I am DONE with ADE's !!!

[Black Majik]

I like Ade's, they've always treated me right. The thought never occured that a PPT, abiet $10 was considered a burden to a shop to perform? Granted it's not much but multiple PPTs can add up quick. With the amount of PPTs going on (usually everytime I'm in the shop), I'm thinking the $10 fees add up quick. I'm sure it's business he still appreciates.

I've always accepted the extra time it took to do a PPT at his shop because, well I rather spend it there than elsewhere. I'll usually buy other accessories too while I'm there too (although there ain't much, short of buyin' another gun).

The times when he's been overwhelmingly busy, I agree that Fowlers is also great to deal with. In, out in 15 minutes.

I think this thread has garnered a lot of attention because Ade's shop is so well defended by the members here. Ade's seriously has one of the largest followings of any other gunshop here in Socal, from what I read and hear.

But hey, I'm a loyal customer of his shop too.

[Moonclip]

Just for the record I have never had Ade do a ship in for me, I have always bought guns from his stock or his consignments. Also I have never done a PPT there.

However me and about 2-3 other people I know have decided to no longer do business there.

[drdanno84]

I agree, Ade is a super nice guy and provides an invaluable service to gun owners. I have purchased a few consignment guns from him and did have to wait a long time to do the paper work and the subsequent pick-up of the weapons. He could streamline the process by changing a few policies.
Firstly, he should allow customers to begin filling out the necessary forms to do a transfer/purchase, then have someone review them for accuracy. Secondly, he should provide a copy of both his business license abd FFL license to customers who wish to have guns shipped to him for a transfer.
This information is public knowledge, I have previously dealt with other gun shops that have provided these copies and I have mailed them along with the cashier's checks to dealers I have purchased firearms from.
And lastly, since he keeps odd hours, he should do PPT transfers and delivery of firearns by appointment ONLY, this will prevent a lot of chaos and frustration. I am 100% for supporting the smaller shops, but the owners need to reciprocate by providing "quality and personal service".

[GMONEY]

I was in Ade's place today as well and normally I do my ppt's their but latley it's been a mad house. It was nice and quiet there today though and Ade was giving a toungue lashing to one of his employee's for not doing something. I think he is aware of the problem and trying to fix it best he can so give the guy a break! He's owns a gun shop in OC it's hard enough for him as it is. Ade will have my business! Just need to go at the right time!

[cush]

I aqgree, Ade is a supper nice guy and provides an invaluable service to gun owners. I have purchased a few consignment guns from him and did have to wait a long time to do the paper work and the subsequent pick-up of the weapons. He could streamline the process by changing a few policies.
Firstly, he should allow customers to begin filling out the necessary forms to do a transfer/purchase, then have someone review them for accuracy. Secondly, he should provide a copy of both his business license abd FFL license to customers who wish to have guns shipped to him for a transfer.
This information is public knowledge, I have previously dealt with other gun shops that have provided these copies and I have mailed them along with the cashier's checks to dealers I have purchased firearms from.
And lastly, since he keeps odd hours, he should do PPT transfers and delivery of firearns by appointment ONLY, this will prevent a lot of chaos and frustration. I am 100% for supporting the smaller shops, but the owners need to reciprocate by providing "quality and personal service".

I fully support the idea that those who are dissatisfied vote with your feet.
It sounds like Ade is not your style of shop.
I do find it a stretch that many keep saying "He should" do x, y, z.
I seem to remember when that is applied to, oh say how Calguns runs, everybody says it's the owner's to run the way he wants.
I don't mind that any who leave will be one less competing for those consignment specials
If Fowler's is your style, enjoy (they do zero consignments).
Ade does have his quirks, he's not perfect, but then I kind of fit in.
Besides, my Wife and Daughters like him. Biiiggg Plus there. Reminds them a lot of my Dad.
..."dear I'm going to drop in at Ade's and take a look." "Oh, OK" .... get back.. "How's Ade doing?".
I could go on, there definitely is a personal side of shopping at Ade's I'm willing to "pay" for.
So, no problem, move along to another store.
I'll be glad to hear if you find another good store. We need them.

Curious, I haven't been to that many stores: How common is it for a store to wipe off every gun after each customer handles it as Ade does?
-cush

[Moonclip]

The problem is, too many people vote with their feet, there will no longer be a business. I've seen it happen, anyone remember KPG guns in Anaheim? Closed due to lack of business.

And also IIRC, requiring an appointment for a PPT is illegal so that suggestion is out.

