Rude Sales People

There is a bit of an elitist culture out there in many of these shops. the good ole boys club. We have a big on in colorado. its called gunsmoke, its on the disscovery channel.
 
I have been in your shoes. I went to every gun shop that my buddies phone could bring up in the metro Detroit area (even the one in Detroit with the slide hole in the door like the clubs in mafia movies, talk about feeling uncomfortable lol That was probably the most interesting experience) I was looking at guns that looked cool to me, then write down the name of it and such so I could look at online reviews, as I do with all my purchases. you learn real quick which shops could care less. Them shops do not get my business. When I walk into a business I want to feel like I am important, not some shlub just there to waste your time. Usually I buy my guns when income tax comes in because I cannot afford to save money throughout the year. When I decide which gun I am going to buy for that year, I will go to whatever shop I plan to buy it from and admire it from time to time until I can purchase it. If they do not want to put up with me coming in there, then they do not need my money when it becomes available. Last year’s purchase was my S&W 500 mag with two boxes of bullets and $800 in reloading supplies; I would say that was worth it to them to be courteous all year long.
 
When I make a purchase I not only expect the item I purchased, but at least a little respect for my patronage of the business.
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Well, you can pay for respect - I would be looking for the best price I can find, regardless of salesman attitude. Why do folks think gun store salesmen are any different than car, appliance, computer, and electronics salesmen. Now, all prices being the same, attitude would probably play a factor. I would have simply said - "I'll be taking you up on that". (Yes, I do realize that it's only a technique to keep you talking to the salesman.)

Whatever people say when I'm looking to buy a gun is pretty much water off a duck's back to me.
 
The best deals on guns dollarwise can be found online almost always.
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I'd say its over 50% of the time, but not almost always. Once I subtract off sales tax ($40-50 on average purchase) and transfer fee ($25 on used, $30 on new guns), I can usually do better at gun shows - if I can find the gun I'm looking for.
 
I've found that as I get older I'm more willing to pay a bit more for better service and quality.

When I was younger, and closer to flat broke all the time, I'd go to the cheapest place for any product from turkey burger to tires. Guns were included. If I could save $20 I'd endure abject humiliation from the sales crew and horrible service.

Now, that $20 or 20% means a lot more to me. I want to know that I have a quality product and a quality salesperson that will back up my sale.

My local area has a few small gun stores that just can't outdo the big box stores on price. With transfer fees, the online guns are almost on par with the big box stores, but I'd rather pay a bit more and have a smile and a knowledgeable person handle the deal.

I can buy cheap stuff online from time to time, but when service counts (like comparing firearms or getting advice on a holster or similar) nothing beats a mom and pop store..... provided they're not rude.
 
This isn't my line, I read it somewhere but I love it for those situations where you as a customer are being treated rather poorly by the staff:

"You obviously have our business relationship confused. I represent profit, you represent overhead..." which is promptly followed by "Could you get the manager for me, please."
 
The funny thing about the good ol' boy culture with the clerk/owner and GOB going Har, har , har - is that the GOB is getting taken. Seen it in our two local GOB stores.

We have one store, I like which is a little high on new guns but can be ok with used and some new. Good service.
 
Buy things online...most locals here don't care. I was looking for a 22lr pistol couple weeks ago and walked into the biggest shop here. Asked if they had any k22 in stock and the two sales people laughed out loud...that's why I go gunbroker.
 
Related to what Glenn said...the good ol boy owners would make more money and survive the big box/online competition if they valued their customer service as much as maintaining their "you are a nobody/know nothing and you must prostrate yourself as you approach my throne of firearms wisdom" attitude.
 
I've noticed with the gigantic hike in gun sales, most folks at the shops I meet are real cordial, if not chummy, though I try not to ask any stupid questions or talk about things I know nothing about. I work in service for a living so I have my fair share of dullards and incorrigibly rude people every week, and I don't let it affect me.

Excepting that, from the information the OP presented, I, too, would have been offended. I'll take it when I'm buying a sandwich and a blood mary, but not when I'm plunking down hundreds/thousands of dollars.
 
If I could find a few friendly people who were knowledgeable about guns, reliable, and looking for a job in retail, I'd open a gunshop.
 
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