Why Do I Go There

[Marlin7]

Today started out well...went over to Staples to make copies of my LTCH and have them laminted. Seemed like it LTCH day there because there was another person there doing the same thing.

Then I went to Midwest Gun Exchange to look for a holster for my SAR. Let's just say that was a mistake I was pretty much ignored. So I left because I decided they just didn't want the cash I was planning on spending there. I will be going to either Top Shot Armory or Kodiak from now on.

 

[MCgrease08]

Care to elaborate on what the issue was?

 

[mikefraz]

When I go into Midwest in Mishawaka, I take out my wallet when I want someone to help me. I kid you not, I can stand there for 20 minutes with no one giving me the time of day and the second I take my wallet out and put it on the counter, someone will make a bee line from across the store to help me out. I've done it 3 times now and it never fails.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

I pin $100 bills to me like Slick Rick when I walk into a gun shop. It works as if one were visiting ATM's house while wearing a bacon jacket.

All kidding aside, Marlin, this is the gun culture, you have to get used to it. INGO member Tamara tells of the time that she had a lot of money burning a hole in her pocket and wanted to buy a Springfield TRP.

The guys behind the counter (not in the state of Indiana) ignored her (looked right through her) and discussed bass fishing while she stood about with 2K in cash, leaving after hearing about Jasper's "secret honey hole for dem bass".

It happens in all gun stores. It happens to everyone. I have learned to be polite, but aggressive. Tell them what you what, it works.

 

[walleyepw]

Well, it does not happen in all gun stores! I was in Bradis and before I could step to the counter I was greated and asked if there was anything they could help me with. Then I was in Plainfield Shooters and Every time I moved to look at different guns another fine worker would ask me if there was anything they could show me. If I am ignored in a gun store I take that they are "independently weathly" and there shop is mearly there private collection.

 

[Cameramonkey]

Well, it does not happen in all gun stores! I was in Bradis and before I could step to the counter I was greated and asked if there was anything they could help me with. Then I was in Plainfield Shooters and Every time I moved to look at different guns another fine worker would ask me if there was anything they could show me. If I am ignored in a gun store I take that they are "independently weathly" and there shop is mearly there private collection.

Ditto. Same with USDS and Profire guys. Sunds like somebody needs to choose better gun stores...

 

[Snizz1911]

I USED to buy a lot of guns there. Not a big fan these days either.

 

[Marlin7]

Midwest Mishawaka is the only store where I get totally ignored. Granger Guns owner is on the grumpy side but at least greets the customers, Top Shot Armory treats their customers like people not something they scrapped off of their shoes. Kodiak has great service. Midwest Elkhart was decent to me when I was there even though they were extremely business. I find it funny that Midwest Mishawaka and Midwest Elkhart are owned by the same people and it is a totally different experience.

The only reason I stopped there today was I was already on Grape Road doing some other business.

 

[GLOCKBOY]

I've bought a lot of guns there. Brian always took fantastic care of me. Great service and pricing. Since his death I'm kinda lost. Haven't found a person I feel comfortable with.

RIP Brian

 

[jcwit]

Time to drive a little and check out ZX Gun in Goshen.

 

[wlr2]

Agreed, not all LGSs are like that. Indy Trading Post was a great store a few years ago, now I am ignored when I go there. I took a friend shopping for her first handgun and we stopped in to see what they had. Totally ignored us. I asked about their price on an upper and was treated like I was wasting his time. We went to M&J out in Fortville and were greeted as we walked through the door, was even offered a cup of coffee. She ended up buying a LC9 from them because of the first class treatment. I also purchased an upper, bcg, and a few other pieces as well.
It's sad to think that being ignored at any LGS is considered normal. It shouldn't be. Three stores lost on a couple of sales because they were too busy sitting on their arse not giving any attention to the customers. I will never make another purchase from the those stores that didn't think it was worth their time to talk to us.

 

[Cameramonkey]

Kinda wondering if several of the LGS have fallen back on the "we dont need to work at customer service, they are beating down our doors and throwing money at us" attitude?

Now that the panic is dying down, they are still in that mode when they need to go back to making the sale and taking care of customers.

 

[jb1911]

I don't like to be bothered when I'm in a store "just looking". If I want help, I ask for help.

 

[Steve.43]

Bass and Bucks just outside Wabash seems to wait on customers in the order they come in. They're friendly, knowledgable, and courteous I've never had a problem there.

 

[snowwalker]

I live near Indy and will only shop local (will not even set foot in a shop that is not local to avoid any hassles) and we have several great ones to chose from. Is every trip just honey suckle wonderful, no, but I'm not either all the time. Fact is no one is and I think it's stupid to mark off a store because of ONE bad experience. IMO

 

[wesnellans]

Today started out well...went over to Staples to make copies of my LTCH and have them laminted. Seemed like it LTCH day there because there was another person there doing the same thing.

