Local gun shop biased based on appearance?

fyimo · #51 06-05-2013, 11:54 PM

Well I guess I have been lucky over the years because no matter where I have lived I always made friends at the LGS stores and we always did deals and got along. Now I will say that they weren't always jumping through hoops the first time I went there but when they soon figured out after talking to me that I knew guns they would start to talk guns and pretty soon we were on even terms and thing generally went well from there.

I have two gun stores here where I have done business for the past 10 years and I have a great relationship with both shops. The only big box store I buy guns from is Walmart because Brenda gets a 10% discount from them so if they have something in stock I like I will buy it. That said it's not the same as my Local gun shops because with them can I sell guns on consignment, have guns I buy shipped into them, ship guns I sold through them, and buy from them if they have something I want.

jag312 · #52 06-05-2013, 11:56 PM

Why don't you tell them you are a mountainman just back from a rendezvous? Long hair, beard, it all fits.

Nevada Ed · #53 06-06-2013, 12:18 AM

I know a hippy type guy that has long hair, has a two month beard, looks like something the dogs dragged in and does not look like he has two dimes to rub together but lots of people like him.............
then again some people don't like Willie Nelson.

Maybe you need a big red bandana to put a smile on that guys face?

arjay · #54 06-06-2013, 12:26 AM

I kind of chuckled at all of this.Ive been in a lot of small gunshops over the years and some of the owners are friendly,but a lot of these guys just aren't very sociable.
Why a guy who doesn't like dealing with people decides to open a retail business just baffles me 😏

feralmerril · #55 06-06-2013, 12:28 AM

I am like that guy that couldnt make out in a--"house of ill repute" with a fist full of hundreds. I never had a gun store refuse to take my money though. They dont check your hands for callus`s. Sorry, I think ya got to be kind of old to understand my brand of humor.

bgrone · #56 06-06-2013, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAJUNLAWYER

Yea and I found out the hard way that if you're in Victoria Secret and you sniff the merchandise you have to buy it

And does the merchandise in question look good on you?

perrazi · #57 06-06-2013, 12:39 AM

you guys are lucky to even have an lgs. we have none closer than 75 miles one way.

Kanewpadle · #58 06-06-2013, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perrazi

you guys are lucky to even have an lgs. we have none closer than 75 miles one way.

Maybe you're the lucky one!

kamloops67 · #59 06-06-2013, 12:56 AM

think about it from the lgs' viewpoint ,how many lookey loos and crackpots do they steer out the door on a daily basis? my fav. store is in a "low rent" neighborhood they get all kinds, they are all really great guys but they all have developed a somewhat brusque business like attitude when dealing with new people asking to handle guns and striking up weird or hackneyed conversation. they ask to see licence first ,if they have one the guys soften up pretty quick . once they know that youre an enthusiast they treat you like family

GKC · #60 06-06-2013, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamloops67

once they know that youre an enthusiast they treat you like family

Over the past 8 years or so, I've bought/sold/traded a lot of guns...I've settled down on two local shops, with an occasional purchase from Academy. When I go in to the two shops, they do treat me very well...of course I'm sure it is due to the business I do with them, but they have also helped me in many ways that didn't involve me buying something either. It's a great feeling...better than any family reunion! (Especially my wife's family...

)

Double-O-Dave · #61 06-06-2013, 02:55 AM

Nighthawk:

Interesting problem you have, and you've been given some really good ideas and suggestions. Personally, my thinking is that you work hard to earn your money, and life is too short to suffer needlessly. What I'd suggest is that you do some research here on the forum on your next desired firearm purchase. Once you have a pretty good handle on a couple of firearms you might be interested in (make, model, caliber, model number if possible). Then call him on your phone and tell him what you are interested in and see where the conversation goes (keep good notes). Your conversation might go something like this: "I'm interested in a full sized .45ACP semi-automatic pistol in a 1911 pattern. Do you have anything in your store like that you could recommend that is around $1,000.00?" Be sure to ask him if you can do a lay away, and what are his terms, etc. If the conversation goes well, and it should, unless your using Skpe

