Almost snagged a 410.... Then the salesman screwed-up

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raidersrule

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Got a phone call this afternoon that one of the local pawn shops had a nice S&W 410 in stock. I like the blued S&W 3rd gen guns so I was excited to get to see this one.

I asked him to put it behind the counter and told him I'd be there in 30 minutes....

I walk in the store and another gentleman is buying it right as I walk-up to the counter.... :mad: :(

They know I'm a good customer and was going to buy it... Heck, I bought my 1076 from them within two minutes of holding it.

I decide to check the auction sites when I get home and can't find a single one for sale....

Guy I'm just not meant to have that pistol.
 
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The really frustrating part is I went in, cash in my pocket, already prepared to pay for it and then head to the range. It would look great next to my Shorty 40 and had night sights....

I'm still a little bit peeved.
 
Put a little guilt on them. Have them reach out and see if they can find you a better one!

Hang in there, you will get one.
 
That would be the last time I ever set foot in that store and I would let them know why. Did they say they would hold it?
 
I agree^^^ I have some good relationships with a few LGS and a pawn shop. They often put guns back until I can get there to buy it..That day. I also help them out in identifying/ value of some S&W revolvers & semi autos..things they are not knowledgeable in.. they often call or text me..So...if they did that to me I would let them know they had lost a good customer...after asking for a really good explanation.
 
Durn, I thought this was gonna be about a Model 42 Winchester for some reason....my only grail gun....

On the other hand,my grandfather would have said, "That's no way to run a railroad"
 
One of my shops texts me pictures of anything they think I would like. They usually hold it until I get there to look. If I like, I pay ca$h. They have been pretty good so far. If they did me like that, after agreeing to hold it? See ya, I'll find another place to spend my ca$h.
 
I don't know what your 'other store options' are but I'd be talking to the manager about "customer loyalty". Gun sales are not always going to stay at the current level. If nothing else you can express your "deep disappointment" and find out if you will be treated this way in the future.

I haven't bought a gun from a LGS for 6 years because they don't have what I buy -- pre-lock S&W revolvers.
 
After spending the night in the depths of Gotham (read sitting in the quiet zone in town studying for a promotional exam) I am even more displeased with the way this transpired than I was before.

The conversation went like this:

*RING RING RING*

RR: Hello?

Salesman: This is Brad with LPS. We had a nice S&W 410 come in today I thought you might be interested in.

RR: Great. I would love to see it. I'll be in during the next 30 minutes

I didn't specifically request that they hold the gun for me but isn't that at least implied a little bit? I mean, why are you going to call me only to watch one of your employees sell the gun to someone else?

I counted over night and from this store I've purchased a S&W 638, a 4013 pre-rail, a 1076 and a Beretta compact. I have also purchased numerous P-mags, flashlights (including the $100+ Streamlight/Surefire weapon lights) and lots of work related accessories from them. I don't understand why some Tom, Dick or Harry from off the street was allowed to buy a pistol I had every intention of going home with.

Am I completely off base here or is this a legitimate gripe that I have?
 
raidersrule said:
*RING RING RING*

RR: Hello?

Salesman: This is Brad with LPS. We had a nice S&W 410 come in today I thought you might be interested in.

RR: Great. I would love to see it. I'll be in during the next 30 minutes

I didn't specifically request that they hold the gun for me but isn't that at least implied a little bit?
Click to expand...

No it is not. You let that gun walk.

If it had been a Reg Magnum on the cheap would you have said the same? I bet the words "please hold it for me, I am on my way to buy it" would have been included.

When I was selling guns we had many people who wanted us to hold guns, and only a few who would actually come by to purchase them (even fewer in a timely manner). Our official store policy was to NOT hold guns for anyone but the other clerks and I, for our responsible customers, would set it aside until they could get there, if asked.

I would suck this one up, and not hold it against the store.... they are in business to sell, and being the customer you are, I am sure they would have set it aside for you if you had made it plain that you wanted it.

An unrelated point, but I noticed you did not ask a price.... did you plan on paying whatever they asked (maybe they always deal fairly? which is very cool!). Whenever I have had merchandise held for me, in my mind, I am resigned to pay what is asked for it.... from a gun store's perspective there is nothing quite as rude as holding merchandise for someone who comes in and then tries to haggle..... I would NEVER ask for an object be pulled from circulation before I know, and accept a price.... Honestly this sounds like a non issue, as it sounds like you have a good relationship with this store... don't blow that.... it is much more valuable than one missed gun.....

Sorry you didn't get it... I hope an even better one comes along soon!
 
You never asked them to hold it. I wouldnt care one way or the other but I dont look at guns the way some of you guys do. There is no gun that I absolutely must have. If its there and I like it great, if not so what.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
 
Autococker I think you're right. This one is probably my fault and not theirs.

As for the price, they've always dealt very fairly and usually knock off a percent or two because the owner if a retired LEO.

I suppose I'll just suck this one up as live and learn.

Besides, as we transition to Glock from Sig at work I need funds to buy a GLock 27 anyways so I suppose the money is spoken for regardless.
 
Yeah, I think you missed using the magic words of "hold it for me" on that one. I have a very nice LGS that will remove any gun they have from the counter and literally lock it up for me if I ask them to do that but if I don't ask them then I don't expect them to hold it just because I say I'll be around to see it.

***GRJ***
 
There's an old saying about women and streetcars, that likely applies here..

"If you miss one, another will be along shortly....."
 
If you told the guy you were on your way to see the gun, & the salesman knew you were making a special trip to see the gun, then you had first right of refusal on the gun. What I mean is that they should have told the other customer the situation & that if you passed he was next in line for the gun. The LGS doesn't sound like they value your business much.
 
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