Interesting experience with ammo at Cabela's

[JeffDilla]

I was traveling yesterday and stopped at Cabela's (about 2.5 hours from my house) to pick up some ammo and shooting supplies I needed and to just browse and kill time. I wandered over the the .22 area just to see if they had any in stock - even though I knew they wouldn't - and, of course, the shelves were bare.

While I was standing there, one of the employees from behind the gun counter walked over with an older couple, to show them where the .22 ammo was (or would have been). He said, "Looks like we're all out", much to the disappointment of the couple. He asked if they lived locally and recommended that they come in early in the morning, when the store opened, and that would be their best chance of finding some. The couple responded that they weren't local and were from out of town.

The employee then said quietly, "Here, follow me" and walked over to the gun counter, told them to wait, then went out back. This caught my curiosity, so I nonchalantly walked over by the gun counter. He came back with a brick of .22 lr and attempted to discreetly hand it to them and told them to have a nice day. Of course, they were very happy and walked away towards the checkout.

A few minutes later, I asked that same employee if there was any .22 lr in stock. He proceeded to tell me (unaware that I had witnessed what had just happened) that they were cleaned out and the shelves were bare. I asked him if they might have any out back and he said if they had any, it would be on the shelf. This was aggravating, but I didn't feel like arguing and letting him know that I had just watched what happened. So I moved on and left the store.

Has anyone else seen anything like this? I know there are a lot of people saying that employees at some retail chains are holding ammo for friends, etc., but this seems to be a bunch of hearsay. I'm not really sure what I witnessed, but it certainly irked me.

I'm glad the old couple got what they were looking for but I'm wondering how to join this exclusive club for access to the secret stash. Is there a secret handshake that I'm missing?

 

[allaroundhunter]

but I'm wondering how to join this exclusive club for access to the secret stash. Is there a secret handshake that I'm missing?

Look a little older?

In all seriousness, while it isn't the best business practice, each business has a right to refuse sale to any person... Or to hold a product to be sold to certain people.

It is possible that he had put that brick away for himself to purchase but decided that he would be a decent person and allow this couple to purchase it instead.

 

[JeffDilla]

In all seriousness, while it isn't the best business practice, each business has a right to refuse sale to any person... Or to hold a product to be sold to certain people.

It is possible that he had put that brick away for himself to purchase but decided that he would be a decent person and allow this couple to purchase it instead.

Right, and I get that. That's why I decided not to push the issue. Who knows his reasoning, even though he told me, "If we had any, it would be on the shelf."

 

[USAF_Vet]

If it seemed like I wasn't going to get what I came for, and witnessed something similar, I would not have said nothing. I would have called him out point blank over his actions and lies, then spoken to a manager. I only live about 40 minutes from a Cabelas, so it isn't far out of my way. I still would be unhappy with the situation. I don't fault any one for keeping high demand ammo in the back, but I do fault them for lying about it.

 

[smalls]

If you are really curious enough, You should have called him out and asked him. We can't really tell you why he did what he did. I'm sure he could have, though.

He might've very well had a great reason, but we'll never know.

 

[hovercat]

Another possibility is that they keep a bit in back for folks who purchase a firearm. The lady may have brought memories of his dear mother, and he could not stand to see disappointment on her beatific face.

 

[Analogkid]

I saw this happen first hand at my local Walmart. I had ran in for a battery powered fan for a Upcoming camping trip.

I stopped by the ammo counter for my Father who lives in a rural area that has been dry on ammo for a long time.. I asked the clerk if he had any and he snarkly gestured to the empty cabinet behind him and he went on to help the next guy in line.

I went to the camping section to look for for the fan and on the aisle over I overheard a Man ask the guy (that helped me at the counter) by name who was stocking shelves if he had any 9mm in stock. He says "Yah hang on" and he went to the front counter and took 3 100 rd packs out from under it and sold it to the guy.

I wasn't pleased to say the least. I stated my thoughts on the whole deal and ended up talking to a General Manager about it. On one of the local forums I am On There had already been several complaints to this Manager of clerks hiding it and buying it at the end of their shifts or calling friends and family first when it came in and then keeping it in the warehouse until they came in.


No matter how you cut it this is a poor business practice.

 

[JeffDilla]

Another possibility is that they keep a bit in back for folks who purchase a firearm.

That was my first thought. And I think that's a very reasonable thing to do.

 

[grubbylabs]

It might have been from the new gun stash. I know my local Sportsman's has a stash of 22 they hold onto for people who buy a new 22.

 

[USAF_Vet]

My LGS has a stash of ammo for new gun purchases, and I don't see any fault with that policy. But if asked directly, they will at least be honest. Most people will understand and appreciate their honesty. Employees that bend the rules get on my nerves.

 

[Old Fuff]

Stories like this are going to be around until supply equals and then exceeds the demand. Right now I'm going to wait until that day, and when it does I'll remember those that did right, and those that didn't. In the meantime I'll sit it out, as I've done on a number of other occasions.

