Starting part-time job at gun shop & range for the first time…

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For the last three months, I've been working behind the gun counter at a large multi-state retailer. Here's my experience so far.
  • You'll learn all sorts of conspiracy theories whether you wanted to or not.
  • About 10% of the gun buying public doesn't bother with any sort of personal hygiene.
  • If your gut tells you not to sell the gun, don't sell the gun.
  • Don't push females toward 380ACP just because they are females. If they can handle a sub-compact 380ACP, they can handle a compact 9mm easier. Plus there's more ammo availability with 9mm.
  • Have your customers pull the slide back and operate the controls on a semi-auto. You'd be surprised at how many can't or have a very hard time doing so. The S&W Shield EZ is your friend if they still want a semi-auto.
  • Don't sell a shotgun to a couple that has just come from lunch and they've told you they had several Margarita's.
  • Don't sell a gun to a guy that calls you on the phone and tells you he's been denied so he's sending his wife up to buy it for him. Make sure to get his wife's name to "better serve" the customer. Especially when he pauses for a second then asks you why you need to know his wife's name. Yes, they went on the "Do not sell to" list.
  • Don't sell a gun to a guy that has been standing in line for a while and starts screaming and throwing a huge temper tantrum about how stupid it is that he has to wait for everyone else in front of him. AND he's a FFL AND he has security clearances to work in the federal building downtown. He should get to cut to the front of the line. Yeah, that guy can't control his temper, so don't sell a gun to him.
  • Don't sell a gun to the guys that come in reeking of pot.
  • Don't sell a gun to the guys that reek of alcohol.
  • Don't sell a gun to a grandma when she can't even answer what caliber the gun is let alone whether its a handgun, shotgun or rifle. Amazingly her 30 year old grandson standing next to her could answer all those questions.
  • The most common error I see customers make on the 4473 is answering the city and state of birth question wrong. The next most common error is their height being different on the 4473 vs what is listed on their ID.
  • Yes, I've had felons say they were felons on the 4473.
  • I like to ask people if they have two different forms of government issued ID with their picture on it. If they don't have two, its no big deal and I move on with the process. But about 10% of the time someone will show me their medical marijuana card along with their drivers license.....Sorry, I can't sell you a gun.
  • Make sure to ask your customers if their current address is on the ID they're using.
  • Beware of residents of other states trying to buy a handgun. This happens a lot with snowbirds that are wanting to become first time handgun buyers. They reside in a different state now but they used to live in MI.
  • Don't accidentally put a TTSN number in the space where the NICS number is supposed to go on the 4473. Stupid CTRL-C, CTRL-V buffer got me.
  • Before you electronically sign the 4473 certifying that the customer has been given a proceed, scroll down the 4473 and make sure didn't accidentally copy/paste the stupid TTSN number in the NICS background check number's spot again!
  • After a customer is delayed, don't forget that the customer needs to re-certify their answers on the 4473 when they come back in to pick up the gun.
  • You'll get tired of saying things like. "Sorry, we don't have XYZ caliber of ammo." which is quickly followed by "No, I don't know when we are getting any in." which is then quickly followed by "No, we don't have any of XZY ammo stashed behind the counter or in the back room." Pro-tip. If we have it hidden behind the counter its because one of us who works in the store is going to buy it on our lunch break. That's one of the few perks of a rather low paying retail job. If you don't like it, come and work with us so you earn that benefit too.
  • Yes you can shoot 22 long rifle out of your 22LR handgun even thought it says "long rifle" on the box.
  • 95% of the customers are good people to deal with but you'll run into a least one or two jerks everyday. I just say "OK" and move on to serving someone else when an entitled customer says "They're never shopping here again."
  • Don't be afraid to buy a pmag out of your own pocket for a customer that had to wait longer because you messed up his 4473 twice. I was new and it took me a while to get it fixed in our software. See above about putting a TTSN number where the NICS number needs to go.
  • The best part of my job is giving treats to the dogs that come into the store!
 
