Anyone actually encountered a Happy Gun shop??

[oldskoolzzz]

**Rant mode on**

Miserable sods

Why is it that every gun shop that I seem to frequent the staff are so sodding miserable

Ok we all have our bad days but it doesn't seem to matter which day that is

Surely I can't be alone in this

For some reason all my local RFD's just seem to have that uninterested, slapped arse look on there chevy chase

Crikey even a false smile would do

I won't mention no RFD names but within a 30 mile radius I have visited at least 9 RFD's and 8 of them I would consider to be not very friendly one of them is ok but he's still a miserable sod

Jeez one of them I've even bought multiple new guns from over the last 2 years and I was very close to not buying one of my latest purchases as the young chap on the counter was so disinterested and sodding miserable

I don't expect balloons, party hats and a round of applause when I walk in a gunshop although it would be nice just a nice open smile and a bit of banter wouldn't go amiss

Sadly it's probably a sign of the times and not exclusive to gun shops, I've been in retail and would never be so miserable when customer facing.

Do we actually have that thing called a Happy Gun Shop??

**Rant mode finished**

[Seamaster]

Redbeck in Wakefield is usually happy with a bit of banter, and Forest Lodge Guns in Wragby is often a laugh if you've got a dry sense of humour, but, in general, I agree.

Chris

[tinbum]

If it weren't for the quaint vcr act I'd have a gunshop and it would be the happiest one in the world!!

In fact, sod it! I'll open one here in France and give you regular updates on how awesome it is!!!

[SuffolkRifle]

Both the places I frequent are good, greet me with a smile and ask how I am, ask how the wife is etc. - come to think about it, the other three I have been in lately are good as well, not quite as friendly, but still aren't 'miserable sods'

[TonyL]

Unfortunately, Nick, this has been my experience over the years also.

There's a shop in a village six miles from home and he's a proper surly git. Because of the proximity, if it was "right" it could have been my go-to shop. I visited there nine years ago and vowed never to go back and I've heard bad reports from all those that have visited since.

About seven years ago I first visited what is now my regular shop and the owner is a really nice chap. Very helpful. Loyalty works both ways. He always looks after me on price and offers excellent service, so he gets all my business....Net result for him....I think it's about nine or ten guns I've had from him and he's also sold plenty to people who I have recommended.

By far the best service and buzz I've ever experienced was when dealing with Ivan and Dave when they were at Cradley Heath. Always a warm welcome. Always friendly. And they'd take the time to chat even though they must have been incredibly busy. I suppose the defining difference is that you're dealing with dedicated enthusiats who live, breath and eat our beloved little toys.

As you know, I work in retail myself and understand the importance of being enthusiastic and offering good service, before and after the sale.....I would LOVE my own little shop, but it'll have to remain a dream for now.

[TonyL]

In fact, sod it! I'll open one here in France and give you regular updates on how awesome it is!!!

You could go one better than that, Nick.

Why not offer free flights and airport transfers for customers and we can come and see for ourselves??

[Peter Dunkley]

Have you stopped to think Nick..

IT JUST MIGHT BE YOU!

Just joking mate I visit the same shops and Agree with you.

[bighit]

If it weren't for the quaint vcr act I'd have a gunshop and it would be the happiest one in the world!!

In fact, sod it! I'll open one here in France and give you regular updates on how awesome it is!!!

thought you could only go to Australia to do that

[Rickenbacker]

Litts in Newport (sorry, SGC as it is now), the guys are always fine in there.

Probably safety in numbers (there's always a fair few working in there), and a 'buzz you in system' means there's less chance of the next customers being yardies or psychos... although I confess to have not worked out what yardies and psychos look like.

[oldskoolzzz]

Redbeck in Wakefield is usually happy with a bit of banter, and Forest Lodge Guns in Wragby is often a laugh if you've got a dry sense of humour, but, in general, I agree.

Chris

At least I'm not alone then

I'll have to pop in if I'm ever in the area always wanted to see Redbecks setup they were recommended to me when I had a Ripley Elite many years ago and from memory quite specialist.

If it weren't for the quaint vcr act I'd have a gunshop and it would be the happiest one in the world!!

In fact, sod it! I'll open one here in France and give you regular updates on how awesome it is!!!

Haha brill will your customers get a free croissant and some bumslide with every purchase?

Both the places I frequent are good, greet me with a smile and ask how I am, ask how the wife is etc. - come to think about it, the other three I have been in lately are good as well, not quite as friendly, but still aren't 'miserable sods'

That sounds promising sounds like there's some better ones out there

Unfortunately, Nick, this has been my experience over the years also.

There's a shop in a village six miles from home and he's a proper surly git. Because of the proximity, if it was "right" it could have been my go-to shop. I visited there nine years ago and vowed never to go back and I've heard bad reports from all those that have visited since.

About seven years ago I first visited what is now my regular shop and the owner is a really nice chap. Very helpful. Loyalty works both ways. He always looks after me on price and offers excellent service, so he gets all my business....Net result for him....I think it's about nine or ten guns I've had from him and he's also sold plenty to people who I have recommended.

By far the best service and buzz I've ever experienced was when dealing with Ivan and Dave when they were at Cradley Heath. Always a warm welcome. Always friendly. And they'd take the time to chat even though they must have been incredibly busy. I suppose the defining difference is that you're dealing with dedicated enthusiats who live, breath and eat our beloved little toys.

As you know, I work in retail myself and understand the importance of being enthusiastic and offering good service, before and after the sale.....I would LOVE my own little shop, but it'll have to remain a dream for now.

One day eh Tone? One day

Have you stopped to think Nick..

IT JUST MIGHT BE YOU!

Just joking mate I visit the same shops and Agree with you.

Haha cheers for the vote of confidence mr mirror hunter but yeah you know the score must be something in the air for these miserable east mids gun shops

[zephyr]

Blackpool Air Rifles. Only been there once, 700 mile round trip, worth the 13.5 hours driving.

[stefan]

country ways west malling in kent its a big place its a barn lol clothing shells shotguns rim fire you name it they have it give them a visit if you ever come this far they are happy to help with what ever your needs well worth a visit

[oldskoolzzz]

Blackpool Air Rifles. Only been there once, 700 mile round trip, worth the 13.5 hours driving.

Wow that is dedication and commitment :salutesmiley:

[TonyL]

Blackpool Air Rifles. Only been there once, 700 mile round trip, worth the 13.5 hours driving.

Yes, I have heard that that place buzzes with friendliness.

And, having met Bill (purl on the forum) in person a fair few times, I would guess that the atmosphere at Solware will be excellent, too.

[TonyL]

Was WBPS.....superb shop of the mid-80s - run by our very own JT.