Controversial question are gun shops good enough

[TheGoatAssassin]

Woe betide me to throw in a social hand grenade…… however I run a customer facing business and I have to make sure my customer service/ satisfaction is top notch or I wont get any work.

However, I feel that a large amount (NOT ALL) of gun shops this doesn't seem to be the main focus.

I’ve had varying examples of this, from gunsmiths taking three times as long to do works (simple service on a shotgun and a stock pad fitting) to even when I did get it back only half the job being done

Buying from a website online and the owner just simply not returning emails, messages, calls, voice mails or carrier pigeons.

Another gun-shop point blank lied to a close friend about sending a scope off for repair, only admitted that he hadn't, once the manufacturer was called and they said they had never received it.

Lastly, I’m in the market for a Tikka or Rem 700 .308 I must have messaged no less than 10 gun shops on gunstar & guntrader only 1 has responded.

All of the above are separate establishments.

I see a lot of gun shops closing up shop and my view is, is there any surprise with the quality of service. It might be me who is inherently unlucky.

Be interested to hear your replies

 

[nun_hunter]

The main issue I see is that gun shops are run by people who like shooting rather than people who like running a business.

They set one up or get a job there because shooting is a hobby and so they think it'll be fun rather than wanting to make money.

 

[TheGoatAssassin]

The main issue I see is that gun shops are run by people who like shooting rather than people who like running a business.

They set one up or get a job there because shooting is a hobby and so they think it'll be fun rather than wanting to make money.

Interesting thought process that, and I would actually agree with that synopsis….. makes sense

 

[Stalker62]

Funny thing.

I was recently in a Gunshop in XXXXX.

I was only buying ammunition.

I was kept there for an hour and a half (I know, I know, but I am British, and too polite to say anything), whilst he berated me about how bad the local Constabulary were. I got it all. Both barrels.



I am never, ever going back.

Life is too short, and I am running out of time to spend it listening to hours of that shite again....

 

[nun_hunter]

If you go into Screwfix and ask for some 150X10mm coach bolts, they'll sell you exactly that. They'll trust you've done your research, measured and planned what your building and know what you want. They don't try and sell you a ¾ inch wood screw.

However, go into a gun shop and ask for a 6.5 creedmoor and 90% of the time someone in there (maybe not even an employee) will tell you that you really need a .270 because it's the best all rounder ever. Try and buy some 120 grain copper ammo only to be told you need some 180 grain partition instead.

This is why people shop online or only use a specific gun shop where this doesn't happen, while the rest of the gun shops moan about no one supporting them

 

[TheGoatAssassin]

Funny thing.

I was recently in a Gunshop in XXXXX.

I was only buying ammunition.

I was kept there for an hour and a half (I know, I know, but I am British, and too polite to say anything), whilst he berated me about how bad the local Constabulary were. I got it all. Both barrels.

View attachment 389446

I am never, ever going back.

Life is too short, and I am running out of time to spend it listening to hours of that shite again....

You have made me laugh with this response, the hind legs pic made it !

You’re a politer and better man than I, although I like a good peruse around a gunshop (never want to leave empty handed) I really don't have an hour and a half to wait around and I would have to communicate my frustration to the owner

 

[Stalker62]

I really don't have an hour and a half to wait around and I would have to communicate my frustration to the owner

Trust me I tried!

Utterly oblivious to NVCs.

He had the remarkable habit of telling you a story, and then segueing off to another, almost finishing that, and then saying "But that's not the point" and getting back onto the original 'story'. He did this Ad nauseam.

Honestly. It was a skill.

He did so in the 'shop'. Down the stairs from the 'shop'. Into his front 'garden'. Past his gate into the fcking street and followed me to my car.

As I drove away, (gently weeping) I was watching him in my rear-view mirror - he was still fcuking going!

I think it actually scarred me - physically and emotionally. It certainly scarred me financially.

Never again.

Never.

 

[simgre]

Gunshops can pretty much give as sh1tty as service as they want, we’re a captive market!!

Half wits trying to hawk what they have on the shelf rather than what you are looking for. Some truly appalling, bordering on dangerous advice freely available from employees on minimum wage, or fat old men wearing plaid shirts who are convinced “RFD” should be a Royal appointment and title…

I will say though, via here I bought a S/H mod from a Gunshop that I would be passing by. If you haven’t been, or it’s within four hours of you, get yourself to Emmett & Stone!! A real breath of fresh air! Well stocked, well presented, and a real pleasure to deal with! 20 minutes chatting with a very knowledgable bloke who didn’t give it “Jack the Peanut”…

Every time I head to my mates for the weekend I’ll stop there. Whether I want something or not. Bet I do leave with something though!

 

[Lever357]

You are right. A good friend of mine is at his wits end from dealing with RFDs over the last year. Even to the point where he AND his friend have cancelled £3,000 custom build rifles due to the dealer's lack of customer service, inability to reply to emails and phone calls, and finally, allowing my friend to book time off to travel long distance to visit the RFD when the RFD knew he would be in another part of the country!!! He has pursued various rifles advertised on websites, left message after message and RFDs don't have the courtesy to call him back, even to say they are out of the country for a few months!!! He is so pleased he has finished his collection.

 

[TheGoatAssassin]

Trust me I tried!

Utterly oblivious to NVCs.

He had the remarkable habit of telling you a story, and then segueing off to another, almost finishing that, and then saying "But that's not the point" and getting back onto the original 'story'. He did this Ad nauseam.

Honestly. It was a skill.

