My LGS which is a very small chain. About 3 stores. They price match if you can prove it, and will back up the purchase if you bought the gun there. That alone is a great reason to keep buying there.
If I happened to see something at a big box store at a great price of course I am getting it. Depending on help there is stupid as hell. Getting someone that works there to care is a near statistical impossibility.
Trying to buy on the cheap not caring if you get service with a smile.
Was the larger store a big-box store or just a bigger mom-and-pop operation? I'll venture a guess and say the larger one was nicer in your case.
Actually, it was the larger "single-ownership" that was not as helpful in one particular case. I wouldn't say they were nasty or anything, but just "less helpful." I had my AR fixed there and they did it quickly and for a reasonable price. The smaller store was a little more willing to go out of their way to make a sale, that's all. I probably would patronize the larger store again, depending on what I needed at the time. I never have shopped for firearms at a big box store, but there is a Place called Rural King about 20 miles from me I might try. It's kind of like Tractor Supply, but they sell guns and ammo too.
I'm having an issue with a big-box sporting goods store right now on a Ruger product still under warranty that has to be shipped back to Ruger a second time. The guys working there were a bit grumpy about dealing with my gun because I didn't buy the gun from them but rather an online vendor, BudsGunShop.com based in KY. The person on the telephone at Ruger customer service told me to use Academy in SW Oklahoma because they were listed by Ruger as a Ruger dealer. The gun, an American Ranch bolt-action rifle went back to Ruger a month ago because the bolt was hard to open and close with ammunition in the gun but the bolt worked very easily without ammo. It came back to Academy with some parts replaced by Ruger, I can't remember what. When I inspected the rifle for pickup, I noticed there were some scratches on the barrel and the receiver that weren't there when the gun was sent to Ruger the first time. Now Ruger wants photos of the damage to my rifle before they will authorize it to be shipped back again. One of the Academy store director is working on it right now. This man also told me they don't usually deal with warranty claims for firearms they didn't sell to the customer and they don't have any contract with Ruger to act as their service center. I could have used FedEx and shipped the gun myself as Ruger gave me that option and would have sent me prepaid shipping label.
What I've learned is that buying a new gun online has certain disadvantages. They may be cheaper in price than a local mom-and-pop but YGWYPF.
Having worked in a gun store for a time, there are few things more infuriating than having someone go to a big box store to save a few bucks on a firearm then having them bring that firearm into my shop because somethings wrong with it....Grumpy isn't the word for it...I would have told you to stick your Ruger where the sun doesn't shine, to get out and never darken my door again...
Sharps Model 1874 - "The rifle that made the west safe for Winchester"
My local gun stores I'm on a first name basis. Frequent flier here.
If there busy they'll ask me to help. If I want something it gets put aside....all great dealers here. They even like my dog.
Even though it's not a German Shepard
Man sounds like we are twins! And Jayhawker is correct. “You bought a gun at Wally world and it doesn’t work, man that sucks our gunsmith is right around the corner. Oh you want us to warrantee the gun? Heres directions to do it on your own. Have a great day” “oh now you want us to ship it? Sure it’s going to be $40 plus shipping.”
As I side note: I get alot of customers that would rather pay me to repair their brand new gun than to have to deal with sending it back to the manufacturer. It's usually a combination of not wanting to deal with wait times and/or the risk of getting damaged or lost in transit. I also agree about taking the gun to a place that you didn't buy it. That was kind of a dick move.
We've been conditioned to believe that obedience is virtuous and voting is freedom-
Quote, originally posted by "Diamond Doug" - The Banned on April 12, 2021 in the Personal Defense subforum:
"My aunt owned a German shepherd in 1999. it was not trained for police work but for the security of her home in the country. I think it was more of a watch dog. She told me training fees then were $2,000. I even feel safe with a large black German shepherd dog or a large black Lab all alone in dark or otherwise spooky places with a gun to back the dog up."
Mods, what is the status of the newest Bobert-seeking missile? Still assembling or undergoing tests in the V.A.B.? Rolling to the pad on the mobile launcher? Loading the cryogenic fuel?
Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience -- Mark Twain How easy it is to make people believe a lie, and [how] hard it is to undo that work again! -- Mark Twain
As I side note: I get alot of customers that would rather pay me to repair their brand new gun than to have to deal with sending it back to the manufacturer. It's usually a combination of not wanting to deal with wait times and/or the risk of getting damaged or lost in transit. I also agree about taking the gun to a place that you didn't buy it. That was kind of a dick move.
RUGER told me to bring the gun to Academy to handle the shipping. Ruger also told me I had the option to go the FedEx route and Ruger would still pay the shipping. You really can't fault a customer for doing what the gun maker told him to do regarding a warranty claim procedure. Now I know much better, take the FedEx route if the gun maker gives you that option. If you bought the gun at a LGS, take it back there.
Normally when a new car breaks, you take it (or tow it) back to the selling dealer. If you move 1,000 miles, you take it to a dealer of the same brand. They still don't have online vendors selling new cars yet. Firearms are a different animal because of the FFL crap attached.
Many gun dealers, unlike car dealerships with factory-trained techs in the service department, don't have factory-authorized gunsmiths on site do do warranty-related work. Academy sure the devil doesn't fix guns on site. One thing the gun trade seems to lack these days is service departments for local gun dealerships. I bet back in the 1950's, local gun shops commonly had service departments or service centers to handle warranty work.
Imagine if you had to ship your under-warranty Volkswagen back to the Volkswagenwerke factory in Germany to get a defective starter fixed.
I am pleased that I do not have to deal with the mindset or the knowledge base, I have seen from your posts, at the places I shop for guns and shooting related items.
In my experience, my experiences are different that yours, in this area, and in shooting and hunting.
That is okay with me though
I have been cleaning a number of (20) guns the past two days.
Most of these are set-up to shoot at distances, beyond 600 yards, and my local Wal-Mart store has always treated me nice, and has been helpful.
Most of these are set-up to shoot at distances, beyond 600 yards, and my
local gun store has always treated me nice, and has been helpful.
The last two statements are true for me....
When I know what I am looking for and get get it at a good price, I really don't care about how much they know or don't know.
Of course, my expectations for a large store is not high in terms that I expect them to be able to tell me the better carbon remover product, for taking out a carbon ring in a barrel, the better ballistic apps, how much internal MOA or MIL for both elev & wind, in their scopes have, or the minimum impact velocities of the bullets in their factory that they are stocking, etc...In fact my expectations are not that high on a lot of things I like from workers in a gun sore whether large or small.
The places I enjoy the most are the places to where I can actually get to know the people there.
Their friendliness, and willingness to help me is what is important, whether they know what I know or like what I like.
If you have a place that keeps its employees for longer periods of time, the odds should be in your favor that those stores (big or small) are going to be a better experience, because longevity and relationships are important.
My LGS which is a very small chain. About 3 stores. They price match if you can prove it, and will back up the purchase if you bought the gun there. That alone is a great reason to keep buying there.
If I happened to see something at a big box store at a great price of course I am getting it. Depending on help there is stupid as hell. Getting someone that works there to care is a near statistical impossibility.
Trying to buy on the cheap not caring if you get service with a smile.
Sure but then since it's a firearm, they won't do a refund and they don't really care about your business anyway since it's a big box store. Like Ernie Bishop said. The relationships are important.
I have great relationships with most of the people that call in for my help. Others that are entitled and feel the need to explain why I am wrong (rare event) or why they don't feel the need to follow the directions....great here is what you do. Now go away.
I will help if I can but those are NOT the people that I will go the extra mile for. They want an easy fix, not the right way to do things. Of course had they done it the right way in the first place, they wouldn't have to call me.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. Winston Churchill
In my experience, independent mom-and-pop gun shops tend to be much more friendly toward customers than big-box stores like Walmart and big-box sporting goods stores. I don't so much like to deal with a gun department in a big-box store as I like to deal with a small store whose core business is the gun trade. People in those smaller gun shops tend to be more knowledgeable about firearms and have closer connections with distributors and manufacturers. A guy at one big-box store once told me they get a bunch of surprises off the truck from a distributor they deal with. It's kind of like Forest Gump's box of chocolates. Who knows what guns will come in on the next load. "New" guns on display with damaged/scratched finishes seem more prevalent in big-box stores too I've noticed. Small shops tend to have better product quality control. Guns sold in big-box stores tend to be lower priced but YGWYPF.
you seem to be new to the world and how things work or dont.
