Retiring to a LGS

[mckenney99]

Watch out for people bringing in loaded guns. Some of them don't have a clue. Be picky about where they point and wave them around.

Amen, I had more loaded guns pointed at me in 9 years working in gun shops than I had in 26 years of active law enforcement.
I had to disarm the same older customer twice when he repeatedly pointed his loaded pistol at me while trying to remember how to unload it.
To be honest, the folks that open carried were my biggest headache, because they had an overwhelming urge to "show" their gun to everyone.
Also as warned above, watch for "straw purchase" behaviors, pay attention to your customers and watch who is pointing out what to look at and handle and then buy. BATFE, news organizations and anti-gun organizations can, have and will attempt to bait you into making "straw purchases".

 

[H Richard]

I could only hope that this job will pay you more than you will spend there.

If your store does trading, I'd be broke in a week buying up all the great items people want to trade off.

 

[pawngal]

Becky, there is iron in your words of life.

Well stated.

Thank you. I can't begin to count the number of times I've been ignored or talked down to in various gun departments of big box stores, gun shows and especially at live auctions. Not so much in smaller independent gun stores.

To add to my original post......
Whatever system the store has set up for the NICS check, double check everything, expired DL, no go. Different address on DL, no go. Does the shop go ahead and transfer a delayed transaction after 3 business days? You are not required to do so.
One more, when handing a gun to a customer, open the action to show it is not loaded. A good first step in gun safety.
Also, there are several monthly publications that are free to firearms businesses, if the shop gets the print versions, read them. Otherwise you can get them online. One is Shooting Industry, another is Shooting Sports Retailer

 

[Rustyt1953]

Thank you. I can't begin to count the number of times I've been ignored or talked down to in various gun departments of big box stores, gun shows and especially at live auctions.

Sadly I have witnessed this all too often with Ruthie. As you know she was blessed with the same firey hair color as you and her being 4'10" I have seen many men talk down to her as if she had wandered to the grownups table by accident.


I say nothing as I watch her reduce them to ashes.

 

[wuluf]

Thank you all for the words of wisdom. I appreciate this thread and will take it to heart. I know I have much to learn.

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[Rudi]

Will you get an employee discount?

 

[Rlg#17]

Have fun! But be firm on safety! After working in various shops, including Police Supply stores that catered mostly to Leo's, I have seen more ADs in the shops then 31 years in Law Enforcement.

Most everything you make will be spent on items in the store!

Again, safety is a non-negotiation item. Be polite, but firm. Lotsa newbies out there.

Regards, Rick Gibbs

 

[pawncop]

The pointy end of the bullet goes towards the barrel.

Sorry, I could not resist.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Treat women as real customers, we control much of money in this country and are buying guns in record numbers. Also, you never know, she might know more about guns that you do.

So true. This deserves repeating.

A guy with a big, macho ego can kill a sale to a lady in seconds.

 

[wuluf]

Will you get an employee discount?

I'm afraid to ask, I actually need the income!

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[austintexas]

I worked part-time at a gunshop in Fort Worth for 2 years, never took a pay check home.
SWCA 892

 

[pawngal]

Me again.....
Not sure what accessories the shop carries but upsell the sale.
Every new shooter needs eye and ear protection. If there is a range nearby with a good RO maybe gift a new buyer with a 1 hr basic intro to firearms session.
Maybe a holster, some targets, a range bag, safe storage
And ammo!

 

[TheHobbyist]

So true. This deserves repeating.

A guy with a big, macho ego can kill a sale to a lady in seconds.

True...wife and I walked into one and she really wanted a new compound bow--a nice one.

It was so cringeworthy. She started asking questions and the guy would only look at me and address her questions to me.

Talked down to her, ignored her and within the span of a few minutes we were walking out the door. She directly and logically explained why he lost the sale at a volume other customers could hear and other wives/partners started leaving too.

 

[Bekeart]

Killing Sales - Jaw bone of "donkey"

So true.]
A guy with a big, macho ego can kill a sale to a lady in seconds.

Samson slew a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a (donkey).
Every day thousands of sales are killed with the same weapon.

i.e. was not donkey in original text - form rules prevent exact quote

 

[Rustyt1953]

Me again.....
Not sure what accessories the shop carries but upsell the sale.
Every new shooter needs eye and ear protection. If there is a range nearby with a good RO maybe gift a new buyer with a 1 hr basic intro to firearms session.
Maybe a holster, some targets, a range bag, safe storage
And ammo!

While I have done many big ticket sales the tally at the end of the year showed that the bulk of the profits came from accessories.

 

[hsguy]

Enjoy! I retired in 2007 from my career and was bored fairly quickly and was hired by a Cabela's about to open in the area to work in the Gun Library. I sent 9 years buying and selling guns with broad discretion about pricing. During my tenure I was not selling the latest plastic wonders but primarily dealt in rather interesting and often collectible guns. A few of the lessons I learned.

1.Don't cheat widows and orphans, bad Karma. One of the first guns I bought for the store the customer brought in a gun owned by a recently deceased family member that she hoped to get $125 for. I examined the gun and told her I would not pay $125 for it but would pay her $1,000 as that was a fair price.

2. If you are not familiar with a particular firearm and it's value don't guess, do some research to be fair to the customer.

3. Listen to your customer as they may be much more knowledgeable than you, I gained more knowledge than I imparted.

4. Treat all customers with respect and equanimity.

5. Don't hesitate to refuse a sale if it seems suspicious.

6. Buy a bigger safe.

 

[dsf]

I'll be retiring soon and going to work part time at my local gun shop. Worked retail before and customer service for 40 plus years but never in guns. Any advice for an old newbie?

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Congratulations. I plan on doing the same in southern Oregon in about 6 months.

1) Pay attention to your paperwork

2) Don't be afraid to say "I don't know"

3) Patience with the idiots

I hit the Reno stores at least 4 times a year when I go to a gun show. Pretty much always find a C&R or two to take home with me.