread think there are lots of dealers that need to learn a lesson or two on how to stay in business

</Family Feud game show mode off>

Steyr -- whether you meant it this way or not, it appears that you unleashed lots of pent up "fed-up-ness" from our fine membership at gun dealers
 
I'm not too worried about whether the dealers with poor customer service skills stay in business. I am VERY worried about the future of firearms ownership in this country if (some) gun dealers keep trying their hardest to support anti-gun groups. By support I mean not inviting and welcoming new types of customers and at the same time perpetuating every bad anti-gun stereotype. (You know, guns are owned only by gang-bangers and chaw-chewin' white guys who don't like furriners and coloreds.) You can like it or dislike it, but even the most casual look at demographic trends in the US tells you that having a client base that narrow is a recipe for disaster.

Three trends stand out to me: 1) More women in the workforce with control over their own money (don't need to ask hubby for permission to buy expensive items). 2) More women unmarried, with or without children (no one else to rely on for protection or back-up). 3) Because of immigration, birthrates, and intermarriage, more and more US citizens (with full 2nd amendment rights) are not white. These trends mean that if guns are allowed to become synonymous with Turner Diaries-reading racial purists who dress like rambo, legal gun ownership is going the way of the dodo. Reframe guns as "normal" rather than paraphenalia of the far right, and there would be some hope.

Honestly, I think that, just as with motorcycles, the manufacturers are going to have to police their operations more. (I know, I know, they don't want to because of end-use lawsuits. But hiding behind distributors is hurting them in the long-run.) Insisting that dealers provide trained staff, well-laid out stores, and good service will undoubtedly drive some small operators out of business. But I'd happily accept that if it means that twenty years from now I can still buy guns with relative freedom. Gun distribution right now is also critically exposed over the issue of "straw dealers" (I might have the name wrong--I mean the guys who make a living selling guns to bad guys). The DC sniper case, for example, is featuring prominently in the pro-AWB ads. Either the industry needs to self-police, or the brady people will be happy to do it for them.

Man, I'm pessimistic today, aren't I?
 
Thanks for the info, Steyr. However, my guide is much simpler:

Walk into gun store. If not taken seriously, leave and find another one. Repeat if necessary.

I may be knowledgeable about gun x and y, but not z. That is part of the reason I GO to the gun store; to learn things. If they are not willing to help in detail, right off the bat, with newbish questions, then I go to a store where they will (around here, I go to H&H and talk to Will). Why should I research beforehand? If I'm going to research first, fine, but then I'm not going to pay gun store prices. If I research first, then I'll buy from gunbroker or whathaveyou. I have an FFL that does transfers for $10. They can answer my newb questions with a smile or than can kiss my skinny white rearend.
 
Good advice Steyr-Aug

Some folks succumb to the glitzy products at the supermarket checkouts. Sale items line the corridors towards them and are at eye level. Bold ads leap out to you touting the product.

Me, I fall prey to impulse buying at gunshops. Don't need a thing but who says it's about need. Ask to see is for me is almost a declaration of it's mine and if you touch, you die. So it was for the Marlin Model 92 that I bought this year. I asked to see and before I even handled it (it was placed on the counter), we started discussing the price. I bought it without handling it. One of these days I'm going to find that brand of soap that washes the "I'm a sucker and I've got money to blow" off my forehead. Was once told to wash the eyes but having tried it and finding that it stings, cannot personally recommend it. Rather, it's a good thing that gas is about $2 a gallon (still) and that I limit my drives to the gunshop (17 miles away). That more than anything else has curtailed my buying. Now, if I can only keep away from these internet offers...

BTW Steyr-Aug, when are we getting our Barretts? I still want a M-82.
 
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