Since i grew up in the hood and on the other side of the fence i see things from a different view.
If you want to think/generalize on things like the above its up to you. its your time to do and think they way you want.
Something you may want to consider as has been pointed out, its not just about YOU. You may see it differently and so forth. You may see yourself as the CUSTOMER and can do no wrong and you are always right. Thats fine for you and so forth.
I also say, everyone starts at 0. Did you come out of the womb knowing everything? I see some of your posts dont support that. So, i try to remember to give everyone a break. I use to mow lawns and deliver paper when i was younger to make some money. Did i know everything about those jobs? nope. but i tied to do as much as i could and learn as much as i needed to make the job better/eaiser on me. And i didnt have the $$ to buy a powered mower either, it was a push behind. My bike was a 3 speed too.
I also worked at my cousins work clothing shop. I worked as a clerk selling/fitting work clothes like Carhartts and work boots. Be it lace up or cowboy. Did i know everything about those as a junior HS student? nope. I knew my cousin sold work clothes but never cared about it since it didnt affect me or my life before that.
when i started there, Carhart Bibs # 6FB were selling for 11.99/pair. #66FB were carpenters and more, but i dont remember. The last time i worked there 10+ years off/on the 6FB were 29.99.
When i worked at the USCOE - (Corps of Engineers) as a office supply clerk in college, i had no idea on what was what. By the end of those 5+ years off/on going to school and working, i knew what a DD 214 was and SF 144 form was and also the NSN numbers for many things. I also knew the difference between a IBM Selectrics typewrites that i was responsible for to keep them up and running. Same for HP calculates and Monroe adding machines. You maybe too young to know what those are, but i did and they were my responsibility to know and keep things up and running. We even had some old style dictaphones that used phenolic cylinders too. Computers were not invented yet along with AUTOCAD. drawings were done on a drawing board with pencil/pen.
lso, its been my experience in life, that the world is really small. If you get out enough and maybe to some gun shows, you may see the some same faces from time to time. Also, if you have some different gun shops in your area, you may see the same. I found out that if a shop (or any company) closes, those employees may see similar employment. Its do what you know right? So ive seen faces move from one shop to another. It could be due to a shop closing or maybe a bit more pay or maybe closer to home. but you wont know unless you ask.
in my life ive been snubbed since i dont dress like others or have a nice car or show my wealth on my wrist, neck or body. But when someone takes the time to chat with me as a human, i have alot of respect for them and will remember them. Before the internet, there was chatting face to face. And i still enjoy that and meeting and learning from people. I also do that on my travels around the world. Its not so easy when you dont speak the local lingo. But its been my experience, so far, that no matter what and where, everyone has treated me with respect. I do the same too. It doesnt make a difference if they dont reciprocate, its who i am. And so far, no one has said "you are in x, speak the language! or go home!"
I have had chains offer to order stuff for me too. Its not just the mom and pop.
what it comes down to is you dont know until you cross that bridge. And if you want, you can learn.
You dont know that persons life story and as the Indians say..."dont judge me until you walk in my moccasins for at least 1 mile"
Mom-and-pops are more likely to have what you want or be able to special order what you want. They also have a selection of used and preowned firearms too. They often do trade-ins and sell on consignment. The mom-and-pops are probably also more user-friendly if you have to ship a gun back for any warranty work.
You are better off buying a Smith & Wesson handgun, for example, from a mom-and-pop who is a factory authorized Smith & Wesson dealer or service center. These are the dealers that gun makers list at their corporate web sites. You tend to get nicer treatment if you use the same dealer you bought the gun from as your service center or middleman for any warranty claims.
Also, gun shops in pro-gun jurisdictions tend to be nicer to people than gun shops in jurisdictions with iron-fisted gun control. San Fransisco, CA is one of the worst jurisdictions to shop for a gun in. Mom-and-pops also do a lot of FFL transfers for guns purchased online.
You may want to step back and look at whats going on around you and realize the world is changing. Amazon is affecting how we/shops do business and its not at the end either. So you may want to look at that and maybe look at what the future will bring you and those after.