Be very familiar with current state and federal regulations and procedures concerning sales. At a gun shop/range I go to in PA they have notices posted that possessing a Medical Marijuana card is a bar to a sale under federal law, here in NJ the State Police took over the background checks, so it's you pays your money, fill out the paperwork-and the dealer notifies you when your background check is completed.
 
I worked part time (nights weekends) at a shop/range for 5yrs.
Nice to go blast a few rounds during down time.
I always kept a few hundred rounds loaded in the booth for those opportunities.
Got some great deals on used guns, a few on new ones.
Overall liked the job, crappy pay, but the guys/gals (co-workers) and most of the customers were great.
 
Just one little thing. PLEASE lay the firearms out so the price tag is visible. I don't know how many times I'm at a LGS
and all the price tags are upside down or covered, and I have to ask some poor clerk unnecessarily "How much is that one ? How much is that one? How much is that one?" Then they get it out, load check it, hand it to me. All I wanted to know was the price.

You can save yourself a potload of dicking around, with stuff at the counter, later, if the price of the firearm is visible, as it should be.
 
ih772 said:
For the last three months, I've been working behind the gun counter at a large multi-state retailer. Here's my experience so far.
  • You'll learn all sorts of conspiracy theories whether you wanted to or not.
  • About 10% of the gun buying public doesn't bother with any sort of personal hygiene.
  • If your gut tells you not to sell the gun, don't sell the gun.
  • Don't push females toward 380ACP just because they are females. If they can handle a sub-compact 380ACP, they can handle a compact 9mm easier. Plus there's more ammo availability with 9mm.
  • Have your customers pull the slide back and operate the controls on a semi-auto. You'd be surprised at how many can't or have a very hard time doing so. The S&W Shield EZ is your friend if they still want a semi-auto.
  • Don't sell a shotgun to a couple that has just come from lunch and they've told you they had several Margarita's.
  • Don't sell a gun to a guy that calls you on the phone and tells you he's been denied so he's sending his wife up to buy it for him. Make sure to get his wife's name to "better serve" the customer. Especially when he pauses for a second then asks you why you need to know his wife's name. Yes, they went on the "Do not sell to" list.
  • Don't sell a gun to a guy that has been standing in line for a while and starts screaming and throwing a huge temper tantrum about how stupid it is that he has to wait for everyone else in front of him. AND he's a FFL AND he has security clearances to work in the federal building downtown. He should get to cut to the front of the line. Yeah, that guy can't control his temper, so don't sell a gun to him.
  • Don't sell a gun to the guys that come in reeking of pot.
  • Don't sell a gun to the guys that reek of alcohol.
  • Don't sell a gun to a grandma when she can't even answer what caliber the gun is let alone whether its a handgun, shotgun or rifle. Amazingly her 30 year old grandson standing next to her could answer all those questions.
  • The most common error I see customers make on the 4473 is answering the city and state of birth question wrong. The next most common error is their height being different on the 4473 vs what is listed on their ID.
  • Yes, I've had felons say they were felons on the 4473.
  • I like to ask people if they have two different forms of government issued ID with their picture on it. If they don't have two, its no big deal and I move on with the process. But about 10% of the time someone will show me their medical marijuana card along with their drivers license.....Sorry, I can't sell you a gun.
  • Make sure to ask your customers if their current address is on the ID they're using.
  • Beware of residents of other states trying to buy a handgun. This happens a lot with snowbirds that are wanting to become first time handgun buyers. They reside in a different state now but they used to live in MI.
  • Don't accidentally put a TTSN number in the space where the NICS number is supposed to go on the 4473. Stupid CTRL-C, CTRL-V buffer got me.
  • Before you electronically sign the 4473 certifying that the customer has been given a proceed, scroll down the 4473 and make sure didn't accidentally copy/paste the stupid TTSN number in the NICS background check number's spot again!
  • After a customer is delayed, don't forget that the customer needs to re-certify their answers on the 4473 when they come back in to pick up the gun.
  • You'll get tired of saying things like. "Sorry, we don't have XYZ caliber of ammo." which is quickly followed by "No, I don't know when we are getting any in." which is then quickly followed by "No, we don't have any of XZY ammo stashed behind the counter or in the back room." Pro-tip. If we have it hidden behind the counter its because one of us who works in the store is going to buy it on our lunch break. That's one of the few perks of a rather low paying retail job. If you don't like it, come and work with us so you earn that benefit too.
  • Yes you can shoot 22 long rifle out of your 22LR handgun even thought it says "long rifle" on the box.
  • 95% of the customers asay re good people to deal with but you'll run into a least one or two jerks everyday. I just say "OK" and move on to serving someone else when an entitled customer says "They're never shopping here again."
  • Don't be afraid to buy a pmag out of your own pocket for a customer that had to wait longer because you messed up his 4473 twice. I was new and it took me a while to get it fixed in our software. See above about putting a TTSN number where the NICS number needs to go.
  • The best part of my job is giving treats to the dogs that come into the store!
Click to expand...
Unfortunately there`s more than a few folks out there that shouldn`t own firearms for any number of reasons. I`ve a hunch that if the Founding Fathers could see some of the yahoos in the LGS, on the ranges or in the woods they`d say that the 2nd Amendment should apply to everyone except " Jack legs like this " !!
 
