One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

It's a little bit long, but im stillventing.
The Clarksville, IndianaBass Prois having their Fall classic right now.So I traveled from Louisville, Ky (35min drive) to look at the Diamond Black IcePackage for $779.I asked the gentlemen at the desk for assistant, and they were out of the60 to 70lb model (Of course). So I asked when they wouldget more in. "Not sure, maybe by the weekend, maybe not (The sale ends Sunday)" theman answered. So I was a little bit displeased. I asked if I could view the Kryptik Combo for$699 andshoot the bow to get a betterfeel for it. (I shot that bow there a week ago, about 2dozenstimes)"Yeah, you can shoot it but only THREE times!!" I answered with your telling me that Imabout to spend Seven Hundred dollars on a bow and you will only allow me to shoot it three times. Last week I was in the store the young man allowed me to shoot it as many times as I wanted???"Yes, because after three shotsit's not a new bow anymore! How would you like it if someone shot a bow before you did!!" he responded. I told him not to waste his time in setting up the bow because there was no way I would buy the bow after only 3 shots.
I then asked to speak to the manager. The manager then got an attitude with me, "That after three shotsyou should be able to know if I like the bow or not.You should know the shot shock and should have a feel for it."After I raised my tone a bit,he told methat I could shoot it as much as I wanted if that would make me happy, witha smart a$$ tone.
I walked back to salesrep and became to apoliogize to himsimply because I understand that it's the store's policy and not his.
"I don't see why you need to shoot it, if you shot it last week!" he mumbled.I told him to keep his bow,told the manager that he had a big problem on his hands with staff, and walked out the door. AsI wasleaving he begins to apoliogize, haha too late.
1st off I drove 30 mins and they were out of stockof an advertised bow.
Then the SalesRep is a jerk, thenI catch an attitudefrom the manager.
I'm a 22 year old that spends upwards to 3k a year on hunting and fishing equipment at bass pro. Not much to a BIG bass pro. But losing 3k a year for the rest of my life will be my way tostick it tothem. Also sharing my horror story with hundreds of dedicated hunters doesn't hurt either. Thanks for your time and reading this long message.
P.S. I went straight to the local Pro Shop and bought a new Diamond Triumph. Great customer service at "Cheeks" Archery Shopin Clarksville Indiana.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

sorry to hear what happened, I would of called the Bass Pro Shops Main Office and made a complaint. As far as buying a bow from them or any other chain, I would never, real pro shops are the way to go. Good luck with your new bow

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

thats their lose man good luck with the bow

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

I made the call, but the gentleman was "Out of the Office", I'll call back tomorrow.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

some times age can hurt you, I am 22 and have had some problems in the past with not being taken seriously[:@]

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

Wow, that's messed up. However, I can say not all Bass Pro shops are that way. My husband and I just recently went to out local one in Auburn, NY to look at bows. I wanted to shoot the Diamond Rature. They were busy, but when it was my turn i had their full attention (even being a woman). I shot it several times and really liked it. They made some adjustments for me and really worked with me. Needless to say we bought it. I however had a sight on my old bow that I lvoed and was going to put on my new one. They told me that if I wanted to bring in the sight and they woul dhelp me put it on ans get it sighted in. This is the second bow we have bought from them and I will continue to go there.

I would hope that you hear from someone in the main office to rectify that situation.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

How do you like your new Triumph? I love mine, cant stop shootin it. only problem i have had was my cable slide broke.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

The guy at BP said that that happened on many of the diamonds and that they replaced all of the cable slides on all of the diamonds they had. Our local Dicks was had them on the rack with them broken right there.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

In the spirit of good fun, I'm going to look at your rant from the other side of the counter. Keep an open mind here, I know you are mad and what not, but walk on the other side of the street for a moment.....

Yes of course.... Bass Pro is a big place, they sell lots of stuff. Did you ask for a rain check? So they ran out of something... it happens dude. Moreover, at a big store like that, they have folks in charge of ordering and inventory. Archery guys are there to work on and fit bows, not order and ship. Did you call to make sure they had one there first before committing to the drive?

Honestly, you are your own reason for that response. You took up a bunch of time that could have been spent helping other people who were acctually going to BUY something. I used to have guys come in and take up litterally THREE HOURS of my time a week (one guy really stands out in my mind), and he NEVER bought anything, because the x-bow I opened up and let him shoot, was in his eyes... now used, and he wanted a NIB crossbow. Of course, that was the last one in the shop. He still hasn't bought anything... but has cost us hundreds in lost potential sales, my time, and my salary. Nothing worse than spending a ton of time with a rep, with no intention of spending money.

