What do you look for in a Gun Shop?

[VaGunNut]

Im starting up a local " Brick and Mortar " store and I would like your input.
What types of items do you like or expect to see when you enter a gun shop?
Types of firearms? Clothing? Reloading accessory types? Gunsmithing services of what type? Archery?Ammunition types and brands? Cleaning supplies? Optics? Specifically what brands. An AR build section? Gunsmithing tools?
You tell me. Build your own shop so to speak. Should fishing supplies be added to some extent in a primarily firearms related business? What type of markup do you expect on pricing? Do you like to loiter in a store? Coffee and a Tv perhaps with a couch and chair section for local discussions?

 

[herkyguy]

clean facility. not cluttered. well lit. i've been in a few lately that feel like a hoarders' living room.

healthy inventory of guns and staff actually willing to show them to you and be relatively familiar with how they function.

ammo prices a few bucks over what they sell for online. if i can get ammo at a few bucks more than online, i'll gladly pick it up for a reasonable markup.

always nice to see firearms set up according to style. for example, put hunting rifles together, black rifles somewhere else, a separate shotgun section. same thing with handguns.

 

[Hunterdad]

Nice people and good prices.

 

[ercnjasmine]

if they say anything about zombies, i'll never go back. I'd much rather pay a couple dollars more at a shop that doesnt carry on with that foolishness

 

[ACP]

friendly staff, selection, good prices.

it's nice if they have a wide variety of ammo and cleaning supplies to go with the guns. A competent on-site gunsmith is another plus.

I usually don't need 10,000 holsters, belts, and AR-15 doo-dads. I can research and by that stuff online.

 

[Akita1]

All of the above, plus no "gun shop guy" attitudes in your employees. You know who they are - they know a little bit about revolvers so they are patronizing / condescending to alternative opinions on firearms or sell people their opinions versus facts. I leave gun shops and never go back when I hear people being treated in such a manner. It's a commodity business so customer service is everything, and I consistently spend a lot of $ on guns, ammo, accessories, etc. so my loyalty is profitable.

As for inventory, everything your space will allow without cluttering! Expertise in each and every firearm you sell is also a must - it's annoying when I'm in a shop and I know more about what I'm buying than the person selling it.

 

[BADUNAME30]

A good selection of used guns correctly priced.
A good selection of black powder stuff.

 

[PRM]

Friendly staff without attitudes.

Selection.

Fair Prices.

Honesty.

Unfortunately - these are some hard criteria to find where I'm at. Most of my purchases are done through the internet and have been for several years now. Guess my biggest complaint are the "know it all" "condescending" attitudes. I've raised teen-agers, don't have to pay for that - LOL

 

[Pacsd]

pretty much the same as above but, I kinda like a place to sit around, have a coffee, shoot the breeze.

 

[Krusty783]

A good selection of guns on hand. I know things have been crazy lately and a few of the shops around me have been basically picked bare. There's also a new shop that is having a hard time building up inventory because of the panic climate.

However, there is a shop around me that consistently has a few shotguns and bolt guns on the wall and 4-8 springfield/glock pistols in the counter case and that's it.

I feel that they should have a selection of things they want to sell on hand and not make you have to order something or put down a deposit and wait for it to show up by happenstance.

Also, I look for a place that doesn't look like a garage. I know gun stores aren't furniture stores, but I like them to have the appearance that someone actually went to the trouble to make a retail store, and not just get a couple shelves and fill them with junk and have bare, white walls everywhere but behind the counter.

 

[BlkHawk73]

• A knowledgeable staff yet not ones that think they're know-it-alls due to being on the back side of the counter. One's that aren't afraid to say "I don't know".
• An inventory with the bread & butter basics yet has it's own niche array of products that other shops in the general area don't carry. They semi-specialize in a particular area.
• Fair prices. Not the lowest necessarily but fair market prices not blue book based prices.


That first impression for the first time visitors makes them feel welcomed which is very good and has them looking around. The second point has that customer taking their time to look at everything and hopefully notice the different items, perhaps taking an interest in something new. the prices keep them from leaving disgusted and if the first point is done, the prices will keep them coming back.

 

[OilyPablo]

Large selection of guns. I can order most anything a "gun shop" can order. A gun shop is for touching and interacting with guns.

No grumpy old guys. No snappy young guys. No idiots who may actually know a thing or two and act as if they know EVERYTHING. No bull.

No manning phones while serving the counter.

No bait and switch.

Low, low FFL fees.

