How To Be Taken Seriously At Gun Shop
- Thread starter SteyrAUG
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It is unfortunate that modern business practices may eliminate smaller mom and pop stores. But that is marketing progress. I must say that I've found most small stores not to be that pleasant. The gun industry rags continually talk about the lack of marketing and sales acumen of the small store.
I would disagree about bargaining. A real salesperson should be able to answer a question about price realistically. If I ask if that is your best price - if you get huffy - you are an idiot.
I went into a gun store out of town (but in the same state) and saw an SW revolver than was nice. It was market for $350. I said: Hey, I like that gun but I'm in town for one day and won't come back to look at it repeatedly. What can you do for me? Sold at $325.
At a show, looking at a shotgun - What can you do for me? What, do you expect me not to make a profit - blah, blah.
A few tables away - same gun, make the sale for $10 less. Guy was polite.
I would disagree about bargaining. A real salesperson should be able to answer a question about price realistically. If I ask if that is your best price - if you get huffy - you are an idiot.
I went into a gun store out of town (but in the same state) and saw an SW revolver than was nice. It was market for $350. I said: Hey, I like that gun but I'm in town for one day and won't come back to look at it repeatedly. What can you do for me? Sold at $325.
At a show, looking at a shotgun - What can you do for me? What, do you expect me not to make a profit - blah, blah.
A few tables away - same gun, make the sale for $10 less. Guy was polite.
Stevie-Ray
Member
Very true. Several years ago, I went into a range and got a absolutely arrogant attitude from the proprietor in front of his "buddies," who chortled in a bootlicking fashion. Fine, just paid my fee and went into the range. Later he walked through the range and stopped behind my lane appearing to be checking out my targets and equipment. I paid him no mind, but later as I exited the airlock, he suddenly appeared to want to be my friend. By then I had stewed for an hour and was openly hostile, pretty much giving him the same treatment I got when I arrived. His "buddies" were silent. I've never been back. His loss.
One of the ranges I frequent now was started by a cop, and a total package in gun range ownership. He was knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and an overall good guy. Alas he has passed into retirement, and his replacement is a little more arrogant, albeit not as bad as the one above. Another is run by several guys. So far, 1 has shown himself to suffer from this affliction. Since I don't know who owns the place, I'll just deal with the majority. Besides, it's too nice a range to ditch.
The gun store 10 blocks from my house has not seen me in 4 years. I thank them for being rude to me and having me search out new stores. I dont always know everything about the guns I am looking at but I need the ability to ask simple questions regarding them.
BluesBear
member
Ivanimal,
Drop in and give them a chance again. Maybe they have changed.
If not, thank them again and remind them how much money you have spent somewhere eles in the past 4 years.
After all if it wasn't for their rudness you might not have discovered all of those other places that DO treat you well and that DO get your money.
Drop in and give them a chance again. Maybe they have changed.
If not, thank them again and remind them how much money you have spent somewhere eles in the past 4 years.
After all if it wasn't for their rudness you might not have discovered all of those other places that DO treat you well and that DO get your money.
TonyB
Member
Here's my gunstore story....
One place is great to me...I've spent money there and have recommended it to friends....made me a great deal when I bought my Glock17.......kind of far away tho....
another place.....(closed down by ATF
)manager/owner wouldn't take back a grip I bought 1 day earlier....I didn't even want money back,just ,maybe some ammo....never went back there...
3rd place ...jerky people in the beginning,tried again later and became friends w/ the manager...got some good deals...spent lots of money..everybody wins.....he has left the store and now it's hard to deal w/ the new guys(although they are starting to know me and the fact that I spen money)
For me it's all about respect.....I'm not rich nor do I look it,but I DO spend lots of my money on gun stuff...maybe I don;t buy $1000 guns,but I have bought 10 guns in 3 years........The worst answer you can get an a gun store is "I don't know"....followed by..........nothing...no"I'll check into it"or"let me get so and so".......you would think that people skills are a must in ANY retail...especially gun stores.where people arn't buying something they NEED.......just me I guess
One place is great to me...I've spent money there and have recommended it to friends....made me a great deal when I bought my Glock17.......kind of far away tho....