Dibbs said:
Just one little thing. PLEASE lay the firearms out so the price tag is visible. I don't know how many times I'm at a LGS
and all the price tags are upside down or covered, and I have to ask some poor clerk unnecessarily "How much is that one ? How much is that one? How much is that one?" Then they get it out, load check it, hand it to me. All I wanted to know was the price.

You can save yourself a potload of dicking around, with stuff at the counter, later, if the price of the firearm is visible, as it should be.
Click to expand...
I wonder if that’s a sales technique to be able to put the gun in their hand, with the idea that if they hold it, they’ll like it and want to buy it?
 
Be prepared to have "customers" waste your time telling you their life story and vast gun knowledge with never having any intention of buying anything. You will have to learn a diplomatic way to excuse yourself from them to help the potential real buyers. Also, dont forget to turn sway when you roll your eyes.
 
Don’t be afraid to kindly explain the four rules of gun safety and to be sure the person handling the firearm isn’t pointing it at you, other customers or themselves while handling a sample across the counter.
The only time I’ve ever blown my stack at a LGS was about 16-17 years ago. An early 20’s rookie-cop type kid was at the counter jawjacking with his young buddy behind the counter while fondling the latest Glock/Xd type gun they had.
The customer kept pointing it all over striking the latest tactical pose and a few times waived it past me and my then 11 year old daughter as we stood in line holding some ammo I was buying. After the second time we were muzzle swiped I said, “Please don’t point that at me, thank you.” The gun holder glanced over and sort of smirked and the clown behind the counter said, “It’s ok, he’s a deputy.”
My fuse was lit. I said loud enough for everyone near the counter to hear, “He’s a deputy? Well I’m a F-ing sergeant. If you waive that gun at me or my kid again your captain and I will be having words and I guarantee you won’t be a deputy much longer!” Leaving them bug-eyed I put my ammo down, walked to the front of the store, told the head guy up there the clerk was a total moron and I won’t be back at that location again. (I was a fairly regular customer of that store back then.) I never did go back to that one, either.
In cases like this the customer isn’t always right, he or she may need a little coaching so they get it right ;).

Good luck, be a friendly face at the counter and stay safe.
 
The best thing about working in a gun shop PT is the chance to add to your collection at great prices. I spent as much or more than I made most months. This is NOT a bad thing. You'll also get free hats, t-shirts, and other cool gun swag. A few things you should do are:

Sign up for all manufacturer employee/staff incentive plans ASAP. Sig and FN have very good ones and it's not that hard to earn free guns.

