Gun Stop Mtka- TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!

[Holland&Holland]

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Fleet Farm, but they usually only carry "low end" guns....fine and dandy if that's what you want. Mind you, I have only bought ONE gun at GM and it was on sale at the time. I just like to go in there to look around.

Glock and Springfield . S&W M&p are low end? As far as rifles go . I have never really payed attention to what they carry.

Yes

[Snakeman721]

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Fleet Farm, but they usually only carry "low end" guns....fine and dandy if that's what you want. Mind you, I have only bought ONE gun at GM and it was on sale at the time. I just like to go in there to look around.

Glock and Springfield . S&W M&p are low end? As far as rifles go . I have never really payed attention to what they carry.

Yes, I was speaking about long guns. No medium to high end rifles like Remington 870's, 700's....Weatherbys, Winchesters, Rugers, etc. Their handgun selection is good, but still kinda weak on 1911's...no Colts. But, they got LOTS of Mosins and those craptastic Chinese double barreled coach shotguns....lol.

[mikereilly]

I have not been in the store since they re-opened because - well I’m always in ours... And I can not speak to what happened - However I heard a similar complaint about our own store. I found it shocking because our team never stops moving. Gin is always on every new person. I make an effort to work with everyone that comes in the door. But I know I have missed people. Remember these are ma and pa shops. The owners and managers are working 16 hours a day pretty much every day. On top of customers there is inventory, ordering and the entire ATF nightmare we have to deal with. That is not an excuse; but if you are ignored say something. Walk right up to us and demand our attention. If we are being willfully rude call us on it - that is fair. But remember we may just simply not see you. We are humans running these shops. We do not have 12 million dollar advertising budgets to flood a local market. We don't have a billion dollar corporation complete with lobbyist, attorneys, accountants with the sole intent of monopolizing the market so we can set prices (and help set the laws) right where we want them. What we have is word of mouth and the community.

[tt3]

I have not been in the store since they re-opened because - well I’m always in ours... And I can not speak to what happened - However I heard a similar complaint about our own store. I found it shocking because our team never stops moving. Gin is always on every new person. I make an effort to work with everyone that comes in the door. But I know I have missed people. Remember these are ma and pa shops. The owners and managers are working 16 hours a day pretty much every day. On top of customers there is inventory, ordering and the entire ATF nightmare we have to deal with. That is not an excuse; but if you are ignored say something. Walk right up to us and demand our attention. If we are being willfully rude call us on it - that is fair. But remember we may just simply not see you. We are humans running these shops. We do not have 12 million dollar advertising budgets to flood a local market. We don't have a billion dollar corporation complete with lobbyist, attorneys, accountants with the sole intent of monopolizing the market so we can set prices (and help set the laws) right where we want them. What we have is word of mouth and the community.

This right here is a nugget of gold. ^^^

I work very part time in a small retail shop for my other hobby, we try and meet everyone that comes in the store with a "Hi, need any help finding something?" or if we're already engaged with someone else at least a nod or "Someone will be right with you". Right before Christmas we have four of us working and ten customers, it's tough to get to everyone, and like the gun shop folks that come into the store also like to BS about it, sometimes for an hour or more. Hard to cut 'em off when you know they've spent hundreds in the past and will continue to come in if we treat them with respect.

There's my $0.02 take it for what you paid...

[solidgun]

I didn't want to say anything, but I have visited these stores (GunStop and Frontiersman) and have been ignored several times while there were clerks just sitting there. However, I am sure I could have approached the shopkeepers and received some service. If they were busy (like you would see in many gunshops lately) I would understand the delay in services.

However, some notable instances:

- At GunStop (this was a while back), when no one was around and a customer came in (while I was browsing), a past customer walked in and one of the clerks there greeted him right away. I suppose you would greet someone you know, but while they chatted, no one asked me if I wanted to take a look at something and they glanced up at me as I entered.

- At Frontiersman (last year), it was just me in the store. No hello. They saw me come in. A minute after, a middle aged gentleman walks in and they ask him how they can help him. (I look young but I am not that young)


I don't want to speculate, but I do agree that services could be better and EQUAL to all potential customers. I only bought 8 guns last year. 3 of them new from area dealers that was friendly over the phone and friendly when I entered their stores (without them knowing who I was). I went out of my way to drive all the way over to the East side of the Twin Cities and to drive past Rogers.

[grousemaster]

I didn't want to say anything, but I have visited these stores (GunStop and Frontiersman) and have been ignored several times while there were clerks just sitting there. However, I am sure I could have approached the shopkeepers and received some service. If they were busy (like you would see in many gunshops lately) I would understand the delay in services.