I'd say something like: "You have been very informative and helpful today. What did you say your name is?" Be sure to tell him your name (first only), and tell him that you are going to ask for him the next time you visit the store. Once you enter the store, ask for your new "friend" as nicely and politely as possible. When he arrives, stick out your hand for a handshake, give him a nice smile, and tell him who you are, and that you enjoyed talking with him over phone the other day about the 1911-type .45ACP. The conversation could either continue well, or you could - once get the cold-shoulder. If he gave me any sign that he still wasn't planning on treating properly, I'd leave and never return. Gunbroker has an excellent, and free FFL locater you can use to find a nearby FFL dealer that can either order or receive firearms. By the way, it took me awhile to learn that some words, especially "weapon", can really cause people to become uncomfortable. I've learned to call them a more generic term, such as:" a gun", "a pistol" , or a firearm, rather than use the "cute word (target)".

I hope this helps.

Best of luck;

Dave

Waywatcher · #62 06-06-2013, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamloops67

think about it from the lgs' viewpoint ,how many lookey loos and crackpots do they steer out the door on a daily basis?

Sure, but how many would-be customers end up being brushed off and turned into "lookey loos" by discourteous staff, just like the OP?

Rock185 · #63 06-06-2013, 03:47 AM

Night Hawk, I guess it depends on the shop. I'm a senior citizen, dress casually in clean clothes , bathe regularly, have teeth, short haircut, etc. Some shops I've been in treat me the same way as the first shop you mentioned...

Cdog · #64 06-06-2013, 05:33 AM

It's the lgs owner's right to be an idiot.

It's your right to shop somewhere else.

If you come in my business, (not a gunshop) I'm going to do my best to see you leave with less money than you walked in with.

I don't care if you're a martian. As long as you behave like a decent human being and your cash is green or your credit is good you are welcomed in our place.

turbo38gn · #65 06-06-2013, 07:02 AM

Some good stuff here... but it seems one angle wasn't really mentioned or if it was, I didn't see it.... I've been in the gun game for a short while compared to many here. Right out of the box, visiting many stores in my area... I found many of the sales people\owners, to be JERKS! In many cases I took it personal, I felt insulted and being a business owner, would never treat my customers the way I was treated... I talked about it to a few old timers, thought about it from the gun store owners and employees side of the fence and realized how difficult it must be to deal with the public with a product that can kill you in a blink... think about how you would feel handling dynamite all day long.... and every time you handled it, you handed it to a stranger you didn't know if they knew what they were doing or not... This is not an excuse to be an ***, but it makes it easier to understand. I now go into all those stores and have made friends with many of these people.. I gave them an opportunity to get to know me, I gave myself an opportunity to get to know them.

Heck, as I got to know one gun store manager, who by the way, was the biggest jerk of all.... I noticed an 18" pump shotgun at the end of the line of rifles on the wall... close to where the sales guys were... I had my thoughts as to why it was there, I finally asked about it... cause it really was out of place there... he told me that was his go to gun... ready to go if The SHTF..

Thicken up a bit... no need to bite off your nose to spite your face... if the bad behavior continues.. move on..

Old TexMex · #66 06-06-2013, 08:08 AM

The way I get treated by IRS, DMV, VA, and a whole lot of other "public services" is generally pretty bad. If a retailer annoys me, at least I have a choice to take my wants and needs elsewhere.
Perspective is essential, and knowing why someone might jump to conclusions helps me realize there ain't no more big deals.

yaktamer · #67 06-06-2013, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock185

Night Hawk, I guess it depends on the shop. I'm a senior citizen, dress casually in clean clothes , bathe regularly, have teeth, short haircut, etc. Some shops I've been in treat me the same way as the first shop you mentioned...