"Paperwork" online. Instead of filling the stupid forms out, just use the system with three or four laptops in store. Fill it in yourself. I've done this - and it works REALLY well.

More and better cleaning supplies at good prices. More lubes.

Pallets of ammo. Have the space for at least 2 pallets of 9mm, .223, .45ACP and pallets of other ammo. Cases (1/2 pallet) of 9x18, 7.62x25, 6.8SPC.

No "shooting the breeze" section near the counter. I have no problem with flapping of lips, but when 3 customers are waiting. Not being rude, but hearing someone's 1958 hunting story for the 3rd time while waiting for the gun I ordered does not make me want to come back. Rainer Arms has this down with a nice living room like area off the sales floor, couch and table and coffee.

 

[Averageman]

Honesty is the primary thing I look for.
Yesterday I saw a very good example of a Salesman at my LGS, being kind, courteous and very patient. The Customer walked out of the store with two fine pistols several boxes of range ammo and some fine S.D. ammo plus he had them signed up for a concealed carry class at the LGS Range.
That very well may have been in the neighborhood of a 2K plus sale, bravo to him.
I was enquiring about Scopes, not only was I encouraged to campare between prices and brands; we took them outside in side by side comparisons. Now thats customer service!
Sales Staff would be my primary focus and the above mentioned assets would be a critera to go by.
I would automate as much of the process as possible as mentioned earlier in this thread, thats essentially staff you don't have to feed.

 

[MedWheeler]

A J-hook or three with left-handed holsters on it marked and separated from the gobs of right-handed stuff we southpaws usually have to root through to find the one or two bones we get thrown in most shops.

.22 Long Rifle ammunition.

 

[jamesbeat]

Staff, staff, staff.
I'd pay slightly higher prices to shop at a store with friendly knowledgable folks working there.
I actually had an experience like this last week. Staff were rude and didn't know the law pertaining to permanent residents. Even if they catch up with the law that changed nearly a year ago, I doubt I'll be going back depite the fact that their inventory is probably double what the other local stores carry.
I went to a different store, received great customer service, and now feel loyal to them.

Whatever you do, don't treat customers like they are an inconvenience to you, they pay your wages.

 

[berettaprofessor]

Clear prices on firearms and ammo. If you've gottem behind the counter, fine, just hang tags so I can see the model and price from my side of the counter with 20-20 vision....I hate waiting for or bugging employees just to find out that a gun is far over-priced what I'd ever consider paying. Wastes my time, wastes theirs.

 

[Prophet]

Whatever you do, don't treat customers like they are an inconvenience to you, they pay your wages.

One of my LGS employs someone like that. It's a real shame, because everyone else on staff is great. I don't know how they put up with him. The guy is pretty knowledgeable and I think it all went to his head. He's behind the desk most of the time, so I avoid going there anymore even though they're close. I take my business to the other LGS or my FFL/pawn shop where I can actually have a pleasant conversation with the person behind the desk instead of trying to walk on eggshells around a crabby salesman.

 

[Zardaia]

Clear prices on firearms and ammo. If you've gottem behind the counter, fine, just hang tags so I can see the model and price from my side of the counter with 20-20 vision....I hate waiting for or bugging employees just to find out that a gun is far over-priced what I'd ever consider paying. Wastes my time, wastes theirs.

This. Kinda annoying having to ask just to look at the price tag on a rifle racked behind the counter.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Good selection of used guns.

 

[bannockburn]

I think it all starts with the owner and the staff. My father taught me the Number One Rule about being a salesperson: Always treat each and every customer exactly the same way you would want to be treated if you were the customer.

A clean, uncluttered, well organized, and well-lit store would be great too.

Aside from that I would like to see a decent selection (as well as fair pricing), of guns, both new and used; and accessories, like ammo, mags, holsters, and grips.

Having an on-site gunsmith available, even part-time, would be a definite bonus.

 

[Resist Evil]

VaGunNut, I think that if you're motivated to open your own gun store, you probably know why you want to do this. Do you just want to get in the biz for its own sake or do you think you've got a better way to do the gun shop thing because of dissatisfaction with your own LGSs? That's a rhetorical question. I'm sure you've your reasons already lined up or you wouldn't be venturing down the path.

I would suggest that for your store, you and your staff have the patience of Job, in-depth knowledge of the products you offer and ones that you don't and legitimate reasons why or why not. Offer a consignment counter or shelf.

Develop the skill to listen to the customer. While I understand that those who think they know it all, p.o. those of us who really do neener, supercilious behavior behind the counter, however apparently justified, is misplaced.

