What's with the attitude from gun stores?

I've been a consumer pretty much my whole life. Bad attitudes from retail workers have always been the exception. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but the exception. Almost always, I'm greeted with a smile and pleasantries. When I go shopping at gun stores, the exception is a smile and pleasantries.

Most gun purchasers aren't ex-military. So they haven't been "hardened". I believe most people going to a gun store want a pleasant environment, like they get when shopping for other stuff. If this was true, a lot more meek people would be comfortable going to them. Then they could protect their families.

It would increase business and create a better image of guns and gun owners/sellers. I mean think about it, if someone goes in a gun store and is presented with straight faces and even attitudes, what are they going to think? Exactly what all the libs are thinking: we're mean, uncompasionate and even rude!

I agree, my wife is intimidated going into the gun store with me from all the "tough guy attitudes". I've found if you start asking questions the appearance usually quickly changes.

Must not be frequenting BluCore- they're always very friendly and pleasant to deal with... I think you're spending too much time at 5280, forgive Iam, he's a little surly regardless of who he's dealing with. [Beer]

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Originally Posted by ipleadda2nd

I've been a consumer pretty much my whole life. Bad attitudes from retail workers have always been the exception. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but the exception. Almost always, I'm greeted with a smile and pleasantries. When I go shopping at gun stores, the exception is a smile and pleasantries.

Most gun purchasers aren't ex-military. So they haven't been "hardened". I believe most people going to a gun store want a pleasant environment, like they get when shopping for other stuff. If this was true, a lot more meek people would be comfortable going to them. Then they could protect their families.

It would increase business and create a better image of guns and gun owners/sellers. I mean think about it, if someone goes in a gun store and is presented with straight faces and even attitudes, what are they going to think? Exactly what all the libs are thinking: we're mean, uncompasionate and even rude!

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Was Jensen very crowded?

Gun shop commandos.

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Originally Posted by Ronin13

Must not be frequenting BluCore- they're always very friendly and pleasant to deal with... I think you're spending too much time at 5280, forgive Iam, he's a little surly regardless of who he's dealing with. [Beer]

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Never been there, but I will now. And yes, 5280 was one I was talking about.

When I was younger and firearm ignorant, well more so than I am now, I quickly learned to avoid asking questions at gun stores other than "what's the price?"

It's unfortunate but I don't think I've ever really received good to excellent service at a gun shop despite spending thousands of dollars with various stores locally.

Problem with gun stores is that for the most part they're run by hobbyists not business men. So good customer service isn't something they understand.

It is hit or miss, but you have to realize they deal with tons of couch commandos that have no idea how to handle a firearm safely. There is only so many times that you can deal with someone bringing in a gun with a round in the chamber insisting that it is not loaded, then they watch a live round eject onto the ground in front of everyone. Then you realize that they have covered 10 - 15 people with it since they walked into the shop. It is hard to stay friendly calm and relaxed in an environment like that. The best way to receive those courtesies is to always display them yourself. When they get to know you they will lighten up around you. 5280 has other problems though, I just don't go there because I can't get service. I guess I don't look like a guy with a lot of money or something.

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Originally Posted by Rucker61

Was Jensen very crowded?

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Funny, that's what I was talking about

It's mostly because we're pretty tired of the last 5 weeks of balls to the wall insanity open to close. It's getting harder and harder to be friendly and pleasant when 90% of the questions are- "Do you know when my background check is going to be done?"
-or- "Do you have any AR-15s?" -or- Why can't you order me one?" -or- "Do you have any 223/5.56 ammo? -or- "What's going to happen with the pending legislation?" (like we have a crystal ball). I could go on and on. All the while- the phone never- EVER stops ringing in the background.

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Originally Posted by sneakerd

It's mostly because we're pretty tired of the last 5 weeks of balls to the wall insanity open to close. It's getting harder and harder to be friendly and pleasant when 90% of the questions are- "Do you know when my background check is going to be done?"
-or- "Do you have any AR-15s?" -or- Why can't you order me one?" -or- "Do you have any 223/5.56 ammo? -or- "What's going to happen with the pending legislation?" (like we have a crystal ball). I could go on and on. All the while- the phone never- EVER stops ringing in the background.

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Interesting, the experience I was speaking about occurred in November. They must be really unfriendly now!