There you go again, bragging about those teeth.

nachogrande · #68 06-06-2013, 08:48 AM

now I hate to call someone a weirdo for how they look. I myself am out of the norm, on purpose at times. when I came up with my handle "Nachogrande" it was to join the sass group, then turned into a Halloween costume, a cross between Joe Dirt and Larry the cable guy, complete with a mullet wig and Billy Bob teeth. the first Halloween I went into gun shops, then hit the pistol range followed by a biker bar. people are just too polite. nobody said a thing. sure I got some looks but not one person asked if I lost a bet or something as I would have. I'm not sure if they are oblivious/ too PC or maybe they thought I was a true native Floridian. there is a guy in my town that has that Charlie Manson look to him with crazy eyes, VERY unkempt, and large facial tattoos. you would definitely be armed if he rang your doorbell. well I went into a lgs one day and he was working behind the counter. at least you still have hair.

yaktamer · #69 06-06-2013, 09:05 AM

"...at least you still have hair..."

God made few perfect heads. The rest he covered with hair.

hsguy · #70 06-06-2013, 09:26 AM

Interesting thread. I have worked at a large retailer as a retirement job for the past six years and have bought and sold many guns to customers. I learned early on to never judge people by their appearance, I welcome them to the store and try to strike up a conversation and see if they need any help or what meager advice I can offer. Most customers seem to appreciate that and they just want to left alone to browse they are welcome to do that also. Some of these customers have become my friends and I look forward to their visits, I don't care if they want to purchase something or not as I enjoy visiting with them. I had three such customers stop by yesterday to visit and talk and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. I also try to learn my customers interests and give them a call if something they may like comes in.

I have one customer who stopped in for the first time, long hair, beard, numerous tattoos and not well dressed. We got to talking and he mentioned he had a bit of an interest in S&W's. I took him in the office and pulled out the SCSW's to show him and he took down the the information about the book. He came back about one month later book in hand. He had highlighted several areas and made notes on some guns that were confusing to him so we went over those items and I helped him as best I could. I had a few decent SW's in stock so we looked them over and he selected a nice pre-10 as his first purchase. He came back a couple of weeks later after shooting it eager to buy another. I have sold him a few guns and steered him away from a few others and he always appreciates my opinion and we enjoy our conversations.

I have also have to deal with rude, arrogant overbearing customers also, some times a bit of pleasant conversation will disarm them but if not I am always civil and try to help them if possible.

I guess this is my long-winded attempt to say if you stopped by my store and I met you you I would try to make it an friendly pleasant experience for both of us.

wbraswell · #71 06-06-2013, 09:48 AM

I don't cut my hair for anybody but myself and to look (halfway) decent for the public, since I am a municipal employee. I would go back to see the rude putz one more time to try him again. I understand that these days, the gun shops have a lot of oddballs coming through, maybe even some trolls. One tip that was mentioned earlier, eye contact. If you get bad treatment again, leave. By all means go back to the friendly shop, you may gain a wealth of knowledge there, but you may have to sift through it a little. We'll always treat you good here, although watch out for the big, hairy guy.

mg357 · #72 06-06-2013, 10:31 AM

Night Hawk you have sympathy regarding your recent gun shop experience, a lot of people have judged me because of my disability I have also been judged because of my gender as well.

oberon · #73 06-06-2013, 10:31 AM

For what it's worth, you match the description to half the guys who come in to the loacl tradin' post. Never made a particle of difference.
It all spends the same.
I reckon there are some arrogant tight *** types who think they defecate ice cream, but not around these parts.
There are plenty of squared away guys who would be happy to help you spend what you have.

NYlakesider · #74 06-06-2013, 10:43 AM

Well I’m a big fellow with a stash and full beard. Yes I look like a biker type. Beard especially during the winter can be long as its warmer working outside in upper NYs cold winters. (Think of Grizzly Adams)

Now retired my everyday dress is a pocket T and dungarees or shorts in warm weather & sneakers. Been dressing like that most of my life unless a reason to dress different! Going to a more formal setting I do dress up a bit. That normally includes a nice polo shirt (most times it says Corvette on it) and decent pants & shoes. Suits only when absolutely necessary.

With that background out I have never had any problem in a gun shop (or anyplace) and in NY as pistols are severely restricted I never had a problem with a clerk showing /handing me a handgun or anything else. Possibly my easy going demeanor and knowledge of guns in general helps set the stage.

