Our friends at thefirearmsblog.com ran a great post called 10 Things NOT to do in a Gun Store. Written from the perspective of a gun store owner, author Adam Scepaniak counsels against turning a gun sideways (gangsta style) and inciting “fear and panic into others because an apocalypse or armagedon or zombies or sharknado is ‘definitely, totally gonna like happen really, totally soon.'” OK then. Meanwhile, here are three things you shouldn’t do in a gun store from a more customer-o-centric point-of-view.
1. Put up with lousy service
More than a few gun stores have treated me like the Invisible Man; they were too busy schmoozing right-wing politics with longtime customers to acknowledge my presence, answer my questions and take my money. By the same token, I’ve had to go on an extended salesmen hunt in big box stores. If you’re treated like a second-class citizen at a gun store, if they don’t make you feel welcome, leave.
2. Debate the salesman about your choice
The old adage “the customer is always right” is right. If a salesman doesn’t approve of your choice, it’s up to them to gently recommend a better alternative. If they’re coming at you hard, tell them to back off. “Thanks for your input but I’m really interested in this gun.” At the same time, keep in mind that what’s in the back room goes out the front door. Gun stores don’t want to sell you what they don’t have. Equally, manufacturers offer gun stores incentives to sell particular products. They may be pushing a gun that helps them more than it helps you.
3. Pay full retail without asking for a discount
You’d be amazed at how often gun stores — even big box retailers — will respond to a simple request: “Can it be any cheaper?” If your negotiating skills are up to it, ask the store if they’ll lower the price if you buy ammo, a holster or other accessories. Be sure to check other gun stores’ prices before you enter or on your phone — remembering that there’s a transfer fee for internet providers and that supporting a friendly, knowledgeable local gun store is worth a financial premium. Still, why pay more than you have to?