inccwchris
Sharpshooter
In a gun shop there are many different types of people. Men, women, children of all races and color come together to enjoy shooting and guns. Its a beautiful thing. Here is where most people behind the counter screw up. As I work in a gun shop, I notice a few things and this is my take on what I see. Do not take what I say as gospel, just as my perspective.
The first point I am going to cover is speaking to women, this is something I am sure many INGO members have never done (just kidding ya'll). This one also applies more to what I have noticed people saying about their problems with dealers, many women have expressed frustration about not being treated well in gun shops. When a man and a woman walk into a gun store and speak with me, I talk to both of them. Sounds simple right? The number one complaint I receive from women about other dealers is that they walked in with their husband intent on buying a gun, and the clerk engaged her husband in conversation and completely ignored her. I sold a gun to a young lady who said that I got her business over someone else who had what I had a few bucks cheaper because I saw her looking, walked right over, introduced myself and began talking to her. She said the other gun vendor completely ignored her until she started asking questions. Why is that? I do not understand how you can be a salesman and completely ignore half your audience. Alas, they lost business, I gained business. Remember, when a man and a woman come into your store, either one of them could have the money, don't do that "little lady" treatment.
Second topic, selling guns to parents for their children. It is hard to do that without the child in the store. I have a number of parents who bring their kids in and buy them a gun that fits them. This is the right thing to do. I also have a few parents who come in, buy a rifle for their son, and their son has never even seen, let alone held the rifle. This is not the optimal situation. Just like in adults, children who are going to be shooting a weapon need to have one that fits them. When you decide your son or daughter is old enough, take them with you to your LGS and let them pick out a rifle that fits them. This is your time to shine, just like I covered in the thread about women with their husbands buying guns, its not about what gun you guys want, its about what fits your child. Obviously some parental guidence is needed in most situations, but that is a given.
Third and final topic, more of a pet peeve really. When a clerk is working with another customer and you need a holster or cleaning stuff, do not walk in and straight to the counter to the salesman who is working with a customer, and interrupt to ask for it. It is perfectly ok, to look for the materials yourself without assistance. It is not ok to interrupt another customer who wants the clerks undivided attention. That being said, of course we are all more than willing to help you get what you need, when its your turn. Be patient and I will do all the work for you, if you are in a hurry, help yourself, I will get there when I can to offer what help I can. You would not like being interrupted buying a gun, don't do it to someone else. I have done that before, and caught myself, so I am one of the people who is guilty of this one.
The first point I am going to cover is speaking to women, this is something I am sure many INGO members have never done (just kidding ya'll). This one also applies more to what I have noticed people saying about their problems with dealers, many women have expressed frustration about not being treated well in gun shops. When a man and a woman walk into a gun store and speak with me, I talk to both of them. Sounds simple right? The number one complaint I receive from women about other dealers is that they walked in with their husband intent on buying a gun, and the clerk engaged her husband in conversation and completely ignored her. I sold a gun to a young lady who said that I got her business over someone else who had what I had a few bucks cheaper because I saw her looking, walked right over, introduced myself and began talking to her. She said the other gun vendor completely ignored her until she started asking questions. Why is that? I do not understand how you can be a salesman and completely ignore half your audience. Alas, they lost business, I gained business. Remember, when a man and a woman come into your store, either one of them could have the money, don't do that "little lady" treatment.
Second topic, selling guns to parents for their children. It is hard to do that without the child in the store. I have a number of parents who bring their kids in and buy them a gun that fits them. This is the right thing to do. I also have a few parents who come in, buy a rifle for their son, and their son has never even seen, let alone held the rifle. This is not the optimal situation. Just like in adults, children who are going to be shooting a weapon need to have one that fits them. When you decide your son or daughter is old enough, take them with you to your LGS and let them pick out a rifle that fits them. This is your time to shine, just like I covered in the thread about women with their husbands buying guns, its not about what gun you guys want, its about what fits your child. Obviously some parental guidence is needed in most situations, but that is a given.
Third and final topic, more of a pet peeve really. When a clerk is working with another customer and you need a holster or cleaning stuff, do not walk in and straight to the counter to the salesman who is working with a customer, and interrupt to ask for it. It is perfectly ok, to look for the materials yourself without assistance. It is not ok to interrupt another customer who wants the clerks undivided attention. That being said, of course we are all more than willing to help you get what you need, when its your turn. Be patient and I will do all the work for you, if you are in a hurry, help yourself, I will get there when I can to offer what help I can. You would not like being interrupted buying a gun, don't do it to someone else. I have done that before, and caught myself, so I am one of the people who is guilty of this one.
Last edited:
.