The same goes for many roadside chats with LEOS;( I do drive a fast Corvette

) I never had a problem due to my dress or facial hair or tats on my arm.

Possibly there is something with the OP that puts people on edge. Maybe a serious talk with friends or trusted family members can show what you’re doing to generate uneasiness.

imjin138 · #75 06-06-2013, 10:45 AM

Years ago I was an Army Recruiter in Klamath Falls Or, I went to gun shops in the area all the time. I went into one run by a father and son had lots of nice firearms and other stuff and I purchased a handgun. Waited my 15 days at the time and picked it up.

Went there all the time, bought traded had stuff sent in, had coffee the whole 9 yards. Once when they were not busy the owner and I got to chatting and he told me at first they didn't want to deal with me. Because of the men from the airbase nearby always complained about prices and never wanted to pay. They assumed I would do the same I ended up going the father's house for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner sitting with him at gunshows and we became really good friends.

Roadtrash · #76 06-06-2013, 11:02 AM

As someone else already said, make eye contact and hold it. Speak up and ask the questions you want answers to. A lot of people are a little standoffish when meeting new people but I have learned that if you take the initiative and start the conversation they come around pretty quick. They may be a little shy and need someone else to start the conversation.

I've gone through all the changes in hairstyles and looks over the years from crew cuts to hair on my shoulders and beards but I've never had a problem getting someone to talk to me at a gun shop. Reason being I generally start the conversation. I've never been a "pretty" person and with the long hair and beard I was, to say the least, a little intimidating. Being 6'1" and always over 200lbs didn't make me any easier on the eyes with the hair but I still didn't have a problem.

In fact it seemed once they got to know me they were glad to have me around in case something did go crazy.

But seriously, make eye contact and start the conversation and then keep it going and I think you'll find that these people are a little better than you might at first think they are.

Just give it a try.

absolutevil · #77 06-06-2013, 11:03 AM

I shaved my head for 25 years during my police career. Wore long sleeve uniform shirts over both of my fully tattooed arms, from wrist to shoulder. When I retired I made up my mind I would never cut my hair again. Now my hair is almost down to the small of my back. People who don't know you do judge you for the way you look, but why care. I'm the same person I was before.

rwsmith · #78 06-06-2013, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Night Hawk

I'll admit, I'm a bit of a gun newb. So when I visit my local gun shop (or any gun shop, though I've only been to two) I am already uncomfortable a bit.

A few weeks ago, I was interested in getting a new pistol. I forget the exact model, but there was a 1911 in there for about $950 that I was really fond of, based on appearances only and was interested in it. There was a guy standing in front of the case and the owner had three pistols displayed on top of the case to show him. The guy ended up not buying anything and moved on down to some other cases. I'm peaking at some of the pistols on top of the case, and the owner promptly puts them back in the case. Never asks if he can help me. Finally, I ask if they do layaway. I had about $500 cash on me to put down on a $850 pistol I had my eye on. He simply says, 'No' and asks nothing else.

They always give me weird looks, and aren't overly friendly.

I understand I'm not the most 'clean cut' fella, I've got long hair and a beard. People have commented on my looks saying I look like everything from a hippy, to a terrorist, to Jesus, to Joey Ramone, etc. I like my hair long. But I find this quite bothersome, as this is the local gun shop that I'd love to support but cant' justify spending any money there because the owners kind of seem like *******s. I've heard that they DO infact do layaway, which is why I asked. I was hoping to spark up a conversation with them about the pistol I wanted, and how to proceed.

The other gun shop is about 30 miles away, and the selection isn't as great, but the owners are almost too friendly. I've only been there once, it's a Ma and Pa type shop. Went there to get some ammo, earplugs, and targets for the range. I simply asked for the easiest way to get out there from that location (had only been to the range a couple times before that) and the guy talked my ear off for 15 minutes until I felt rude for having to cut him short so I could leave before the sun went down, haha!

