LGS Return Policies

[wes.crockett]

Hey all,

My mother just went to an LGS to purchase optics for my fathers Ruger 7mm mag. Her goal is to surprise him and, although I advised her to order online, I certainly appreciate her desire to support local shops...

Well, she was being strong armed into purchasing a $1000 scope that was 'extremely discounted' (I found it for around the same price online.) She ask a reasonable question: "If my husband decides it's really too nice, can he return it for a different scope and possible purchase a range finder or something." The LGS said no returns and said that 'she should really be sure about what to get him' and 'maybe it shouldn't be a surprise.'.. This really pissed me off, most men would be giddy as a school girl getting surprised with a 500-1000 dollar scope!

So, my question is, before leaving this shop a SCATHING review, do most LGS's have a no return policy on optics? She stated that, if returned, it would have never been mounted and never shot from... it would be in new condition...

[Divernhunter]

Most places will not accept returns if the box is opened.

With a scope or other optics it is best to KNOW EXACTLY what item/brand/reticle/model/finish etc the receiving person wants.

May I suggest she take him to the store and let him pick as the surprise without telling him the reason for the trip beforehand.

[wes.crockett]

I'm really surprised...

This is the reasons like this that more and more are buying online. I have found that most the gun shops around where I are full of people who have no business in the customer service game, they just want to be around guns all the time. Sad to see.

As to the whole 'bring him to the shop' thing... he would walk out with a $200 Nikon... (not that a $200 Nikon is bad.. that's what I use...) He just doesn't spend that kind of money on himself. These surprises are her way of forcing him to get nice things.

[knucklehead]

Look on there website. It should say about there returns.

Otherwise drop that thing off on there counter tell them you want a return. When they refuse walk out leaving it there and call your credit card company.


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[wes.crockett]

Are you agreeing that them saying no returns on the scope (assuming it has not been mounted or used) is unreasonable? (as in you agree that the gun shop is being unreasonable)?

Look on there website. It should say about there returns.

Otherwise drop that thing off on there counter tell them you want a return. When they refuse walk out leaving it there and call your credit card company.


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[GW]

Most places won't accept the scope if its been mounted
The rings leave marks and best they can only sell it as second hand, possibly losing money.
. I think you'll find that most shops will let you take the scope out ofthe box but once you scratch it as rings will do, its yours.

[NoHeavyHitter]

So, my question is, before leaving this shop a SCATHING review, do most LGS's have a no return policy on optics?

So, let me get this straight - you want to leave a "scathing review" for a shop that is honest and goes out of its way to be certain that their return policy is made 100% clear to the buyer BEFORE the purchase is made?

If a "no questions asked" return policy is what you want, maybe Walmart would be the best place to make the buy...

[wes.crockett]

So, let me get this straight - you want to leave a "scathing review" for a shop that is honest and goes out of its way to be certain that their return policy is made 100% clear to the buyer BEFORE the purchase is made?

If a "no questions asked" return policy is what you want, maybe Walmart would be the best place to make the buy...

Heavy, the issue is that they tried to use her lack of knowledge about a subject, and utilize her desire to 'get something nice' and surprise her husband with a gift, as a means to strong arm her into purchasing a more expensive scope because it was a 'great deal' (which it was not THAT great of a deal) and then not offer an EXCHANGE towards a different item if he decides that scope is not for him. She SPECIFICALLY identified identified that the item would be new in box, unmounted, un-fired for the exchange.

THAT is why they should get a scathing review.

[wes.crockett]

Most places won't accept the scope if its been mounted
The rings leave marks and best they can only sell it as second hand, possibly losing money.
. I think you'll find that most shops will let you take the scope out ofthe box but once you scratch it as rings will do, its yours.

Totally understandable and this is what I would expect.. as long as it hasn't been mounted, should be returnable.

[8mmFMJ]

Order from Amazon. you can always return it.

[jeffyhog]

I wouldn't leave a negative review of the shop. They were honest and they have a right to their return policy even though it may cost them sales. If unsure about the purchase, buy it somewhere that has a return policy that is acceptable to you. Always best to ask before making the purchase.

[wes.crockett]

I wouldn't leave a negative review of the shop. They were honest and they have a right to their return policy even though it may cost them sales. If unsure about the purchase, buy it somewhere that has a return policy that is acceptable to you. Always best to ask before making the purchase.

I think the big problem was more the method of pushing her towards a pretty expensive optic and then telling her she's SOL if he decides he wasn't something a bit different.

[OpticsPlanet]

We offer a 30-day evaluation period from delivery on unmounted optics.

Pretty much every LGS I have dealt with is no returns, or store credit, at best. The only thing I buy at the LGS is ammunition, and guns.

My wife says our divorce will be over "irreconcilable employee discount".

Mark H.

[dingos]

What jeffyhog said^^. If they choose to to push her toward an expensive optic it's really up to her to decide and or research reviews and consult with OP before purchase. I'm not agreeing with the business practice. They did disclose the "no return" before she buys. Online is the best option as you stated OP. Personally, I've come to realize that most, not all, gun stores are becoming more and more like the car sales industry. I believe it is because there are so many stores now the margin for error/profit is slim combined with online vendors.