Actually I find many of the suggestions for better service made here are reasonable and would be a good thing for Ades to think about, especially not answering the phone and having long conversations when people with cash in hand are waiting.

I doubt Ades will close because me and some others no longer shop there, I fear more it will be closed by ATF or DOJ for continues F ups like Richs Arms.

[The SoCal Gunner]

And also IIRC, requiring an appointment for a PPT is illegal so that suggestion is out.

I went to On-Target in Laguna Niguel for a PPT this past Saturday with another forum member who was coming up from San Diego only to find out that they do not do PPTs on the weekends. The salesman still did the transfer for us but it would be nice if their policy was posted on their website.

[Moonclip]

I went to On-Target in Laguna Niguel for a PPT this past Saturday with another forum member who was coming up from San Diego only to find out that they do not do PPTs on the weekends. The salesman still did the transfer for us but it would be nice if their policy was posted on their website.

I've heard that Insights does this as well. To Ades credit I have never heard of someone being turned away for one there even if busy.

It is illegal IIRC but I'm not a rat. However I usually do no more or little business with places that pull stuff like that.

There is a worker from On Target that posts here. I'd start a separate thread and see how he cares to address or justify this policy.

[The SoCal Gunner]

I've heard that Insights does this as well. To Ades credit I have never heard of someone being turned away for one there even if busy.

It is illegal IIRC but I'm not a rat. However I usually do no more or little business with places that pull stuff like that.

There is a worker from On Target that posts here. I'd start a separate thread and see how he cares to address or justify this policy.

I already know what the justification would be. Weekends are busier and they prefer to make more money helping shooters and purchasers. It's understandable but bad policy IMO. We did arrive a few minutes after opening so they weren't busy yet. There is also a shop about another exit away but if that hadn't been the case we would have had to travel a good distance had they turned us away.

[GlockOn]

It is what it is...

Let me first start off by saying I typically don't respond to these types of posts. I see a lot of positive and a lot of negative here. While the positive is definitely encouraging, the negative is of course discouraging.

I've worked for Ade for a little over a year now. When I started OLL's were HUGE business for us, everyone had to have one, or seven. While that area of our business has slowed, we are still a very busy shop, especially for how small we are.

For those of you who have had positive experiences, and have come to our defense, let me say I truly appreciate you. To those of you who have had negative experiences, I'm sorry, I wish we were perfect, but we aren't. We are human. It seems as if a lot of people on here have had negative experiences with me personally. I've been called a lot of names on Calguns. It seems like everyone who comes into the shop either loves me or hates me. I'm aware that to some people I come off cocky, or irritable. My own family has told me that. While I don't consider myself to be a prideful person, I do know that I can come off that way. As for being irritable and fed up at times, I am. I get tired of trying to do 10 things at once, and I get tired of answering the phone and I get tired of mounds of paperwork. I'm not good at faking it, and pretending I'm in an awesome mood, if I was, I would work at In-N-Out I love the gun business, if I had my choice I would only show guns and talk to customers. In any case, if you have something to say to me, PM me, I'd be glad to hear it. It might help me to be a better person, who knows. To snipe me under the cover a CalGuns user name is pretty low.

As for Ade, he is in his early 70's. In the past month he has made it through a BATFE inspection and he has moved from his house to a temporary residence, only to move again in the next month or so. He's been running in 3 directions at one time, and sure, it's been bad for business. Ade prides himself on running a good business, and he's not happy with the situation he's been in. He's doing the best he can. Let me say that there are times when even I am frustrated. Ade's a good guy and he wants you to have a good experience. I was a customer for three years before I was an employee. There's something to be said about loyalty. Ade it the type of guy who I would be loyal to. That's just me though.

If Ade retired right now, I'd be lost for what to do about my purchases. I have no idea where I would go. What other place will order ANYTHING that is legal, and on top of that give you a good price. Ade has gone above and beyond over the years, and there's something to be said for that. I don't have a problem with someone saying they are done with us. Obviously I don't like to hear that, but it's their choice, and all I can do is try to ensure that we are resolving the issues that have caused the attrition. As for those who have posted multiple times, posting over and over again that they are leaving. We get it. Nobody is hard of hearing in the world of threaded discussions.

