Loudoun Guns

[Java51]

I happened to be in Leesburg, Va. yesterday and stopped by Loudoun guns to see if they had anthing that I couldn't live without.
They had a good selection of everything (especially black rifles) and prices weren't too bad. Unfortunately, the three gentlemen working there could not seem to muster the energy to say "Hello", "May I help you?", "How's it goin'?",
etc. Zip, zilch, nada. Not that busy, either.
After walking around for about 20 minutes without anyone asking me if I needed any help, I figured that they did not need my business and I left.
Some might say that I'm being overly sensitive but it's a lot easier for me to spend my money in an establishment that at least acknowledges my presence.
Thanks for letting me vent a bit.
DRC

 

[JLaw]

Customer service is first in my book also. I'll gladly pay a few extra dollars for the same product from a business that is pleasant to deal with and is happy that I'm there.

JLaw

 

[Sav .250]

You are the .........consumer. Don`t forget that !!

 

[Rubber_Duck]

Sounds like one of my local guitar stores. I guess musicians and gun owners are in the same boat when it comes to what kind of customer service they expect before spending money.

 

[sernv99]

I have been to that place a couple times. The people there are nice. Maybe you are over sensitive. I judge the customer service of the employees by the way the handle my transaction and can answer my questions on the products they sell, not if they say "hello" to me.

oh well....

 

[ThrottleJockey72]

How would you feel if they hovered over your shoulder offering unsolicited opinion every 30 seconds and pressuring you? I am the type of guy that wants to be left alone, if I want something I'll ask. But a "hello" is always nice.

 

[rondog]

Most Harley dealers are like that too. If you don't look like you're wealthy and wallowing in a mid-life crisis, they ain't got time for ya.

There's been more than once where I've been in a business and been ignored. I usually call them up on my cellphone. When they answer all friendly-like, and I ask for what I'm looking for and they say "sure, we have that", I'll say "well, can you come over here and give me a hand? I'm the fat guy over here waving at you, the one you've been ignoring for 20 minutes". That usually humbles them a bit.

I weigh 320lbs. and cast a pretty big shadow, I don't wanna hear any BS about "I'm sorry sir, I didn't see you over there". I'm kinda hard to miss.

 

[conw]

Combined with the fact that they can't spell, I'd say you're improving the quality of American commerce by helping them go out of business!

 

[jfdavis58]

Let's see; you were cordial, outgoing and fun to deal with; how? You showed real interest in what? People on a mission to buy something typically know where it is or march right up and ask. You came across as a browser, just looking, wasting some time.

You're lucky they didn't set the dog on you.

I'm from a retail family; "May I help you find something?", "May I help you?", "How may I assist you today?" All that seems to flow in the blood of my wife's side of things.

Pure drivel, if you ask me. They're in business to sell things, not hand hold silly people just browsing. Customers are not 'guests' to be entertained by the hired help; they should know what they want and go and get it--it's not rocket science. If the desired item cannot be located or if you have a question about the item, by all means ask somebody. But keep in mind they are salesmen/women, they may or may NOT use the item; they probably don't know much more than is printed on the side of the container.

Me? You wouldn't like me in retail; probably wouldn't like me anywhere. I'm as apt to say "what the he{{ do you want? (or worse)" as look at you. And don't ask something stupid unless you like risking your scrawny little neck foolishly. Guess that's why they keep me in the dungeon.

 

[ljnowell]

Let's see; you were cordial, outgoing and fun to deal with; how? You showed real interest in what? People on a mission to buy something typically know where it is or march right up and ask. You came across as a browser, just looking, wasting some time.

You're lucky they didn't set the dog on you.

I'm from a retail family; "May I help you find something?", "May I help you?", "How may I assist you today?" All that seems to flow in the blood of my wife's side of things.

Pure drivel, if you ask me. They're in business to sell things, not hand hold silly people just browsing. Customers are not 'guests' to be entertained by the hired help; they should know what they want and go and get it--it's not rocket science. If the desired item cannot be located or if you have a question about the item, by all means ask somebody. But keep in mind they are salesmen/women, they may or may NOT use the item; they probably don't know much more than is printed on the side of the container.

Me? You wouldn't like me in retail; probably wouldn't like me anywhere. I'm as apt to say "what the he{{ do you want? (or worse)" as look at you. And don't ask something stupid unless you like risking your scrawny little neck foolishly. Guess that's why they keep me in the dungeon.

Of course this opinion will always emerge in a thread like this. I suppose he should have walked straight to the counter and thanked them profusely for allowing him to spend his money in the store? Perhaps brought them some coffee so that they would, maybe, offer some help?

 

[Nugilum]

Some people don't belong in sales.

I'm as apt to say "what the he{{ do you want? (or worse)" as look at you.

This is why jfdavis58 is in the dungeon.

And don't ask something stupid unless you like risking your scrawny little neck foolishly.

