Can't find the firearm you want?

[PT1911]

seems to me the OP is very appropriate in what he is saying... I spend quite a bit of time in my local shop and see the same customers coming in day after day (not a problem, they are welcom), but, take the kel tec 3 at for instance. Jack comes in monday and asks if they have any or will be getting any... "no jack, we havent had more than 5 come in since the election and those didnt even make it to the shelf, spoke to my retailer today, just laughed at me when I asked about the kel tecs. next day, Jack asks about the kel tec, next day, jack asks about the kel tec, this goes on for a couple weeks, finally jack walks in just as the truck arrives, "any kel tecs?" "actually, we just got one in on this truck." "what is the price?" "270.00 (ish) "is that the best you can do on it, how bout 260?"

these customers, though they are welcome, must learn to be patient, the market is just not allowing for the availability of ample guns... my local shop is regularly attempting to get 30+ guns each week and are successfully getting between 1 and 5!!!!

 

[Phydeaux642]

please don't ask us to:

-Put you on a 'waiting list' and/or take a deposit for a particular firearm when it is clear that the firearm isn't currently available from one of our distributors or direct from the manufacturer.

I have a shop that will do exactly those things and I really appreciate it. I don't bug them about time lines or expected delivery dates or even what then new 'panic' price from the wholesaler will be. I either ask to be put on a list or give a down payment on the item. I asked them awhile back to put me on a list for some 7.62x39 ammo. I wasn't in a hurry and they knew that. They had it for me yesterday when I went in to look around. That's one reason I spend so much money there - they treat their customers well.

 

[TRGRHPY]

I worked in sales of motorcycles, atv, jet skis, etc...things that are "wants" and not "needs". Certain items which would be very hot sellers would have people coming in and calling non-stop all day. It gets monotonous (sp?) but that's the business of sales and if you don't like something that basic then change jobs. There is more to selling than just pocketing the cash and it's called customer service. Salespeople get very lazy and only want the green and avoid the "time" that has to be put into the job. Answering these questions that you seem to have a problem with is part of that job...at least if you want repeat customers and/or a loyal customer base. This panic buying will cease at some point and how you act now will dictate who comes back to you when they "want" something rather than feel the "need" like they do now.

Salespersons get burned out on things of this very nature and it ends up showing in how they deal with customers...customers pick up on the smallest inconsistency with their salespeople which is why there is so much training out there. This is also why in vehicle sales, that a very common practice is to rotate/fire salespeople who have been there between 2-3 years....that's about how long it takes for sales people to get burned out and their sales degrade/lose customers regularly.

This isn't to be insulting because I've been in that type of situation. I will say that it isn't healthy for you if you're at the point of venting this frustration on a public site. These types of "rants" really need to stay behind closed doors. When I say health, I mean it literally. It is obviously causing you stress, which leads to all kinds of health issues. Take a vacation, or find a new hobby to occupy your mind...something besides work that will interest you.

Good luck.

 

[crazy-mp]

Barrel First

please don't ask us to

What part of that didn’t I understand? You say that you don’t want people to ask you to put them on a waiting list. I understand you cant sell what you don’t have but wouldn't you TRY to make someone feel you cared and actually wanted their business?

Do you only carry the guns you like in your store, or will you special order a gun for someone?

Our decision not to maintain waiting lists for scores of different firearms has nothing to do with the distributors we use...unless, of course, you take into account their inability to supply all the inventory we want because mfrs. can't produce them fast enough to meet demand.

By that quote you would not have ordered my rifle because when I told my local FFL dealer to get me one it was not being shipped yet. But he likes selling guns to one of his best customers. <---I can back that comment up.

Why would anyone want a Ruger LCP? Get a Kel-Tec! No recalls