Gun Stop Mtka- TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!

[yuppiejr]

While I have not had horrible experiences at Gunstop, I haven't exactly been blown away by their eagerness to help either (not talking about the reloading side - they are awesome). They have good prices, and I am sure they are great guys if you get to know them, but I simple 'hello' to a customer that is browsing goes a long way.

Question for those that think their service is awesome (not trying to troll here): Would you be happy if you were shopping at a non-gun store (Target, Best Buy, Cub, whatever) and had to wait to be acknowledged while two teenagers sit and BS when they know full well that you are there? It sometimes seems like gun shops get a pass on service we might expect elsewhere just because they are 'gun guys'.

Again, not bashing Gunstop, but I have had better service at Bill's, Arnzen Arms, and Frontiersman (and nobody ever accused those guys of been warm and fuzzy )

I guess I am not wearing my crown around most days so I don't expect the ring kissed until I've had a chance to let people know I'm kind of a big deal.

[GunClasses.Net]

I would call them typical. They are gruff old gun guys that really only want to talk to their buddies or hard core gun people. If you are a noob they seem to smell it on you and ignore you. If I was a manager reading this I would definitely see an opportunity in improving this to increase sales.

The reloading side is a whole different story. That side is great.

I have been impressed with Arnzen's customer service in EP.

Do you think the customer service issues, in general, are 'grumpy old gun guys' - who, today probably aren't thinking about 'increasing sales', not when stuff's flying off the shelves. Or, could it be that some are independent shop owners who both write their own rules and standards, and then further answer to nobody, and never take the mandated customer service trainings the larger corporations require? Maybe some couldn't last in the corporate world being told how to do things. And maybe they stopped learning certain things, or regressed?

I'd like to think that gun store people can be as friendly as Starbucks or Target without the corporate layers, and that it's not the industry itself. That said, I've definitely run into my share of grumpy, crusty, hate everybody gun guys, but they're a small minority among countless more friendly, helpful people!

[XDM45]

I just vote with my dollars, that's all.

I don't bother telling a business why I no longer shop there because they didn't care enough to keep my business, so they won't care enough to hear why either. It's just too little too late, just like an "Exit Interview" at a job. meh. Pointless. When enough people do this, the business goes under and wonders why. Yes, there are those people who just want the cheapest item for the cheapest price; but most people want good service. Great, even good, customer service is rare these days.

It seems like many businesses (especially the mid-to-large-sized ones), don't really care and have this attitude of "Well, that's the way it is. If you don't like it, GTFO and don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya." Like it's some sort of favor the businesses are doing us for allowing the peons to shop and spend their peon money at the almighty store. The peons should be thankful that they allow us in so we may bask in their glory and give them money.

bull pucky.

I'm not saying the stores need to kiss the customer's butt, but it's gone too far the other direction these past few years.

I've been looking for someone to do some finished carpentry, can't get calls back from people. Some show up, take measurements, never hear from them again. One guy wanted me to do the measuring and fax it to him. I've got cash, but can't seem to spend it. Seems like people don't need it. Oh well.

[xd ED]

I would call them typical. They are gruff old gun guys that really only want to talk to their buddies or hard core gun people. If you are a noob they seem to smell it on you and ignore you. If I was a manager reading this I would definitely see an opportunity in improving this to increase sales.

The reloading side is a whole different story. That side is great.

I have been impressed with Arnzen's customer service in EP.

Do you think the customer service issues, in general, are 'grumpy old gun guys' - who, today probably aren't thinking about 'increasing sales', not when stuff's flying off the shelves. Or, could it be that some are independent shop owners who both write their own rules and standards, and then further answer to nobody, and never take the mandated customer service trainings the larger corporations require? Maybe some couldn't last in the corporate world being told how to do things. And maybe they stopped learning certain things, or regressed?

I'd like to think that gun store people can be as friendly as Starbucks or Target without the corporate layers, and that it's not the industry itself. That said, I've definitely run into my share of grumpy, crusty, hate everybody gun guys, but they're a small minority among countless more friendly, helpful people!