How are you supposed to learn?

 

[gunnie]

based on what you said, it sounds like my kinda place. if i want help. i'll ask a sales rep for it. otherwise, i prefer being left to browse in peace. some [like itself here] do NOT like high pressure sales pitches. maybe they just want to give you the option?

did you ask them to look at a certain piece? did you stand at one spot for quite a while, to give them an indication you were interested in one?

maybe they are just lazy, but give them another chance and make it obvious you are doing more than window shopping. if no action after that, you are most likely correct.

no cronyism, haven't even been to the store mentioned. about ten hours too far for my shopping.

>$0.02

gunnie

 

[Java51]

I should have added that this was not my first visit and have purchased several firearms from them. I have met the owner several times and he is a very pleasant man. I cannot say the same for the folks working yesterday.
I'm not saying that I'm never setting foot in there again, just saying that most of the other gun shops in Northern Virginia are a bit more cordial.
As far as being overly sensitive, I am an in business-to-business field sales and have a pretty thick skin.
DRC

 

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

Honestly I think you're just being a baby.

Who cares if they didn't say hello to you? You looking to buy a gun or find a boyfriend?

No offense. I'd rather browse on my own without a sales rep breathing down my neck.

 

[Mags]

Who cares, I hate being pestered by salespeople. If I want to handle an item I will ask until then I like to let my eyes do the looking. Now if after I ask for assistance and noone will help me then I will let my feet do the talking.

 

[Archie]

I think there is a happy medium.

The sales people at least nod at the potential customer and ask if he's wanting something. If he's browsing, they smile and say, "Let me know if you find it" and leave the potential customer alone.

I've walked into stores where the employees were obviously busy: customers, phone calls, and carrying stock. I don't expect them to ignore everything else and come running to me. On the other hand, I've walked into places where the one or two employees (or owner, perhaps) were sitting, doing nothing, and they glared at me silently as if I was interrupting their solitude.

To be fair, I've seen customers who were complete nincompoops, as well. Whereas no retail store wants a reputation of discouraging paying customers, the mall-ninja expert who demands to see a Deagle .50 BMG pocket pistol can be - um - trying.

Also, to be fair, I'm a slightly over middle aged fat guy who can be easily mistaken for an overaged mall ninja. When I know more than I should - perhaps more than the employee - I'm not always welcome. Further, I ususally know what I seek; if the store has it - and it's within the price range I can manage- I'll buy it. If the store doesn't have it, I'm not buying what they have simply because they want to sell it. Life goes on.

 

[ndh87]

They may not have looked that busy. You sure they weren't working on ordering something for another customer online, doing paper work, ordering inventory, etc? When Im in there they always seem to greet people.

 

[hinton03]

jfdavis58 "Let's see; you were cordial, outgoing and fun to deal with; how? You showed real interest in what? People on a mission to buy something typically know where it is or march right up and ask. You came across as a browser, just looking, wasting some time."

This is complete BS; it is a wonder your retail family stays in business; I certainly wouldn't give you mine.

What happened to the gun store where the employees were genuinely interested in guns, a place where you could just stop by an say hello and they were glad to see you. A place you could call and ask a question and they would be glad to help. When did buying guns become a fast food transaction where you have ti know what you want when you get to the front of the line?

 

[Java51]

hinton03,

You hit the nail squarely on the head!

DRC

 

[Blue Line]

Its sometimes a fine line between being ignored and pestered. I hate to go to the car dealership or gunstore and they swarm on you before I can look around but when I'm ready I want a salespersons full attention.

 

[krs]

I weigh 320lbs. and cast a pretty big shadow, I don't wanna hear any BS about "I'm sorry sir, I didn't see you over there". I'm kinda hard to miss.

Yeah, but Ron....you're so short they probably go in back to ask where the new beanbag chair came from.

And besides, who talks to beanbag chairs?

 

[toivo]

Sounds like one of my local guitar stores. I guess musicians and gun owners are in the same boat when it comes to what kind of customer service they expect before spending money.

+1. I've done a lot of guitar shopping in my life, and the parallels to gun shopping are pretty strong: something to do with (a) being ignored and then (b) being condescended to and treated like an idiot by somebody who knows much less than I do about what I'm looking at. Oh, and the pure lies and BS that pass for "facts."

 

[kbellis3]

I would rather be left alone when looking for a firearm.

 

[MAURICE]

Blue Line nailed it. I know when I go into the local shop just to browse I don't want to be bothered by a constant stream of "Can I help you?". When I go looking for something specific and looking to make a purchase, I make it clear that I am doing just that.
Don't get too offended. They may have been trying to not pester you.

 

[chris in va]

Aaaand this is why Virginia Arms is so popular. Very helpful, not all serious-because-I'm-wearing-a-gun-on-my-hip attitude like other stores.

If they see you looking around, a guy will come over and ask if they can help you, then not pester the rest of the time.