TL;DR I'm a dude with long hair, beard, and look like a 'hippy' from what I've been told. Local gun shop owners make me feel uncomfortable in their shop by never addressing me or offering to assist me. I have heard of people putting expensive weapons on layaway there, and when I asked if they did layaway I was simply and shortly told, 'No'.

People look at yours truly and the first thing that comes to their mind is 'smart ***' and quite often they let me know without me saying a word. Too make it even better my wife just pointed out a magazine article told how strong first impressions are.

loutent · #79 06-06-2013, 11:34 AM

One of my LGS seldom has anything I want these days, but they do have a lot of the basics - Glocks etc which I always buy from them. If you want to make a good impression, decide what you want before you go there and tell them exactly what it is and buy it. For an even better impression, tell them you want night sights put on for $100 extra

williamlayton · #80 06-06-2013, 11:59 AM

I don't go anywhere to create or gain attention--make friends, swap spit or anything.
If I don't get respect for just showing up and making an attempt to do business, I will not go back and I will be the worse press they can get.
Blessings

feralmerril · #81 06-06-2013, 12:28 PM

Boils down to this. We all size up what we see in front of us and lean to a snap opinion right or wrong. You or I decide how and if we want to impress whoever before you open the shop door. Its your right and its their right to make their own judgement. Not so much these days but many years ago it seemed that small gun shop owners and small harley dealerships had a bad attitude had a gruff hard attitude as a qualification for the job.
One of the most bizzar incidents I ever seen, I was in a huge well known gunshop in southern california just browzing. This charactor picked me to talk to and try impress for whatever reason. He was tough looking with bicepts big as most peoples legs. As I recall he had one of those leather wide flat brimmed stupid looking hats, a leather vest with nothing but bare stinking skin under it, the usual tatts etc. A very scared timid type clerk was showing him guns. He wasnt cheap, he was buying a pump 12 guage riot gun, probley a pump police ithica and a 6" nickle python. Picture this: He is twirling both and telling me he has plans for these babys. His ol lady had run off with someone and he is going to settel accounts! This in earshot of the clerk! Were I the clerk I would have wondered if the guy wasnt a undercover ATF agent trying a sting.
The clerk very humbly sold him the guns! Personaly I was mad and dumbfounded that he would. I wouldnt have for any price!
Years ago I had tables at gun shows. Several times I had gang bangers try to buy guns from me without even trying to cut my price. In ALL cases I would first try to talk them out of it and if that didnt work flat would not sell them the gun either nicely and if I still had to, not so nicely. Money never was my God.

Old TexMex · #82 06-06-2013, 01:22 PM

Everybody profiles. Undercover LEO/As wouldn't look (in many cases)the way they do.
Take a look at the "Occupy Wall Street" photos. Look at the old pics of the SDS, the SLA, and FALN.
It ain't a perfect world, guys. It just ain't.

feralmerril · #83 06-06-2013, 01:34 PM

I bet the biggest liberal to the toughest conservative profiles dispite what they tell you. Its a natural instict. I worked security for 35 years and thought I was good at it. I did find eventualy that I wasnt as good as I thought. But I still do it. What gets me is some people work so hard at proveing they dont its assinine. How about the airport checkers? I belive some will let bearded robe and turbine wearing middle east types carying the quaran by and shake down two 90 year old women in wheelchairs before and after them. Got to prove we aint prejudiced ya see!

11B Lifer · #84 06-06-2013, 02:27 PM

If someone is going to treat you poorly based on your appearance-makes you wonder who else they will do that too. I know of businesses that treat folks who look like soldiers very badly-some (gun shops) who treat women poorly, and unfortunately maybe there are those who would treat hispanic or African Americans bad. I would tell them that they lost a sale-go elsewhere.

jaykellogg · #85 06-06-2013, 02:40 PM

Around here most gun stores are also pawnshops, so you don't see the best looking customers. If you only have the one locally it'd be up to you if you want to cultivate the salesman or take your business a ways out of town. Someone else suggested you look on Gunbroker and see if there are any other FFL holders in your zip code. When I lived in PA and bought and sold a lot of guns I knew which shops sold cheapest and which ones paid the most. I am getting that way here in Asheville. I have been known to drop in to a gun store to just pass some time and buy one or two guns. Several of them know me by my name.

dant · #86 06-06-2013, 02:47 PM

some very GOOD comments above and many are very true......
NO, one cannot judge a book by its cover,,,,,,
Yes, just "maybe", that LGS the guy was having a bad day...up to YOU to give them another shot.......Bottom line , you think YOU have it bad, look at what Jesus had to put up with and go through.........

