Gander Mountain – Mentor

Had a recent experience with a mistake that was made and the staff were able to correct it. The managers went above and beyond my expectations. I went in to request information and I was taken care of and my problem was solved. I will be going back to gander mountain for all of my outdoor supplies!

Made two stops in here recently to look at firearms and wont be back…
On my first trip I stopped in to look at pistols. I wanted to see the difference between the Glock 19 and Springfield XD. The first problem was that at no time did any of the 3 individuals behind the counter approach me, let me know they would be right with me, or acknowledge my existence in any way. Finally I got the attention of one guy who was extremely rude (tall African American, longer hair.)
I let him know I was trying to decide between the two guns and wanted to look at the Springfield in the case. I played with it for a bit, and asked him if he had any experience with either the Glock vs. Springfield and he was just like «no not really.» He did not offer any other info and was just standing there fiddling with some papers.
After taking a look at the Glock I noticed they did not have a Glock 19 in the case and asked him if they had any so I could hold both guys to determine which I wanted to go with. He pulled out another Glock (model 21 which is larger than the 19 and is .45 instead of a 9mm) and goes «they are basically the same).
Immediately after holding it I could tell it was physically different from the 19 and let him know I wanted to handle both to see which one fit better. I asked if they had a 19 I could take a look at and he goes „yeah, I think I have one back there (pointing to the back.)“ He did not offer to go get it or help with the sale in any way.
At that point I started asking questions about ammo and what they had in stock. He was extremely rude during this and made me feel like I was bothering him. I asked a few questions and each time he kept going „nope“. For example I asked if they had any 9 mm ammo and he just went „nope“…do you have any 22lr…“nope»…what about .45…“nope”. The dude was amazingly arrogant and at that point I realized I felt I was bothering him and so I thanked him for his time and left.
At this point I made a trip to Top Gun Supply in Mayfield who was very helpful in letting me handle both guns… I went with the Glock 19… The only downside about Top Gun is they have a very limited ammo and accessory supply, but otherwise was a good experience.
My second trip to Gander Mountain was a couple weeks later because I wanted to see if they got any ammo in. I went early in the day so I knew it wouldn’t be busy. There was only one guy working behind the counter (different guy… white middle aged gentlemen) who was helping another customer… looked like he was buying a gun and filling out paperwork. I needed some 22lr ammo and spotted several boxes behind the counter. I stood no more than 10 feet from the guy behind the counter and the customer filling out paperwork. I waited patiently for about 5 minutes. Never during this time did the guy behind the counter ever look at me, or say anything like «I’ll be right with you». He just stood there while the customer was filling out his paperwork doing nothing.
At this time I started walking around looking at accessories. After I saw the customer leave I walked toward the counter again and magically the associate disappeared to the back room. I thought he would be right back so I waited another 5 minutes and he never came back out. At this point I took a walk over to the camping section for about 10 minutes and made my way back to the counter. He had returned and at this point was helping out another customer. Again I stood at the counter and again he never acknowledged my existence. I waited a few more minutes and left… I went to Walmart to purchase my ammo at that point. All he had to do was acknowledge my for 2 seconds and I would have said «Can I have that ammo sitting there» and the store would have made money.
There is a pattern I have noticed in big box stores such as this over the last few years and that is the difference between a «Salesman» and a «Clerk.» A «Salesman» is someone who is passionate about what they are selling. They go the extra mile to ensure the sale and make sure the customer gets what they came in for, but also provide a good experience for them to tell their friends about. A «Clerk» is what we have in these examples. People who come in, punch a clock, and just do the bare minimum to get a pay check. It is clear that neither of these two individuals gave a damn about me at all.
Sorry for this long review but these things need to be said and a point needs to be made. It is not OK to treat customers like this. I have literally spent over a thousand dollars elsewhere over the last several weeks (two guns and LOTS of ammo) which could have easily been spent here. Because of my experiences at this location I will not be back. So not only did Gander Mountain loose these sales, but a customer for life. But in addition to this, people who read this review in the future will think twice about shopping here as well. Was it worth losing all this business Gander?

The associates in firearms are rude and lack any discernible personality. I’ve been told that many of them are former police officers. I acknowledge and extend my thanks for their service. However, they seem to treat people as if they were children that had no right to be looking at a firearm. I will continue to frequent Gander, but I avoid speaking with any of the pompous «experts» (I am I trained USMC sniper, yet, because I am on the other side of the counter, my IQ and knowledge must be zero!) in the back at all costs. On the contrary, the other associates throughout the store (with the exception of those at the gun counter) are extremely helpful, courteous and are wonderful to speak with, hence the three stars.

Completely ignored my mother and me when we were looking at pistols for her. The guy at the counter went from helping somone else, to helping a guy who came in after us, back to helping the original guy without even acknowledging us.
Won’t go back there.