However, some notable instances:

- At GunStop (this was a while back), when no one was around and a customer came in (while I was browsing), a past customer walked in and one of the clerks there greeted him right away. I suppose you would greet someone you know, but while they chatted, no one asked me if I wanted to take a look at something and they glanced up at me as I entered.

- At Frontiersman (last year), it was just me in the store. No hello. They saw me come in. A minute after, a middle aged gentleman walks in and they ask him how they can help him. (I look young but I am not that young)


I don't want to speculate, but I do agree that services could be better and EQUAL to all potential customers. I only bought 8 guns last year. 3 of them new from area dealers that was friendly over the phone and friendly when I entered their stores (without them knowing who I was). I went out of my way to drive all the way over to the East side of the Twin Cities and to drive past Rogers.

ONLY 8 guns?

[Rodentman]

You could go to J&S in Lakeville for prompt, courteous service with a smile.

[justinvan]

[quote="Rodentman"]You could go to J&S in Lakeville for prompt, courteous service with a smile.
Wow... that puts things in perspective!

[45Badger]

Reporting in on Friday's gun shop hop-

At GunStop I received prompt courteous service. Checked stuff out, chatted, bought ammunition, left with a smile on my face.

Stopped in Goose Hill after getting gas at Costco. Another overpriced Wingmaster followed me home .

[mikereilly]

This is a case where I should say nothing; but can’t help it’ The price match thing.
We used to be a nation of small businesses; ma and pop stores. Our retail community had personality, character. You could build a relationship with a business and thus the greater community. Enter the corporate world. Massive advertising and huge Public/private partnerships that have flat out bought our political system. The consumer gets tricked into thinking they are getting convenience and price and you do get price until every family owned restaurant, hardware store, gas station, movie theater is ground to dust. Then you get one choice; to give your money to the billion dollar maga store. Each uniform; each staffed by under paid drones. Chain, after chain where the owner is someone you will never see, never meet, never look in the eye.
Your price shopping didn’t save you $40 – it allowed you to break even while fed a gluten a morsel and denied a child a meal.
Savvy shopping indeed
The idea of these massive stores would be better prices, supplies, selection, employment for communities. Take a look around folks – Hows that working out for us? I still remember the family that owned the one pump gas station by my house and now every time I fill up as an SA I choke back a tear… ala Fred Eaglesmith – the “White Rose” is just a memory now.
I get a buck is a buck and people should shop around – but damn – factor into the price the cost of the world you will help build.
Sorry for the lecture; but we have forgotten so much about what made us great and now wonder why we even have to worry about what “they” are going to do to us? We forget they didn’t do a damn thing we didn’t let them do.
OK – flame away

[XDM45]

This is a case where I should say nothing; but can’t help it’ The price match thing.
We used to be a nation of small businesses; ma and pop stores. Our retail community had personality, character. You could build a relationship with a business and thus the greater community. Enter the corporate world. Massive advertising and huge Public/private partnerships that have flat out bought our political system. The consumer gets tricked into thinking they are getting convenience and price and you do get price until every family owned restaurant, hardware store, gas station, movie theater is ground to dust. Then you get one choice; to give your money to the billion dollar maga store. Each uniform; each staffed by under paid drones. Chain, after chain where the owner is someone you will never see, never meet, never look in the eye.
Your price shopping didn’t save you $40 – it allowed you to break even while fed a gluten a morsel and denied a child a meal.
Savvy shopping indeed
The idea of these massive stores would be better prices, supplies, selection, employment for communities. Take a look around folks – Hows that working out for us? I still remember the family that owned the one pump gas station by my house and now every time I fill up as an SA I choke back a tear… ala Fred Eaglesmith – the “White Rose” is just a memory now.
I get a buck is a buck and people should shop around – but damn – factor into the price the cost of the world you will help build.
Sorry for the lecture; but we have forgotten so much about what made us great and now wonder why we even have to worry about what “they” are going to do to us? We forget they didn’t do a damn thing we didn’t let them do.
OK – flame away

Mike,

I agree.

I wonder how many people here are principals.

