I have been on the hunt for either a Colt 01980RG Rail Gun or the 01880XSE standard 5" model. Now I did stop in at Fuquay Gun and Gold this AM and they had both, and at decent prices. However they didnt have the *exact* Rail Gun I wanted, so I passed on the offerings they had even though I was treated with respect and gratitude for my potential business. Also stopped in at S&K Pawn, again another great shop with extremely good customer service. I think more shops need to start taking some hints from these two gun shops.
Now, on the way back home I called several (more than 10) other gun shops (names withheld to avoid pissing and moaning) in the NC area. Not just the Raleigh area, all over NC. Checking prices and availability for either the Rail Gun or the regular 5" model. I had part #'s in hand, and descriptions of the gun. I was also checking the prices at the same time of 2 other pistols I was interested in, and asked each gun shop to quote me a cash otd price for all 3 and call me back by the end of the day (it was about 10:00am at the time).
Out of the more than 10 gun shops I called, I have had ONE call back. Now he was high as all sin, but he did call back. The rest of them didnt live up to their "oh I'll be happy to get those prices, call you back in a minute". Hell I had one shop have computer problems while I was on the phone, and was told "hang on I'll call you back in just a sec". Well, I'm still waiting. I also realize that less than 24hrs may be short on time to get a price quote, but every single shop said they would call me back by the end of the day. Shoot I asked one shop "can you get Colts?" and he simply said "nope".
Now I realize that most of the phone calls shops get are "whats your price on x"? I get that it gets old, however some people actually are interested in buying. Its also not like I was getting a price for a High-Point. I was pricing a $1000+ 1911, a $500 Kahr and a $300 Ruger. Not chump change by anyones standards.
I guess it just sort of ticks me off. As we have found out in the past, I'm a real sombitch about a business having good customer service, and to me that includes doing what they say they are going to do (ie: call someone back).
Is it really that hard?
Now, on the way back home I called several (more than 10) other gun shops (names withheld to avoid pissing and moaning) in the NC area. Not just the Raleigh area, all over NC. Checking prices and availability for either the Rail Gun or the regular 5" model. I had part #'s in hand, and descriptions of the gun. I was also checking the prices at the same time of 2 other pistols I was interested in, and asked each gun shop to quote me a cash otd price for all 3 and call me back by the end of the day (it was about 10:00am at the time).
Out of the more than 10 gun shops I called, I have had ONE call back. Now he was high as all sin, but he did call back. The rest of them didnt live up to their "oh I'll be happy to get those prices, call you back in a minute". Hell I had one shop have computer problems while I was on the phone, and was told "hang on I'll call you back in just a sec". Well, I'm still waiting. I also realize that less than 24hrs may be short on time to get a price quote, but every single shop said they would call me back by the end of the day. Shoot I asked one shop "can you get Colts?" and he simply said "nope".
Now I realize that most of the phone calls shops get are "whats your price on x"? I get that it gets old, however some people actually are interested in buying. Its also not like I was getting a price for a High-Point. I was pricing a $1000+ 1911, a $500 Kahr and a $300 Ruger. Not chump change by anyones standards.
I guess it just sort of ticks me off. As we have found out in the past, I'm a real sombitch about a business having good customer service, and to me that includes doing what they say they are going to do (ie: call someone back).
Is it really that hard?