I'll also remember those in Washington and elsewhere that were (and still are) the real cause of the ammunition shortages in the first place.

 

[Reloadron]

Has anyone else seen anything like this? I know there are a lot of people saying that employees at some retail chains are holding ammo for friends, etc., but this seems to be a bunch of hearsay. I'm not really sure what I witnessed, but it certainly irked me.

A few weeks ago I was down in Columbus, Ohio and visited the new Cabela's on the north end. I planned to buy reloading components but never made it out of the Gun Library section. There was a S&W Model 27-2 I liked and decided I had to have so with my wife's blessings I negotiated a little and bought the gun.

I dd notice before this happened there was no 357 Magnum ammunition on the shelf. When I said I wanted the gun the salesman working with me asked if I wanted any ammunition. I mentioned there was none on the shelf. He told me if I wanted some they had some for me. I didn't need any.

Cabela's does in fact hold some ammunition back. They do this so they can offer it to gun buying customers. I can't say this is true of all guns and calibers but they do hold some ammunition back so it can be offered to a gun buying customer as I was. I don't have a problem with the practice.

As to the elderly couple in the original post, I haven't a clue why they were eventually offered a brick of 22 ammunition.

Ron

 

[JeffDilla]

Cabela's does in fact hold some ammunition back. They do this so they can offer it to gun buying customers. I can't say this is true of all guns and calibers but they do hold some ammunition back so it can be offered to a gun buying customer as I was. I don't have a problem with the practice.

Again, this was my first thought and I have no issue with this practice either.

I guess I should mention that, while mildly annoying, I wasn't overly angry or upset about this whole thing. I wasn't about to cause a scene over it but I did think it was worth sharing here to get others' feedback.

 

[HOOfan_1]

At some retailers employees are encouraged to bend the rules for customers....

 

[Reloadron]

Again, this was my first thought and I have no issue with this practice either.

I guess I should mention that, while mildly annoying, I wasn't overly angry or upset about this whole thing. I wasn't about to cause a scene over it but I did think it was worth sharing here to get others' feedback.

Well based on my recent experience your first thought was on target.

Something else I have noticed is my local Gander Mountain (Twinsburg, Ohio Location) has had a pretty good stock of ammunition including several flavors of 22 LR. This location stocks ammunition on Thursday mornings. They open at 9:00 AM and more than once I was in there at 9:30 AM and pretty much alone. My recent reads at local retail stores as well as online retail is that ammunition is slowly returning to the store shelves.

Ron

 

[Barr]

My guess is that the sales clerk had placed a brick or two back for his private purchase at the end of the shift. If he took it out of his allotment this reflects good character.

The difference is upfront honesty, saying that they had none in stock is misleading. Better to say you have non available, and what ammo is in the store is already allocated to employees or new gun purchasers.

 

[OilyPablo]

I know for a fact our North Cabela's does this. In fact they hold ammo back for friends of employees and give them discounts to boot. Kinda crappy if you don't have the inside track.

 

[BSA1]

This is just a sad commentary on how "me only" our society has become.

It use to be that going out of one's way to help someone who was at a disadvantage was considered a honorable thing to do. Now if you extend a helping hand you face getting into trouble and possibly losing your job.

But what can we expect from a society that has turned it's back on a belief in a higher power than man and the 10 Commandments?

 

[OilyPablo]

This is just a sad commentary on how "me only" our society has become.

It use to be that going out of one's way to help someone who was at a disadvantage was considered a honorable thing to do. Now if you extend a helping hand you face getting into trouble and possibly losing your job.

But what can we expect from a society that has turned it's back on a belief in a higher power than man and the 10 Commandants?

I think you mean Commandments. But actually I don't think anyone in this thread had any problems with helping folks out, or the employee who did such a thing. Plus - is the employee at Cabela's in danger of losing the job? No. And I really have a tough time putting this type of thing on the same moral plain.

I doubt many here have a problem with a company reserving ammo for folks who purchase a gun from said company - especially if this company has a public statement to do this. I think the irk, for me at least, is the secrethandshake deal. For example, a fellow I work with has a friend with a spouse employed by Cabela's. This guy - just through this relationship receives:

a) notification when ammo is in stock
b) ammo from the back/under the counter
c) discount on the ammo

All without buying a gun. Surely this must be against Cabela's policy.

 

[ID-shooting]

Not that I agree but I can see why he would say there wasn't want there. Imagine you are a lowly store employee, You have a small stash in back for new-gun sales or even personal (perks of retail). Some stranger comes up and asks if you have any. You can say, "no, sorry" and be on your way or you can say "yes, but, it is being held for reason _______" Next thing you know, you have a customer screaming his fool head off in the middle of your store. How many times have we al seen some @ss hat pitch a fit just to get their way, right or wrong?

Not saying you would do that, but that poor just-above minimum wage sales dude doesn't know that. Why take the risk.