Old Corp · #87 06-06-2013, 02:57 PM

wWorking p/t at a pretty busy LGS/Range, I usually enjoy trying help everyone I can. My fellow workers are pretty much the same.

Back a couple of months ago, at the height of the craziness, it was really not much fun. The phone rang endlessly, standing-room-only in the store, sales to ignorant and semi-panicked people. It tested all of us - and at times we failed I'm sure.

A normal day now results in a greeting to everyone who enters (regardless of appearance) and a statement to let us know if we can help.
But we get tested regularly by people who refuse to be friendly.
Had a guy this past week that took advantage a sale we were running on S&W M&P .40 FS pistols. Priced far below retail, because they were government-contract over-runs intended for somewhere in Mexico.
Came in a plain brown box with three magazines.
Sale is completed, customer calls later and is absolutely furious and irate that the owners manual is printed in Spanish.
Became even angrier when it was suggested he either call S&W and request one or download/print one off the internet.
The owner later received a really nasty email from him complaining about the situation.
We downloaded/printed a manual for him, put it in the mail with an apology for his trouble and relayed that we were glad we were able to share this good deal with him.
My boss' philosophy is that by doing all that, we 'win', and don't act like what the average Joe would like to.

Old Unk · #88 06-06-2013, 02:59 PM

OP, didn't read all the posts however I bet such treatment did not start with the gun shop...nor will it end there. Just saying.

Best.

michaelpthompso · #89 06-06-2013, 03:27 PM

You got treated badly. Probably because of your appearance, but maybe not. Now you've got two options. If it really means anything to you, go back in, be friendly, shake hands, ask lots of questions. It's possible to overcome initial animosity and native rudeness if you want to.

On the other hand, that's tantamount to rewarding bad behavior. So you can drive thirty miles to the friendlier place. Your choice. Examine your own priorities and decide for yourself.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

the ringo kid · #90 06-06-2013, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Night Hawk

I'll admit, I'm a bit of a gun newb. So when I visit my local gun shop (or any gun shop, though I've only been to two) I am already uncomfortable a bit.

A few weeks ago, I was interested in getting a new pistol. I forget the exact model, but there was a 1911 in there for about $950 that I was really fond of, based on appearances only and was interested in it. There was a guy standing in front of the case and the owner had three pistols displayed on top of the case to show him. The guy ended up not buying anything and moved on down to some other cases. I'm peaking at some of the pistols on top of the case, and the owner promptly puts them back in the case. Never asks if he can help me. Finally, I ask if they do layaway. I had about $500 cash on me to put down on a $850 pistol I had my eye on. He simply says, 'No' and asks nothing else.

They always give me weird looks, and aren't overly friendly.

I understand I'm not the most 'clean cut' fella, I've got long hair and a beard. People have commented on my looks saying I look like everything from a hippy, to a terrorist, to Jesus, to Joey Ramone, etc. I like my hair long. But I find this quite bothersome, as this is the local gun shop that I'd love to support but cant' justify spending any money there because the owners kind of seem like *******s. I've heard that they DO infact do layaway, which is why I asked. I was hoping to spark up a conversation with them about the pistol I wanted, and how to proceed.

The other gun shop is about 30 miles away, and the selection isn't as great, but the owners are almost too friendly. I've only been there once, it's a Ma and Pa type shop. Went there to get some ammo, earplugs, and targets for the range. I simply asked for the easiest way to get out there from that location (had only been to the range a couple times before that) and the guy talked my ear off for 15 minutes until I felt rude for having to cut him short so I could leave before the sun went down, haha!