What I like to do when I have a problem with someone or a business is go to them about it. If I don't like my experience at a place I do business with, I talk to the management. I usually give the place one more shot after that, and if I still don't like it, I stop going there. I give the place a chance to improve. I realize that sometimes issues don't seem like issues until a customer brings it up. So I would encourage you to do the same. How can any place become better without constructive criticism. On the other side of the issue, I also give feedback to the management when the service has gone above and beyond. It would be great if Ade could hear the negative, and most of all the positive.

[PatriotnMore]

To those of you who have had negative experiences, I'm sorry, I wish we were perfect, but we aren't. We are human. It seems as if a lot of people on here have had negative experiences with me personally. I've been called a lot of names on Calguns. It seems like everyone who comes into the shop either loves me or hates me. I'm aware that to some people I come off cocky, or irritable. .

I have had a problem with your shop, whether this was you, I don't know. I don't have a problem stating it here in public, in an IM, or person to person.
I did however, make it quite clear I was unhappy at the time I was in your shop. I gave you the opportunity to hear me out, of which, the person was quite short, and ill advised as to DOJ requirements.
I did take my business down the street, and they were more than happy to have it.
The issue was proof of address, I wanted to use my professional license issued by the state of California, which has an expiration date, and is pefectly legal. The person helping me told me it could not be used, I tried to explain, and show the written DOJ word concerning acceptance. The person at your shops reply was, well if someone wants to bend the rules. That was it, good day. I am not going to argue with the ignorant, nor waste my time, or money.

I get tired of trying to do 10 things at once, and I get tired of answering the phone and I get tired of mounds of paperwork.

Were all busy people, you think you are the only one? I have to do the same things, if I piss poeple off, they are going to stop doing business with my employer. The real difference may be you are a family member, and don't think being courteous applies. I grant you get no sympathy for being under pressure, or busy.

In any case, if you have something to say to me, PM me, I'd be glad to hear it. It might help me to be a better person, who knows. To snipe me under the cover a CalGuns user name is pretty low..

If you want to discuss this in private, I will be happy to. However, I am not sniping under the cover of any screen name, and I will be happy to talk face to face if you think that will help.

What I like to do when I have a problem with someone or a business is go to them about it. .

I tired that approach when I was in your shop, it did me no good.

If I don't like my experience at a place I do business with, I talk to the management. I usually give the place one more shot after that, and if I still don't like it, I stop going there. I give the place a chance to improve.

It may be just me, or a loss between what you intended, and what was written. However, I am reading what I would describe as passive aggressive behavior. On one hand, you are calling members here with poor experiences cowards, for hiding behind a screen name and sniping at your business, then you are asking for them to tell you about it so they can help you be better.
Why should anyone take the time to help you with that type of attitude? When they can drive two blocks and bypass the aggravation?

[GlockOn]

I never said that the people on Calguns were cowards. I never said that they were sniping under a user name when it came to talking about Ade's. I said people were sniping when they call me names. PatriotnMore is misrepresenting what I said. Please read carefully. Everyone on here has the right to their opinion, I'm all for that. I'm not trying to be confrontational or spray gas on a fire.

[Moonclip]

I
It may be just me, or a loss between what you intended, and what was written. However, I am reading what I would describe as passive aggressive behavior. On one hand, you are calling members here with poor experiences cowards, for hiding behind a screen name and sniping at your business, then you are asking for them to tell you about it so they can help you be better.
Why should anyone take the time to help you with that type of attitude? When they can drive two blocks and bypass the aggravation?

Sums it up well. You may think I'm "hiding" but all that really needs to be known is that I'm an unhappy Ades customer that will not be back. And I have given the place many chances. For various reasons I am protective of my true identity on calguns somewhat. Ever notice there is not a single picture of me on this or any other gun related sites?

I don't dislike you or Ade really, just a decision I made after some thought that it was better for me to conduct business elsewhere. You may not care but me and 1-2 others I know that have come to that conclusion spend many 1000's a year on guns and their accesories a year.

I truly do wish you the best of luck and hope the place can make some positive changes in the future. And thank you for responding in the thread. Does Ade know about it?

[Moonclip]

Someone that works there sort of reminds me of Private Pyle from Full Metal Jacket! I think I'm going to name any future M1A purchase I make "Charlene".

.

If this is the remark you took offense to for whatever reason I am sorry and will remove it if you want. I had no for sure idea this was you anyways. I knew an Ades employee posts here but is'nt there like 3 others that work behind the counter besides Ade?

Heck private Pyle from that movie is cool, he can shoot a m14 better than I

[JohnnyBangBang]

I have had nothing but good experiences at Ade's and everyone I have delt with at the counter has been very helpfull.