Walmart lost a sale...
- Thread starter Joe Demko
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Joe Demko
Member
Given that you know neither them nor me, we'll leave that comment as emmanating from your nether orifice, since you have no basis for making it. Whatever doughty deeds they may have done in their youths, all that was required of them on that day was to be competent retail clerks. A task that was clearly beyond them, in my experience.
Well I worked for Wal Mart for couple of years part time mainly. It wasn't bad when I was in a department I knew SOMETHING about.
Their philosophy is cheap not service.
You also should know that just because they throw someone in a department (electronics, sporting goods, etc) today doesn't mean they were ever trained for that department or that they will ever work in it again.
I met more than one person, while I worked there, that had worked full time at that store for over 10 years and still didn't know how to make a key. Not to mention anything about guns, hunting, or fishing. Yet they would often be working in the sporting goods department.
One trick for getting service at Wal Marts is to ask for assistant or Store Manager they don't get paid by the hour. They have a real $$$ incentive to make store profitable. They get real bonuses if their store does well, if can be more than half their income.
The hourly employees at Wal Mart are not expected to be intelligent, they are supposed to be warm bodies. So the ones with skills, motivation, intelligence, or whatever go into salaried management or leave.
I do think it is funny though that people go to Wal Marts or MCDonalds and expect service. If you want service you need to go to a service focused business.
BTW I don't think that many of the smaller gunshops are really into service. Try to buy something a little different and they often say "We can't get that." When it is something any FFL can get within 2 or 3 days.
Their philosophy is cheap not service.
You also should know that just because they throw someone in a department (electronics, sporting goods, etc) today doesn't mean they were ever trained for that department or that they will ever work in it again.
I met more than one person, while I worked there, that had worked full time at that store for over 10 years and still didn't know how to make a key. Not to mention anything about guns, hunting, or fishing. Yet they would often be working in the sporting goods department.
One trick for getting service at Wal Marts is to ask for assistant or Store Manager they don't get paid by the hour. They have a real $$$ incentive to make store profitable. They get real bonuses if their store does well, if can be more than half their income.
The hourly employees at Wal Mart are not expected to be intelligent, they are supposed to be warm bodies. So the ones with skills, motivation, intelligence, or whatever go into salaried management or leave.
I do think it is funny though that people go to Wal Marts or MCDonalds and expect service. If you want service you need to go to a service focused business.
BTW I don't think that many of the smaller gunshops are really into service. Try to buy something a little different and they often say "We can't get that." When it is something any FFL can get within 2 or 3 days.
doctorhumbert
Member
Try this, it works well for me:
1. Try to see if any of the 'associates' are around.
2. Of course not.
3. Pick up black intercom telephone.
4. Press 'announcement'
5. Say loudly: "CUSTOMER ASSITANCE NEEDED IMMEDIATELY AT THE SPORTING GOOD!".
Wait for some one to show up.
1. Try to see if any of the 'associates' are around.
2. Of course not.
3. Pick up black intercom telephone.
4. Press 'announcement'
5. Say loudly: "CUSTOMER ASSITANCE NEEDED IMMEDIATELY AT THE SPORTING GOOD!".
Wait for some one to show up.
six 4 sure
Member
I have never purchased a firearm from Wal-Mart, and never intend to especially after hearing (recent?) rumors about the quality of firearms sold there. I've been told that the Wal-Mart specials sold there are of cheaper wood and parts to keep the cost down and are listed as such in certain catalogs. I don't know how much truth there is to that statement, but it's enough to keep me from buying one.
six
six
Pendragon
Member
Yeah, the not selling guns thing was supposed to be temporary while they make sure their procedures are "CA Approved" or whatever.
3 or 4 months later, the cases are still empty.
This state is so pathetic.
I dont really like buying from Wal-Mart - I used to work for them and can say that I believe every singe bad thing I hear about them.
That said, I was trying to buy a Handi Rifle from Wal Mart and they were like $209 - I go to the dealer near where I (used to) work and he wats like $329 for the same gun! I can handle 10 or maybe even 20% difference, but thats just crazy.
Also - was looking at lever 45-70s and Wally World was under $300, while another shop was just under $400ish. Of course, the "shop" said that Marlin sends all their lower grade guns to Wal Mart... whatever.
3 or 4 months later, the cases are still empty.
This state is so pathetic.
I dont really like buying from Wal-Mart - I used to work for them and can say that I believe every singe bad thing I hear about them.
That said, I was trying to buy a Handi Rifle from Wal Mart and they were like $209 - I go to the dealer near where I (used to) work and he wats like $329 for the same gun! I can handle 10 or maybe even 20% difference, but thats just crazy.
Also - was looking at lever 45-70s and Wally World was under $300, while another shop was just under $400ish. Of course, the "shop" said that Marlin sends all their lower grade guns to Wal Mart... whatever.
A related gripe-
I was in a Kroger grocery store last week, and had forgotten my checkbook. Had only a couple of dollars on me, but remembered that I had a roll of dimes in the glove compartment.
