Well... I have been a long time supporter of Midwest Gun Exchange and Midwest Gun & Range.
I have always tried to buy from them before going to an online store and between me and my two shooting buddies, we probably spent more than $10k last year across both stores. I was a gun hobbyist before this crazy price hike and will be one long after the panic buyers have moved on to something else.
I've read mixed comments about them here on INGO, but had only had good experiences there until recently. I understand that the workers are a bit stressed out about the extra workload and I have no problem with them putting whatever prices they want on any of their items or services.
If people are willing to pay a buck a round for 5.56... then so be it. However, last night left a sour taste in my mouth...
Last night I was considering re-upping my membership to their indoor range which comes in at $450 for 1 year ($50 more than last year... but whatever I understand the panic). Being that its March... and given that we have always been pro-rated in years past, I naturally thought that this year would be no different.
I approached one of their sales guys and asked him how much it would cost me for a membership and he told me $450. I asked him how much it would be pro-rated... and he then proceeded to look at me like a ****ing idiot and tell me "$450... its only 2 months and I should have re-upped in January" then he rolled his eyes. I asked him "what if I wanted a membership in June?" ... got a similar response and reaction. Very short and very "you and your money aren't important".
Now... before I go any further. I could care less about getting pro-rated. Their place... they can create any rules they want and had he not been such a nonchalant prick about it, I probably would have paid it. However, a little respect and customer service go along way and I know where this attitude comes from. It comes from their manager who I've seen talk to other customers (not myself) with the same exact demeanor. It seems obvious that the subordinates are taking ques from leadership.
As a customer, I get the hint. My money isn't important enough for this guy to at least act like I was worth talking to. Needless to say I didn't purchase a membership... I instead whipped out the 2 free-range passes that I was given for purchasing a $600 rifle from them last week.
I did have to purchase 4 targets which came to $2. I pulled out my debit card (I don't carry cash usually) to pay for them and in typical prick fashion he laughed at me for pulling out a debit card for 2 bucks. The funny thing is... I planned to use that debit card to pay for a $400-$450 membership.
My budget this year for firearms related activities is somewhere between $4k-$5k and because of this experience Midwest won't see another penny of it unless absolutely necessary. They went from being my "go to" place to purchase to being blacklisted... and my buddy who was with me feels the same.
It would be different if I was being an ass and he returned the favor... but because he couldn't answer a simple question with a little courtesy, I'll be taking my business to Granger Guns or ZX or ****ing Cheaper than Dirt first....
Shame too, because there are some really squared away guys on their staff. Josh works at the range and he is absolutely awesome! He can't be more than about 25years old and is the most impressive firearms guy I know.
I have always tried to buy from them before going to an online store and between me and my two shooting buddies, we probably spent more than $10k last year across both stores. I was a gun hobbyist before this crazy price hike and will be one long after the panic buyers have moved on to something else.
I've read mixed comments about them here on INGO, but had only had good experiences there until recently. I understand that the workers are a bit stressed out about the extra workload and I have no problem with them putting whatever prices they want on any of their items or services.
If people are willing to pay a buck a round for 5.56... then so be it. However, last night left a sour taste in my mouth...
Last night I was considering re-upping my membership to their indoor range which comes in at $450 for 1 year ($50 more than last year... but whatever I understand the panic). Being that its March... and given that we have always been pro-rated in years past, I naturally thought that this year would be no different.
I approached one of their sales guys and asked him how much it would cost me for a membership and he told me $450. I asked him how much it would be pro-rated... and he then proceeded to look at me like a ****ing idiot and tell me "$450... its only 2 months and I should have re-upped in January" then he rolled his eyes. I asked him "what if I wanted a membership in June?" ... got a similar response and reaction. Very short and very "you and your money aren't important".
Now... before I go any further. I could care less about getting pro-rated. Their place... they can create any rules they want and had he not been such a nonchalant prick about it, I probably would have paid it. However, a little respect and customer service go along way and I know where this attitude comes from. It comes from their manager who I've seen talk to other customers (not myself) with the same exact demeanor. It seems obvious that the subordinates are taking ques from leadership.
As a customer, I get the hint. My money isn't important enough for this guy to at least act like I was worth talking to. Needless to say I didn't purchase a membership... I instead whipped out the 2 free-range passes that I was given for purchasing a $600 rifle from them last week.
I did have to purchase 4 targets which came to $2. I pulled out my debit card (I don't carry cash usually) to pay for them and in typical prick fashion he laughed at me for pulling out a debit card for 2 bucks. The funny thing is... I planned to use that debit card to pay for a $400-$450 membership.
My budget this year for firearms related activities is somewhere between $4k-$5k and because of this experience Midwest won't see another penny of it unless absolutely necessary. They went from being my "go to" place to purchase to being blacklisted... and my buddy who was with me feels the same.
It would be different if I was being an ass and he returned the favor... but because he couldn't answer a simple question with a little courtesy, I'll be taking my business to Granger Guns or ZX or ****ing Cheaper than Dirt first....
Shame too, because there are some really squared away guys on their staff. Josh works at the range and he is absolutely awesome! He can't be more than about 25years old and is the most impressive firearms guy I know.