Retiring to a LGS

[wuluf]

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?

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

 

[Laketime]

What a great way to retire and spend all your earnings.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

My first boss in the retail business -- a haberdashery -- taught me a key to success: know your wares.

His sage advice served me well when I went to work part time in the gun department of a major sporting goods store in 1980. I was a S&W revolver guy and had to learn a lot about pistols, shotguns, rifles, ammo, scopes, and the rest.

Don't try to pull the wool over anyone's eyes. They'll see right through you, and your credibility will suffer.

Have fun!

 

[Doug627]

Prepare yourself. Practice smiling in a mirror while listening to rap music. Practice pausing before answering questions. You will meet some very knowledgeable people and you will learn from them. You will also meet people who know nothing about firearms. Many will be looking to you for guidance. Others won't want you to say anything but "Have a nice day and thank you for your business". Be very careful when giving sage advice. Don't embarrass customers it's not your shop. Carry a bottle of Tylenol in your pocket. Don't be hesitant to tell a customer you don't know something. Find another employee who does know to help the customer. Then stick around to learn the answer for future reference. Above all, have a good time.

 

[poprivit]

The ones that go round and round are called "revolvers".
The ones that go back and forth are semi-autos.

 

[Baxter6551]

Direct deposit your paycheck into your wife's account. Otherwise - at least me anyways - I would never see a dime. Just would need a bigger safe.

 

[Bekeart]

Be Honest

#1: Know what you know.

#2: Know what you do not know.

#3: When you do not know an answer, try to find out.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

The ones that go round and round are called "revolvers".
The ones that go back and forth are semi-autos.

Well said!

 

[sigp220.45]

Sell the customer what they want, not what you need to sell.

 

[Bald1]

Be prepared for tactiCOOL millennials referencing Call of Duty while looking at plastic guns

 

[Skeet 028]

Some good advice above. I started my own shop. Loved shooting!. Remember when you work at something you really like....It turns into another job. And yeah../leave cash, checks and credit cards HOME. Always keep a side stash for those grail guns

 

[Chuck24]

When I retired and went to work in a pawn shop to help get his firearm business going, I was unprepared for the amount of time I would spend in court for the people that lied on the state and federal background check forms. Also one thing my boss impressed on me was that I was not obligated to sell a gun to anyone, regardless of background check, if their actions or speech made me uncomfortable. Watch for straw purchases, especially guys that look at a gun and then send someone else in to buy it.

 

[Protocall_Design]

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.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Congratulations. With you having long been successful in retail and CS you obviously know how to listen.

Just continue to do that.

 

[Fishinfool]

Congrats - I hope you enjoy it.

Don't forget the 50% discount for all S&W Forum members.....

Larry

 

[jdh]

Treat the people on the other side of the counter the way you would expect to be treated if the roles were reversed.

 

[Maddog 521]

I learned that my customers were the greatest people in the world and respect is mandatory.

 

[pawngal]

OK, 30+ years experience on both sides of the counter........
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.
Encourage newbies to ask questions, show how the gun operates, emphasize safety, training and practice.
A small (like J frame) double action only is not a good choice for a new shooter.
Shotguns: A .410 is not a good choice for a child or smaller woman, make it a 20ga and they can enjoy it for a lifetime.
Rifles, don't know a lot about them other than .22lr.
Know the hunting laws in your state, when and what firearms can be used.
Know your state and local laws regarding open carry, conceal carry, in the home, in your car, stand your ground and all that legalize.
Watch for signs of a straw purchase, you CAN deny a sale or transfer, I have done it.
Don't deal with drunks and druggies.
In the firearms business, the customer is not always right!

 

[UncleEd]

The ones that go round and round are called "revolvers".
The ones that go back and forth are semi-autos.

Finally someone has explained
the difference to me---I think.

Now off to the fishing department to
learn about bottom feeders.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Becky, there is iron in your words of life.

Well stated.