All I needed was a 12-pack of bottled water, which was priced at $2.50 with my preferred customer card. (Those cards are another story!).
Anyway, the clerk wouldn't accept payment in dimes. I left, and have complained to Kroger's national office, which is supposed to get back to me as to whether this is corporate policy, or just a store that doesn't want to fool with change. That was last week. So far, I've heard nothing more.
Is it even legal to refuse payment in US funds? That stuff is supposed to be legal tender for all debts public and private, I thought.
Guess what: that Kroger store will do without my business for the next month or two, costing them at least a couple of hundred dollars in revenge for their refusing my dimes on a $2.50 purchase.
Lone Star
I was in a Kroger grocery store last week, and had forgotten my checkbook. Had only a couple of dollars on me, but remembered that I had a roll of dimes in the glove compartment.
All I needed was a 12-pack of bottled water, which was priced at $2.50 with my preferred customer card. (Those cards are another story!).
Anyway, the clerk wouldn't accept payment in dimes. I left, and have complained to Kroger's national office, which is supposed to get back to me as to whether this is corporate policy, or just a store that doesn't want to fool with change. That was last week. So far, I've heard nothing more.
Is it even legal to refuse payment in US funds? That stuff is supposed to be legal tender for all debts public and private, I thought.
Guess what: that Kroger store will do without my business for the next month or two, costing them at least a couple of hundred dollars in revenge for their refusing my dimes on a $2.50 purchase.
Lone Star
BogBabe
Member
Or better yet: Say loudly, "Code white, sporting goods." You'll be surrounded by every manager in the store in 30 seconds!
Carlos Cabeza
Member
I quit purchasing guns at wal-mart years ago. I went to buy a no frills 870 express "beater" and filled out the paperwork. For some reason I was delayed, so I told them to call and I left the store. TWO WEEKS LATER I call to ask WTH can I pick up my shotgun? The reply was " we lost it" 
WHAT ~!!!!!!!!!!!!! Turns out a wally world associate put it into the wrong box of a different manufacturer and they only discovered the mishap when another customer had gotten the same treatment with his purchase. SOOOOOO, I pay a few more dollars and get better, more educated service from a local gunshop nowadays.
WHAT ~!!!!!!!!!!!!! Turns out a wally world associate put it into the wrong box of a different manufacturer and they only discovered the mishap when another customer had gotten the same treatment with his purchase. SOOOOOO, I pay a few more dollars and get better, more educated service from a local gunshop nowadays.We have a local gun shop across from the WalMart. The local gunshop is run by a fat arrogant craphead and staffed by tough guy wannabee commandos who know crap also. Their price on ammo is twice the WalMart price.
All this support the mom and pop store is baloney. Mom and pop are usually disfunctional loonies. I have had terrible service and advice from several of the Mom and pop stores where I live.
All this support the mom and pop store is baloney. Mom and pop are usually disfunctional loonies. I have had terrible service and advice from several of the Mom and pop stores where I live.
DontShootMe
Member
I have found great amusement in observing the 'complainers' in the store here in my area.
If you've been there once, you already know service is terrible. If you go in expecting terrible service, it's not so bad. But, there are always the more 'vocal' type people mouthing off with stuff like 'we NEVER wait this long at K-mart' 'Target's customer service is MUCH better than here' etc...
I'm thinking: why the HAIL are you here and not there?
It seems that they think they will cause change by complaining with their mouths instead of their wallets.
If wally world didn't have WWB, I'd never go. They know me by name, and they know what I want, and yes, I want ALL of them.
If you've been there once, you already know service is terrible. If you go in expecting terrible service, it's not so bad. But, there are always the more 'vocal' type people mouthing off with stuff like 'we NEVER wait this long at K-mart' 'Target's customer service is MUCH better than here' etc...
I'm thinking: why the HAIL are you here and not there?
It seems that they think they will cause change by complaining with their mouths instead of their wallets.
If wally world didn't have WWB, I'd never go. They know me by name, and they know what I want, and yes, I want ALL of them.
Carlos Cabeza
Member
Well Mr Smith, The idea is to seek out the reputable, friendly staffed shops. And, the research you do prior to going in to the shop makes all the difference. I didn't say support the Richards, I said I found a nice, freindly, informed shop in my area.
hansolo
Member In Memoriam
Wal*Mart vs. Mom & Pop
I have found that owners/employees of small-medium gunshops are feeling the inevitable "Pac-Man" effect of being eaten by the "Big Boys", hence they tend to be desperate and desperate people tend to lie, exagerate and act in the own worst interest. I grew-up in the 50's-60's and it saddens me to see "MegaWorld" destroying the corner market, gunshop, candy store(that's WAY-back!), etc. If "Mom & Pop" can get the message that enough of us like-minded consumers will help them stay afloat IF they treat us honestly, I think we will be willing to split the difference in the disparity of prices at their shop versus "MegaWorld."
