Kenny Powers

I bought a used bow and need to get it setup for me. I've always supported local gun stores, bow shops, etc. I'm seriously considering taking this thing to Bass Pro to buy a rest, get fitted, and setup.

The last time I was in there buying something and asking questions I just remember feeling like it was such an inconvenience for them. We have a couple local gun stores that are the exact same way. If you ask questions they act like you're interrupting their entire day. Just me, or does anybody else notice this kind of thing?

I was talking to a buddy yesterday who said he just spent 3 grand in there last week; and was pretty sure he ruined their week by taking a couple hours to get fit.

River rat76

Big box store employees sometime, local shops nope. Maybe you come off a certain way to people without noticing it? Nothing personal about the statement just some people have a way of coming off without realizing it.

mstyle8517

My folks live up in the Northern Neck of VA and had placed an order into a local sporting goods store for a kayak to try and help out the little guys (this was before COVID so no supply excuses etc). They kept checking every couple of weeks for months and the store said it would be there soon. Months go by, they talk to the owner, the store never placed the order and he was a real peach about it. Well guess what, they drove 5 minutes to Walmart and brought home a kayak and have never set foot back into that store but have spent thousands at that Walmart. And it's worse than that, because while they're at Walmart, well, why not get all the groceries, hardware, etc. One asshole sporting goods store owner ruins it for the community.

I'm all about small business, heck, I own one, but we live in a different time where people are going to choose convenience and price over that "feel-good" help-the-local-store-out feeling. Brick and mortar should be doing everything they can to keep customers, those that don't won't be around much longer and will take their neighbors down with them.

lazyboi1212

Have you been in a dive shop lately. They act like you punched their Mum if you ask where something is, god forbid ask for a fill.

Just wait until they are all making $15 an hour for the incredible lack of service they provide.

C3D

The quality of retail help everywhere is declining. Anyone remember the days when you could go to an auto parts store and find someone who knew more than how to punch something into a computer?

avenger79

Bought my son a new bow for his birthday at Cabelas. they took all the time needed to set it up for him, THAN the next day his buddy went in with one of my old bows and they set that one up for him, free of charge, THAN a week later I gave my son's girlfriend an old bow I had laying around here. yep Cabelas set that one up for free as well.

I usually use an archery specific shop here that I really like, but Cabelas was closer for my son to get to. the folks there took very good care of him and his friends.

MSChE

People buying strictly on price are the problem.

bottomfeeder28

Curious if your talking about the one in Callao? I’ve never had anything but a good experience there. I’m glad they eventually got their kayak.

Hooper

Exactly. Not just sporting good store but everywhere.

My pet-peeve is if the clerk doesn’t say hello and say thank you after the transaction is finished. Rarely does anyone say thank you any more.

I can’t tell you how many times I make a purchase and the clerk doesn’t say a word to me and I say thank you as I gather my stuff to leave.

It’s incredibly rude and I say if this is how they want to treat the very people keeping their doors open, f-‘em. I’ll just buy it online.

autobaun70

There are a few gun shops around that are more like hangout spots than retail stores. One is a hot spot for LEO's, and the other just the general tacticool crowd. I don't even bother going in either one unless I really need something, as I know inquiring about checking out with something basic will take 30 min for them to finish their conversation.

Hooper

Yep, that’s another thing that pisses me off! Standing there waiting for assistance and the employee is BS’ing with a buddy.

sharktripper

Bait and tackle, archery and gun stores. Same story everywhere. We contemplated opening our own business years ago for this very reason. It’s also why I do business with Leisure Pro scuba in NYC. Local shops hate it but they’re willing to spend time helping for minor purchases. I’m tired of hearing them tell me I don’t really need or want what I came in there looking for.

skibum

You need to ask for the supervisor, Karen.

Customer service seems to have died somewhere in the mid 90's.

Now with everyone hiding behind masks (I won't) interpersonal communication is at an all time low.

Dwalt

Local hunting supply store here is the same way. Stopped in the buy a pricey device for the truck. Could have ordered it on line but wanted to help the local economy.

From the moment i walked into the store, i felt unwelcome. Almost like i was intruding. There were no other customers and the store is probably struggling for every sale. After getting the cold treatment, i left and ordered on line. Kind of sad to see store failure in progress.

i dont get it. Have they never thought about customer service? Ive never worked retail sales, but maybe the inane questions and idiots just wear you down after a while. They have alot of money invested to blow it acting like a-holes. Every person that enters that store should be helped to purchase as much as possible. They have on line and big box store competition and their only hope is local service and convenience. Certainly not cheaper to shop there.

When they go out of business will they blame the economy? Will they blame covid or the competition? Fact is, they only have themselves to blame..

Sin Bin fishing RI

this is why Amazon is great, for most things. granted Amazon can't fit you for a bow or restring a tennis racket.

I get what I want, to my door in a couple of days, get it a reasonable price and I don't have to deal with some shuckwad who wants $15 an hour to provide god awful service or advice.

BoatsnHoes7

Same deal at a plumbing supply store. They talk down to you like your an idiot. Dude you are the one working behind a counter.

Fish Hunter IV

I've bought A LOT of guns over the years. Most from local gun stores. There are very few that don't suck at customer service They either have some ego-maniacal Bubba behind the counter or the Rainman type savant that is long on knowledge but dismal in people skills. But I guess that's what kind of people want to work in a gun store.

But yeah, the quality of retail staff in general is in the toilet. Retailers need to get Chic Fil A to give them a lesson in how to treat customers.

mstyle8517

I believe this one was in Kilmarnock.

cronced

One thing I can't stand is that it is so difficult to check out anywhere without giving them your phone number. And when you decline to give it they get all butt hurt like you just offended them somehow. I know amazon already has all my info, but I'd rather shop there.

JMarkB

Agree 100%. They want your phone number and e mail so they can sell it, and send you advertising e mails about 3-4 times everyday.There’s zero reason that they would need your information.