[45Badger]

This is a case where I should say nothing; but can’t help it’ The price match thing.
We used to be a nation of small businesses; ma and pop stores. Our retail community had personality, character. You could build a relationship with a business and thus the greater community. Enter the corporate world. Massive advertising and huge Public/private partnerships that have flat out bought our political system. The consumer gets tricked into thinking they are getting convenience and price and you do get price until every family owned restaurant, hardware store, gas station, movie theater is ground to dust. Then you get one choice; to give your money to the billion dollar maga store. Each uniform; each staffed by under paid drones. Chain, after chain where the owner is someone you will never see, never meet, never look in the eye.
Your price shopping didn’t save you $40 – it allowed you to break even while fed a gluten a morsel and denied a child a meal.
Savvy shopping indeed
The idea of these massive stores would be better prices, supplies, selection, employment for communities. Take a look around folks – Hows that working out for us? I still remember the family that owned the one pump gas station by my house and now every time I fill up as an SA I choke back a tear… ala Fred Eaglesmith – the “White Rose” is just a memory now.
I get a buck is a buck and people should shop around – but damn – factor into the price the cost of the world you will help build.
Sorry for the lecture; but we have forgotten so much about what made us great and now wonder why we even have to worry about what “they” are going to do to us? We forget they didn’t do a damn thing we didn’t let them do.
OK – flame away

Mike,

I agree.

I wonder how many people here are principals.

I don't. While it is nice and full of warm fuzzy nostalgia, it will lead to seriously overpriced goods. I remember shopping for clothes in 1977 at Glickman's in Saratoga Springs NY. I can still smell the place. It was great. And I (and most others) don't/won't spend $30 for boxer shorts or $65 for Levis just to have that experience. A consumer base or market does not exist to keep a business in business, keep nice guys like Mike employed, or keep grandpa employed at the woolen mill. Businesses are created/exist to create a financial return for their shareholders/owners. They do this by providing/selling goods and/or services to a marketplace. The burden to sell relevant goods and services at prices consumers are willing to pay is on the business. Value is entirely arbitrary, random, and relative. Its power rests solely in the eye of the beholder/buyer. Three examples for me-

Gunstop and Frontiersman- Typical gun shop atmosphere. Great service, great selection of products I like, flexible and responsive to my wants, staff has developed insight to my likes and priced right. I think I am smack in the middle of their target market.
Arnzen- Beautiful retail environment in a high dollar neighborhood. Really friendly staff. Doesn't really stock what I want, prices do not make my wallet come out. I think I am nowhere near their target market.
Gander Mountain- Decent service, huge selection of overpriced stuff that does not capture my attention or interest. Generally very friendly staff (even if half of them are clueless). Used guns run the gamut of silly stupid high to silly great prices. I have no clue if I'm in their target market.

I'm 51, have a great job, good disposable income, and spend a lot of it on guns. On paper, I should be a sweet spot for a gun store. It's the gun store/business's job to provide a blend of goods, services, prices, value, etc. that attract a desired mix of customers who will spend their money in the business. I don't need or want a heck of a lot of "expertise" or service in the things I like and know well- 870's, ARs, 1911's, Glocks, Remington 700s and tube fed .22s. What I want is a good selection of (mostly used) these things at good prices. What I end up doing is buying guns mostly Gunstop and Frontiersman with very little or no price negotiation, cherry-picking goose hill's used section, and stopping into Arnzen hoping they will actually start a meaningful used gun business (I'm getting the feeling that's not part of their business plan).

I guess this is a long (and rambling - sorry) way of saying that there is no right or wrong way of looking at this or any business. It's up to the consumer to choose. It's up to the business to "win" that choice. Small businesses that thrive in the shadow of giant businesses do so by offering something (innovation, service, reliability, friendliness,whatever) that outweighs the cost/price/scale advantages enjoyed by the big guys. Don't whine- kick their butts!

[Holland&Holland]

This is a case where I should say nothing; but can’t help it’ The price match thing.
We used to be a nation of small businesses; ma and pop stores. Our retail community had personality, character. You could build a relationship with a business and thus the greater community. Enter the corporate world. Massive advertising and huge Public/private partnerships that have flat out bought our political system. The consumer gets tricked into thinking they are getting convenience and price and you do get price until every family owned restaurant, hardware store, gas station, movie theater is ground to dust. Then you get one choice; to give your money to the billion dollar maga store. Each uniform; each staffed by under paid drones. Chain, after chain where the owner is someone you will never see, never meet, never look in the eye.
Your price shopping didn’t save you $40 – it allowed you to break even while fed a gluten a morsel and denied a child a meal.
Savvy shopping indeed
The idea of these massive stores would be better prices, supplies, selection, employment for communities. Take a look around folks – Hows that working out for us? I still remember the family that owned the one pump gas station by my house and now every time I fill up as an SA I choke back a tear… ala Fred Eaglesmith – the “White Rose” is just a memory now.
I get a buck is a buck and people should shop around – but damn – factor into the price the cost of the world you will help build.
Sorry for the lecture; but we have forgotten so much about what made us great and now wonder why we even have to worry about what “they” are going to do to us? We forget they didn’t do a damn thing we didn’t let them do.
OK – flame away

Ok, you asked for it. I like how you can get all high and mighty about the big evil corporate giant but yet when you get questioned on why your prices on AR mags just went through the roof the answer is "that is capitalism" "the market will bear what the market will bear". You can't have it both ways. If you want capitalism and an open market where you can make your profit in the good years then don't whine about the "other guy" who is underpricing you.