As usual, it's just my opinion
I have found that owners/employees of small-medium gunshops are feeling the inevitable "Pac-Man" effect of being eaten by the "Big Boys", hence they tend to be desperate and desperate people tend to lie, exagerate and act in the own worst interest. I grew-up in the 50's-60's and it saddens me to see "MegaWorld" destroying the corner market, gunshop, candy store(that's WAY-back!), etc. If "Mom & Pop" can get the message that enough of us like-minded consumers will help them stay afloat IF they treat us honestly, I think we will be willing to split the difference in the disparity of prices at their shop versus "MegaWorld."
As usual, it's just my opinion
Malone LaVeigh
Member
The reason they have "diminished capacity" help at Wally world is they pay minimum wage and select workers who are too docile to demand more. What do you expect? They charge less for cheap garbage, and put less back into the local community while driving honest retailers out of business.
I find I actually get better deals at local gun shops because they have good used firearms on consignment. And I don't have to pay sales tax, which is significant at 7.5%. And I can find good deals on bulk ammo at the nearby surplus store or just wait and stock up at a gun show.
Example: I bought a very slightly used 870 Express on consignment for $215, and I probably could have talked them down if I had wanted to bother. No tax, and I saved on the DROS because I was buying 3 long guns. Big 5 and Wally World sell that one for $219 + tax occasionally on sale, normally about $250.
Buying anything at Walmart is penny wise and pound foolish. For chump change, you and your town get screwed.
I find I actually get better deals at local gun shops because they have good used firearms on consignment. And I don't have to pay sales tax, which is significant at 7.5%. And I can find good deals on bulk ammo at the nearby surplus store or just wait and stock up at a gun show.
Example: I bought a very slightly used 870 Express on consignment for $215, and I probably could have talked them down if I had wanted to bother. No tax, and I saved on the DROS because I was buying 3 long guns. Big 5 and Wally World sell that one for $219 + tax occasionally on sale, normally about $250.
Buying anything at Walmart is penny wise and pound foolish. For chump change, you and your town get screwed.
NRA Instructor
Member
Sorry some of you had problems at certain Wally World stores. The "gun" manager, not sure of his correct title, at the one store I shop at is not only knowledgeable but very people oriented. He made a complaint to me recently that when the store was remodeled he lost display space for all of the long guns he wanted to show. And
I know of a couple of hunters who got good deals on their rifles there at prices below what was shown in the display cases.
Suggest a complaint to the store manager would be the thing to do if not treated well.
The only independent gun store were I live the owner is just that, independent. It's his price and no dealing. Not overly knowledgeable but tries to overcome his lack of knowledge with a loud mouth. And as a gunsmith, which he claims to be, he can't even mount a scope with the eye piece to the rear let alone put mounts on that have the screws tightened correctly.
Oh yes, I complained to him. I no longer go in his store.
I know of a couple of hunters who got good deals on their rifles there at prices below what was shown in the display cases.
Suggest a complaint to the store manager would be the thing to do if not treated well.
The only independent gun store were I live the owner is just that, independent. It's his price and no dealing. Not overly knowledgeable but tries to overcome his lack of knowledge with a loud mouth. And as a gunsmith, which he claims to be, he can't even mount a scope with the eye piece to the rear let alone put mounts on that have the screws tightened correctly.
Oh yes, I complained to him. I no longer go in his store.
Silver Bullet
Member
If you're talking about firearms, I'd be very surprised if this is true.
doctorhumbert
Member
I used to love to shop at Wal mart & SAMS CLUB, but their service seems get worse along side wal mart. I now go to COSTCO here in GA. SAMS CLUB in Atlanta had one of the worst customer service, with 30 minutes wait just to exchange something. Their employees & manager treated me with indifference and rudeness, not even in good English!
This is not true for all large stores, I still find Meijer good place to shop, but Walmart & Sam's seems to stop caring from their apparent market domination.
So, does Mr. Sam Walton still care about his customers?
This is not true for all large stores, I still find Meijer good place to shop, but Walmart & Sam's seems to stop caring from their apparent market domination.
So, does Mr. Sam Walton still care about his customers?
Rick Blaine
Member
Last year I purchased a Mossberg 500 at Wal-Mart. After the five day mandatory wait, I showed up at the sporting goods counter, paid my money, and then had to wait thirty minutes for the store manager and the store security guard to get free from their other duties so they could both escort me and the boxed shotgun out of the store. The woman store manager grilled me to make sure I hadn't purchased any shotgun shells from her store that same day, and kept asking me on the walk out to the parking lot why I found it necessary to buy a shotgun since I lived in an urban area. They handed me my shotgun at my car, then stood there and watched me until I had exited the parking lot. The whole act gave me the creeps. I'll never buy a firearm from them again. I'd rather pay twenty bucks more at a dealer where I'll be treated like a human being instead of like a menace to society.
coldshot03/04
member
I have never had a problem with Wal-Mart or their guns.
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