It should come as no surprise that I spend an inordinate amount of time hanging around gun shops. There are three favorite places and I frequent them about once a week. My peeve are those folks that yak and yak and yak, but can never make a decision or a purchase. I have a brother who tells me all the time about the "gun deals that got away". He relates how he himmed and hawed and handled guns but just could not close the deal. Weeks later when he returns to the shop, the guns are long gone. I have no sympathy for him.

Last year, I was in a gun shop and was starting the paperwork to buy a decent Krag carbine cheap. Two other customers started yakking about how much they wanted a Krag and were distressed at missing this golden opportunity. I stepped back and told the gentlemen to toss a coin and the winner could take the Krag. I pointed out that I had several Krags at home and wanted to make their lives better. Both chaps went into long tirades about how they could not do the deal right now. I suggested the store's layaway option, but neither one made a move. I dismissed them as endless yakkers.

I asked one shop owner how he tolerates all the useless chatter from some shoppers who can never buy anything. He said it goes with the territory. He did comment that he is like me when we see something we like and can afford, we strike like a cobra. All the best...
Gil

Howdy Gil. It's funny you posted this topic I watched two guy's do exactly that yesterday. They were there when I walked in they were looking at gun's that they had no intention to buy I bet they looked at every handgun on the shelf they even told the guy there price range and still had the shop owner pulling out the higher priced guns so they could( get a feel for it as they put it ) I picked up a used Savage 110 and after my paperwork was done and I was leaving they were still looking. You could tell the owner was getting frustrated, as there were more customers in the shop.
Joe

shrpshtrjoe -

I often ask to handle guns I have no intention of buying right then. Sometimes they light my fire and I buy them later, sometimes not.

When the shops are busy, though, I don't waste the clerk's time.

I owned a gun shop for several years, back in the early 80's. I guess it's just part of life, especially in the firearms business.
But then again, you never know when those "lookers" will see something they can't live without and dust off the ol' wallet.


As per handling guns:
Rumor has it it's a man thing... we just love to fondle some things!

Yup...A lot of dreamers out there.

Browsers are always welcome at our shop and I always enjoy handing them firearms they may never purchase, at least that day. For a customer coming in the first time, it may be a process of getting a feel for how business is conducted and what level of credibility the staff demonstrates. Does the salesperson really listen to what is the interest of the customer and take the time to qualify the type(s) of firearms that could be of interest? Is the staff friendly and helpful?

Browsers become buyers but often on subsequent visits. Those interested in firearms can be found all over the learning curve and a good salesman will recognize how to treat and handle a customer. The clues of a customer's knowledge are many (do they slam slides on autos, do they squint down the sights with one eye closed, etc). Many may have no intention or ability to buy on that particular visit, but, when they leave they will have received good service and, hopefully, feel welcome and comfortable to return.

And, we get our share of BSers, but, none, so far, outdo our staff! Gunshops are places of business and social gathering points for those that love guns. Knowing which is occuring and how to proceed is a good skill.

Edited for added comment: there is an old business adage that 3% of your customers will give you 97% of your problems. We strive to eliminate that 3% for the convenience of all.

Handloader,
You make some excellent points. I used to work in a gun shop and treated all customers with courtesy and respect. True, you get to know who is a buyer and who is mostly talk. All the best...
Gil

All good points .. People can be aggravating ..
My pet peeve , nothing against a shop owner , as I been one myself , is a salesperson , who trys to BS you on something you know about ..

My favorite shop owner has the same passions as me 1) Africa and 2) Buffalo ..
We can sit and talk for hours .. He even let me fondle a Merkel 140-2 .470 NE , that isnt his , but one he keps for another chap .. I've had two high dollar doubles in my life , and it aint a good feeling fondling someone elses $12,000.00 , but then again it is ..

Jack