I have walked out of a few gun stores because of their attitude. Jensen has gotten a lot better for the record, but sometimes you just have to get an attitude with them. I went to 5280 once and will never go back, F'em.

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Originally Posted by Rucker61

Was Jensen very crowded?

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Ha! I've only been there once and don't really remember the experience.

Also, we're almost always understaffed. Very difficult to find qualified, intelligent staff in the gun business who are willing to put up with the low pay and long hours.

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Originally Posted by sneakerd

Also, we're almost always understaffed. Very difficult to find qualified, intelligent staff in the gun business who are willing to put up with the low pay and long hours.

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Yep, there's always two sides to every story. Thanks for the input.

In my case, I'm just a dick. Even outside the shop ;)

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Originally Posted by sneakerd

It's mostly because we're pretty tired of the last 5 weeks of balls to the wall insanity open to close. It's getting harder and harder to be friendly and pleasant when 90% of the questions are- "Do you know when my background check is going to be done?"
-or- "Do you have any AR-15s?" -or- Why can't you order me one?" -or- "Do you have any 223/5.56 ammo? -or- "What's going to happen with the pending legislation?" (like we have a crystal ball). I could go on and on. All the while- the phone never- EVER stops ringing in the background.

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It doesnt matter, if your in "customer service" quit bitching and do your damn job. I work in customer service, working for all kinds of stupid mother fuckers but I work in their house, and most of the stuff I fix is shit the homeowner did. I am always nice because we have stupid surveys so even if the fat worthless pig fucked shit up 3 times in the same week and i have to take the repeats to go fix it I still have to be nice. And I am busy year round 10 hours a day outside mostly in the elements just hopeing I will get home in time for dinner. I have to pull on-calls and may be out all night and then have to be back at some somalians house at 7am.

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Originally Posted by ipleadda2nd

Never been there, but I will now. And yes, 5280 was one I was talking about.

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I could have sworn you were talking about Specialty Sports.... [pileoshit]

I wasn't bitching trlcavscout, just telling it like it is- beyond that you can f off.

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Originally Posted by sneakerd

It's mostly because we're pretty tired of the last 5 weeks of balls to the wall insanity open to close. It's getting harder and harder to be friendly and pleasant when 90% of the questions are- "Do you know when my background check is going to be done?"
-or- "Do you have any AR-15s?" -or- Why can't you order me one?" -or- "Do you have any 223/5.56 ammo? -or- "What's going to happen with the pending legislation?" (like we have a crystal ball). I could go on and on. All the while- the phone never- EVER stops ringing in the background.

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Originally Posted by sneakerd

Also, we're almost always understaffed. Very difficult to find qualified, intelligent staff in the gun business who are willing to put up with the low pay and long hours.

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Excuses, excuses.

You know, that is kind of the deal with retail. Folks have questions for you. It is almost assured that everyone that has that question will not be in the store at the same time so you can answer it once. If it's really that hard for you to be friendly and answer questions then you shouldn't be working with the general public.

I worked as a server in restaurants my entire college career. You want to talk about the same questions all the time? Every single table, every single night would ask the same questions. Guess what? Never got pissed off about it, never answered the questions without a smile on my face. It's NOT hard to be friendly folks. I could wait on the damn president and 1st lady and be friendly, even though on the inside my fire of hatred would be burning.

I just have absolutely zero tolerance for poor customer service. It's not that damn hard. And yes, nearly every gun shop I've been in (with the exception of BluCore and JJ @ Small Arms Supply) has had poor customer service at some level.

+1 for Blucore.....every person I've spoken to there has been friendly and helpful. At 5280 I steer clear of the guys and head straight for the ladies who work there.....they're a genuine pleasure to talk to, and the only reason that place gets any of my business. I haven't been back to Jensen Arms since I walked in there with $800 cash in my pocket looking for a Mossberg 930 SPX and got reamed out for asking to look at the one they had in stock. I've heard its better these days, but I'm in no rush to head back.

I've been ordering my guns online lately, and its definitely the way to go.

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Originally Posted by sneakerd

I wasn't bitching trlcavscout, just telling it like it is- beyond that you can f off.

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Oh wha, I have to lean on the counter and answer stupid questions [ROFL2]

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Originally Posted by trlcavscout

Oh wha, I have to lean on the counter and answer stupid questions [ROFL2]

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I'd have more time to do my regular work each day if I didn't have to answer stupid questions. [Coffee]

Sooo.... all of you super-experienced customer service experts and customer service professionals never- ever let your tiredness or exasperation or impatience show? Ever? My hat's off to you and you're a better person than I.

