who hates this?

[MrSigmaDOT40]

I did exactly what you did. Took my money and walked out...

Once when I was 16, with my mother and I paid cash for a brand New1986 Yamaha FZR 600...becasue the Kawasaki dealer was ajerk and told me "don't shift gears on that, it doesnt have any oil in it!" I had been riding for 4 years already and I knew better. HE was an idiot. My mother was amazed I had saved for over a year for a NINJA...but I went elsewhere.

Another time, I walked out of a Chevy Dealership where I was going to buy a new Tahoe with 10K down....I left and went and bought a used one a couple years old and paid cash....jerks.

and most recently...I was going to buy ONE Doublestar...OLL from a 'stealer' who treated me like crap....failed to even call me back after two weeks and a promise that he would find me a lower. You see my wife had purchased a gift certificate for one and they sold out.

I took my little $260.00 elsewhere and bought FOUR lowers and an upper, 3 LPK, Stocks, Magazines and BBs from someone else. dumass...should have treated me like a customer instead of an inconvenience and HE could be spending the $3k....

I DONT look too young...but..still...they never change...most of these guys DO make oney off their hobby and hand over fist...they cherry pick their customers and treat everyone else like chumps.

Whose the chump now?

That FZR weighed A TON didn't it LOL

[Josh3239]

I don't think I have ever had a problem at a gun shop. Mostly because I am always friendly, polite, knowledgable and obey gun safety (which doesn't seem to be obeyed by customers). The only time I have ever put my finger on the trigger of a firearm I was holding was when the salesman (yep Tim that was you ) told me to feel the trigger.

Leitung put together a really nice list. I can't think of points to add but I'll elaborate some:

1) Leave the piercings at home. I probably should have been born many years ago with my views on society, but the fact is most gun store employees were born before gauges. I don't have tats or piercings, but going into a gunstore with gauges, a ring through your nose, and sleeves up and down your arms and legs is not the "typical" look of a mature, law abiding person. If you like that stuff that's cool, but chances are good that most gun store employees will have already have formed a negative opinion of you already. That is not to say that won't change, but going in there looking like a punk or a criminal isn't going to help you out.

2) Gunshops are not the spot for "counterstrike talk", "gangsta speak" or slang. It is considered immature at the very least. When I go to gunshops I almost always get into long conversations with the staff and believe me, they hate immature kids/gangsta or counterstrike talkers. The last time I made a PPT some Mexican kid came and based on his dress and tattoos he looked like a gangmember. On his way out of the store he saw the rifle I sold and said something to the effect of, "I hope you blast some foos." Usage of the word "shottie" will make you look like an idiot.

3) Eye contact is good one as well. I am a firm believer in that eye contact can tell you a lot about a person.

4) Knowing what is actually for sale is preferable. It amazes me that people aren't embarrassed when they come in and ask about every single handgun on display... sometimes twice. The last time I was in a gun shop one group of Mexican kids dressed and talking like gangmembers came into the store, they asked about every single handgun in the store's price twice and it seemed they only knew two cartridges, "40's" or "9's".

5) The older friends one can only help, but in my experience if you act like a mature, law abiding, person who knows where they are you shouldn't need this.

6) Of course you need ID, but I have never been carded unless I am buying something. In fact, I have never even been asked for an HSC when looking or renting handguns. I suppose your mileage may vary on that one.

[pat038536]

I have to agree with what Bill said. Appearances are EVERYTHING. It makes no matter how young you are. You don't have to go out of your way to dress up, but clean jeans and a tucked-in polo shirt (8$ at target) go a long way to get some attention.

When I was younger and buying guns at 18/19/20, I always went into the shops with just a simple, cheap, black tucked-in polo shirt and never got treated differently for being young. I still looked young, don't get me wrong, but I didn't act it.

First rule of retail is *Never* judge a potential customer based on appearance.
That customer you just snubbed might of been a potential long term customer with lots of cash to spend at your store.

