Gun store D-bags

[MAUSERMAN]

Today I was a my local gun shop looking around killing some time before work. I spotted a G17 for $529.00 so I asked to check it out.
This cocky little D-bag tells me that I don't want a Glock that I should take a look at the Sigs or M&Ps. I asked one more time and still he's going on how Glocks this and that, so finally I got a little bent out of shape and asked him if it was his money or mine. If I want a Glock I'm going to buy a Glock. WTF

[Dakotaranger]

Good grief. While I'm free with my opinion of Glocks I can respect if someone wants one.  I'd told the punk go get your boss.

[fightingquaker13]

I hate that crap. If they stock it, they should sell it. If after the customer looks at it, ad the salesman knows what their intended use is, they want to show me something else to compare it to, fair enough, that's their job. But don't give me a debate if I know what I want.

[billt]

The only thing I want from a gun store employee is to complete the transaction. I don't need, want, or value his opinion. Most of these guys know little to nothing about the firearms they're selling. Many of them live secret lives on the Internet, where they become legends in their own mind to an even larger bunch of idiots.

When I walk into a gun shop to buy a firearm, most likely I've already made up my mind on the gun I want. And have called, or else checked on line, and know they have it, along with the price they're charging for it. There is nothing the store clerk can tell me that would deter the sale, or else change my mind at that point.

40 or 50 years ago it was different. The owner was knowledgeable, and was someone you could trust. You dealt with him, not some pimple faced, smart mouthed kid who has little to no knowledge, and even fewer manners. Service has been going to hell in this country for decades. We as consumers have let it because we want cheap. Paying fewer, less knowledgeable employees less money, is one of the many ways to get prices down. If you doubt that try to find a Walmart employee to help you, or sell you some ammo.

[Solus]

With the money they saved on the less knowledgeable employee, they should have strips of duct tape available for the customer to place across the staffs mouth if they desire. 

[Sponsor]

[twyacht]

Sadly I think most, if not all of us, have encountered a D-bag gun show/store/shop from a salesman/employee.

I have ranted about a particular AR snob I encountered several times during my Frankenstein build.  Like billt stated, I didn't need or want his opinion, I had a budget, did my own research, and wanted what I wanted.

To be a salesman, and than treat customers with condescension or an attitude, beacause I didn't pick the LaRue this, or the Noveske that, pissed me off as well.

Get the manager/owners name, and write a nice letter reminding him that you can go anywhere, including online to spend money, and would prefer supporting my local gun shop, but if your staff acts like a condescending D-bag, you can rest assured my word of mouth recommendations to all my shooting friends will also get around town as well.

[MikeBjerum]

I have gone through this more than once with a gun purchase - Or should I say attempted purchase.  The two most notable:

1.  I was looking at a Savage 111 in 22-250.  Multiple lost salesmen tried to talk me out of it.  I even argued with more than one as to the advantage of the 22-250 over the .223.  Amazed me how they would choose a target specific firearm based on cheap ammunition.  When I finally went their way and stated that the only difference in cost of ammunition, once you have the brass, is a couple grains of powder.  Primer and bullet costs are the same.  They told me that reloading wasn't worth the wasted time it took.  Idiots who lost sales and long term business!

2.  I was at a store where I do a lot of business, and a newbie college student and gun expert started giving me expert advice when a long time employee walked by behind him and whispered in his ear.  The kid shut up, looked around, and then told me to let him know if I wanted to see anything.  After that he disappeared never to be seen again.  Later I asked the guy I have dealt with what went on.  He told me he explained to the kid that he should "shut up and listen.  This guy knows more about guns and their use than you ever will."  Next time I was in the store I found out the kid quit, because the other salesmen were know-it-alls and didn't appreciate his expertise.

My advice to anybody asking me about purchases:  Do your research with people you trust, ask questions, evaluate, and make your decision.  If somebody tells you something you don't understand or agree with.  Walk away, and go back to those you know and trust.

[MikeBjerum]

Consultative Sales:

Find out what the customer needs and wants, and provide them with it - even if you need to send them someplace else.  True customer service is about service for the customer and not maximum profits for the business.  This approach will pay off in the long run.  The long time story to demonstrate this is Miracle On 34th Street.  If you are in business and have not watched one of the many versions of this movie, watch it and find the truths.

This is what drives my bosses crazy.  I will not push a product a business does not need for a one time sale or benefit.  I build the relationship that provides for decades of business.  I can show several pages of proof that the high pressure quick sell does not always last, and often loses a long term income.

This ends today's lesson.  Enjoy the playground boys and girls.

[Dakotaranger]

There are two things I wish gun dealers would tell prospective buyer:  Rule 2 and 3.  And ask what they are looking for and why.  Don't degrade the caliber choices or what gun they want, but asking questions and listening would actually help the buyer get exactly what they need. 

[Ulmus]

Bingo on the last two.