You should also realize that there isnt much of any shop that can have everything on the shelf that you may want. Its easy to expect things, but when it comes to reality, somethings may make it difficult. So, if you want to order something from a big box, you can ask. Some may not care or can order. But it all depends.
Also, when it comes to things like this COVID and riots/shootings and so forth, where people do crazy things and those things affect how others react, you may see a pattern. So just be aware that this is not the 1st time shortages has happened, and it wont be the last.
And when it comes to service, you may want to think twice. Not many shops can afford to have a gunsmith onsite unless its the owner or an employee. My LGS was a gunsmith but for the most part, he would send back the gun to the OEM if it was under warranty. If it was something easy/quick to fix he may do it himself, but he was always backed up with work.
I also believe and have experienced everyone will have a bad day. Im proof of that and when i was younger i had a short fuse. Even working at my cousins store, i had a short fuse and i showed my emotions on my face. One day, my mom and cousin had a laugh from across the floor. I was not happy with a male customer that could not make up their mind on something. I was thinking its "work clothes for gods sake" you arent going to be walking down a fashion runway but the customer was so concerned about looks..I later asked about the laugh and they told me. They could see my emotional state from across the show room. So i try not to do that anymore.
you seem to be in the early stage in life and havent experienced alot. Maybe live on the edge of town or in a small town. if you are lucky enough to get out and about you may see things differently. Its no different from me growing up in the hood and not realizing how much is out there.
the more you live, the more you will learn and see things and hopefully from a different point of view.
My primary dealer has changed a few years ago. Previously, I dealt with a large gun store which hired young people, many of whom had less knowledge than I, and my knowledge is fairly wide but shallow. There was from time to time a gunsmith who could change parts and that was about it.
A few years ago, a guy opened up a shop in my town. It was a one-person shop, and the owner was/is an excellent gunsmith. I've gotten some great deals on guns from him by being present when he took a gun in (for example, cigarette guns) and a couple of PPKs. Walk ins took him away from gunsmithing and him being talkative, took up too much of his time. He's since got a guy to watch the front while he works on guns, and he's the ONLY gunsmith in the area. He's very good at it and has all the machines needed for repair and building guns.
So I've got nothing but good to say about him or his shop, "The Shooter's Den." He's going to rebarrel a .30-06 rifle into a 7mm for me if I ever get a chance to bring it in.
I don't mind the box stores, and in normal times, I can buy ammo there cheaper than my LGS, considerably cheaper. I don't buy guns from them because they don't have what I'm looking for in a gunstore. Which is used or unusual.
Concealed carry is for protection, open carry is for attention.
In my experience, independent mom-and-pop gun shops tend to be much more friendly toward customers than big-box stores like Walmart and big-box sporting goods stores. I don't so much like to deal with a gun department in a big-box store as I like to deal with a small store whose core business is the gun trade. People in those smaller gun shops tend to be more knowledgeable about firearms and have closer connections with distributors and manufacturers. A guy at one big-box store once told me they get a bunch of surprises off the truck from a distributor they deal with. It's kind of like Forest Gump's box of chocolates. Who knows what guns will come in on the next load. "New" guns on display with damaged/scratched finishes seem more prevalent in big-box stores too I've noticed. Small shops tend to have better product quality control. Guns sold in big-box stores tend to be lower priced but YGWYPF.
you seem to be new to the world and how things work or dont.
Since i grew up in the hood and on the other side of the fence i see things from a different view.
If you want to think/generalize on things like the above its up to you. its your time to do and think they way you want.
Something you may want to consider as has been pointed out, its not just about YOU. You may see it differently and so forth. You may see yourself as the CUSTOMER and can do no wrong and you are always right. Thats fine for you and so forth.
I also say, everyone starts at 0. Did you come out of the womb knowing everything? I see some of your posts dont support that. So, i try to remember to give everyone a break. I use to mow lawns and deliver paper when i was younger to make some money. Did i know everything about those jobs? nope. but i tied to do as much as i could and learn as much as i needed to make the job better/eaiser on me. And i didnt have the $$ to buy a powered mower either, it was a push behind. My bike was a 3 speed too.