[andrewj]

1) Leave the piercings at home. I probably should have been born many years ago with my views on society, but the fact is most gun store employees were born before gauges. I don't have tats or piercings, but going into a gunstore with gauges, a ring through your nose, and sleeves up and down your arms and legs is not the "typical" look of a mature, law abiding person. If you like that stuff that's cool, but chances are good that most gun store employees will have already have formed a negative opinion of you already. That is not to say that won't change, but going in there looking like a punk or a criminal isn't going to help you out.

A gun store employee that determines the quality of service he will give me based on my pierced face and tattoos doesnt deserve my money.

You had it right when you said this:

I don't think I have ever had a problem at a gun shop. Mostly because I am always friendly, polite, knowledgable and obey gun safety.

If I walk into a gun store looking like Tommy Lee, I expect to receive the same service the employee would give to someone with the "typical look of a mature, law abiding person." (as you put it). My facial accessories and skin artwork shouldnt be included into the equation.

First rule of retail is *Never* judge a potential customer based on appearance.
That customer you just snubbed might of been a potential long term customer with lots of cash to spend at your store.

Well said

[1mean76]

They don't hate you because you're young. They hate you because you don't capitalize correctly. Who are you, e.e. cummings?

Mike

Im sorry are you tryin to be funny?

[scotthmt]

I'll chime in on this one too since im somewhat young, 22, I have been treated in a less than acceptable manner at gun shops before, but most of the time when you hear someone speak, right off the bat you can tell they know their sh*t so from that point forward it doesn't matter that theyre young. I've built up tons of AK's probably a contender for the top 15 most ak's built by a single CGN member, and when people first meet me I can tell that they're a bit suprised that im so young yet so capable to do all this, but after a session of work they understand, I know what the &*%( im talking about and what the $*&* im doing and are very grateful I helped them out and taught them. All of the people I have helped have been older than me, but I always get respect as the teacher no matter my age.

[Josh3239]

A gun store employee that determines the quality of service he will give me based on my pierced face and tattoos doesnt deserve my money.

If I walk into a gun store looking like Tommy Lee, I expect to receive the same service the employee would give to someone with the "typical look of a mature, law abiding person." (as you put it). My facial accessories and skin artwork shouldnt be included into the equation.

No disrespect, but that is a fantasy land. You will be judged by the guys behind the counter at a gun store every time. This is a two way street, you will be judged no matter what - good or bad, but it can only help you if you are judged as a mature person. If someone young, who is tattoo'd and/or pierced, came into a store I owned, I would absolutely keep my eye on that person. He may be a future friend, but based on his first impression, I should keep my eye on this person.

[Raverous]

I was in Yuba City today and on my way out of town I decided to stop by a certain gun store which I won't name unless specifically requested. I walked in and was immediately greeted by someone I didn't meet the last time I was there, someone who I presume to be the owner. He said "Hi, how are you doing?" I looked him in the eyes and said "Good, thank you." I noticed he was giving me some sort of death stare like I was an alien or something. I don't walk with a gangbanger limp or wear my pants under my cheeks or anything like that.. I'm just a normal looking guy. I was wearing black 511s and a black button up shirt, maybe he thought I was a mall ninja?

I ignored his hostile stare and noticed a lady(who happened to be the only other customer in the store) with her small son(he looked about 2 years old) was asking another employee about getting a ccw permit. I continued to walk over to a counter on the side of the store to look at the shotgun rack and then at the counter of single action revolvers. He had one that said "serious inquires only, no handling without gloves" I don't know the brand or model but it was a nice looking single action revolver with ivory grips.

I continued on and walked over to the counter he was standing at and for about 10 seconds looked at the handguns in the counter I glanced up at him and he was still staring at me as if he thought I was going to rob the place. I seriously felt like he was about to pummel me, like I was extremely unwelcome in this place or I had interrupted something simply by walking into the place.

At this point I felt a bit uncomfortable and decided to leave. I looked at him and smiled, his stone face didn't change. As far as I could tell he was staring at me like that the entire time I was there and didn't stop until I had walked out the door.

I guess he didn't want the $2300 cash in my pocket. It's unlikely I'll return.