Be aware of any Friends of Industry discounts before you buy new guns from your boss. HK and SAI are very good to staff.

Take any Armorers Course that is offered to you for free. They often come with free tools and half price guns.
 
In my youth I lived in Southern California and surfed every day. I thought that getting a job in a surf shop would be the greatest thing ever so that I could become really absorbed in the scene and get paid to boot.
Turned out to be a mistake ... tedium , answering the same basic questions over and over , putting on the happy face for non-serious shoppers , putting up with self appointed experts/BSers and the like.

My advice - if that part job at the gun store enhances your own personal gun owner experience , great , good for you. On the other hand , if it becomes tedious or repititous , or if the inevitable yahoos get you down , bail out rather than getting sour on the overall scene.

Good luck to you.
 
thunderbyrd said:
be friendly. i and my money will return to a store with friendly help much more often than the place whose help has crappy attitudes.
Click to expand...
Being friendly is one of my strenghts, I was always shocked by moody, grumpy employees elsewhere.
I was never buying that thing “this is a gun business - not the Ritz-Carlton”
 
Speedo66 said:
I wonder if that’s a sales technique to be able to put the gun in their hand, with the idea that if they hold it, they’ll like it and want to buy it?
Click to expand...

Or, here's an alternative "sales technique", avoid pissing off the customers, by making the price tags visible.
 
Know your state laws and the 4473 backwards and forwards. Dot your I's and cross your T's. When in doubt, ask your boss.
 
The many joys of working retail, ANY retail.
But, with added paperwork and a few Rambos.

Everybody should get the experience.
 
Several have touched on you explaining to a customer how a semi-auto works by dropping the clip and pulling the slide to the rear locking it in place. I want to expand on that a bit. If you have customers new to handguns that are interested in a semi-auto be sure that they FULLY UNDERSTAND before they leave your shop that just dropping the clip doesn't render the weapon harmless unless They Also Clear The Barrel. Also, let them know they need to shoot with some regularity (monthly, every other month or quarterly) in order to stay familiar with the weapon's operation. By doing this you may save a family member's life!
 
Gentlemen are always "Sir."
Ladies are always "Ma'am or Miss" if they're younger than your mother. "Young lady" if they're older.
Put in the effort to get what the customer needs. Let no nitpick, standard procedure, or company red tape get in your way so long as you're following the law. Let the customer know you're doing it. Make it happen. Get the sale. If they're happy your boss is happy. Don't be afraid to drop a little discount and ask them to leave you a good review someplace.

The three big rules of gun sales I have lived by for going on 20 years are:
1: Never screw a customer on purpose, or, through inaction allow a customer to screw themselves.
2: Within reason, never let a customer leave upset or disappointed.
3: Rules 1 and 2 do not apply to a**holes, douchebags, or retards.
 
Dibbs said:
Or, here's an alternative "sales technique", avoid pissing off the customers, by making the price tags visible.
Click to expand...
So very simple in theory, yet so very often not done in practice. One of my pet peeves in a few shops I frequent -- the tags are always mysteriously underneath the handgun (or the one next to it). The customer should NOT have to ask... In the immortal words of the legendary current president, "C'mon, man!"
 
Oh....

We never put out more than one gun at a time. Put one back, pull one out.

Before I worked in the shop, we had a group of guys that asked to look at various pistols. There were guns going in and out of the display case. Suddenly they all decided to leave. After they were out the door, the sales clerk discovered a pistol was missing.

Sounds goofy, but when multiple guns are being shown to multiple people with questions being asked and you’re busy digging for a different one, it’s easy to lose track.
 
Study the Glock catalog very well, they come in many sizes and calibers and you just never know which size and caliber glock a customer will want.... I can't really think of anything else other than just be friendly and knowledgeable when helping a customer choose their glock.

Jk.;):D
 
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