Working at a gunshop, finally!

[Fatelvis]

Since I was about 12, I wanted to work behind the counter at a gunshop. Now at 44, I'm finally going to! It doesnt pay much at all, but I'm working there because I WANT TO, not cuz I HAVE to. That's a first in my life! Can any of you that already work behind the counter share any tips of wisdom with me? Wish me luck Guys! Lol

 

[oneounceload]

Guide your customer to the right decision for him/her without imposing your own views

 

[ms6852]

Being objective is the most difficult thing you will encounter as a salesperson but can be accomplished. The trick to is to know as much as you can about every single gun and rifle in that store to include ballistics. In this manner when you have an indecisive customer you can provide him or her with facts and they get to make an informed decision. You are free to provide them with suggestions but as a professional salesman not your opinion unless they ask for it. Oh, and by the way please do not say you own that particular firearm unless you really do. Do not lie about anything you say because there is a very good chance that 95% of the customers looking to buy that particular firearm already know more than you do about that firearm or maybe even you.

 

[armoredman]

Never lie. If you don't know the answer, offer to look it up for them. If a customer is being unruly or belligerent, call for a manager before they do. Be friendly, polite, helpful, and don't forget to have fun. I worked at an indoor range/gunshop for over a year, made the least amount of money I ever made, had the most fun I ever had at work.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

Regularly get out from behind the counter.
Ask many questions and listen more than you speak.
Learn the law, both local and federal--forward and backwards.
Be professional--treat every customer respectfully.
Be obnoxiously safe in your handling of firearms.
Learn from your customers.

I worked in a gunshop for 7 years, just some things I picked up along the way.

 

[Twiki357]

The most important thing a salesperson can do IMHO is, "Hi, my name is ___, look around and if you have a question or want to see something, just wave." I don't like to be pushed or ignored. Those are the places that get my return business.

 

[zstephens13]

As a salesman myself (not of guns) I would say what gets me the most sales is product knowledge. Knowing the specs, advantages vs disadvantages, models, options, etc. You really want THEM to make a decision based on prior knowledge and knowledge you provide. If you make the decision for them it won't always work out.

Good luck.

 

[whalerman]

Don't buy so much stuff with your employee discount that you don't take home a paycheck.

 

[midtennpawnstar]

I have had the honor of workking at a gun shop for nearly four years now and the biggest tip i can give is be informative and helpful,if somebody comes in not knowing anything about the gun they are wanting to buy,tell them what you know and point them in the direction to a gun range where one can be rented, I have had a ton of people come back and tell me thanks for helping them learn before buying, because the most important thing is that the customer is informed and aware of what they are buying and it starts with familiarizing themselves with the weapon.

Have fun try not to spend the weekly paycheck at the store....its hard to resist

 

[Zombie_Flesh]

------ buy so much stuff with your employee discount that you don't take home a paycheck.

 

[Telekinesis]

If some otherwise reasonable looking guy walks in to your shop and asks about pistols for heavy use and dropleg holsters in the same conversation, don't laugh and mention mall ninjas. He may just be a guy who is taking a carbine class soon and wants to drop two or three grand on a pistol, holster, rifle, and a few thousand rounds of ammo for each gun :banghead:

But other than that, just try to be honest and don't try to push one brand on everyone. I also like when gun store employees are honest when they don't know the answer to a question instead of just making something up. For example, if I ask a guy what the difference in grip angles are in regards to a Glock versus a HK P7, I don't expect him to be able to give me a number off the top of his head. Though if he comes back with the correct answer (110 degrees for both) I know who I'm buying ALL of my new guns from!

And yes, if I was working in a gun store, I would probably blow my entire paycheck on ammo and guns. Don't be like me, try to take home at least a few dollars to go towards gas money for range trips

 

[DogLegArms]

Congrats, doing what you want is always good news. Care about the customer and you'll do more than a lot of other people.

 

[Fred in Wisc]

I spent many years in sales, so I have some input here.

First, God gave you 2 ears and one mouth. Use them proportionally. Ask questions, and really listen to the answers.

Second, order the "Toolbox for Sales" program from the Eddy Kay Group. It's not designed for your industry but it will really help you train to be a helpful and effective salesman. By far the best $100 I ever spent on sales training. Better yet, get your boss to buy it- he will get paid back a hundred fold on the investment. (I am not associated with Eddy Kay and gain no referral fees or anything, but that training has made me a lot of friends and a lot of money over the years.)

Always think long term. Treat everyone with honesty and respect, return calls promptly. It's not about what they are buying from you today, it's about what they are buying from you over the next 5 years.

Send thank you cards or emails. Regardless if people bought or not. I typically see sales increases of 20-30% within 60 days and MUCH higher customer satisfaction when my sales staff does this. It shows people you value their business.

 

[Skribs]

I don't know much about sales, but I do know how my Dad deals with salesmen, and here are some lessons I've learned from him:

-Try to avoid making statements that don't really say anything about the product. If a customer asks "why is this gun $500 and this gun $800", don't just give an analogy using two different cars, but explain what the difference is between them. Explain why you would pay the extra $300 for the more expensive gun, but also see if the cheaper gun is a better fit for the customer for the price. Remember, it's better business for a customer to buy two $500 guns than to buy one $800 gun, realize the cheaper one would have been a better deal, and find a salesman that will give them better deals in the future.

-As others have said, listen to your customers. If you think .45 is better than 9mm, and someone comes in looking for a 9mm, pretend .45s don't exist and sell him a 9mm. If he's asking what the difference is or which one is better, explain it to him as neutral as possible, and provide advantages for both, to let him make an informed decision (if he asks "which do you prefer" then you can press the .45). The opposite is obviously true if you prefer 9mm, I was just using this as an example.

-Last, if you're swamped, be sure to address customers and apologize for the wait. If you're the only clerk and there are 5 people in line, chances are a few of them are going to get bored and leave. Saying "hi, welcome to ____, I'm helping this gentleman/lady right now, but I'll be with you as soon as possible, please feel free to look around", is a lot better than ignoring them until you're done with the customer.