Those big classics are SLAMMED with customers. The Bass Pro in Hampton,VA acctually closes the range down. Otherwise, there would be so many people waiting fights would break out. Archery sales/service/set up is not something you can rush, and far to many people do not understand that. You can't have a soufflet in the amount of time you get a Big Mac. Its tough to do something like bow set ups on a large scale. The folks who set theseClassics up usually don't think about the help... just the bottom line. I'm sure it frustrates the employees much more than the customers.

There are plenty of shops that will not let you shoot a bow before you pay for it for exactly that reason. Most shops have a floor or demo bow that you can shoot. But to ask someone to break a bow out of the box JUST FOR YOU TO TRY is asking a bit much. Sort of like ordering a custom car just to test drive. Honestly, if thats how the rep responded, then he was out of line. Just keep in mind that you have already given him a sorry attitude because other people got there before you; thats not his fault. Look at both sides of the coin here.

As to why you got to shoot it a bunch prior... its probably because the store wasn't as busy. When there are lots of mad customers waiting for long periods of time because some guy wants to shoot every bow in the store and not buy anything, it makes management shuffle the rules. Sucks, but such is life sometimes.

It doesn't sound like an attitude. In a way, as I think about it, he is kind of right. I might have said 6 would be more reasonable, but if you shake it more than twice you are playing with it. Moreover, you raised your voice to him. Honestly I would have back handed you like a spoiled kid if you'd done that to me. If you are going to act like a child, expect to be treated like one.

Bear in mind now too that sales reps are usually much more willing to help friendly and helpful consumers. It does work both ways. I've hooked some of my customers up at the shop with pretty sweet deals when they are patient and understanding. But if you want to act like a horses' ass (this doesn't pertain to you... just an example) then you can make like a horse turd and hit the trail.


He does have a point. Although, discretion should have been the better part of valor. Sometimes you gotta know when to bow out. You did the right thing in this case and he poured salt on the wound.


30 minutes! Oh my God! And they were out of stock! And you even took the time to call (or not).....

Looks like you kinda stuck it to yourself. Seems to me you went in to get a Black Ice, settled for a Kryptik (not a bad bow... but no black ice)... and ended up paying a pro shop price for a lower end bow.

Just my .02.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

Should have done that to begin with. Spend the extra dollar and support your local pro shop.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

I will only say that I was given very poorservice from the Detroit BPS and vowed never to shop there again. I did complain to their main office and I never heard a reply. Poorcustomer service = shop somewhere else.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

You know used too, you couldn't find a shop that would let you shoot a bow before you bought that bow. Things have changed. Which is good.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

My BPS let me shoot a bow forever. Okay theyd have probably stopped me after 30 but I shot my bow around 15-16 times(yeah, I bought it).

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

I used to work for John Deere...Farmers wanted us to bring them a tractor for demonstrations...We are talking 175 hp, cab, air, etc...$100,000 tractor...

I'll ask you, would you buy a "new" tractor that had 12 hour already on it??

I think you took advantage of them by shooting so much and not buying the week before, you are probably the reason that they had to change the policy....

I remember the first compound bow that I ever pulled...I shot it twice and bought it...No need for 24 shots to "see what it will do"...

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

I have the same prob at our Bass Pro in Md... Just one of the many times I went there they had a sale on bibs... When I got there THE DAY OF THE SALE they only had extra smalls and 3X and 4X bibs... I don't even bother to go there for there worthless sales[:'(]I buy my stuff from Cabela's catalog or the local sporting goods...

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

I never go to BPS for a bow or for any type of advice. I know some of the employees that work there are very knowledgeable, but some don't know come hear from sickum. I only go to BPS to buy something that I already know I want or know about.

I have had a few buddies work at the BPS in OKC, and they told me to never trust anyone in their bowshop to set up or tune a bow. They were hired with no experience and had to learn on the job. I just don't trust having my bow worked on by someone I can't get to know. I like going to my local shop where they know me by name and treat me with good service that I know is right.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

I will only buy bows in pro shops. Most retail places can't even get your draw length right, much less set up your bow.

In my pro shop they let you shoot a bow as long as you like.

Long live pro shops....

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

I have to admit I also haven'tordered fromBPS in a long time. At one time I preferred them to Cabelas, before I knew any better. They always seem to be backordered on any items I order! I prefer Cabelas anyway for any hunting supplies or camo, and would never buy a bow from them, as I prefer a pro shop.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

Thats pretty stupid of Bass Pro to only let you shoot the bow three times... Im sure many other people will want to test fire a bow, so everyone will be getting their 3 or more shots in. As for me, I also get all of my stuff from bass pro.

I ordered a 180 dollar Johnny Morris baitcast reel this year from bass pro... the fathers day sale was in effect, thank god, and I got it for 147 dollars. They told me it would be here in two weeks. A month and a half and many angry calls later, it turns out that the post office lost it or it got stolen. Bass pro sent me a brand new reel free. But, of course, one of the ball bearings inside of it was ground down and I had to send it to the Bass pro reel and repair shop. I told them, replace the bearing, number 67. Instead, I waited for two weeks and got a brand new reel handle and drag star for free! So, again I had an angry call for bass pro, and I am again waiting on another reel [:@]

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

Its their loss man!

good luck with the new bow!

