Why My Work Colleagues Don't Buy Guns

[Newton]

So this weekend I accompanied my third work colleague on a gun buying trip (I've now given birth to one Glock 17 3rd gen, a SiG P239, and now a Springfield XD 9mm).

The reason - no, it's not my astonishing Zen like powers with firearms, or my charming company. Instead, they have all been put off purchasing by gun store morons.

We've all seen them, they are loud and love to make you look stupid in front of their colleagues and other customers.

So having now sacrificed 3 Saturday mornings to do my bit for RKBA, I have decided to compile a new code of conduct for gun store employees:

1. Must wear a white shirt and a plain tie.
2. Must bathe weekly.
3. No beards.
4. No Mullets.
5. Cannot use any of the following phrases:
Well hello there littlelady
You've never heard of a 1911 !! (while shouting)
Hey, this guy's never completed a 4473 before.
THIS is what YOU want to buy.
Sure, $15 is a good price for 9mm range ammo.
6. Cannot tell stories about .45ACP lifting people off their feet
7. Must not continually shout cryptic messages to other employees.

and here's my favorite

8. All gun stores must advertize a once monthly "first time buyers Saturday" and employee a nominated employee to deal with first time buyers - said employee to be female.

This way, I get to spend my weekends with the wife

Newton

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Apparently, you don't own a gun shop, right?

So, all your colleagues don't buy guns because they have experienced negative dealings with gun stores? That sounds a little amazing. Why less than adequate gun store clerks is a continual problem for many shops, it certainly is not at all shops.

Nobody wants to buy from rude dealers. Then again, if that is what is preventing them from purchasing, then maybe they don't want guns all that much?

I don't get the conduct code you have written. If the issue is gun store employee behavior toward and around customers, then what is the relevance of the first four points? Also, why would a program for first time buyers have to be staffed by a female? What is relevant the sex of the clerk in regard to employee rudeness?

 

[zastros]

I don't agree on the tie. A simple button nice casual shirt should be sufficient. I understand the wish for a professional appearance. Having a beard myself, I'm not bothered by them. On second thought, I do despise soul patches and those little mustache goatee combos that you think make you look like D'Artagnan, while the rest of us think you had chocolate milk with lunch.

And in answer to double naught:
I, along with something like 97% of the male population, was much happier that my first time was with a woman.

Are we still talking about guns?

 

[cracked butt]

I dunno, I prefer to buy my guns in a gun shop not a gun 'boutique.'

I have both types in my area.
I would rather buy stuff in a shop that is poorly lit, somewhat messy, with scratched up and banged up display cases with NRA stickers on them and a man behind the counter wearing a shop apron who could tell me which shell holder goes with the dies I just bought, than in a well lit neatly organized store where the guy in the nice shirt behind the counter gives you a blank stare when you say the words 'shell holder' or you need to tell them what color and shape of can IMR 4895 comes in as he stares at the powder cabinet completely slackjawed.

 

[mt]

"Also, why would a program for first time buyers have to be staffed by a female?" (sorry, haven't learned how to do the quote thing yet)

Easy, a woman behind the counter would be less intimidating then a man for most people. Not saying it's right (PC wise), but a someone buying their first gun will think "hey, this can't be so bad if she's selling them".

It's no secret that women do better at selling some products then men simply because they are women. Same goes for men also of course.

BTW, this is all a generalization based on many years selling various items. I didn't make the rules, just play by them, so please don't flame me for being a sexist pig .

 

[mr hanky]

tell your work colleagues to grow some extremities when purchasing items. Do they not buy cars or anything else that is face to face where the sales person isn't the most pleasant.

I also agree with some of the other posters that they must not want guns that bad, or not understand them.

Good job getting people thinking about guns though, I do the same at work.

If I don't like a behavior, especially someone who is trying to SELL me something, I change it, words like, "do you want some business or not" or "I was going to buy" will change the sales person mind pretty quickly.

my two cents

 

[saddlebum]

i like to deal with the first time buyers. its nice to get a chance to help pass along our 2nd amendment freedoms to people who want to exercise thier rights. the more gun owners the better. saddlebum

 

[telomerase]

So this weekend I accompanied my third work colleague on a gun buying trip (I've now given birth to one Glock 17 3rd gen, a SiG P239, and now a Springfield XD 9mm).

That's an accomplishment that will make a difference for centuries. Once someone is armed, they'll never go back to sheep status, and the odds are better for their children.

 

[Highland Ranger]

So, all your colleagues don't buy guns because they have experienced negative dealings with gun stores? That sounds a little amazing.

. . . .

Nobody wants to buy from rude dealers. Then again, if that is what is preventing them from purchasing, then maybe they don't want guns all that much?

For those of our members from "I was born with a gun in my hand" states understand that different parts of the country are . . . . well different.

I'm sure this isn't an issue in rural Texas. Or Alabama. Or Arizona. Butt head clerk simply = lost business.