another place.....(closed down by ATF
)manager/owner wouldn't take back a grip I bought 1 day earlier....I didn't even want money back,just ,maybe some ammo....never went back there...3rd place ...jerky people in the beginning,tried again later and became friends w/ the manager...got some good deals...spent lots of money..everybody wins.....he has left the store and now it's hard to deal w/ the new guys(although they are starting to know me and the fact that I spen money)
For me it's all about respect.....I'm not rich nor do I look it,but I DO spend lots of my money on gun stuff...maybe I don;t buy $1000 guns,but I have bought 10 guns in 3 years........The worst answer you can get an a gun store is "I don't know"....followed by..........nothing...no"I'll check into it"or"let me get so and so".......you would think that people skills are a must in ANY retail...especially gun stores.where people arn't buying something they NEED.......just me I guess
I must be lucky
As you can see I live in NYC. (well just moved so I am just outside of NYC) and I have a local shop within 10 minutes travel time. And they are nice to me! I did let them know that I am new to guns but at the same time I am looking for this and that. They were very patient, informative, and never pushy or discouraged me. They answered all of my questions and at the end of the day we both decided this was gonna be good business. After my purchase, he mentioned to me some things I need to take care of with the county (purchase slips etc) told me where to go, who to contact, etc. Threw in about 150 rounds of ammo to boot. I have been in there at least three times since and always had the same experience. Now I don't think I got anything for free but I no longer have any anxiety about walking in and asking questions.
As you can see I live in NYC. (well just moved so I am just outside of NYC) and I have a local shop within 10 minutes travel time. And they are nice to me! I did let them know that I am new to guns but at the same time I am looking for this and that. They were very patient, informative, and never pushy or discouraged me. They answered all of my questions and at the end of the day we both decided this was gonna be good business. After my purchase, he mentioned to me some things I need to take care of with the county (purchase slips etc) told me where to go, who to contact, etc. Threw in about 150 rounds of ammo to boot. I have been in there at least three times since and always had the same experience. Now I don't think I got anything for free but I no longer have any anxiety about walking in and asking questions.
Andrew Rothman
Member
When I walked into GunStop in Minnetonka, MN for the first time, I found a bunch of guys BS-ing around the gun counter. I honestly couldn't tell who was a customer and who was an employee.
I asked to look at a couple of items and was obliged.
Shortly after I arrived, their pizza delivery arrived. One of the guys said, "Hey, you're not going to insult us and not have a slice, are ya?"
These guys deliberately ordered enough pizza to feed not only the staff, but the customers in the store around dinner time!
They cheerfully put up with my lookey-looing for another couple of visits before I actually bought a gun. I asked politely and with a smile if that was their best cash price, and they answered politely and with a smile that it was.
I'll be back. I like these guys.
The staff at the Frontiersman in Hopkins is a little more reserved, but still helpful and accomodating. Their prices are quite good, too!
Bill's Gun Shop and Range in Robbinsdale, the biggest in town, I think, has more stereotypical blowhard, know-it-all gun store clerks and pretty high prices besides. I took my CCW class there, bought a ten-pack of range tokens, a holster and a case of ammo.
Still, the service is indifferent. You have to go to them for assistance -- they don't come to you.
And once I've used up the range time I've paid for, they may not see me again.
[edittted fer speling!]
I asked to look at a couple of items and was obliged.
Shortly after I arrived, their pizza delivery arrived. One of the guys said, "Hey, you're not going to insult us and not have a slice, are ya?"
These guys deliberately ordered enough pizza to feed not only the staff, but the customers in the store around dinner time!
They cheerfully put up with my lookey-looing for another couple of visits before I actually bought a gun. I asked politely and with a smile if that was their best cash price, and they answered politely and with a smile that it was.
I'll be back. I like these guys.
The staff at the Frontiersman in Hopkins is a little more reserved, but still helpful and accomodating. Their prices are quite good, too!
