Gander Mtn = idiots?

[bdmoss88]

I was in a local Gander Mtn the other day that just opened a few weeks ago. When I asked about 22LR ammo the guy said that this weekend they are having their grand opening and they had a truck of ammo on the way for it. Today I run over there on my lunch hoping to get some(surely they wouldn't sell out the first two hours?) and find a big blank spot on the shelves. Guy at the end of the aisle asks what I'm looking for and says "Sorry, a guy bought it all Wednesday night to re-sell." So they are having their big event on the weekend and two days before they sell the entire stock of 22LR to a guy they know is going to re-sell it? Is that monumentally stupid or what? I let him know I won't be going back any time soon.

 

[HCH]

They make the same amount of money either way. I'd tell the manager he is not very customer friendly and not give my business to them in the future. There has to be a gun store on every street coner in Alabama that wants your money. GM has always been on the expensive side anyway.
This ammo BS has to stop.

 

[MichiganScott]

I find it hard to believe that anyone could make a profit on ammunition they bought at the prices GM charges. During the last shortage GM was about the only place that had ammunition because of their ridiculously high prices.

 

[darmtn1917]

I find it hard to believe that anyone could make a profit on ammunition they bought at the prices GM charges. During the last shortage GM was about the only place that had ammunition because of their ridiculously high prices.

Check out gunbroker - this time it's worse

 

[Jagrmaister]

I called a local Gander Mountain yesterday to see if they had received any of the CCI Mini-mag ammo cans after receiving an ad saying it was on sale through the month at $99.99 ($6.25/pack!). He told me they had just received a very small shipment and it had yet to go out, but it was there and would be available. I got in the shower and headed to the Gander 40 mins away. When I got there, the clerk working the counter acted oblivious and said there was no ammo that came in and he knew of no .22LR that had become available. I simply asked why when I called someone had confirmed there was a shipment? I could believe it being sold already, but not that it never arrived especially after calling only about an hour ago prior to it ever hitting shelves. He acted completely smug, and was just like if you want to wait a few hours I might check by then and maybe there will be some ammo.

Displeased, I just decided to find another more "customer service" oriented employee. I saw an employee with an older gentlemen, and in his hands...what I wanted...the ammo can of CCI. I let them finish their conversation and he asked me if he could help. I told him how I had called, driven 40 minutes after being told this item was in stock, and simply wondered if any more was available. He said there might be one left. He went to the back and got me my CCI Mini-mag 40gr ammo can. He was a great guy to talk to, completely helpful, and got me what I wanted without any grief or smug attitude. I asked him what was the deal with the ammo if it was being held for a sale date or what? My only conclusion is they had limited stock, someone let the cat out of the bag, and certain employees had planned to buy up the stock but store policy dictates they have to let it go if a customer asks because they really pryed for a name of the clerk that said it was in stock over the phone.

Getting the item was great. What saved me as a customer, however, wasn't obtaining the CCI but rather the attitude and respect as a customer of the second employee, because I was about to walk out and never return business to a Gander after the smug attitude of the first.

Long story, but it follows suit to the OP and offering actual customer service. Having a hardly sought item in stock is not what I expect every time, but quality customer service is and it seems to me Gander corporate needs to evaluate some of their employees. I can deal with bare shelves, I can't deal with crummy attitudes or complete bull.

 

[jtcarm]

Wow, that's hard to believe. I don't doubt the story, but I'm shocked they would let someone buy their entire supply, especially knowing it would be resold. In the current environment, there should have been a per-customer limit.

During a primer panic back in the 90s, Dillon was my source and they put a limit on purchases after discovering large buys being were being resold.

 

[Smithhound]

Never having set foot in a Gander Mountain I can't speak for them but it's probable that thier in the same boat as every other retailer. You can't sell from an empty wagon.
Management probably told the employees to talk the company line to get bodies in the door, it's what retailers do.
Locally the Sportsmans Warehouse is void of .22lr, most smaller shops are too, my LGS and another have a limited stock with a two box limit per customer and they are selling 50 rnd boxes from between $12 and $16 a box!
I'm not going to go down the 'you should have seen this coming' road as many new shooters are being put in a bind, I'm sure it's irritating, I wouldn't want to have purchased a new, high dollar, gun and find it's primarily a paperweight.
Good luck to all.
RD

 

[CoMF]

In addition to the artifically inflated prices on their ammo, there's another reason I won't shop at "Bubba Moun'n" if I can help it.

Back when I was in the market for a new snub, I eyed an Airweight Chief's Stainless (M638) without the internal lock in their used gun section. The Firearms Counter manager seemed hesitant to hand it to me, and I soon discovered why... As I opened the cylinder lo and behold, there was the dreaded frame crack underneath the barrel. I brought it to his attention and he replied with a sheepish: "Oh, yeah... Lookit that..." When I told him he should send it back to S&W for a free replacement he just shrugged his shoulders, nonchalantly placed it back in the case, paid it no futher heed and "remembered" he had something else to do...

Yes, YMMV, and I'm sure not all the stores are like that, but I've got a jaundiced view of my local one in general. I'm much better off dealing with my LGS who's always been fair and square with me.

 

[GypsmJim]

In my 2 LGS's the guy behind the counter is also the owner. Or, if its an employee, the Owner isn't far away. I suspect that is common for most LGSs.

In Gander Mountain, the guys just work there, probably for minimum wage. Some just do what they are told, others do what they please. If you have an issue in the store, the Manager is the one to speak to.

