ORIGINAL: HEAD0001
There is one major flaw in your theory. This guy has been in business for over 30 years. And a few years ago his son took over the business, and he is being trained properly.
And the Walmart guys WILL NOT become regular customers, they will go back to Walmart to save their next dime.
Remember I said he is a SMALL dealer. And that is the way he likes it. And he likes to take care of his regulars. What part of that don't you understand?? So you think it would be smarter for him to sell all his product to a new customer, and forego his old customers?? I do not understand your theory. Tom.
How do you get new regulars when you treat every new customer like crap? And it's a good thing he likes to be small, because with that attitude he'll certainly stay that way... but I doubt for too much longer. His current regulars won't live forever. Just because he's been around for 30 years doesn't mean that he'll last another 30, and the shooting sports community won't miss him when he's gone.
And what makes you so sure that someone who shops at walmart can't be drawn away by small business? It's called competition for a reason, because it implys that both parties will actually make an EFFORT to attract and retain customers. Walmart offers lower prices but crappy service. The SBO competes by offering what Walmart can't, top-notch service and a knowledgeable staff that's willing to go beyond what the two-toothed idiot at the Walmart gun counter will do. As it is, when he fails (and I guarantee it's coming if he remains lazy and hostile toward new business), he has no one to blame but himself. Then you'll be a Walmart shopper, too.
Mike