Turners in Reseda...UNFRIENDLY!

[Steve1968LS2]

Same experience here with ammo bros in cerritos. I went to go pick up a FFL transfer from a online purchase and the employees treated me like I was bothering/annoying them. Needless to say I refuse to take my business there even if they do have lower prices. Turners in Norwalk/Covina are great with very friendly employees but Rifle Gear is by far the best gun store for customer service. Rifle Gear's customer service is on par with Chic-fila lol

I was thinking In-N-Out.. but yea, Riflegear rocks.

Not going back to Ammo Bros in Cerritos.. unless I HAVE TO for a north county PPT.

Again, Turners in Orange is great.. the one is San Marcos is "ok" and the rest I don't deal with.

[Big E]

Alright, I'll chime in. I don't have a favorite store, but I frequent the following at least once a month: Fowlers in Orange, Turner's in Tustin, Turner's in Signal Hill, & Ammo Bros in Cerritos. Honestly, Ammo Bros is the least friendly (on the surface), but a couple of the guys are very knowledgeable. Biggest problem I think they have is they want to socialize with each other or a friend that comes in. Which is fine, but you have to put new customers first. Once you get them engaged, they are fine. Regarding the other three stores, I can't be in one longer than about 60 seconds before someone talks to me. The only exception is if I look like know exactly what I'm looking for and where it is. Just this past Saturday I was in the Turner's Signal Hill and the sales guy, Robert, was all over the customer service part of the job. I got him to show me some scopes and his recommendations of the best one for my 22; within my price range of course. In the end his store didn't have what I wanted but the Tustin one did so he ended up talking himself out of a sale just to make sure I would be happy with my purchase. Then, rather than let it go, we talk for another 5-6 minutes about what lever action I would be most happy with which moved on to reloading equipment. You might say no big deal, but he knew this purchase was at least a year out. I was so pleased with his service that I'm going to make sure I give him and his store every opportunity for my business in the future.

[slowxturtle]

Turners in Pasadena have always been great to me.

[russ69]

I've bought a few guns over the years and the one thing that is consistent is that I don't expect to always get expert advice or particular friendly service. It's great when I do but I don't count on it. I'm a pretty reasonable guy, generally friendly and cheerful but I don't relish gun buying because the service is so inconsistent, even if I've never had any major issues. I'm also confident enough that none of this stuff bothers me but I wish the service was more professional. The new guys and women don't stand a chance and really need the help of a veteran buyer to show them how the system works and how to wade through the whole BS.
I swear I could run a woman friendly shop and monopolize a huge market. An opportunity is definitely available.

Thanx, Russ

[Javi]

Went into Turners in Chino Hills to hold a handgun I have on layaway elsewhere and also look at handgun cases. Had a really good experience with the guy that took the gun out of the case. Didn't recognize him, never been helped by him before but he had a good attitude. Helped me out with a few questions I had about the gun & about the handgun demonstration as well. Was hard not to buy any ammo there hehe, I need to $ave

[GM4spd]

Been to Turner's Reseda a few times,Redondo Beach, and Signal Hill,never had any
issues with them. I am glad they are around. Pete

[cmichini]

What else did you want? Wanted him to let you bang his sister or something? I wish gun most gun store guys would just talk when they had to and do their job. I'd go to Turner's Reseda more often if they weren't in LA.

Do you think following through with a customer you're in the middle of providing service of, and completing the transaction is doing more than his job? He's not looking to be his friend or share a steaming cup of FUD. He just wants the rifle that he paid for almost 2 weeks ago.

If there was no one in the store and the clerk knew he was going to go to the cashier, get a rubber stamp, come back and pick up his piece in all of 45-60 seconds where the hell did he go and what the hell was so important that he had to abandon a customer in the middle of a transaction? Unless he heard the coffeemaker overflowing, or had symptoms of oncoming explosive diarrhea he's got no excuse for just disappearing like that mid-pick up.