I buy very little at GM. However, I do stop in weekly...

Last year they had a Thanksgiving sale and I bought 10 bricks of .22LR 525 bulk for $15 a brick. WalMart was about 17 at that time.

The year before I bought a 90% S&W Model 14 for $195 and it came with the box and papers and extra set of grips. The year before that I bought an unfired Pre Model 27 for $299. (Yes, you read that right, it wasn't a typo - but I think it may have been mismarked and it really was $1299).

Anyway, I hate GM for their high prices, but I love them for their mistakes....LOL.

 

[dougb1946]

I find it hard to believe that anyone could make a profit on ammunition they bought at the prices GM charges. During the last shortage GM was about the only place that had ammunition because of their ridiculously high prices.

And then they sold it. The reseller may have been a gun range or small dealer just wanting stock on hand. Frequently, GMs' price is less than a LGS can get ammo landed cost, as freight on a full pallet may be free, lower quantity may be very expensive.

 

[Chris L.]

Wow, that's hard to believe. I don't doubt the story, but I'm shocked they would let someone buy their entire supply, especially knowing it would be resold. In the current environment, there should have been a per-customer limit.

My Gander Mountain sold 42,000 rds of 9mm to a "training organization" shortly after the gun/ammo panic began, wiping out most of their stock.

GM sells on a first come, first serve basis. End of story. If you want special treatment (and who doesn't) stick with an LGS.

 

[dougb1946]

My Gander Mountain sold 42,000 rds of 9mm to a "training organization" shortly after the gun/ammo panic began, wiping out most of their stock.

GM sells on a first come, first serve basis. End of story. If you want special treatment (and who doesn't) stick with an LGS.

the store manager probably got a really good bonus check based on that sale.

 

[Chris L.]

I find it hard to believe that anyone could make a profit on ammunition they bought at the prices GM charges. During the last shortage GM was about the only place that had ammunition because of their ridiculously high prices.

My local GM has been fairly decent throughout this gun/ammo buying crisis. They have mostly kept prices at normal (by GM standards) to full MSRP. That is, when they have the stuff in stock. They sometimes have good deals when things are on sale, and I get $20 reward certificates using my GM MasterCard.

It is some of the LGS in my area who are the biggest offenders, taking advantage of the situation and charging obscene prices. I will remember them if and when this crisis blows over, and never honor them with my presence again.

 

[giddyupsut]

GM here in Springfield has some current an some retired cops behind the counter. All a bunch of arrogant jerks. They know everything and you know nothing.
What really tops it off is the immature store manager. This guys gives used car salesman a bad name.

 

[Swabby]

I guess you can't have it both ways. Being able to buy more than three boxes at Walmart, but having Gander limit their sales, so there is enough for everyone. It's just crazy times. Everyone will mellow out at some point. And I would imagine there will also be an excess of private ammo sales some time in the future. Guys are going to look in there closets and wonder why they ever bought a skid of 22lr's. It is just panic buying. One guy sees a store sold out of 9mm, so then goes until he finds some in stock, and buys them out. And so on....

 

[vince_ross]

I quit going to my local GM a while back. They were the most overpriced place I've ever seen, and kind of rude at times. I do stop at one just outside of Columbus OH when the wife and I head up that way for a weekend trip or something. Their prices seem to be more in line with everyone elses, the staff is friendly too.
I have three LGS's I like to go to in my area. One has the powder I like to reload with, one has bullets for reloading I usually like to use and the other has a very good selection of guns. I'll go to Cabela's once in a while too .

 

[jtcarm]

My Gander Mountain sold 42,000 rds of 9mm to a "training organization" shortly after the gun/ammo panic began, wiping out most of their stock.

GM sells on a first come, first serve basis. End of story. If you want special treatment (and who doesn't) stick with an LGS.

That's really bad. Unethical and bad business. GM is a retail store catering to individual outdoors people. Their not a wholesaler or broker selling to the highest bidder.

I'd visit their site and lay on a flaming letter (not too flaming). Cite specifics and how they are abandoning their loyal customers. It would probably be good for a discount cuopon or something.

 

[woodsltc]

Usually I find the prices at Gander Mtn to be too high for most stuff, but I did find some good prices on 45acp last week and bought several boxes.....they were selling like "hotcakes" and the prices were actually lower than before the shortage. Go figure!!

Don

 

[Practical]

I guess you can't have it both ways. Being able to buy more than three boxes at Walmart, but having Gander limit their sales, so there is enough for everyone. It's just crazy times. Everyone will mellow out at some point. And I would imagine there will also be an excess of private ammo sales some time in the future. Guys are going to look in there closets and wonder why they ever bought a skid of 22lr's. It is just panic buying. One guy sees a store sold out of 9mm, so then goes until he finds some in stock, and buys them out. And so on....

I would not count on it. Things could fundementally change. In other countries you can have registered guns but you can only buy ammo as you use it.

That is one of the gun control approaches being discussed in liberal circles. Some liberals I know actually suggest you can only by 50 rounds a month in an caliber.

In NY we are REALLY getting worried. A lot of people travel to israel and europe and understand how to really mess with gun owners.

There is NO ammo in stock most places I go because people are buying. We do NOT believe we will get to buy the same amount of ammo at anything like the same prices again.

Also, the number of places to buy ammo is expected to drastically decrease.

You guys do NOT understand what the gun control fanatics are trying to do to us... If Obama and Feinstien have their way last year will be the good old days.

 

[rock doc]

Gander Mountain should change their name to Dick's Two.