But in the Northeast, where many of our fathers held a gun in WWII, or the Korean War or Viet Nam and then never picked one up again, we are not from the "gun culture" and a butt head store clerk or bad range experience can definitely put people off. People that we need and want to experience gun ownership.

Coming from a family that didn't hunt and doesn't own guns means making a decision to buy a gun is a big deal. And our communist state governments in this part of the world absolutely make sure it is as big a hassle as possible.

I have a freind who wanted to get a pistol permit and his application was "lost" two times over the course of the year - each time he was hassled by the cop - "what's a nice family guy like you need a gun for?"

He got busy with other stuff and now two years has gone by. . . . . wonder how many times that scene gets repeated.

Your post is right on Newton and I tip my hat - it's guys like you who ultimately will do as much if not more good for the cause then the organized gun groups. Grassroots is where it's at.

And for those not concerned with what goes on in other states . . . . . someday that may come home to roost.

 

[ksnecktieman]

I understand their reluctance to purchase when someone shames them...... I probably agree with why they have not purchased, because I do not let the door hit my back side when a clerk is rude. Any clerk, any type of store, from grocery to gun to car.

When a clerk is rude or unhelpful it is not my duty to educate him. It is my duty to take my money to someone I like to deal with. His employer, or he himself if he is the owner will see the problem in loss of sales.

Keep up the good work

 

[mt]

Hanky,

Imagine you came from a anti-gun family and haven't even owned a BB gun. You go into a gun shop and, while you know the difference between a revolver and a semi-auto, you start getting hit with terms like single action and double action. Then you pick up a gun that is kinda heavy in your hand and, as your parents told you, is only designed to kill people.

Having a sales person that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy makes all the difference.

 

[Mulliga]

Unfortunately, some (maybe even most) gun stores aren't very particular about the kind of people they hire. All they want is for someone to stand around and show people guns and to bring out the 4473/ring up the sale.

I find that the better kept a gun store is, the higher quality the employees. The two stores here in Gainesville are a joke - absurdly high prices and poor service. They are rather disorganized, a bit dirty, and not very well lit. The Ocala store I went to was a revelation. Clean, organized shelves, good lighting, and nice (if opinionated) store people.

However, I agree with others in this thread that if a slightly unpleasant gun store clerk is the only thing keeping them from buying a gun, they don't really want one in the first place.

Now if ignorance of guns (types, calibers, brands, etc.) is the main reason, that makes a whole lot more sense. Chances are they want you along because they don't feel comfortable asking a stranger "newbie" questions about guns.

 

[Majic]

It is a good idea to have someone with you who knows the ropes when purchasing something you aren't familar with. Even with a great salesperson, looking thru the cases at all the varied models can be confusing to a first time buyer. A helping friend can narrow down the selection for you.

 

[sm]

On anything new or unfamilar...

...it is best to have someone knowledgeable to assist.

Stereotypes exist in anything, in any business. Granted a person or business should be / have a clean friendly persona and restrooms. Does not have be white shirt or tie,or sparkling clean. Groomed , and personable ; businesses are judged by how clean the restrooms are. Women especially take note of this, so do parents of either gender if their child needs to go potty.

Folks can be intimidated by coat and ties, if they show up from work wearing scrubs, jeans and work clothes...dirty boots or tennis shoes. Employess can be defensive, or stereotypical if the customer is a Doctor for instance that runs in with Surgical Scrubs on.

Communication is a big problem in life. Folks don't listen - Period. Makes no difference which side of the counter.

I'm from the South, one of those "born with a gun folks". I have been "Up East" and I did a LOT of business with folks "Up East" , Millions of dollars worth...I have been slammed, talked down to, and discounted because my accent confimedd I was not as "cultured" as them. Same for California mfgs.

I have been treated this way in FL and Dallas too. I was in Kahkis, startched French Blue Oxford shirt, cordovan shoes in Boca Ratan and made to wait almost 2 hrs to conduct business. I was made to wait becasue I didn't have a coat and tie on, and I pulled up in a Rented Ford. The "gentleman" dropped his jaw when he finally discovered I was the fellow he was worried about being late...I had almost $2million worth of mdse he needed.

I dress to blend in and not draw attention - I was NOT going to be around folks all gussied up before and after the transaction. Next time I went down....I went right in dressed in jeans and tennis shoes. Security Reasons for ME to dress this way...

I made a bad judement call when I was a kid. I was asked what I thought a guy that had walked in , bib overalls, boots with OK red clay, and the chewing tobacco showing from a pocket. I said to my mentor " what is HE doing in here".

I was introduced to a fellow with a PhD , had millionsof dollars , and knew more about the business I was in - than I did.

Comunication and have assistance in anything new.

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

I have adjusted my attitude. I used to wait impatiently for the newb to get through looking at all the choices, scratching the head, asking a ton of questions. I have also seen people put off by the "talk": shamed and embarrassed by the clerk.

