Dear TSE,
You've lost my business forever.
The following email was sent to your owner without reply or acknowledgement on July 11, 2017 at 1:43am.
No further reply is necessary - this post serves only as my review of your company and sharing of my experiences.
Hi JR,
I hope this email finds you well!
Originally, I was ready to post this experience on the CGN forums, but
as a fellow Calgarian and supporter of local businesses, I thought I
would contact you personally first before resorting to publicly
sharing my frustrations.
Ever since I began target shooting, when I moved to Calgary in 2013 I
have been a member of your range. Despite mixed reviews, I decided
that any business was worth a shot and personal opinion. The first
firearm I purchased was a Glock 17 Gen 4. I stood in your store for
about 40 minutes in October in 2013 waiting for someone to help me.
People walked past me, people were chatting with each other at the
second till, and people were back and forth between the rifle bays and
pistol bay areas. (This was before your renovations last year.)
Convinced that no one there was interested in my business I left the
store and drove to The XXXXXXXX XXXXXX where I bought my first
firearm, and loved it ever since. As a new shooter, I was looking for
advice and friendly service. I got neither from your store.
Fast forward about 4 years, and I am back in your store. At this point
I have amassed a small personal collection worth over $40,000. Not
something I am bragging about, but to illustrate the point that I have
a passion for this sport and love it dearly. Less than 5% of that I
spent at The Shooting Edge because of my experience when I had first
started. I remained a range member only because of proximity and the
discounted member renewals.
For some time, I had done some research on the Fabarm STF 12 shotgun
that TSE is the sole carrier of in North America. After seeing Colin's
review videos, I decided to purchase one. I was at your store today at
about 6:00pm, looking at the Nickle Plated 11 inch, fully equipped
STF. A beautiful firearm!
I waited 35 minutes before anyone even spoke to me.
I give it to you, your range seemed busy, and understaffed. But no one
even acknowledged my presence.
Finally, a newer staff member, a young individual came and asked if I
needed help. (I may have not been in the most upbeat mood at this
point) I replied "Yes, please - I have been here for over half an hour
and finally someone talks to me!".
As if he wasn't sure how to acknowledge what I had said, he jumped to
"How can I help you..."
I asked to see the STF shotgun, and it was quite nice. As I began
asking questions, another pair of customers showed up, and the young
man who had been helping me was signaled away by another staff member,
and the two began to verbally argue about who took in the last group
and who's turn it was to take in this group. (Apparently, taking in
groups into the pistol bay seems to be everyone's least favourite
thing?). Anyways, the guys went into the back door, behind your main
till (where you currently keep your Glock displays for sale) and
carried on the argument there. It was quite embarrassing to say the
least.
At this point, an older fellow named Sean had come to help. I remember
Sean's name because he was the only person here, I can remotely say
valued the time I spent in the store and was knowledgeable about your
products. Had Sean been there in the first 10 minutes of me being in
the store, I would have walked away a happy customer who would have
dropped about another $1700 on a new shotgun.
Maybe the $1700 isn't a big deal for your store, and I am considered a
small customer. I realize my $40,000 collection probably isn't much
for some true enthusiasts to look twice at... but I am by no means,
without means and have always spent my money where my business was
appreciated.
Sean tried to make things work for me, but by the end of the evening,
I had been in such a dissatisfied and frustrated mood, that I was just
about ready to put this on CGN. Sean convinced me not to, and to email
you directly.
So , JR... here it is. I have immense respect for you as a fellow
shooter and business owner. But I can't help but to feel that your
business does not seem to see me with the same respect.
I do look forward to your thoughts on this!
Respectfully Yours,
Jason