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Originally Posted by bchase75

I've been ordering my guns online lately, and its definitely the way to go.

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If you dont support your local store you may not have one for very long. Shopping online just to save a few bucks is horseshit.

That being said, I have always been shocked at how poor CS in the gun-biz is. That shit would never fly in any other industry...

I am fairly new to the gun world.(Probably obvious) When I decided I wanted to get into guns and learn aboput them, I thought I could walk into any gun shop and ask some questions, you know just sort of pick their brains and try to pick up some knowledge, what are good names, ok names and stuff to stay away from. But instead it was really intimidating. That's what took me about 6 months longer to say screw it, I don't care if I ask dumb questions and what they are going think of me and just went ahead and visited them again. It was 5280 too. It's just down the street from my home. It wasn't like going to a hardware store where guys will help you figure stuff out and be helpful without the intimidating looks. After I did that and bought a couple of peices, they began to be a lot more friendly when I would come in there. Then this Sandy Hook thing happened, now there is no customer service. I thought the sales guys made a commision, they should, it might make for a better environment. BUt then again for new people they can talk you into buying crap if you aren't careful.

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Originally Posted by trlcavscout

I have walked out of a few gun stores because of their attitude. Jensen has gotten a lot better for the record, but sometimes you just have to get an attitude with them. I went to 5280 once and will never go back, F'em.

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Yes they have, I've managed to feel out who I will and won't deal with in there (the ones I won't are all gone now), and have been in and bought enough from them to be recognizable to them as a repeat customer. The last 2 times I was in there it's like they flipped a light switch in regaurds to me. I know this sounds really stupid, but having BTDT, I fully understand it. They are a very busy shop (even in normal times) with good prices and having to spend a half hour or 45 minutes with looky loos all day one after another while good customers that want to buy are waiting doesn't put you in a customer service frame of mind all the time. The biggest thing that impresses me, is that I have NEVER seen any of the currrent staff standing around doing jack squat when a customer is waiting or would like some questins answered. Most all of them are nearly running around the place to help people, and get things done ASAP.

90% of the time you will get good service and a good attitude from the guys behind the counter at FL. It's the other 10% that we hear about. Also- I'd be willing to bet money that 99% of the people on any gun forum could not do what the guy behind the counter in a gun shop is doing for any length of time, for any number of reasons. Whether they couldn't get hired, don't have the knowledge, can't hack the hours, can't hack the pay or whatever. You have to love guns to work in a shop. You have to have
knowledge and dedication to stay.

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Originally Posted by sneakerd

Sooo.... all of you super-experienced customer service experts and customer service professionals never- ever let your tiredness or exasperation or impatience show? Ever? My hat's off to you and you're a better person than I.

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Like I said, if you can't deal with difficult customers (and by the way, a customer asking questions is not a difficult customer) then find another line of work.

And yes, I can say without a shadow of a doubt I never ever let my tiredness or exasperation or impatience show...to the customer. You can go in the back and flip shit all you want. Hell I had this one bitch try and get me fired because I was white. I know this because she told me, "I don't want a white waiter and I'm going to tell your manager that you were extremely rude to me". Did I lose it on her? Nope. But did I need to go out back and flip out about it? Sure I did.

I'm not saying you can't get tired or impatient, that's human nature. What I am saying is you CANNOT get that way in front of the customer.

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Originally Posted by sneakerd

90% of the time you will get good service and a good attitude from the guys behind the counter at FL. It's the other 10% that we hear about. Also- I'd be willing to bet money that 99% of the people on any gun forum could not do what the guy behind the counter in a gun shop is doing for any length of time, for any number of reasons. Whether they couldn't get hired, don't have the knowledge, can't hack the hours, can't hack the pay or whatever. You have to love guns to work in a shop. You have to have
knowledge and dedication to stay.

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Oh so you're better than everyone because you can hold down a job at a gun shop? What a tool.

It's a damn shame that your place of employment is so close to my house. I would really rather not have to drive way the hell out to Blucore to give them my business. I would much rather come into the Firing Line. But if a guy like you can hold down a job at Firing Line...that tells me all I need to know about how that operation is run, and I will not be spending any money there.