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

Sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience. I have been to many Bass Pro's and they all treat people differently. The store that I visit the most takes wonderful care of me. I purchase a bow from them a few weeks back for my daughter and they(Steve) took well over 2 hours with her getting her all set up. But I have visited other stores and had terrible service. I do know that when they have those sales the stress level is so high for all the employees already that it makes it hard to spend time with prospects.

Good luck with your new bow!

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

Swamp Collie- 1st thanks for taking the time to read my post and give me feedback with the play by play.
I'mthe storemanager of agrocery storehere in Louisville. I'm on the flip side of the counter everyday. I deal with customers with attitudes and those who try to get over on my store on a daily basis.
So when im in the consumers shoes, I know how act and conduct with my self when talking to sales reps and managers. I have alot of respect for people in the retailindustry.I know the stress that these employees are under especially during big events. But that gives theguys at Bass Pro no right to pop off at me. I never once got an attitudewith the Sales Rep, just asked to speak with his manager. The Manager came at me with the attitude first. Then I got a little pissed. I never made a scene I only made sure the manager knew why I wanted to shoot the bow more then 3 times.
I completely understand and respect you message. But the fault wasn't on my shoulders. I know what A$$holecustomers are like, and I wasn't one of them. Itreated the employees withrespect and understanding, until I was underminded and disrespected.
And slap me like a spoiled kid?? Haha, thats not to smart of a move.
Thanks again foryour replyand for allothers who took the time to read it.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

Like you wrote in the first sentence, you were venting. I know when I vent.... I tend to exaggerate. Its always good to see stuff from both sides, thats why I read the situation opposite from most.

As I'm sure you know, any store, be it Bass Pro, Food Lion, or your Pro Shop, is only as good as the folks that work there. I've been to Gander Mountains that sucked, and Gander Mountains that rocked. In Charleston, one of the guys I worked with at a pro shop.. I would NEVER had let him touch my bow. Heck I wouldn't let him pump my gas. Plenty of pro shops that hire teenagers to man the counters. I have heard some pretty wild stuff.

All in all, I think having work done to your bow is sort of like getting a haircut. If you go to a barber for a long time, and he always does a good job, you will NEVER take a chance with anyone else. Same for archery techs... once you find one you can trust, you'll keep going back.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

Talkin about bein on the other side of the counter, I worked in the Archery section of a Cabelas in West Virginia through their grand opening and a couple x-mases and many sales. We did not have a policy of only letting a person shoot a bow x many times. Almost all of the people were very respectable however and did not shoot a whole lot. I also dealt with a lot of people who would get mad that we were out of stock of something, and there's just not a lot that you can do about it. The associates had no say in what we got in and how much of it. It was quite strange though, that we would have people from Pittsburgh travel 45 minutes and complain about us running out of something and we would have people who would drive from southern west virginia who would be fine with it. 45 to 30 minutes is not a long time to drive toa store like BPS or Cabelas that are outdoor megacenters. I have to drive an hour from my house to get to any type of mall. These times of sales, grand openings, etc., are absolutly crazy and are no time to go and buy a bow or to have it set up. There is just no possible way for the employees to spend the time that they need to take care of you, they know that however they are stuck as to what they can do.

The employee and the manager were definitely wrong in how they treated you, but I can also guarantee you were not the only person who was complaining to that employee about something being out of stock or not getting to spend a lot of time with them.

I'm not sure how BPS hire people, but at Cabela's we had specific people who were very knowledgeable in the back setting up the bows, and the newbies (me at the time I was hired) trying to help people out and find products.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

pretty typical of the big stores...

rankbull brought up an excellent point. im sick and fed up with bowshops...im always treated poorly it seems. some guys are super nice...but it always seems whoever is doing the work moans and groans...what gives?? im spending money in YOUR shop....maybe it is our age...im also 20. i dont roll into the shop with my top of the line bow maker polo shirt and matching hat and the whole 9yds so i dont get taken seriously. i watched the same guy help another kid last time i was there. he was on martins pro staff...they didnt charge him for a mod change...it took him more time to do that than it did to put on my new string....from the sounds of it, he didnt buy the bow there and i know he didnt buy the mods there...but he was a martin shooter and had on one of the shops shirts etc...

i just dont get it....theres times my pocket is pretttty deep and im willing to blow it all. but not when people treat me poorly