I once believed that you have no business in a guns store unless you do the research. But no more.

Each time a newbie enters an establishment and purchases a firearm we all win. We have a new gun owner that will vote to maintain rights, we possibly have a new member of the NRA/GOA, and we may have a new friend to go shooting with

While exclusivity is neat, we must take the long view.

 

[Tamara]

Newton,

Too bad you can't bring them to the shop I work at; I think you'd be quite pleased with it.

 

[bogie]

No beards? White shirt and tie?

Dude, some of us ol' hippies are into guns too...

This reminds me of a CCW march thing that was organized in St. Louis about 8-10 years ago.

The organizer INSISTED that anyone who showed up be wearing a white dress shirt and tie. Lost me right there.

 

[hkOrion]

I recently (in the past year) became a member at a newly opened gun range out here. First time in I had a BAD experience with one of the employees and decided to let it go. Second or third time in I had another BAD experience - him taking my gun and in not so gentle ways working the action and telling me that I didn't know what I was doing and that I should get another gun. Made a point to talk to the management and another employee - suffice to say, he doesn't work there any more thank god.

If you don't like it - change it. Don't just whine about it and do nothing.

hkOrion.

 

[Moondoggie]

I almost always make it a point to let the owner/mgr know politely but directly why my money is going out his door and into someone else's as I'm leaving. Doesn't matter what type of business it is.

Besides being from a "born with a gun in my hand" family, I was raised to be the consumer from the "infernal regions". My favorite business motto is "Call me, don't cuss me!"

Taking your workmates to tag along at a gunshow might be a good idea. Let them experience a wider selection of products and meet a variety of dealers from your region. Also, it would expose/educate them as to the numbers and "types" of folks that are firearms enthusiasts. Most gunshows are pretty comfortable enviornments for newbies, IMHO. If you happen to run across a few knicknacks for yourself, then you haven't wasted an afternoon.

 

[Roadkill]

The regional thing may be applicable but I'll proudly say we have just as many idiots behind the counter and at gun shows as anywhere else in the country. Its a big step into the gun culture from the outside. I have introduced many folks to it. My employment as a high school JROTC instructor puts me in contact with about 150 kids and their parents each year plus marksmanship is part of the curriculum. I spend at least two full class periods dispelling urban legends about firearms. I have had many students who graduated swing back around years later and ask me to teach them how to shoot real guns, the majority females. I start them with a .22 rifle and pistol, by the end of a few hours they are smiling with my 1911A1 and FAL. Had one little 20 year old darling who was deadly with my Garand. Then they have come back and asked advice on what to buy. I have escorted them to the store, selected the gun, introduced them to the owner, and insured everyone was happy.

rk

 

[Standing Wolf]

Competent sales help is in extremely short supply in all retail fields.

 

[cracked butt]

Ixnay the gunshow for a first time gun buyer. Gunshows attract every type stereotype there is and none of them are good. No good having to explain to your budding hoplites why the operators of the gunshow allowed the local neonazi contigent or doomsday survivalists to set up tables at the show.

 

[Newton]

Tamara - I'm sure of that, I think that female gun store owners/assistants are a wonderful thing.

To give you one specific instance of what a difference professionalism can make, my wife was chatting with the owner of "Bear Arms" in Phoenix at a local gun show.

He was well educated, well dressed, and very well spoken.

The net effect was inevitable, he will very soon have $500 dollars of our disposable income.

It may sound odd, but I believe that helping people buy guns is a service to society.

All we need to do now is clone Tamara. Sales slogan "If it doesn't have a Tamara, it isn't a gun store"


Newton

 

[Standing Wolf]

It may sound odd, but I believe that helping people buy guns is a service to society.

Odd? Not at all! We'd be a happier, saner, safer nation if all law-abiding adults kept and bore arms.

 

[fistful]

Yeah, a lot of guys I've seen working in gun shops are rude. Thanks, Newton, for your efforts to bring in new customers.

However,

1.

a: White shirts and guns do not mix! Guns are not the cleanest of machines, especially a used piece brought in for appraisal.

b: Is casual clothing hurting the sales of any other type of merchandise?

c: A lot of gun buyers (especially first timers) are looking for a salesman who knows what he's talking about. Guys in ties, and women, just don't fit the image most people are looking for. Besides, a lot of male, first-time gun buyers are going to feel awful stupid and wimpy having a woman teach them about guns. Don't yell at me, I let a woman show me how to drive a manual transmission - and in a Jetta. I still don't know how to drive one, though.

2. This notion that people don't trust the bearded is just nonsense. Ever heard of Santa Claus? How 'bout Honest Abe? And just so you know, zastros, some of us have natural goatees - I just can't grow no significant facial hair on my cheeks. Also chicks dig the goat. But what is a soul patch?