[XDM45]

9mm = .45acp set on "stun"

I dig that tagline

[Holland&Holland]

This is a case where I should say nothing; but can’t help it’ The price match thing.
We used to be a nation of small businesses; ma and pop stores. Our retail community had personality, character. You could build a relationship with a business and thus the greater community. Enter the corporate world. Massive advertising and huge Public/private partnerships that have flat out bought our political system. The consumer gets tricked into thinking they are getting convenience and price and you do get price until every family owned restaurant, hardware store, gas station, movie theater is ground to dust. Then you get one choice; to give your money to the billion dollar maga store. Each uniform; each staffed by under paid drones. Chain, after chain where the owner is someone you will never see, never meet, never look in the eye.
Your price shopping didn’t save you $40 – it allowed you to break even while fed a gluten a morsel and denied a child a meal.
Savvy shopping indeed
The idea of these massive stores would be better prices, supplies, selection, employment for communities. Take a look around folks – Hows that working out for us? I still remember the family that owned the one pump gas station by my house and now every time I fill up as an SA I choke back a tear… ala Fred Eaglesmith – the “White Rose” is just a memory now.
I get a buck is a buck and people should shop around – but damn – factor into the price the cost of the world you will help build.
Sorry for the lecture; but we have forgotten so much about what made us great and now wonder why we even have to worry about what “they” are going to do to us? We forget they didn’t do a damn thing we didn’t let them do.
OK – flame away

Mike,

I agree.

I wonder how many people here are principals.

I don't. While it is nice and full of warm fuzzy nostalgia, it will lead to seriously overpriced goods. I remember shopping for clothes in 1977 at Glickman's in Saratoga Springs NY. I can still smell the place. It was great. And I (and most others) don't/won't spend $30 for boxer shorts or $65 for Levis just to have that experience. A consumer base or market does not exist to keep a business in business, keep nice guys like Mike employed, or keep grandpa employed at the woolen mill. Businesses are created/exist to create a financial return for their shareholders/owners. They do this by providing/selling goods and/or services to a marketplace. The burden to sell relevant goods and services at prices consumers are willing to pay is on the business. Value is entirely arbitrary, random, and relative. Its power rests solely in the eye of the beholder/buyer. Three examples for me-

Gunstop and Frontiersman- Typical gun shop atmosphere. Great service, great selection of products I like, flexible and responsive to my wants, staff has developed insight to my likes and priced right. I think I am smack in the middle of their target market.
Arnzen- Beautiful retail environment in a high dollar neighborhood. Really friendly staff. Doesn't really stock what I want, prices do not make my wallet come out. I think I am nowhere near their target market.
Gander Mountain- Decent service, huge selection of overpriced stuff that does not capture my attention or interest. Generally very friendly staff (even if half of them are clueless). Used guns run the gamut of silly stupid high to silly great prices. I have no clue if I'm in their target market.

I'm 51, have a great job, good disposable income, and spend a lot of it on guns. On paper, I should be a sweet spot for a gun store. It's the gun store/business's job to provide a blend of goods, services, prices, value, etc. that attract a desired mix of customers who will spend their money in the business. I don't need or want a heck of a lot of "expertise" or service in the things I like and know well- 870's, ARs, 1911's, Glocks, Remington 700s and tube fed .22s. What I want is a good selection of (mostly used) these things at good prices. What I end up doing is buying guns mostly Gunstop and Frontiersman with very little or no price negotiation, cherry-picking goose hill's used section, and stopping into Arnzen hoping they will actually start a meaningful used gun business (I'm getting the feeling that's not part of their business plan).

I guess this is a long (and rambling - sorry) way of saying that there is no right or wrong way of looking at this or any business. It's up to the consumer to choose. It's up to the business to "win" that choice. Small businesses that thrive in the shadow of giant businesses do so by offering something (innovation, service, reliability, friendliness,whatever) that outweighs the cost/price/scale advantages enjoyed by the big guys. Don't whine- kick their butts!

That was very well said.