I do the same in my work. Everybody knows you don't show up to a doctor's office and demand to see your doctor. You have to go through me first. It's called triage and is there for a reason. Some guys, depending on their attitude, I tell them "He has gone for the day." knowing full well the doc is in back. I am not about to have some jerk scream and yell in my waiting room over some trivial crud that can be addressed in time. Now, give me chance to find out what is bothering you, and you may get a ticket to the "front of the buss."

 

[OilyPablo]

Imagine you are a lowly store employee, You have a small stash in back for new-gun sales....

Take the load off the clerk and clearly post the policy.

 

[Reloadron]

It is not at all unusual or for that matter unfair for any large retail chain to offer their employees an employee discount plan. Call it a perk and benefit or simply compensation for the lower end wages most of these folks working retail make. From ammunition to washing machines.

Generally it is the employee and only the employee eligible for a discount and the employee using their ID card must make the purchase. I never saw an example where an employee could offer their discount to a friend. Rather the employee makes the purchase and passes the product along to a friend.

I had a friend who worked part time at the local Gander Mountain. It was not unusual when they took in a gun as trade to call friends and tell them about it and get them a good deal. He also would buy, using his discount, ammunition for friends and family. Granted, this was all before Sandy Hook but the practice was always around. While I was never personally a beneficiary of these "good deals" I never had a problem with the practice. For me to have an issue with that simply would have been sour grapes on my part.

All of a sudden Sandy Hook comes along and now these practices which have always been have become a big deal to many? What's with that? Life isn't fair, never was and never will be, accept it and get over it.

Ron

 

[OilyPablo]

It is not at all unusual or for that matter unfair for any large retail chain to offer their employees an employee discount plan. Call it a perk and benefit or simply compensation for the lower end wages most of these folks working retail make. From ammunition to washing machines.

Generally it is the employee and only the employee eligible for a discount and the employee using their ID card must make the purchase. I never saw an example where an employee could offer their discount to a friend. Rather the employee makes the purchase and passes the product along to a friend.

I am not exactly sure what Cabela's policy is, and I think it's excellent when employees get discounts.

My rub is not the discount, it's the discount on "out of stock" items to friends and a special phone call when this stuff is not not available to the public. I think this may violate a policy or two.

 

[JeffDilla]

This is just a sad commentary on how "me only" our society has become.

It use to be that going out of one's way to help someone who was at a disadvantage was considered a honorable thing to do. Now if you extend a helping hand you face getting into trouble and possibly losing your job.

But what can we expect from a society that has turned it's back on a belief in a higher power than man and the 10 Commandants?

How has anything anyone said in this thread led you to believe this is an instance of "me only"? I clearly stated that I was happy for the couple who got their ammo. Was I bummed that I didn't have the same opportunity? Sure. Did I pursue it and make a stink of it to the employee? No, I didn't.

I suppose I could change your statement and say your post is "just a sad commentary on how "holier-than-thou" our society has become.

 

[Reloadron]

I am not exactly sure what Cabela's policy is, and I think it's excellent when employees get discounts.

My rub is not the discount, it's the discount on "out of stock" items to friends and a special phone call when this stuff is not not available to the public. I think this may violate a policy or two.

I feel your pain. All I could offer was my recent experience which was way off target from what we are now discussing. As to any Cabela's policy? I haven't a clue.

However, I will offer up the following for consideration.

When we, as in any of us witness something that we feel is unfair or a bad business practice we should notify the retailer. All major retail stores have a store number and location. All that is really needed is the store location. Using this thread as an example:

To Whom it May Concern;

During a recent visit to the Cabela's Scarborough, Maine Retail Store I observed the following. While I was shopping, one of the employees from behind the gun counter walked over to assist an older couple, to show them where the .22 ammo was (or would have been). He said, "Looks like we're all out", much to the disappointment of the couple. He asked if they lived locally and recommended that they come in early in the morning, when the store opened, and that would be their best chance of finding some. The couple responded that they weren't local and were from out of town..........

I would include the date and time of the visit and as many details as possible. Then in some detail explain exactly what transpired. Make it clear your objective is not to get an employee into hot water as you found the employee to be friendly and courteous but to gain a clarification of store or company policy governing ammunition sales during these difficult times. I am sure you get the idea. Apply class to your letter or email. Be polite sans any rant or BS, keep it short and to the point. You will attract more flies with honey than vinegar.

Rest assured Cabela's will respond or just about any major retailer. Major retailers do not want in any way, shape form or manner to be seen or portrayed in a bad light. Then when the subject comes up in forum discussion feel free to post your letter and the retailers response.

There have been likely 100 plus post regarding Walmart on these forums. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I heard it from a friend who herd it from a friend who... Yet, of all the post I have yet to see a single shred of evidence or a copy of letter written and received to substantiate the claims. Leads me to wonder how much is truth and how much is BS?

So anyway, that would be my suggestion as complaints in the forum are like preaching to the choir.

Ron