TL;DR I'm a dude with long hair, beard, and look like a 'hippy' from what I've been told. Local gun shop owners make me feel uncomfortable in their shop by never addressing me or offering to assist me. I have heard of people putting expensive weapons on layaway there, and when I asked if they did layaway I was simply and shortly told, 'No'.

To avoid more possible situations like this--try a few online gun shops like: Bud's Gun Shop, as well as AJC in Clute and Katy, Texas. Ive never had problems with any of them and they were always nice-and willing to answer even mundane questions and never in a rush.

the ringo kid · #91 06-06-2013, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Night Hawk

I understand that he has the right to refuse service to anyone, though I was just curious if this was normal. I've only been to two gun shops, one I was treated poorly and the other I was treated very well although it was out of my way. Was just curious if this was semi-normal.

It really depends. Ive been to gun shops where the owners were great, and been to a few where they were arrogant. Over the past few decades of my guns-buying times, I have made a nice amount of contacts and do business with them-but am willing to try others to give them a fair chance.

For me-when I was much younger--I never had long hair, dressed decently--but drove a car that looked like it was taken from a junk yard since in those days, I didnt have a lot of money. I only had problems with two different gun shop owners of the 100 or so shops ive been to over the years-and neither time were the problems based on what I looked like.

the ringo kid · #92 06-06-2013, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snubbyfan

If you get your hair cut, just make sure you go to a barber that speaks english. I got my last haircut in '93 for a job interview, the barber didn't speak english and I don't speak spanish. I ended up with a mullet. I decided that if people didn't like an American Indian with long hair, then screw them and never cut my hair again. The ladies seemed to like my long hair.
I used to be a good looking fellow. My wife took this pic back when we first met.

No offense meant but, for a moment there-I thought I was looking at a picture of Nicholas Cage in one of his crime movies.

Mike McLellan · #93 06-06-2013, 04:16 PM

Appearances are everything. As long as we've inhabited the Earth, members of all species, including ours, have had to, in an instant, and at first glance, determine whether a new aquaintance was a "friend of foe". We still do it. Some folks are good at it, while others are just pathetic. Dogs and horses are generally better at "sizing up" new aquaintances than humans are.
By thye way, have you ever heard the remark that "Life isn't a personality contest"? Well, sad to say, it is. Whoever has the nicest eulogy on their head-stone, wins.

the ringo kid · #94 06-06-2013, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaktamer

OK, I'll say it. Everytime the topic of where to buy/not buy comes up a lot of people start railing against the "big box" or chain stores, and talking about the personalized service at the LGS. Frankly, my experience is that a lot of folks (not all, of course) that run local shops are arrogant, rude and drive away a lot of potential business. How is it your basic early-middle-aged, clean-cut guy can walk into an empty shop on his lunch break and have the owner and two employees ignore him while he's browsing the counter full of revolvers? Oh, they'll eventually make eye contact, sneer, and go back to their socializing. "But the kid at Walmart (or wherever) doesn't know anything about guns." Sorry, but all he needs to know is how to ring up the sale. Yes, I'm bitter.

Have had a similar one with a young kid behind the counter at a Gun shop here. I walked in ready to buy even at their prices-and asked the kid behind the counter a few questions none of which he could answer. I then asked if I could see one of those rifles they had on the wall that I was interested in-and the kid said nobody is allowed to touch who are not willing to buy. I said, I was there to buy one of their $1,800.00 dollar rifles and had my money balled up in my fist.

The kid said he was joking and i simply replaced my wad of cash in my wallet and left with a smile on my face. On the way out-I heard the shop owner giving the employee a dressing down. I went to the gun shop which was in the same strip mall as his was in-and paid $1,850.00 for the same rifle he had that I was interested in. All I had to do was ask to see it-was taken off the wall and I got to spend as much time as I wished pawing that rifle.

Anyway, I found another GS I will do business with, and one I will never enter again.