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

And last week we had someone here complaining about a shot bow not being NEW. LOL I know what you mean though. Lordy, if only you lived closer to Len. He'll let you shoot as many as much as you want if you're serious. I suspect after a couple days he might tire of setting them up for you, but this 3 shot thing is absurd. They would be better off saying you can't shoot it period. LOL

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

I completely agree with you. I know that for the employees the sale week is dreaded all year long. I experience the same thing at with Thanksgiving,Christmas/New Years, and Forth of July at my job. But if you can't stand the Heat,get a new job. Those guys aren't forced to work at Bass Pro.I understand that Bass Pro can't staff excellent salesman with an understanding of quality customer service.
I understand that they were out of the bow. Stuff happens, and that wasn't a big deal. Im not an unreasonable person.I will giveBass Pro credit they had plenty of Daily sale items in stock, which surprised me.
I think that most can agree with me. I travel to Bass Pro for the experience I get from walking through the store. I love walking through the realistic mounts, fishing tanks, in-store creeks,seminars,etc. Icould go Dicks or other sporting good stores, but I love thefeel I get fromBass Pro.My family andI have always supported them,wearing their gear and logos. I understand that everyone has bad days, and that not every trip will be excellent.But it felt more like aWalmart. You get great prices but horrible service.It justleft a bad taste in my mouth.
After having a day to relax and cool off I realize that it was an isolated event. Also I received an Email from their store manager asking me call him on his personalcellphone this evening.
Thanks again for your time.
ShepDogWV- It's going to be one hell of a game this year with
WVandLouisville in Morgantown.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

And save gas[:-]

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

It sure will be!!! got my tickets and I'm ready to rock

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

I had a similar type experience at the one in Myrtle Beach during their sale a few weeks ago. I had already, and I stress ALREADY, purchased $500 worth of stuff and walked to the customer service desk to get my license for the upcoming year. A guy was there trying to pick up some stands he purchased and we talked a few minutes while the manager tried to find out where he needed to go to get them. After about 10 minutes, he was done and left and I was standing in front of the register alone. The manager turned around and spoke to another employee, completely ignoring me. A kid walked up to get change and while she was giving him change a "vendor" that was in for their sale walked up with his wife. All the while, I'm standing 6 inches from the register right dead in front of it, I could have put my fingertip on her nose I was so close. She then began ringing up the vendor and talking to him, so I leaned toward her and let her know how I felt about being ignored by her. I then walked away to meet my wife and kids who were waiting and told her about about what happened because she used to work there. As I turned to point the manager out, I noticed she was pointing toward me and making faces, laughing and having a joke with the other cashier and the vendor's wife.

I politely rolled the entire buggy and $500 worth of products to her and told her I wanted a refund. At this point I was fuming and she knew I had no intention of standing behind anyone else waiting to return the stuff, so she spent 15 minutes hand keying each item, presumably to piss me off more. I called their customer complaint line and a few days later received a call from a manager my wife worked with there, but I've never heard and probably never will, from the store manager herself. D-i-ck's got my business AND my money and most of the stuff I got cheaper. I'd probably have spent over $1000 as I did last year because I wanted a new bow. I then bought the bow too, a Parker Wildfire, at a pro shop about a week later.

Screw BPS, they've become the Walmart of outdoor stores. Rude, ignorant employees who treat you like crap and rude managers who think they're they only place in town to shop.

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

I am a huge basspro shops fan and have never had any problems, I drive at least 1 time every 2 months 5 hours to our nearest bass pro shops in Illinois and I live in northern WI.. I have never gotten any attitude and can only make assumptions to why YOU got attitude... Also you cant blame a store for running out of something especially if they dont carry many in stock.. I have dealt with Bass Pro before with sale items out of stock after I drove 5 hours, and they have told me the same thing every time, and that is that they would give me the sale price on the item/items when they recieve the new shippment.. Give that a try next time and dont let one or two bad apples ruin the whole bushell.. Even in my Favorite resteraunt I have had a bad steak a time or two and I still go back... Whatever your decision hopefully you will get the bow package you want and are happy with it and score this fall... Thats what really matters is that you wind up happy no matter how many miles or minutes you spent getting their...
Jim

RE: One Unhappy Bass Pro Shop (EX)Customer
 

I agree Bass Pro has become the Wal-Mart of outdoor equipment. I went to buy a gps the other day and a sales associate totally ignored me for 5 minutes. So, I politely asked him to assist me and answer a few questions. He sits there and gives me this blank look for literally a minute and says what. I was kind of shocked, but I chalked it up to the guy having a bad day.

Then I asked him the differences between 2 models and he replied: read the tag!!! [:@] Okay, I'm a nice guy and I'm not a kid at age 25 and this really made me mad. I have spent a lot of money in that store, and that is not the way you should treat customers. I decided to walk off after that. I know that all companies have bad employees, but I am just sick of it. I have decided to order most of my stuff online and stick with my local bow shop.