popgun Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 I stopped by our Gander Mtn. store today. As most of you know, I have two new rifles to outfit. They didn’t have the scope bases, no scope rings, and not one scope that was in the neighborhood of a 3.5-12X50. I finally got tired of being ignored, so I went back to the gunsmiths, (At least these guys know something about guns and rifles, right?) Wrong. The guy I talked to did not know what would fit what, and didn’t have anything in stock. He couldn’t even take the time to look anything up in a book. I looked around at a lot of the other hunting stuff and was really turned off by the prices. I guess I’ll do my shopping on the Internet with one of the competitors. If Gander Mtn. expects to compete with the big boys, they need an attitude adjustment. I suspect they lost about $600. of my business today. I think I need a t-shirt that says, “Ignore me…and my money goes elsewhere”. Although I doubt even a t-shirt would have gotten their attention. I’m through ranting now…. Thanks for listening. ….popgun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: Yep, my local GM is similar. They might be ok if I had not already visited Cabelas and Bass Pro. It was a big dissapointment after leaving GM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedicast Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: As we don't have a GM locally, I have only been to one of their stores. In my opinion, I feel the same about it as I do about Dicks Sporting Goods. Good palce to go if you know what you want.IMO it is a help yourself type store, not a place I would go to ask questions or for service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: [ QUOTE ] Yep, my local GM is similar. They might be ok if I had not already visited Cabelas and Bass Pro. It was a big dissapointment after leaving GM. [/ QUOTE ] My GM is the same. I swear that they take classes in being rude before they can work there. I usually go to my Herb Phillipsons for service, they are great. Unfortunately you don't have one of those in Arkanas. Ranger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrud Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: Our Gander Mountain Gun Department is pretty good. At least a couple of them know what they are talking about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTbowman Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: Phew Thanks! You just saved me a possible day trip over to the new GM store in NY, just across the lake from VT. Sorry to hear about all that and i agree with tedicast too about Dicks. They have little of what you really need and know nothing about any of it. Walmart still kicks their butt in pricing but even they have gone down hill in my area for a hunting dept. Good thing I gotz the internet to fall back on. Although I just hate not being able to hold the item in my hand before buying it... JMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: We have a GM about 30 miles away. It's kind of tough to get to because it's on the other end of town, so I don't go there much. They do have a bigger selection than Dicks though. I've never had to ask for professional help there. They're not a pro shop, they're just another chain store IMHO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need2hunt Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: Our GM is about 45 minutes away, I've learned who the people are that know what they are doing and if I have a real question they are the ones I ask. Our GM is waaayy better than the Dick's Sporting Goods though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: I would not goto GM for anything like that...we have a local private owned gun shop near ashland, they will do whatever it takes to get you set up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuckNrut Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: GM is trying to address the issue at the corporate level (IMHO). They employ "mystery shoppers" now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bwlacy Posted February 3, 2006 Report Share Posted February 3, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: Both GM's in our town are the same way. They have a bunch of kids working there and that is the biggest part of the problem. I don't want some 18 year old who doesn't know anything and is too busy with his IPOD to help me, touching my gun or bow. I mail order all archery stuff and do all my bow work at home. They do have a larger selection than any other store in town so if you know what you want they should have it. I hear there will be a Cabelas coming here soon. They will kick GM's butt!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeNRA Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: Gander Mountain is like a sportsman's walmart! Go in get what you want and leave!!! But their prices dont drop like walmart! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: [ QUOTE ] Gander Mountain is like a sportsman's walmart! Go in get what you want and leave!!! But their prices dont drop like walmart! [/ QUOTE ] That's a pretty big insult to Wal*Mart there. Most of the Arkansas wally world are very helpfull and merchant friendly. Of course I've been to a lot of them in other parts of the country that aren't like that. My experiences in the Little Rock and Texarkana GM's have been less than satisfying. Selection has not been good (except on guns) and service was horrible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LETMGROW Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: I am glad to know I am not the only one who has been disapointed by GM and Dick's. When GM was a mailorder firm I bought a lot from them. Since comming to town their prices are high and service leaves a lot to be desired. There is talk of Cabellas building a store in our area. I'm wondering if their prices will increase also? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruttinbuc Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: [ QUOTE ] I looked around at a lot of the other hunting stuff and was really turned off by the prices. [/ QUOTE ] Sign of the times no matter where you go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThethirdI Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: I am fortunate to have a Gander Mountain just right up the street from my house. I frequent the place quite a bit to get things on clearance. I have saved thousands of dollars on my hunting gear because I have bought nearly all of it on clearance. I have to agree with you guys about people not knowing their knothole from a whole in the ground. Too many kids there and not enough know-how. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WNY_Whitetailer Posted February 4, 2006 Report Share Posted February 4, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: If you ever want to get ignored by three or four guys just go to the GM gun counter in Tonawanda NY...I asked one of the guys if they had Winchester 40cal FMJ Whitebox handgun ammo and he just had a blank look on his face like I was asking him a question about rocket science. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: Our gunshop/bowshop here is the same way. If your looking for something, they always look at you with a blank stare. They have nothing here of any quality, especially for bow equipment. Good clothing is just as hard to find, if you want a RealTree pattern on it. I finally found some nice quiet Realtree camo quality raingear in a store here. (something rare, because all I ever see is the other brands) The jacket was $179.00 and the pants were another $179.00. I guess I'll be saving for a while too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: Never been to a gander mountain store. Not one around here. Would be nice to have something more than the Bass Pros in Nashville and Memphis. I believe a Cabelas store in this area would do really well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: [ QUOTE ] Our gunshop/bowshop here is the same way. If your looking for something, they always look at you with a blank stare. They have nothing here of any quality, especially for bow equipment. Good clothing is just as hard to find, if you want a RealTree pattern on it. I finally found some nice quiet Realtree camo quality raingear in a store here. (something rare, because all I ever see is the other brands) The jacket was $179.00 and the pants were another $179.00. I guess I'll be saving for a while too. [/ QUOTE ] I did get lucky the week after Christmas I got some insulated bibbers and parka regularly $199 and $169 for $110 for the pair. I'll probibly drop in ocationally to check on sales, but if I want something specific I'll just go to Wal-Mart or drive the extra hour to Bass Pro in Shreveport where they know thier stuff and actually act like they want to sell it to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrow32 Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: Our gun smith at least knows what there talking about. Give you real good help if needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
borch Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: Well I guess my experince has been totally different regarding Gander Mountain. I've had nothing but courtious, polite, attentive service at the various Gander stores I've shopped at in MN, (Duluth, St. Cloud, Maple Grove, Bemidji & Baxter). Maybe it's a midwestern thing as it looks like Wisconscin does ok too. As far as prices go they have a price match program where they will meet competitor prices plus 10%. If something goes wrong with an item you bought and you can't find the receipt, not a big problem. They'll exchange it or get you store credit that you can spend on something else. That's tough to find in today's retail environment. More and more it's my go to store. I'd rank them right up there with the Cabelas and Bass Pro regarding service. I suggest if you are having problems talking to the manager. Each store is only as good as it's employees and how they choose to treat their customers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bond Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: Once I asked for a laser bore sighter at the gun counter and the guy said,"nope, we don't have any" IT WAS IN THE DISPLAY CASE RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM. I said what about that one. Then he says, "ohhh you meant one of these...." and it said laser bore sighter right on the box. Another time, I bought some carbon arrows and they used hot glue on them to put the inserts in like you use on aluminum arrows. I don't have any bow work done there anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sagitarius Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: [ QUOTE ] Once I asked for a laser bore sighter at the gun counter and the guy said,"nope, we don't have any" IT WAS IN THE DISPLAY CASE RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM. I said what about that one. Then he says, "ohhh you meant one of these...." and it said laser bore sighter right on the box. Another time, I bought some carbon arrows and they used hot glue on them to put the inserts in like you use on aluminum arrows. I don't have any bow work done there anymore. [/ QUOTE ]Was this the Janesville store? We have had lots of complaints from this store and the district Manager is working on cleaning up this one. For all of you who bash us as being a Wal-Mart and are comparing us to a pro-shop, stop and think about what you are saying. When compared to a local proshop, of course we are going to fall short. WE ARE A BOX STORE AS ARESULT THERE ARE LIMITATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Before you start bashing the store for the people working there keep in mind that 90% of the people there are part timers who are also working other jobs. As far as our gun counter we had to go through the guys behind the counter and clear out the stagnant water. If you have a complaint, go to customer service and tell them. There are compaint cards behind there and without them, WE HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING THE PROBLEM! Voice your opinion to the store managers and you will find that more often than not, they will bend over backward to try to rectify the problem. Keep in mind, our store pulls a TON of buisiness from Bass Pro, Cabelas, and Dicks, however, the local proshops hold their own in their own niche the high end bows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
too_pointer Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Re: Gander Mtn. Disappointment: Steve, guess alot of opinions in here, sharing info. I do bussness at a GM about 50 miles from home, but it is a smaller one so their inventory is also small, and I noticed prices are slightly higher than others might be. It is nice though to buy where you can see the products than always ordering them. too__ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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