bogie
Member
Guys, before you say "Well, I don't like the food at Joe's Grill, so it doesn't matter that he put that "no guns" sign up anyway," keep in mind that every time one of those signs goes up, and stays up, it gives ammo to the folks who'd like to make EVERY place "gun free." Neighboring businesses will see it and think that maybe they should do it to, etc., etc...
MOST OF THE TIME THE FOLKS ARE NOT "ANTIS." They mean well, but all they know about concealed carry is what they learned from the local media. Blood in the streets and all that.
Here's what to do:
1) When you walk up to the door, whatever, and you see the sign, DO NOT turn around and go home. Go inside, ask to speak to the manager, and tell her/him that the sign disturbs you, "because it only affects people who aren't criminals - people who are legally authorized to carry firearms (I like those words - legally authorized) - crooks will carry guns right past it. And they may see it as an opportunity to target your business or its patrons."
Much of the time you'll be asked "Are you carrying a gun right now?" They seem to be fascinated... Answer truthfully - either "not right now," or "I'll be leaving right now."
Sometimes they'll tell you that the police said that they have to have the sign up. DO NOT IRRITATE FOLKS WHO ARE REQUIRED BY YOUR STATE'S LAW TO POST. That's another thing. But if the po-po has been going around scaring people, you have to educate them. Tell them that they've got a choice in the matter.
If the sign comes down, fine. If not...
2) E-mail a nice letter to corporate detailing your displeasure. Don't rant. Just say that you're disturbed that they don't want you (here's where you detail your level of education, your income, your buying habits) as a customer, but they'll gladly accept convicted felons or wife beaters. Explain that you, and your friends, will not be returning UNTIL the signs come down.
Here's what NOT to say: "Don't like your food anyway." "I'll never shop here again." Both of those mean you either weren't a real customer, or you're lost anyway, so why bother...
3) Talk to friends and shooting buddies. Spread the word. Get them active, talking to the management and writing letters. If you get a big ol' receipt for a night out, whatever, copy it, and drop the copy in the mail with an explanation of why you didn't spend the money at their place.
4) Know who is posted, and who isn't. I've had people tell me that they put the signs up because Wal-Mart was posted. I _confidently_ told them that Wally World would NEVER alienate a sizable portion of its customer base that way. Likewise with Home Depot, and another hardware store.
One person doesn't count. A whole bunch can change the world. Remember what THR (or was it TFL?) did with Applebee's? When you see a sign on one of these places, if they get a few hundred e-mails at corporate, well... things may change. If they get a few thousand...
That said...
ConocoPhillips is committed to providing a level of service that meets or exceeds the expectations of our customers. It is through your communication that we are able of achieve our goal of building customers for life. We want to hear from you! If you have concerns or comments about our service stations, please contact our Consumer Services Department:
Monday through Friday
8am until 6pm Central Time
1-800-527-5476
Mailing Address:
Consumer Services Department
PO Box 1267
Ponca City, OK 74602
Email: [email protected]
MOST OF THE TIME THE FOLKS ARE NOT "ANTIS." They mean well, but all they know about concealed carry is what they learned from the local media. Blood in the streets and all that.
Here's what to do:
1) When you walk up to the door, whatever, and you see the sign, DO NOT turn around and go home. Go inside, ask to speak to the manager, and tell her/him that the sign disturbs you, "because it only affects people who aren't criminals - people who are legally authorized to carry firearms (I like those words - legally authorized) - crooks will carry guns right past it. And they may see it as an opportunity to target your business or its patrons."
Much of the time you'll be asked "Are you carrying a gun right now?" They seem to be fascinated... Answer truthfully - either "not right now," or "I'll be leaving right now."
Sometimes they'll tell you that the police said that they have to have the sign up. DO NOT IRRITATE FOLKS WHO ARE REQUIRED BY YOUR STATE'S LAW TO POST. That's another thing. But if the po-po has been going around scaring people, you have to educate them. Tell them that they've got a choice in the matter.
If the sign comes down, fine. If not...
2) E-mail a nice letter to corporate detailing your displeasure. Don't rant. Just say that you're disturbed that they don't want you (here's where you detail your level of education, your income, your buying habits) as a customer, but they'll gladly accept convicted felons or wife beaters. Explain that you, and your friends, will not be returning UNTIL the signs come down.
Here's what NOT to say: "Don't like your food anyway." "I'll never shop here again." Both of those mean you either weren't a real customer, or you're lost anyway, so why bother...
3) Talk to friends and shooting buddies. Spread the word. Get them active, talking to the management and writing letters. If you get a big ol' receipt for a night out, whatever, copy it, and drop the copy in the mail with an explanation of why you didn't spend the money at their place.
4) Know who is posted, and who isn't. I've had people tell me that they put the signs up because Wal-Mart was posted. I _confidently_ told them that Wally World would NEVER alienate a sizable portion of its customer base that way. Likewise with Home Depot, and another hardware store.
One person doesn't count. A whole bunch can change the world. Remember what THR (or was it TFL?) did with Applebee's? When you see a sign on one of these places, if they get a few hundred e-mails at corporate, well... things may change. If they get a few thousand...
That said...
ConocoPhillips is committed to providing a level of service that meets or exceeds the expectations of our customers. It is through your communication that we are able of achieve our goal of building customers for life. We want to hear from you! If you have concerns or comments about our service stations, please contact our Consumer Services Department:
Monday through Friday
8am until 6pm Central Time
1-800-527-5476
Mailing Address:
Consumer Services Department
PO Box 1267
Ponca City, OK 74602
Email: [email protected]