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Originally Posted by sneakerd

90% of the time you will get good service and a good attitude from the guys behind the counter at FL. It's the other 10% that we hear about. Also- I'd be willing to bet money that 99% of the people on any gun forum could not do what the guy behind the counter in a gun shop is doing for any length of time, for any number of reasons. Whether they couldn't get hired, don't have the knowledge, can't hack the hours, can't hack the pay or whatever. You have to love guns to work in a shop. You have to have
knowledge and dedication to stay.

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Listen dude, you're doing an awful lot of whining. I work in healthcare... the emergency room to be exact. Customer service is EVERYTHING. You think you have it hard because someone asks you a question? Tell me how you feel when that person is in the emergency room for a cough (the same cough that you and the rest of the staff has) and expects to be waited on hand and foot, and then won't leave until they get their script for dilaudid. LOL.... you don't know what pain in the ass customers are. And no... I ain't complaining, it's a job and I smile every day at work.

not worth the ban.

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Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck

its funny this thread gets started regularly.

It seems like a bunch of whiny bitches. Do your research go buy the damn item and go home. Do you need a friend so bad, that you want to be friends with the gun store guys? Buy a damn dog. What a bunch of pussies.

They beat me up in highschool, they stole my lunch money, im a virgin. it sounds like these apply to you whiners.

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[Wow2]

See...what is it that makes a person become such a giant dickweed like you? Were you touched inappropriately as a child? Not enough hugs and kisses from mommy and daddy? Blue balls?

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Originally Posted by bchase75

+1 for Blucore.....every person I've spoken to there has been friendly and helpful. At 5280 I steer clear of the guys and head straight for the ladies who work there.....they're a genuine pleasure to talk to, and the only reason that place gets any of my business. I haven't been back to Jensen Arms since I walked in there with $800 cash in my pocket looking for a Mossberg 930 SPX and got reamed out for asking to look at the one they had in stock. I've heard its better these days, but I'm in no rush to head back.

I've been ordering my guns online lately, and its definitely the way to go.

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I concur- Gina is always a pleasure to deal with. That woman has a great way of dealing with people and has patience for days!
Where do you order online from? If you don't mind my asking- I'm sick of Armslist and Gunbroker and the people's rip-off prices.

not worth the ban.

Any owner who interviews sales staff seems to ask about their gun knowledge first, and hires the folks with the most, and that's where the problem starts. 90% of the interview needs to be about customer service and sales skills. A good salesman can sell anything. They can quickly learn what they need to about the guns, just like vacuum cleaners or cars.

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Originally Posted by sneakerd

Also, we're almost always understaffed. Very difficult to find qualified, intelligent staff in the gun business who are willing to put up with the low pay and long hours.

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You find me a millionaire sugar momma and ill work there!

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Originally Posted by ChadAmberg

Any owner who interviews sales staff seems to ask about their gun knowledge first, and hires the folks with the most, and that's where the problem starts. 90% of the interview needs to be about customer service and sales skills. A good salesman can sell anything. They can quickly learn what they need to about the guns, just like vacuum cleaners or cars.

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the thing is, they USUALLY dont pay these guys much. Most of the guys, I have ever talked to, that worked at a gunstore, did it just to be around guns and gun people. So, you got guys who arent polished up on their etiquette, get paid little, get asked a zillion questions by morons, and deal with people with subpar iq all day. Then then arent as sweet as you expect.

I have never ever had a problem at any gun store I have been in. I have bought guns in numerous places, for many years. I think you guys project the negativity on the sales people.

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Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck

see this is what i thought about you guys. not everyone has to suck you dick everywhere you go. you thin skinned little girls. I guessed I wasnt raised to be a pussy and cry on a forum, that the guys were mean to me on the playground.

and let me guess, you arent a VET?

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The person who was crying on here is sneakerd. Actually if you weren't a complete idiot, you would have read that I was telling him to quit bitching and nut up. But you are, and you have no idea what you are bitching about.

And why in the flying fuck does it matter if I'm a vet or not? So if you're a vet then you don't have to be nice to people? Let me guess, vets are better than everyone who isn't a vet just by the nature of being a vet?

I hope to God you aren't. If you are then you are quite the shit stain compared to how you should act as a vet.

Edit: I was assuming you were speaking of veterans. If you were in fact speaking about being an animal doctor...then I think you need to go lie down and the orderly needs to bring you your meds...because you are insane.