[gotgunz]

I was in Yuba City today and on my way out of town I decided to stop by a certain gun store which I won't name unless specifically requested. I walked in and was immediately greeted by someone I didn't meet the last time I was there, someone who I presume to be the owner. He said "Hi, how are you doing?" I looked him in the eyes and said "Good, thank you." I noticed he was giving me some sort of death stare like I was an alien or something. I don't walk with a gangbanger limp or wear my pants under my cheeks or anything like that.. I'm just a normal looking guy. I was wearing black 511s and a black button up shirt, maybe he thought I was a mall ninja?

I ignored his hostile stare and noticed a lady(who happened to be the only other customer in the store) with her small son(he looked about 2 years old) was asking another employee about getting a ccw permit. I continued to walk over to a counter on the side of the store to look at the shotgun rack and then at the counter of single action revolvers. He had one that said "serious inquires only, no handling without gloves" I don't know the brand or model but it was a nice looking single action revolver with ivory grips.

I continued on and walked over to the counter he was standing at and for about 10 seconds looked at the handguns in the counter I glanced up at him and he was still staring at me as if he thought I was going to rob the place. I seriously felt like he was about to pummel me, like I was extremely unwelcome in this place or I had interrupted something simply by walking into the place.

At this point I felt a bit uncomfortable and decided to leave. I looked at him and smiled, his stone face didn't change. As far as I could tell he was staring at me like that the entire time I was there and didn't stop until I had walked out the door.

I guess he didn't want the $2300 cash in my pocket. It's unlikely I'll return.

Welcome to Shooter's Paradise?

[javabum]

heck i'll take the 2,300...i'll even give you a sexy stare if that's what it takes.

[God Bless The Mauser]

I'm 19 and I've never had any trouble with that at gun shops, in fact the only time I was asked for ID was last time I was at Big 5.

[Phireglass]

i never really had any problem with the reputable shops in town, i went in wearing some skate T, think it was DGK (dirtyGhettoKids- skateboard company) and received great service, i can tell you the guy definitely didnt expect me to pull out 14 hundo and buy a new M&P15, btw im 19 and look probably 17

[Lancear15]

It's not your age, gun store workers are notorious for bad manners and elitism.

[sspen003]

Never had a problem but never asked any stupid questions either. I think someones demeanor is a pretty good judge of initial character and knowledge. If you know your stuff your better than 99% of gun store customers.

[Meety Peety]

I've never had a problem with this directly, but I've seen it happen to people around me. I'm more of a "straight laced" yes sir no sir type of person, which probably helps. I don't wear baggy clothes or wear sideways hats etc. I've always found that if you treat someone with respect right off the bat, they will usually return the gesture, though every once in a while you do come accross an ahole like "Zirconjohn". Theres one shop in particular here in San Diego that is run by a guy with a similar attitude. On several occasions I've seen him ignore customers that weren't "Up to his standards". On one visit, I had met a friend there before going to the range. My friend had been standing at the counter for upwards of 15 minutes while the owner (The only employee) talked to another customer about random current events, just BSing and passing time as if no one else was there. By the time I got there, I browsed around for 3-5 minutes then headed up to the counter to meet my friend. Instantly, the owner came over to me and asked if I needed help. My friend then politely told him that he had been waiting for 15+ minutes to be helped and walked out of the store. Neither of us have been back since.

With places like this, apearance really does matter.. but not in the sence that you should change the way you look before going in. There are plenty of other stores, and from my experience, the smaller "One man shops" tend to be the ones with poor service.. which means you probably aren't missing out on much by going to another place to do business. These places fail soon enough anyway, no one wants to deal with an ahole.. even if its not directed at themselves. I am a perfect example of why shop owners need to make it a point to treat everyone with respect and polite service - he lost my business as well as several others who I've spoken to, that were otherwise valued customers.

Theres even a few people here on Calguns that act this way in the For Sale section. One guy in particular has had the same batch of ammo for sale for weeks (And at decent prices too). I can almost guarantee that his disclaimer that basically says "If you look young or if you look like a gang banger, I'm going to drive right past you and leave you waiting for an hour until you've wasted enough time and leave" has something to do with it. Who the F wants to deal with this guy? No one lol.. thats why his ammo never sells. I can almost guarantee he would have no problem with my apearance.. but he won't see a penny of mine.