I also worked at my cousins work clothing shop. I worked as a clerk selling/fitting work clothes like Carhartts and work boots. Be it lace up or cowboy. Did i know everything about those as a junior HS student? nope. I knew my cousin sold work clothes but never cared about it since it didnt affect me or my life before that.
when i started there, Carhart Bibs # 6FB were selling for 11.99/pair. #66FB were carpenters and more, but i dont remember. The last time i worked there 10+ years off/on the 6FB were 29.99.
When i worked at the USCOE - (Corps of Engineers) as a office supply clerk in college, i had no idea on what was what. By the end of those 5+ years off/on going to school and working, i knew what a DD 214 was and SF 144 form was and also the NSN numbers for many things. I also knew the difference between a IBM Selectrics typewrites that i was responsible for to keep them up and running. Same for HP calculates and Monroe adding machines. You maybe too young to know what those are, but i did and they were my responsibility to know and keep things up and running. We even had some old style dictaphones that used phenolic cylinders too. Computers were not invented yet along with AUTOCAD. drawings were done on a drawing board with pencil/pen.
lso, its been my experience in life, that the world is really small. If you get out enough and maybe to some gun shows, you may see the some same faces from time to time. Also, if you have some different gun shops in your area, you may see the same. I found out that if a shop (or any company) closes, those employees may see similar employment. Its do what you know right? So ive seen faces move from one shop to another. It could be due to a shop closing or maybe a bit more pay or maybe closer to home. but you wont know unless you ask.
in my life ive been snubbed since i dont dress like others or have a nice car or show my wealth on my wrist, neck or body. But when someone takes the time to chat with me as a human, i have alot of respect for them and will remember them. Before the internet, there was chatting face to face. And i still enjoy that and meeting and learning from people. I also do that on my travels around the world. Its not so easy when you dont speak the local lingo. But its been my experience, so far, that no matter what and where, everyone has treated me with respect. I do the same too. It doesnt make a difference if they dont reciprocate, its who i am. And so far, no one has said "you are in x, speak the language! or go home!"
I have had chains offer to order stuff for me too. Its not just the mom and pop.
what it comes down to is you dont know until you cross that bridge. And if you want, you can learn.
You dont know that persons life story and as the Indians say..."dont judge me until you walk in my moccasins for at least 1 mile"
Mom-and-pops are more likely to have what you want or be able to special order what you want. They also have a selection of used and preowned firearms too. They often do trade-ins and sell on consignment. The mom-and-pops are probably also more user-friendly if you have to ship a gun back for any warranty work.
You are better off buying a Smith & Wesson handgun, for example, from a mom-and-pop who is a factory authorized Smith & Wesson dealer or service center. These are the dealers that gun makers list at their corporate web sites. You tend to get nicer treatment if you use the same dealer you bought the gun from as your service center or middleman for any warranty claims.
Also, gun shops in pro-gun jurisdictions tend to be nicer to people than gun shops in jurisdictions with iron-fisted gun control. San Fransisco, CA is one of the worst jurisdictions to shop for a gun in. Mom-and-pops also do a lot of FFL transfers for guns purchased online.
You may want to step back and look at whats going on around you and realize the world is changing. Amazon is affecting how we/shops do business and its not at the end either. So you may want to look at that and maybe look at what the future will bring you and those after.
You should also realize that there isnt much of any shop that can have everything on the shelf that you may want. Its easy to expect things, but when it comes to reality, somethings may make it difficult. So, if you want to order something from a big box, you can ask. Some may not care or can order. But it all depends.
Also, when it comes to things like this COVID and riots/shootings and so forth, where people do crazy things and those things affect how others react, you may see a pattern. So just be aware that this is not the 1st time shortages has happened, and it wont be the last.
And when it comes to service, you may want to think twice. Not many shops can afford to have a gunsmith onsite unless its the owner or an employee. My LGS was a gunsmith but for the most part, he would send back the gun to the OEM if it was under warranty. If it was something easy/quick to fix he may do it himself, but he was always backed up with work.