Hire a woman. One who knows about shooting and concealed carry issues that women may face. Fire the first guy who starts out with, "Well now, Little Lady, what can I do fer yoo..."

Gun ownership should not be an exclusive club where one has to pay their dues and endure newbie hazing in order to join. The right to keep and bear is universal and those wishing to partake should be welcomed and informed in a warm and friendly manner--man, woman and child.

Good luck in your endeavor.

 

[JVaughn]

Good prices, marked clearly where I can see them without having to ask.

Good selection, not just 10 pistols. I understand capital is a hardship for new businesses, but if you don't have anything for me to look at, I won't be staying long. If you can order it, so can I - you need to have it here for me to take home today if you want to sell it to me.

A sign, attitude, and atmosphere that lets me know my CCW is welcome in your store. If I see a sign telling me that concealed (or open) carry is unwelcome, I won't even walk through the door. Insisting that I keep is holstered is OK, I will anyhow.

Gear for the stuff you sell. If you have 30 models of Glock for sale, you should have their magazines. If you carrry AR's, carry AR mags and ammo. I understand the current climate makes this part a little impossible; but during less uncertian times, there is no excuse for not having extra mags for a gun I am purchasing from you today.

 

[Akita1]

Good prices, marked clearly where I can see them without having to ask.

Good selection, not just 10 pistols. I understand capital is a hardship for new businesses, but if you don't have anything for me to look at, I won't be staying long. If you can order it, so can I - you need to have it here for me to take home today if you want to sell it to me.

A sign, attitude, and atmosphere that lets me know my CCW is welcome in your store. If I see a sign telling me that concealed (or open) carry is unwelcome, I won't even walk through the door. Insisting that I keep is holstered is OK, I will anyhow.

Gear for the stuff you sell. If you have 30 models of Glock for sale, you should have their magazines. If you carrry AR's, carry AR mags and ammo. I understand the current climate makes this part a little impossible; but during less uncertian times, there is no excuse for not having extra mags for a gun I am purchasing from you today.

great post JV; I know there are reasons but it still drives me nuts that I have to unload my CCW when I walk into gun shows, ranges, etc.

 

[Pyzon]

I guess I will answer with what I do not like about the previously largest gun shop in Columbus, OH (until the new Cabelas opened up last week). Admittedly, many of these comments no longer are pertinent with current gun conditions.

I do not like to stand in line after taking a number to look at long guns and ammo. I know, handguns need to be controlled. I also do not like to stand in another line to pay.

I do not like sales clerks with bad attitudes, or that assume I know nothing about what I ask to see or handle. If I ask to see a Colt revolver, how about keeping your opinions about everything else to yourself for awhile ?

I do not like to show up for an advertised sale to find, repeatedly, that the sale items are not in stock and never were. Bait and switch is what I mean.

I do not like to be on hold for 45 minutes when I call to see if you have something I am in need of in stock. I do not want to drive 40 minutes to find that out.

I do not like to have to special order accessories like extra mags and the like. If you stock the guns, get the stuff that everybody buys to go along with it.

I do not like to be insulted by low ball offers on guns I may want to trade in on something else. If you are happy making 10-15% on new stuff, why would you need to double your money on popular and well maintained trade-ins ?

I do not like to have to drive around the block waiting for your way too small parking lot to have a spot open up.

I do not like to be told that you do not have a restroom for customers.

To summarize what I do like:

A smile telling me you are happy I am in your store.

Enough pleasant and informed sales folks to handle the business volume.

Fair pricing. The internet is your competition, and many online vendors ship free and sales tax is often not charged. Get used to it. I will pay more for better local service and things in stock, just be reasonable.

If you do not have the gun I want to buy in stock, tell me the truth about when you can have it. If you cannot get it, don't punish me for $50 to handle the paperwork as my FFL. That is more than the profit you make on some new stuff.

I like gun stores that stock quality outdoor related things and accessories. Toys, moccasins, crappy Chinese swords, knives with spikes or claws, and weird Camo bras, panties and jammies belong someplace else.

Yeah, I know, I sound like a crabby old fart. I am.

But I have been behind the counter in retail for 40 years and am frequently told by my customers they appreciate how hard I work at it.

 

[Sol]

Good lighting, well organized, knowledgable and UNBIASED staff, Cleanliness, decent lineup of products, open floor plan as opposed to the cluster F stores I usually go to...ammo would be nice as well.