Bill's Gun Shop and Range in Robbinsdale, the biggest in town, I think, has more stereotypical blowhard, know-it-all gun store clerks and pretty high prices besides. I took my CCW class there, bought a ten-pack of range tokens, a holster and a case of ammo.
Still, the service is indifferent. You have to go to them for assistance -- they don't come to you.
And once I've used up the range time I've paid for, they may not see me again.
[edittted fer speling!]
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Detachment Charlie
Member
Unobtrusive Test
One of the gun shops I will patronize is also a pawn shop, but very heavily into firearms. I've seen the owner do something on several occassions when an "unknown" comes in and asks to see a hand gun. No problem, he hands them the piece. If it's an auto, it has a magazine in it. If it's a wheel gun, the cylinder is closed.
If the first thing the "unknown" does when handed the piece is drop the magazine or open the cylinder, things seem to go a lot smoother and friendlier.
Another place, strictly a gun shop, asking to see a piece in the case is like asking the owner if you can spend the night at Motel 6 with his pre-teen daughter.
One of the gun shops I will patronize is also a pawn shop, but very heavily into firearms. I've seen the owner do something on several occassions when an "unknown" comes in and asks to see a hand gun. No problem, he hands them the piece. If it's an auto, it has a magazine in it. If it's a wheel gun, the cylinder is closed.
If the first thing the "unknown" does when handed the piece is drop the magazine or open the cylinder, things seem to go a lot smoother and friendlier.
Another place, strictly a gun shop, asking to see a piece in the case is like asking the owner if you can spend the night at Motel 6 with his pre-teen daughter.
MaterDei
Member
At Motel 6? I'd be offended too.
Kobun
Member
That is all so true.
My experienses has got me fed up with customers!
They are always whining about the price, even if it is below MSRP!
So, now they will get what they deserve, less accessability to guns and ammo.
In the future, I will only have a few select brands, that I import, and they can't get anywhere else.
So, they will pay the price I set. It will be a fair price, but one where I can make a living.
So, if they need ammo or "hunting" firearms, they can go to (todays) competitors, that actually charge more than I do today.
I just don't understand what goes on in peoples heads!
Atleast I understand guns to some extent.
My experienses has got me fed up with customers!
They are always whining about the price, even if it is below MSRP!
So, now they will get what they deserve, less accessability to guns and ammo.
In the future, I will only have a few select brands, that I import, and they can't get anywhere else.
So, they will pay the price I set. It will be a fair price, but one where I can make a living.
So, if they need ammo or "hunting" firearms, they can go to (todays) competitors, that actually charge more than I do today.
I just don't understand what goes on in peoples heads!
Atleast I understand guns to some extent.
BluesBear
member
If you are the seller:
Q) How To Be Taken Seriously At Gun Shop
A) Buy and open one yourself then treat your customers with respect and consideration.
You could also, along with all of those Colt, S&W, HK, etc,etc stickers that dealers put on their doors, put up a nice sign saying "THR Welcome"
If you are the buyer:
Q) How To Be Taken Seriously At Gun Shop
A) Walk in with a smile on your face as well as one in your heart and try to make a new friend.
If this doesn't work, politely leave and try other places until you find like minded folk. It may take a while, but it will be worth it and besides it's the right thing to do.
Q) How To Be Taken Seriously At Gun Shop
A) Buy and open one yourself then treat your customers with respect and consideration.
You could also, along with all of those Colt, S&W, HK, etc,etc stickers that dealers put on their doors, put up a nice sign saying "THR Welcome"
If you are the buyer:
Q) How To Be Taken Seriously At Gun Shop
A) Walk in with a smile on your face as well as one in your heart and try to make a new friend.
If this doesn't work, politely leave and try other places until you find like minded folk. It may take a while, but it will be worth it and besides it's the right thing to do.
DualBerettas
Member
like the guy who said a fews years back the BEST he could do FOR my PREBAN Benelli Super 90 with sling, side saddle, nylon case, etc. was $550!!!! Similarly a gun shop here sells HKS speedloaders for $12.95!!!
I get them at the gun show for 4 bucks!