He did so in the 'shop'. Down the stairs from the 'shop'. Into his front 'garden'. Past his gate into the fcking street and followed me to my car.

As I drove away, (gently weeping) I was watching him in my rear-view mirror - he was still fcuking going!

I think it actually scarred me - physically and emotionally. It certainly scarred me financially.

Never again.

Never.

Tears of laughter reading this utterly brilliant

 

[TheGoatAssassin]

Gunshops can pretty much give as sh1tty as service as they want, we’re a captive market!!

Half wits trying to hawk what they have on the shelf rather than what you are looking for. Some truly appalling, bordering on dangerous advice freely available from employees on minimum wage, or fat old men wearing plaid shirts who are convinced “RFD” should be a Royal appointment and title…

I will say though, via here I bought a S/H mod from a Gunshop that I would be passing by. If you haven’t been, or it’s within four hours of you, get yourself to Emmett & Stone!! A real breath of fresh air! Well stocked, well presented, and a real pleasure to deal with! 20 minutes chatting with a very knowledgable bloke who didn’t give it “Jack the Peanut”…

Every time I head to my mates for the weekend I’ll stop there. Whether I want something or not. Bet I do leave with something though!

Never a truer word said with the “hawk what they have on the shelf” I will take your advice on Emmett & Stone and add it to the list

 

[TheGoatAssassin]

You are right. A good friend of mine is at his wits end from dealing with RFDs over the last year. Even to the point where he AND his friend have cancelled £3,000 custom build rifles due to the dealer's lack of customer service, inability to reply to emails and phone calls, and finally, allowing my friend to book time off to travel long distance to visit the RFD when the RFD knew he would be in another part of the country!!! He has pursued various rifles advertised on websites, left message after message and RFDs don't have the courtesy to call him back, even to say they are out of the country for a few months!!! He is so pleased he has finished his collection.

I’m convinced I know who you are referring to I wont name names let me know via private message

 

[Tazz]

Gunshop’s no different to many other shops within the retail sector you get the good/bad/ugly and on that basis you always have the option to vote with your feet. I am very lucky to have 2 outstanding Gunshop’s near me Donaldsons Guns at MK and Stephen and Son at Leighton Buzzard and that’s where I spend my money

 

[Mungo]

Trust me I tried!

Utterly oblivious to NVCs.

He had the remarkable habit of telling you a story, and then segueing off to another, almost finishing that, and then saying "But that's not the point" and getting back onto the original 'story'. He did this Ad nauseam.

Honestly. It was a skill.

He did so in the 'shop'. Down the stairs from the 'shop'. Into his front 'garden'. Past his gate into the fcking street and followed me to my car.

As I drove away, (gently weeping) I was watching him in my rear-view mirror - he was still fcuking going!

I think it actually scarred me - physically and emotionally. It certainly scarred me financially.

Never again.

Never.

Crockarts in Blairgowrie??

 

[Liveonce]

Whilst there is no excuse by gun shops for poor customer communications, it is very tough trading circumstances for them since Covid and the wars.
Lots of product is in very short supply and on long lead times and then significant price increases. Add to that the delays in variations to also slow business turnover. Then turnover lost by online sales of shooting goods not restricted to face-to-face sales by an RFD sold by shops other than gun shops or in some instances direct from the manufacturers. It is not surprisingly many are closing.

 

[HonestJohn]

Use them or lose them. Whilst I find some really hard to deal with for many reasons, I am happy to always give them business, as if they seize to exist, it will be a great shame.

 

[slider]

If you go into Screwfix and ask for some 150X10mm coach bolts, they'll sell you exactly that. They'll trust you've done your research, measured and planned what your building and know what you want. They don't try and sell you a ¾ inch wood screw.

However, go into a gun shop and ask for a 6.5 creedmoor and 90% of the time someone in there (maybe not even an employee) will tell you that you really need a .270 because it's the best all rounder ever. Try and buy some 120 grain copper ammo only to be told you need some 180 grain partition instead.

This is why people shop online or only use a specific gun shop where this doesn't happen, while the rest of the gun shops moan about no one supporting them

no no, thats why you go to gun shops. you dont get the craik, banter or done right insulted boyng online

 

[TheGoatAssassin]

Whilst there is no excuse by gun shops for poor customer communications, it is very tough trading circumstances for them since Covid and the wars.
Lots of product is in very short supply and on long lead times and then significant price increases. Add to that the delays in variations to also slow business turnover. Then turnover lost by online sales of shooting goods not restricted to face-to-face sales by an RFD sold by shops other than gun shops or in some instances direct from the manufacturers. It is not surprisingly many are closing.

I agree with you partially.

Comms has got to be the first priority. I have no issues waiting 3,4,5 weeks if I am kept informed.

Re covid alot of people had alot of cash ie bounce back loans etc and lots of toys were purchased, I for one bought a shotgun, binos and a spotting scope whilst in lockdown and collected it from the rear of my rfd once restrictions were “lightened”.

When it comes to face to face sales, I refer you to my previous example of ten separate gun shops and only one replying to emails….. we live in a modern world and they should be using these modern methods

 

[TheGoatAssassin]

Use them or lose them. Whilst I find some really hard to deal with for many reasons, I am happy to always give them business, as if they seize to exist, it will be a great shame.

Trigger i live by this statement and I have never quibbled over paying a few quid more rather than going online where its cheaper. We have an outdoor clothing shop near by and I like to try on items and see what they have.

However, is that an excuse for poor shop keepering?

 

[Freeforester]

Some exist to seize. Just sayin'