08-13-2005, 06:10 PM
I think I am about to drop half my points in the popularity contest...I work for sportsmans over in the corporate offices. cant tell you what I do for them. security we will say. Anyhow, I agree and disagree. I have met some employees that I could have learned more from reading the back of a gulp package on how to use it than I got from them. But..here it is the big BUT...for the most part as a whole I have found the people at sportsmans to be knowledgeable and helpful when I have questions. I went into midvale location as joe blow off the street and asked about shotguns and how they work, I got schooled, and without making a purchase that day the guys spent over an hour showing me different gun styles, how to dimantle, clean, use, what to clean and use with, untill I had made a decision on what I was going to buy, the Binelli 12 gauge pump 8 shot entry level comes with 3 chokes for what type of ammo you run, a full beginner video, pretty much anything except the ammo and cleaning kit. They were great there and patient, I felt it wasnt about the sale, but about the education of the customer. they will be shocked though when I go buy the gun and tell them Im with Corporate. ha ha.
In parting I would like to put the word out, that if you have had such issue in the past as dealing with employee lack of knowledge or know-how, there is an open door policy you can ask for the department manager or the store manager. they will take care of you...but you cant bottle up the problem, if you just walk out thinking "what a dope" about your floor person, then the store wont know there is an issue, probaly just training, that needs to be addressed. but I ask you to take the few minutes and tell us about it and let us resolve it, and get you taken care of.
I was talking to the owner of sportsmans, he told me that based on their numbers reports, cabelas wont turn a profit for the first 5 or 6 years here, I dont back up the info on this just take it for what it is. They will lose approx 3 to 4 MILLION dollars a year just keeping the doors open for that period, then they make a buck. keep that in mind.
Last point and its short...These are RETAIL businesses here, low paying part time/student/summer jobs. the whole idea in retail is to sell..not pay top dollar for employees. at either company. When was the last time you walked into gap and asked what the stress test rating for the thread on the buttons in the fly of your jeans was. NEVER you just ask WHERE the jeans are. That should be the expectation when you walk into any retail store, they can take you to the area but dont expect too much knowledge about items...that is when you ask for a lead or manager to assist you in the finer points of the electronics or such, In sportsmans the exception is in the giftbar area...the big square in the middle...those employees have to pass tests on product knowledge.
just my 2 bits. I am happy over all we are getting more options for out outdoors supply locations. I am also happy to see cabelas, I dont have credit cards and have never ordered out of the catalog...only gotten belas boxes wrapped in birthday or christmas paper.
thanks.
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In parting I would like to put the word out, that if you have had such issue in the past as dealing with employee lack of knowledge or know-how, there is an open door policy you can ask for the department manager or the store manager. they will take care of you...but you cant bottle up the problem, if you just walk out thinking "what a dope" about your floor person, then the store wont know there is an issue, probaly just training, that needs to be addressed. but I ask you to take the few minutes and tell us about it and let us resolve it, and get you taken care of.
I was talking to the owner of sportsmans, he told me that based on their numbers reports, cabelas wont turn a profit for the first 5 or 6 years here, I dont back up the info on this just take it for what it is. They will lose approx 3 to 4 MILLION dollars a year just keeping the doors open for that period, then they make a buck. keep that in mind.
Last point and its short...These are RETAIL businesses here, low paying part time/student/summer jobs. the whole idea in retail is to sell..not pay top dollar for employees. at either company. When was the last time you walked into gap and asked what the stress test rating for the thread on the buttons in the fly of your jeans was. NEVER you just ask WHERE the jeans are. That should be the expectation when you walk into any retail store, they can take you to the area but dont expect too much knowledge about items...that is when you ask for a lead or manager to assist you in the finer points of the electronics or such, In sportsmans the exception is in the giftbar area...the big square in the middle...those employees have to pass tests on product knowledge.
just my 2 bits. I am happy over all we are getting more options for out outdoors supply locations. I am also happy to see cabelas, I dont have credit cards and have never ordered out of the catalog...only gotten belas boxes wrapped in birthday or christmas paper.
thanks.
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