Then I went to Midwest Gun Exchange to look for a holster for my SAR. Let's just say that was a mistake I was pretty much ignored. So I left because I decided they just didn't want the cash I was planning on spending there. I will be going to either Top Shot Armory or Kodiak from now on.

I've read these kind of posts about Midwest before, but I can honestly say I've never had a bad experience there. I've bought lots of guns from them and I've never had an issue with getting service. If they're busy, I may have to wait a bit (go figure) but I've never had to wait long before someone tries to help me.

I do have one specific person I've been dealing with since Bob passed on. I bought a couple from Bill before he left, but I hooked up with Tim after Bill left and he's been just great. He knows his stuff but is willing to tell you when he doesn't, instead of making up something or feeding me hype. I get great personal service from him and he treats me right on pricing. I *may* have been able to find a slightly better price somewhere else, if I was willing to drive all over creation but, being in business myself, I appreciate the costs involved of them offering the facility and selection they do - and it's never MUCH of a difference when I do find a lower price - and often the prices I find for what I purchase are quite a bit higher in other ads!

I didn't particularly care for the price hikes they went through during the panic, but I guess it wasn't exactly an uncommon thing, from what I saw. Only a select few places didn't raise prices for a bit with supplies being low - and it's a common practice in business so I didn't get my knickers in a twist too badly. They dropped prices back to their normal fair deals when production started to catch up with demand.

And in this area, if you want to put hands on a gun, it's most likely in stock at Midwest, so I can get its feel without having to order online and hope for the best, which is a big deal to me.

I bought a couple of guns from Zx, btw, since I'm sure they'll get mentioned. Their prices have been good, but they're further away from me, and distance matters. I was really impressed with the Fort Wayne store and it's personnel - not the case with the Goshen folks, which may have changed with their new digs, couldn't say.

So, Midwest is great in my book, FWIW. YMMV.

Carry on.

 

[9mmfan]

I was in Midwest just a couple hours ago. I hadn't been their in probably 6 months so thought I'd stop in. I was just 'browsing', hadn't planned on buying anything. I was asked by no fewer than 4 different clerks if I needed anything. I did look at a couple Galco holsters (30% sale!) and fondled a Beretta Nano. Saw a sweet looking INOX PX4. Darn near pulled the tripper on both a holster and the Nano.
I did run into a INGO member who now works their-won't give his username in case he doesn't want to be 'outed'! We chatted a good while and I did in fact pick up some 22 LR. Not the best price but not terrible either.
All in all a good visit.

 

[Gluemanz28]

I have bought several guns from the Mishawaka store and the Elkhart store. The Mishawaka store is always busier and rightfully so with the wholesale business they are running in back. Twice as many guns and accessories are sold and shipped in the back. I know the Manager and his approach is not to pressure people in a situation that might be new to them. If I go to any gun store with the intentions of buying a gun I am patient and give them the benefit of the doubt that they care about my business. Nothing wrong with politely asking if you can get some help.

My suggestion to the OP is to call and talk to a manager about his visit. I will bet you that they will ask you to come back and give them a chance to earn your trust. I bought a S&W 66 last week from them. The sales Rep said he would make me a deal on a two gun purchase. He said he would sell me a GP100 6" for $500 if I bought it along with the 66. I didn't do it but later kicked my self for not buying both.

ZX Guns in Goshen has changed for the better with the opening of the new store. They were so crammed in the old place that you were easily missed if they thought you were with someone else. They now greet you with a hello and welcome to ZX Guns when you enter. I felt like Norm on Cheers when they called me by name when I walked in.

Granger Guns has good prices but as people have stated, Steve takes a bit of getting used to. He wants out of the business as it isn't fun anymore dealing with the new breed of wanta be gun owners.

In conclusion I don't think that it is fair to give them negative feedback on here or anywhere else if you haven't given Management a chance to fix the issue with you and their employees. Just my

 

[JTF101]

Kinda wondering if several of the LGS have fallen back on the "we dont need to work at customer service, they are beating down our doors and throwing money at us" attitude?

Now that the panic is dying down, they are still in that mode when they need to go back to making the sale and taking care of customers.

That seems to be a big part of it. I think many gun stores have been spoiled by the gun run. When things start to tighten up, their attitudes will as well. I love that big man behind the counter with a gun attitude.

 

[BogWalker]

Ditto. Same with USDS and Profire guys. Sunds like somebody needs to choose better gun stores...

For those a bit more central Indiana I've had consistently good experiences at Field's Outdoor Adventure in Rushville.