DB
I get them at the gun show for 4 bucks!
DB
braindead0
Member
I guess I've been really lucky.. being a big hairy biker lookin' dude works to my advantage at times...
marklbucla
Member
Seeing some of your responses has made me feel a bit better, I guess.
From the way that I was treated before, I was really under the impression that it was a racial thing. Probably some lasting anger from Pearl Harbor or something.
Things have been better lately because it looks like most of the "bad" staff has been replaced, but I still would not have any problem with giving all my business to the big sporting goods stores if they carried all the stuff I wanted.
From the way that I was treated before, I was really under the impression that it was a racial thing. Probably some lasting anger from Pearl Harbor or something.
Things have been better lately because it looks like most of the "bad" staff has been replaced, but I still would not have any problem with giving all my business to the big sporting goods stores if they carried all the stuff I wanted.
ninjaj448
Member
Service with a smile vs near distributor prices? Well, I'm cheap and I'm grumpy, so I'll take the low price as I can get a smile at the bank.
Today, a co-worker and I checked 5 gun shops in Southeast Michigan for availability and price on a Smith 642. The price ranged from $499 at a 'friendly' shop(according to a Michigan members only message board)to $339 at a shop many consider to have pee-poor customer service and an 'attitude'. The attitude shop is small, has a vast inventory and is very busy most of the time. They generally don't have time for BS'ing and we understand that. So tomorrow we are both heading there to score a 642 each(gotta love the Michigan CPL and a credit card).
Today, a co-worker and I checked 5 gun shops in Southeast Michigan for availability and price on a Smith 642. The price ranged from $499 at a 'friendly' shop(according to a Michigan members only message board)to $339 at a shop many consider to have pee-poor customer service and an 'attitude'. The attitude shop is small, has a vast inventory and is very busy most of the time. They generally don't have time for BS'ing and we understand that. So tomorrow we are both heading there to score a 642 each(gotta love the Michigan CPL and a credit card).
AUTIGER04
member
Money gets attention.
In this thread, and any other concerning guns shops & prices, there is always talk about "cheap", "way too high", "reasonable", etc, etc. I am curious as to what everyone considers a " reasonable " dealer mark up to be, both in terms of Dollar amount, and in Percentage for: A. Guns, and B. Ammo & Accessories.
I am sure everyones opinions will vary, some greatly, some very close. But I think it will be interesting to see what everyone thinks.
I am sure everyones opinions will vary, some greatly, some very close. But I think it will be interesting to see what everyone thinks.
Oleg Volk
Moderator Emeritus
What gets me is that the best service and attitude in Minneapolis metro area coincide with the best prices. Pretty much all of my business went to GunStop when I lived near it...and it was a longer drive to go there than to go elsewhere.
I had a dealer, Rob from Rob's guns handle a special order I did from Davidson's. I had bought a Colt Magnum Carry from Rob about a year ago, and he remembered it as it's the only one he's ever seen through the store.
Rob did my paperwork, informed me there would be a 45 minute wait on the instacheck.. and got me a cup of coffee, showed off just about every gun and knife in the store.
It was 5 pm on a Thursday, and I gather Rob didn't make but a few dollars off the sale, but you know what? I'd buy from him again in a heartbeat. Rob's is a small shop, and there is a small "visiting area" off in a corner with and ashtray and a couple of chairs just for that reason, when i bought the Colt, it sort of "interrupted" the bull session going on in the corner.. the good old boys were sort of wondering which one of them woulf break down and buy it.. and here I was plunking down the plastic. Shook several hands that day.
I've found even some of the higher priced shops can have a face lift now and again. The stuff in the used case at the FiringLine seems to have stabilized in price, and sometimes ...well its a busy shop and you really do have to ask to be waited on. But then again I'm a long haired art director in a pakistani leather jacket that looks like it was dragged to the store behind a truck.
Point is, I coould dress better. You want to make a good impression? Try a little friendly business casual attire rather than the "kill 'em all" t-shirt or backwards ball cap.