DeadAye · #95 06-06-2013, 04:18 PM

An old friend, Ed, used to sell cars at a Memphis Chevy dealer.
A scruffy, long haired dude was wandering around the lot and all the other salesmen just blew him off.
Ed went out and talked to him for a few minutes - The guy said "I want THAT Vette" Wrote a check for the window sticker + the tax and dealer stuff and drove off happy.
Ed was happy too

Ya NEVER know!

Texas Star · #96 06-06-2013, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snubbyfan

If you get your hair cut, just make sure you go to a barber that speaks english. I got my last haircut in '93 for a job interview, the barber didn't speak english and I don't speak spanish. I ended up with a mullet. I decided that if people didn't like an American Indian with long hair, then screw them and never cut my hair again. The ladies seemed to like my long hair.
I used to be a good looking fellow. My wife took this pic back when we first met.

You look like a probable drug dealer. That might affect how you're treated. Unless someone thinks you're a rock star...

The sunglasses just add to your menacing appearance.

We are all treated on a basis of how we're perceived. That applies to all interactions, not just in gun stores. Even cops teat youu as they see you.

I have a theory that people dress according to whether they want to look like "characters" or on a basis of how they feel about themselves.

The man described above who wears a diamond ring on every finger is the height of a gauche individual. It says a lot that he drives what he does and wears those rings.

In certain cultures, it might be more normal to wear so many rings, but I cannot say here what I think of the practice and why. It may be permissible to say that that's the sort of thing a flashy pimp might do.

I look and dress pretty conservatively. But I still see rude gun store clerks. I think they see themselves as something on a stick because they sell expensive merchandise that has a macho image and they think they know more than the customers. Perhaps the job attracts a certain breed. But I also see many nice clerks. I try to avoid stores where I'm not wanted unless I'm buying something expensive that day.

One of the largest gun shops in Dallas used to have a bad reputation for being rude. Sometimes they'd even turn out the lights and tell customers that there were too many people in the store and they needed to leave! They also made rude remarks about "toothpickers", shoppers who just came in after lunch to look, not buy. And their prices were high. I tried to avoid them if I could find what I wanted elsewhere.

Night Hawk · #97 06-06-2013, 05:10 PM

Thanks for all the responses.

Like I mentioned before, I usually cut the hair once a year once it gets too hot in the summer. Southern Indiana gets muggy/humid, and with this thick mop it becomes a headache. Grab the trimmers, 15 minutes later have 'acceptable' hair and do so for a couple months. I'll get a chop soon, not because my LGS or what someone walking down the street may think, but for my own comfort. I do clean up nice, just can't be arsed to do it when I work from home for a remote based IT job and don't go out to the bars to try to pick up chicks.

hayman · #98 06-06-2013, 05:11 PM

Go where they look at your money not you!

williamlayton · #99 06-06-2013, 05:48 PM

Boys, I hate to tell you this but if you judge someone by the way he dress's and I am you boss you are fired.
An old local boy, back in the 50's, came to Houston and went to River Oaks Caddillac and found a car he liked and made the deal then wrote a check for it. Sales manager call First State Bank in Livingston and asked if the check was good.
My fried asked him to describe the man---manager said he was skinny, wore dirty old over-alls, a sweated out Stetson and had tobacco juice on his chin. My fried said, if Charlie wants to by every car at your store, I will cover the check.
Blessings

Andy Griffith · #**100** 06-06-2013, 06:13 PM

Quote:

And the sign said "Long-haired freaky people need not apply"
So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why
He said "You look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you'll do"
So I took off my hat, I said "Imagine that. Huh! Me workin' for you!"

I only see two kinds of people, good'ns and bad'uns.
They can be dressed or look any way, and be of any creed, color or religion.
I don't discriminate in any way so long as you are my race- the human race.

I go by your actions.

Example: Long haired feller? No problem. He might have money since he didn't spend his money going to the "butcher" (a nickname of a local bad barber).
Meyr of NY: I wouldn't sell him a popsicle if he was on fire. He wears an expensive suit.

If you're an honest feller, and your money is green, you'll get service at my place.

Now, I will never, ever give the time of day to a Martian. Those three eye are strange look'n.