I also believe and have experienced everyone will have a bad day. Im proof of that and when i was younger i had a short fuse. Even working at my cousins store, i had a short fuse and i showed my emotions on my face. One day, my mom and cousin had a laugh from across the floor. I was not happy with a male customer that could not make up their mind on something. I was thinking its "work clothes for gods sake" you arent going to be walking down a fashion runway but the customer was so concerned about looks..I later asked about the laugh and they told me. They could see my emotional state from across the show room. So i try not to do that anymore.
you seem to be in the early stage in life and havent experienced alot. Maybe live on the edge of town or in a small town. if you are lucky enough to get out and about you may see things differently. Its no different from me growing up in the hood and not realizing how much is out there.
the more you live, the more you will learn and see things and hopefully from a different point of view.
good luck
I was born in 1964, not yesterday. I have been tuned out of this world mostly from about the year 1995 on up the year I got out of the service at age 31. The military largely detached me from the outside world for seven years.
I like the way things were when I was very young much better and can't stand the way things are today for the most part. Human society nowadays is mostly a gutter. I'm a stubborn old dog, yes. I was a sheltered white boy living in a more upscale leave-it-beaver type suburban setting.
I was raised in a middle-class northern California SF peninsula city with a demographic mostly of people of western European ancestry but now I've gotten older, things have gotten out of hand price wise, and I've become not so rich anymore and I'm no strong young buck anymore. I'm now living in humble Oklahoma where things are little more doable for me in the housing economy and gun rights are much more protected here. Commiefornia is now for the super rich, overrun by people not of western European descent (my ethnic culture) and super anti-gun.
I wasn't raised in any hood but on the more opulent side of the RR tracks. I went to Woodside High School in Woodside, CA. In 1979 some students were bused in from the other side of the tracks known as East Palo Alto. Opulent Standford University is about 5 miles south of Woodside in San Mateo County.
No idea with this meandering cesspool of logic is even about anymore. What is the point? Less than ten sentences please
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. Winston Churchill
No idea with this meandering cesspool of logic is even about anymore. What is the point? Less than ten sentences please
In summary, his pristine golden bubble of a childhood has evaporated, he's angry at how things are now and pining for how things used to be.
The word Saudade comes to mind.
(Summary in 32 words)
😁
Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience -- Mark Twain How easy it is to make people believe a lie, and [how] hard it is to undo that work again! -- Mark Twain
Replies
Trying to buy on the cheap not caring if you get service with a smile.
If there busy they'll ask me to help. If I want something it gets put aside....all great dealers here.
They even like my dog.
Even though it's not a German Shepard
And Jayhawker is correct. “You bought a gun at Wally world and it doesn’t work, man that sucks our gunsmith is right around the corner. Oh you want us to warrantee the gun? Heres directions to do it on your own. Have a great day” “oh now you want us to ship it? Sure it’s going to be $40 plus shipping.”
"My aunt owned a German shepherd in 1999. it was not trained for police work but for the security of her home in the country. I think it was more of a watch dog. She told me training fees then were $2,000. I even feel safe with a large black German shepherd dog or a large black Lab all alone in dark or otherwise spooky places with a gun to back the dog up."
Mods, what is the status of the newest Bobert-seeking missile? Still assembling or undergoing tests in the V.A.B.? Rolling to the pad on the mobile launcher? Loading the cryogenic fuel?
"Nothing is safe from stupid." - Zee
How easy it is to make people believe a lie, and [how] hard it is to undo that work again! -- Mark Twain
"The Un-Tactical"
I have great relationships with most of the people that call in for my help. Others that are entitled and feel the need to explain why I am wrong (rare event) or why they don't feel the need to follow the directions....great here is what you do. Now go away.
I will help if I can but those are NOT the people that I will go the extra mile for. They want an easy fix, not the right way to do things. Of course had they done it the right way in the first place, they wouldn't have to call me.
Winston Churchill
you seem to be new to the world and how things work or dont.
Since i grew up in the hood and on the other side of the fence i see things from a different view.
If you want to think/generalize on things like the above its up to you. its your time to do and think they way you want.
Something you may want to consider as has been pointed out, its not just about YOU. You may see it differently and so forth. You may see yourself as the CUSTOMER and can do no wrong and you are always right. Thats fine for you and so forth.
I also say, everyone starts at 0. Did you come out of the womb knowing everything? I see some of your posts dont support that. So, i try to remember to give everyone a break. I use to mow lawns and deliver paper when i was younger to make some money. Did i know everything about those jobs? nope. but i tied to do as much as i could and learn as much as i needed to make the job better/eaiser on me. And i didnt have the $$ to buy a powered mower either, it was a push behind. My bike was a 3 speed too.