Anyway back to The Firing Line, I've bought several weapons from them and a number of holsters/accessories over the years. TFL is the ONE shop that let me TRY every holster with MY pistol to get a good fit. I was careful not to scratch up the floor models, but was left more or less alone to "play" after explaining my initial needs (IDPA). I've never had another shop let me go through their holsters like that, and that was pretty cool.
Fact of the matter is when buying new guns, the dealer doesn't make a great deal of $$ on each individual sale, its the $$$ he makes in repeat business for ammo, accessories and clothes where he makes a bigger profit. Cost +5% won't keep the lights turned on.
Making a trip back to Rob's next week.. he's got something in his consignment case I want.
Rob did my paperwork, informed me there would be a 45 minute wait on the instacheck.. and got me a cup of coffee, showed off just about every gun and knife in the store.
It was 5 pm on a Thursday, and I gather Rob didn't make but a few dollars off the sale, but you know what? I'd buy from him again in a heartbeat. Rob's is a small shop, and there is a small "visiting area" off in a corner with and ashtray and a couple of chairs just for that reason, when i bought the Colt, it sort of "interrupted" the bull session going on in the corner.. the good old boys were sort of wondering which one of them woulf break down and buy it.. and here I was plunking down the plastic. Shook several hands that day.
I've found even some of the higher priced shops can have a face lift now and again. The stuff in the used case at the FiringLine seems to have stabilized in price, and sometimes ...well its a busy shop and you really do have to ask to be waited on. But then again I'm a long haired art director in a pakistani leather jacket that looks like it was dragged to the store behind a truck.
Point is, I coould dress better. You want to make a good impression? Try a little friendly business casual attire rather than the "kill 'em all" t-shirt or backwards ball cap.
Anyway back to The Firing Line, I've bought several weapons from them and a number of holsters/accessories over the years. TFL is the ONE shop that let me TRY every holster with MY pistol to get a good fit. I was careful not to scratch up the floor models, but was left more or less alone to "play" after explaining my initial needs (IDPA). I've never had another shop let me go through their holsters like that, and that was pretty cool.
Fact of the matter is when buying new guns, the dealer doesn't make a great deal of $$ on each individual sale, its the $$$ he makes in repeat business for ammo, accessories and clothes where he makes a bigger profit. Cost +5% won't keep the lights turned on.
Making a trip back to Rob's next week.. he's got something in his consignment case I want.
I can answer that. "Cheap" is at or close to dealer cost. Seldom is this to be had locally, but it's what I also call "mail order" priced. It doesn't account for retail overhead and cost of doing smaller quantities, but it's a great deal if and when you can find it.
"Way too high" is more than 30% markup on a gun. No excuses, no BS, that's too high in a competitive market like guns. WAY TOO HIGH. If you can't sell below that, you aren't smart enough to stay in business.
"Reasonable" is easy - 15% over cost, or thereabouts. Or, "Reasonable" is service that makes up for or exceeds the cost of the gun. Example: A shop that has a 1 week money back on firearms makes up for a high tag.
XavierBreath
Member
I agree with Swingset's cheap, reasonable and to darned high ranges.
I deal a lot with used pistols. That makes the price variable according to scarcity, desirability, condition, and of course the seller's own knowlege. If the pistol is between $500 and $1000 I look for a price within $100 of the Blue Book. Below $500 I look for within $50 either way of the Blue Book price. If a pistol has custom features THAT I WANT I will figure the cost of doing them into the price minus 30%. One thing to understand is condition is everything in the used market. Condition is very subjective, and can be affected by the scarcity of the pistol. Finally I consider my chances of running into this pistol for sale again, and my desire to have it. I try to take the price out of that equation and look at my desire objectively.
No dealer can really compete with SGN on prices, but most will order your pistol from SGN for you if you pay postage and transfer fees and don't act like a jerk if you're unhappy.
I think a lot of guys feel they have been shafted when they buy new and then go to trade in their pistol a year later. They simply are not expecting the difference between that NIB dealer's price and their trade-in offer.