Interesting comment.
Personally, I would much prefer to be ignored, than to experience the corporate inspired customer service delivered at starbucks.
I don't go there to discuss 'how my day's going so far', or need the assurance of: "excellent choice" when I ask for a large ( not venti-shamenti) coffee. ... but that's justa me.

[911scanner]

I used to work in retail: Many varieties for almost 25 years. From ground level to corporate mgmt.

Retail is retail. Rule #1) Greet the customer. It helps people to be patient and prevents loss.

If you can't do that, then you should be doing online sales. I have stood in GS many times, and have made purchases or done haggling a few times as well. That being said, some of the staff (specifically Larry) could use some basic retail training.

Do they have the product I want at a fair price? Yes.

Do I deserve to be treated well simply because I walked into their business and may have money in my pocket? Yes.

If you can't do the basics, I may or may not return. Your paycheck may or may not depend on these return sales.

If you don't care, then neither do I.

[Dakotared]

The ignoring you seems to be common at many gun-shops. I have been ignored at many over the years and always share my experience with my fellow gun buyers.
I have found a good steady stare at the employee that's ignoring you works wonders and you usually get a nervous can I help you?
You guys behind the counter will get more sales if you start a conversation with the customers !
Hell there's a gun shop in Isanti . That you get a down right hostile feeling from the guy that owns it. I know that has cost him sales from friends of mine.
That live in Isanti. I and they have not set foot in that shop for at least 3 years.

He has always been very helpful to me. His prices may be a little high and hours not that friendly but I would say he is a pretty nice guy.

[gunforhire]

venti-shamenti coffee. ...

What the hell did you just say?? I like my coffee black and in a cup

[TJ]

bought my pf-9 from them. And a couple of mags....price had gone up on the mags but they sold me the 2 on the shelf at the old price.

[GunClasses.Net]

I would call them typical. They are gruff old gun guys that really only want to talk to their buddies or hard core gun people. If you are a noob they seem to smell it on you and ignore you. If I was a manager reading this I would definitely see an opportunity in improving this to increase sales.

The reloading side is a whole different story. That side is great.

I have been impressed with Arnzen's customer service in EP.

Do you think the customer service issues, in general, are 'grumpy old gun guys' - who, today probably aren't thinking about 'increasing sales', not when stuff's flying off the shelves. Or, could it be that some are independent shop owners who both write their own rules and standards, and then further answer to nobody, and never take the mandated customer service trainings the larger corporations require? Maybe some couldn't last in the corporate world being told how to do things. And maybe they stopped learning certain things, or regressed?

I'd like to think that gun store people can be as friendly as Starbucks or Target without the corporate layers, and that it's not the industry itself. That said, I've definitely run into my share of grumpy, crusty, hate everybody gun guys, but they're a small minority among countless more friendly, helpful people!

Interesting comment.
Personally, I would much prefer to be ignored, than to experience the corporate inspired customer service delivered at starbucks.
I don't go there to discuss 'how my day's going so far', or need the assurance of: "excellent choice" when I ask for a large ( not venti-shamenti) coffee. ... but that's justa me.

I think you've touched on the scripted shallow fakey customer service and yes I hate that too...! It's... "customer service theatre". It's "I was told to say this this way and with this fake smile"? Am I understanding?

Wells Fargo tellers are actresses and actors on the Customer Service stage, I think, as an example. Don't get me wrong, I do think they're nice folks, but they are (I think) "over-scripted".

Real customer service is genuine and builds trust, not suspicion.

I worked retail for 15 yrs and managed for 5. I saw it on both sides of the counter, too.

[sawgrass]

I called Marv this am to see how he's doing and he was at work! In for three hours today. We went to see him and he gave us some candy that his wife made and we talked about SHOT SHOW stuff. They weren't busy and the shelves are half empty.

Then went to the GS. It wasn't busy at all. Talked with Larry, asked to see a gun that is on my list that I can't afford and we chatted about it. I asked him about something else that I want but haven't ever seen. He got out one of his books and we talked about it. We left without buying anything and he called us both by name and told us to have a good day. Even with reduced inventory he has very cool inventory that I haven't ever seen except on gun forums.