I also worked at my cousins work clothing shop. I worked as a clerk selling/fitting work clothes like Carhartts and work boots. Be it lace up or cowboy. Did i know everything about those as a junior HS student? nope. I knew my cousin sold work clothes but never cared about it since it didnt affect me or my life before that.
when i started there, Carhart Bibs # 6FB were selling for 11.99/pair. #66FB were carpenters and more, but i dont remember. The last time i worked there 10+ years off/on the 6FB were 29.99.
When i worked at the USCOE - (Corps of Engineers) as a office supply clerk in college, i had no idea on what was what. By the end of those 5+ years off/on going to school and working, i knew what a DD 214 was and SF 144 form was and also the NSN numbers for many things. I also knew the difference between a IBM Selectrics typewrites that i was responsible for to keep them up and running. Same for HP calculates and Monroe adding machines. You maybe too young to know what those are, but i did and they were my responsibility to know and keep things up and running. We even had some old style dictaphones that used phenolic cylinders too. Computers were not invented yet along with AUTOCAD. drawings were done on a drawing board with pencil/pen.
lso, its been my experience in life, that the world is really small. If you get out enough and maybe to some gun shows, you may see the some same faces from time to time. Also, if you have some different gun shops in your area, you may see the same. I found out that if a shop (or any company) closes, those employees may see similar employment. Its do what you know right? So ive seen faces move from one shop to another. It could be due to a shop closing or maybe a bit more pay or maybe closer to home. but you wont know unless you ask.
in my life ive been snubbed since i dont dress like others or have a nice car or show my wealth on my wrist, neck or body. But when someone takes the time to chat with me as a human, i have alot of respect for them and will remember them. Before the internet, there was chatting face to face. And i still enjoy that and meeting and learning from people. I also do that on my travels around the world. Its not so easy when you dont speak the local lingo. But its been my experience, so far, that no matter what and where, everyone has treated me with respect. I do the same too. It doesnt make a difference if they dont reciprocate, its who i am. And so far, no one has said "you are in x, speak the language! or go home!"
I have had chains offer to order stuff for me too. Its not just the mom and pop.
You dont know that persons life story and as the Indians say..."dont judge me until you walk in my moccasins for at least 1 mile"
You may want to step back and look at whats going on around you and realize the world is changing. Amazon is affecting how we/shops do business and its not at the end either. So you may want to look at that and maybe look at what the future will bring you and those after.
You should also realize that there isnt much of any shop that can have everything on the shelf that you may want. Its easy to expect things, but when it comes to reality, somethings may make it difficult. So, if you want to order something from a big box, you can ask. Some may not care or can order. But it all depends.
Also, when it comes to things like this COVID and riots/shootings and so forth, where people do crazy things and those things affect how others react, you may see a pattern. So just be aware that this is not the 1st time shortages has happened, and it wont be the last.
And when it comes to service, you may want to think twice. Not many shops can afford to have a gunsmith onsite unless its the owner or an employee. My LGS was a gunsmith but for the most part, he would send back the gun to the OEM if it was under warranty. If it was something easy/quick to fix he may do it himself, but he was always backed up with work.
I also believe and have experienced everyone will have a bad day. Im proof of that and when i was younger i had a short fuse. Even working at my cousins store, i had a short fuse and i showed my emotions on my face. One day, my mom and cousin had a laugh from across the floor. I was not happy with a male customer that could not make up their mind on something. I was thinking its "work clothes for gods sake" you arent going to be walking down a fashion runway but the customer was so concerned about looks..I later asked about the laugh and they told me. They could see my emotional state from across the show room. So i try not to do that anymore.
you seem to be in the early stage in life and havent experienced alot. Maybe live on the edge of town or in a small town. if you are lucky enough to get out and about you may see things differently. Its no different from me growing up in the hood and not realizing how much is out there.
the more you live, the more you will learn and see things and hopefully from a different point of view.
good luck
- Don Burt
Winston Churchill
Some of his posts were like wading through a field of wet brambles......
How easy it is to make people believe a lie, and [how] hard it is to undo that work again! -- Mark Twain