Apparently the folks at gun stores don't buy guns (at least retail). Is anyone hear an audiophile or into some other hobby? You pick out your gear, pay for it take it home and plug it into your hobby world. With firearms, we have to wait 10 days, go through a bunch of administrative horse**** that does nothing but infringe on a RIGHT and now we have to wait even more while some lazy (at best), petty/power hunger (more likely) FUDtard plays games to make you wait a little longer. No, I don't buy any excuses save the explosive diarrhea scenario above. Otherwise it's crappy service, and a symptom that the clerk has no business being in customer service.

[zrockstar]

Maybe things are different at the San Diego store, but I have never been in there when it hasn't been completey slammed with customers, and I still have never waited for more than a minute or two without being helped. I was even there with a friend who was obviously just jerkin around, wanting to hold the FN P90 and P2000 for kicks, and they still helped us no problem. Maybe Turners should look at the SD store for examples to smooth it out for you guys up there.

[infamous209]

Ive went to two places to buy firearms that I was very displeased with. One is Down Range in Ceres, I told the only guy that works there (owner), I wanted a 9mm DA semi auto pistol with an external safety. He told me if you need a safety you dont need a gun, your finger is the only safety you need. He wouldnt pull any guns out of the case when I asked about them, he would just tell me about them. He also told me I shouldnt get a semi auto for home protection because it can jam, I asked well what do you use he said a Glock. HUH? last I checked thats a semi auto. Second place was less hassle but still dumb, and that was Sierra Arms in Modesto. I told the guy behind the counter I wanted the same thing as before, he told me get a .45, I said NO, I want my 120 lb future wife (who was with me) to be able to use it and not fear it. He showed me a couple guns then said you should get a shotgun 12 gauge pump, and handed my lady the shotgun, and said if it dont fit your shoulder you can shoot it from waist high and be fine. She gave back the gun and we left. DUMBA**

[smbob]

you always have the alternative to take your business elsewhere.

it is always much better for a merchant to be grateful for you selecting his establishment to do business with, though.

i support doing business with local merchants and support MY right to get reasonable service at a reasonable price; that does NOT include being treated shabbily by sales associates when I'm spending my $$$$ in their establishment.

+1
That's why I quit doing business with brick and mortar gun stores in my area.
Instead I found a good FFL and order my guns off of the internet and do
the transfer through him. I still always come out way ahead money and
frustration wise. I have become good friends with my FFL. He is a retired cop
and a family man who really appreciates my business. Forget those
knuckleheads and their bad attitudes. Send them a message and take your
buisness elsewhere.

Robert

[Mail Clerk]

When I go to Turner's for anything I just conduct me business and get out of there as soon as possible. The only thing I need to do is having just as much or more knowledge than they do cuz sometimes they have no idea what their talking about and all they care about is making a sale. Anything leality wise is their responsibility. It just boils down to irresponsibility of management and they get paid how much????

Mail Clerk

[Ritty]

Ammo Bros., Turner's, Clerks, & Customers

My Two Cents after reading virtually all of the comments.

The original "poster" of this thread was sharing his (negative) experience with Turner's ... and the manager for Turner's was "correct" in suggesting he contact that particular store's manager, IMO. I do not consider the original poster to have written anything inflammatory or caustic. He shared a personal experience ... and not one of you can take away that experience from him! I also consider his posting well written, addressed the issues, and was not overly biased. He simply reported the fact; his experience.

I am a retired LEO with 34 years of service. In "olden times" cops sold and traded guns as much as they consumed donuts & coffee. I bought a few guns early on in my career, then basically forgot about them for many, many years other than the one(s) I was going to wear for service.

Today, we are saddled with a huge amount of paperwork ... and along with that goes the frustration of having to deal with it. Correct me if I am wrong, but the State of California requires ALL licensed firearms dealers to do DROS type of work in addition to their normal sales, etc. That means "the store" gets $10.00 for handling the time consuming, tedious paperwork. This based on a $35.00 transfer fee.

I have never been to any of the Turner's Store, but have had to drive about 110 miles to both Riflegear & Ammos Bros. in Cerritos to do PPT's & FTF's as I live near San Diego.