Went on to AA, petted the dog, shot the bull with Mike Reilly, because I'm happy to have a dealer who likes 1911's. Gunner has been a peach for the last three days checking, even on Sunday when they were closed about my delayed status.

Maybe it helps to walk in, smile and say "hello __________, how's it going?"

Oh hell, I like them all!

[XDM45]

I've purchased at Bill's in Robinsdale and at Gun Stop before the changeover, both were fine. I window shopped at Arnzen Arms and would do business with them too. All in all, I've never had a problem at any MN gun shop I've been to, but then I haven't been to a ton of them either, so take that with a grain of salt too.

[TooTech]

Personally I love the Gun Stop, been a customer for years. I like their laid back style, and that I can look at a gun without being hovered over. One of the few shops in town that really knows their stuff and doesn't try to steer you to THEIR personal favorite firearms/calibers.

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. Different strokes.....

[TooTech]

I just vote with my dollars, that's all.

I don't bother telling a business why I no longer shop there because they didn't care enough to keep my business, so they won't care enough to hear why either. It's just too little too late, just like an "Exit Interview" at a job. meh. Pointless. When enough people do this, the business goes under and wonders why. Yes, there are those people who just want the cheapest item for the cheapest price; but most people want good service. Great, even good, customer service is rare these days.

It seems like many businesses (especially the mid-to-large-sized ones), don't really care and have this attitude of "Well, that's the way it is. If you don't like it, GTFO and don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya." Like it's some sort of favor the businesses are doing us for allowing the peons to shop and spend their peon money at the almighty store. The peons should be thankful that they allow us in so we may bask in their glory and give them money.

bull pucky.

I'm not saying the stores need to kiss the customer's butt, but it's gone too far the other direction these past few years.

I've been looking for someone to do some finished carpentry, can't get calls back from people. Some show up, take measurements, never hear from them again. One guy wanted me to do the measuring and fax it to him. I've got cash, but can't seem to spend it. Seems like people don't need it. Oh well.

Now you just sound like a grump. I'm a member of the same lodge, so that's just fine.
But when I've got my grump shields up, I don't want or expect expect people to willingly talk to me.

[sansooshooter]

The ignoring you seems to be common at many gun-shops. I have been ignored at many over the years and always share my experience with my fellow gun buyers.
I have found a good steady stare at the employee that's ignoring you works wonders and you usually get a nervous can I help you?
You guys behind the counter will get more sales if you start a conversation with the customers !
Hell there's a gun shop in Isanti . That you get a down right hostile feeling from the guy that owns it. I know that has cost him sales from friends of mine.
That live in Isanti. I and they have not set foot in that shop for at least 3 years.

He has always been very helpful to me. His prices may be a little high and hours not that friendly but I would say he is a pretty nice guy.

Good to hear. I have no ill intent towards the shop. Just my expirence there. He should show that helpful side more often.

[Snakeman721]

Best line I ever heard from a gun salesman was from an older gentleman behind the gun counter at Cabela's in Rogers when I was casually looking at 1911's in the handgun case........."See anything you'd like to leave your fingerprints on?" I thought it was a clever and casual way to let me know that if I wanted a closer look at anything in the gun case, that he was right there to oblige. On the other hand, I've been to Gander Mountain in Blaine and been totally ignored, which isn't all that bad...they do help out IF I ask them. But what really irritates me about that particular GM is the 10-12 foot distance between the gun racks behind the counter and me. My eyes aren't that eagle sharp to spot the make, model, price, etc on the damn tag attached to the trigger guard that invariably is tuned BACKWARDS so you can't read it at all. I've been tempted to grab a pair of their binoculars to cruise the gun racks....lol. But mostly, I just leave...disgusted that the employees there don't care enough to TURN ALL THE TAGS OUTWARD so that they could be seen. It happens with their handguns in the cases up front also. Three or four pistols in a row with the price tags turn over....ONE FOOT FROM MY FACE. Yah, couldn't turn the tag outwards when yah put the gun away from the last time it got looked at? DUH!

Oh yeah, I agree with another poster in this thread...Wells Fargo is WAAAAAAAAYYYYY too chatty with their false interest in "what the rest of my day" is going to be like. A simple "Hello" and "Would you like large or small bills" is more than sufficient.