I deal a lot with used pistols. That makes the price variable according to scarcity, desirability, condition, and of course the seller's own knowlege. If the pistol is between $500 and $1000 I look for a price within $100 of the Blue Book. Below $500 I look for within $50 either way of the Blue Book price. If a pistol has custom features THAT I WANT I will figure the cost of doing them into the price minus 30%. One thing to understand is condition is everything in the used market. Condition is very subjective, and can be affected by the scarcity of the pistol. Finally I consider my chances of running into this pistol for sale again, and my desire to have it. I try to take the price out of that equation and look at my desire objectively.
No dealer can really compete with SGN on prices, but most will order your pistol from SGN for you if you pay postage and transfer fees and don't act like a jerk if you're unhappy.
I think a lot of guys feel they have been shafted when they buy new and then go to trade in their pistol a year later. They simply are not expecting the difference between that NIB dealer's price and their trade-in offer.
I have a favorite loacl gunshop that i use for almost all my purchases. WHY?
Guys behind the counter are friendly, courteous, knowledgeable. And mostly because whenever I go in there, they ALWAYS treat me like I am their biggest customer, no matter what I buy. From a single $2 brush, or even nothing at all, all the way up to 2-guns at a time.
Last weekend, I went into a fairly new [regional chain] sporting goods store, with their just released that day ad. I pointed out that I was interested in the Ruger 50th Anniversary Single-Six, as shown in their ad. Idiot behind counter says "We don't sell handguns".
"What are those things in this glass case between you and me?"
"Display only. We don't sell handguns"
Did I mention the guy STUNK? ? I don't mean his attitude, the guy had an "air" about him that would make skunks & maggots barf. I stopped at service desk and had a chat with manager, relating that they would not get another dime from me, ever.
Guys behind the counter are friendly, courteous, knowledgeable. And mostly because whenever I go in there, they ALWAYS treat me like I am their biggest customer, no matter what I buy. From a single $2 brush, or even nothing at all, all the way up to 2-guns at a time.
Last weekend, I went into a fairly new [regional chain] sporting goods store, with their just released that day ad. I pointed out that I was interested in the Ruger 50th Anniversary Single-Six, as shown in their ad. Idiot behind counter says "We don't sell handguns".
"What are those things in this glass case between you and me?"
"Display only. We don't sell handguns"
Did I mention the guy STUNK? ? I don't mean his attitude, the guy had an "air" about him that would make skunks & maggots barf. I stopped at service desk and had a chat with manager, relating that they would not get another dime from me, ever.
ninjaj448
Member
Dr.Rob has a point. The assessories thing.
In went into a well-known gun shop in southest Michigan last year to pick up a holster for a Colt M1908. While going through the bulk holster bin, I mentioned I was interested in a .40 S&W caliber Beretta, just sorta feeling around. Well they just happen to have a 9000S on hand; we dealt and I said to write it up. Before I finished my piece of the 4473, the dealer or shop owner had several holsters, various boxes of ammo and, I do believe,
a 1 3/4" belt laying on the counter along with my new purchase. I asked if that all went with the sale with a smile; he smiled and put it away. A little further chat and I'm about to leave and he mentions cleaning rods, brushes, patches. etc.
I guess the point is, they were looking to add another $100-150 to the sale and I do believe this was because I was using plastic. The ironic thing is, I forgot the M1908 holster I came in for; so did they.
In went into a well-known gun shop in southest Michigan last year to pick up a holster for a Colt M1908. While going through the bulk holster bin, I mentioned I was interested in a .40 S&W caliber Beretta, just sorta feeling around. Well they just happen to have a 9000S on hand; we dealt and I said to write it up. Before I finished my piece of the 4473, the dealer or shop owner had several holsters, various boxes of ammo and, I do believe,
a 1 3/4" belt laying on the counter along with my new purchase. I asked if that all went with the sale with a smile; he smiled and put it away. A little further chat and I'm about to leave and he mentions cleaning rods, brushes, patches. etc.
I guess the point is, they were looking to add another $100-150 to the sale and I do believe this was because I was using plastic. The ironic thing is, I forgot the M1908 holster I came in for; so did they.
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