My experience with Riflegear has been just two trips. The 2nd one was on a recent holiday (for some) and there were quite a few folks in the store. Many were obviously well known to the staff ... but one of the clerks saw me standing there with a sheaf of papers in my hand and knew I was there solely to do a pick-up. He took care of me well before others whom I know were ahead of me there. In short order, my business was done and I was on my way to Ammo Bros. in Cerritos to look over a gun and eventually went inside to do the paperwork.

My previous "first time experience" walking inside Ammo Bros. was absolute astonishment at the metal cage all patrons must pass through going both in and out of the store. It wasn't like this in the old days! Times sure have changed. It wasn't too busy, but I had to take a number & wait a few minutes. Finally I was served in a very satisfactory manner. Yes, I found the clerks to be in a bit of a chaotic state ... as I found as well at Riflegear ... but when you have to have two people go over all the paperwork for verification, there's a lot of jumping around of the folks behind the counter. My business was conducted in a timely manner & I left.

There are a number of contributing factors that led the original poster of this thread to express him First Ammendment Rights. Clerks (employees) and customers all come from various sectors. They are a cross section of society. As to the clerks, IMO ... 98% of them are looking at their work as "just a job" and how many of them will be there, doing the same thing in 10 years? The word "career" has yet to enter their vocabularly, let alone, understanding. As for the customers ... just like those who being waited on in banks or the Post Office, many of them feel a need to share their life's experiences with the person on the other side of the counter. I cannot even imagine the number of times I've stood in a Post Office (while working, as well) line while (1) a customer takes the clerk's time in telling him/her about probably) "information, history, or a story" no one waiting in line, or the customer clerk cares the least about ... and (2) why the clerk's offer the customer a variety of choices as to what style or design of stamp they want. Hell ... they're just going to lick it, put it on an envelope, and send it away shortly!

On my 3rd trip to Ammo Bros almost 10 days ago, I entered and was greeted by "Norman" who recognized me from previous business there. Not only did he recognize me, he greeted me by calling me Mr. Nuhn. Now that's customer service (recognition) IMO ... and who am I going to wait for to help me when it's my turn? That's right, it'll be Norman. I am going to go to AB in Cerritos this coming week for a pick-up and hopefully, will be served by Norman. Further business and $$ will be given to Norman based on customer recognition. Recognition & Reward; They go hand in hand.

The customer is often at fault, as well ... when they find it necessary to go over every little "gizmo" and "widget" they have on their gun, or gun collection at home. They too have a responsibility to respect other customers ... with $$$ in hand, just waiting for service.

If there's a problem with one of the stores in a series of chain stores ... and it sure seems to me like there is one that's rather standing out above all the rest, then it's for higher-up big-wigs to step in and look over the total operation from the store manager to the lowly (but perhaps cute?) cashier, who simply rubber stamps some papers. It's obvious to me anyway ... that a "management" person from Turner's does indeed read these threads. Kudos to him.

It's a two way street folks. Life is a compromise ... and life is not fair .. but we're stuck with what we have and should learn to deal with it, or implement change. This isn't Burger King ... in that you don't always "get it your way!"

I'm new to CG and have enjoyed the past couple of months very much.

Regards.

Ritty (Les Nuhn)

[Spooled Up]

Stay away from Signal Hill Turners.... today I am starting my DROS on a shotgun I bought 12 days ago. Using another Turners now....

[SarcoBlaster]

Change your title to: "Turners... UNFRIENDLY!" and you're spot on. I avoid that place like the plague and tell everybody I know to do the same.

[WildCard75]

Visited the Reseda store last Friday afternoon to buy a Ruger 22/45 that went on sale. The guy that helped me out with the purchase was very helpful. After the purchase I wanted to look at a Marlin lever rifle on the rack, another employee showed a few lever actions to compare and even looked at a specific model that might be in stock in another store. All in all a very pleasant gun purchase.

The cashier was a different story. While doing the transaction, I asked "if I purchase a safe, would" - Cashier interupts and told me to talk to the guys in the hunting section. Nice.