A Customer's Review - Not Spoken Lightly - Update #18

gwhysow

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
71   0   0
Location
Toronto, Ontario
***IF you don't feel like reading, just know that you need to shop here at least once to make up your mind A+++++++***


I've never been one to speak lightly, nor am I the kind that will give reviews off a quick glance or transaction. Heck, even if a place offers bad service off the cuff, I won't jump straight to words. I'll tell you now, this is not that case.

When I first heard of Tenda, it was news to me. A friend had spoken of a small up-and-comer, and was pretty darn pleased with how he conducted himself. So, on the judgement of this friend, I went over to the shop to have a little look for myself. Nondescript, and tucked away, Tenda isn't much more than a closet. Me, I like 'cozy', so this worked just fine.

Once inside, the collection of wares was small, but clearly well thought out. The man behind the counter, greeted me with nothing short of a smile, a solid handshake, as well as an introduction. Such a simple series of gestures, but one that spoke far louder than anything else in this situation. When was the last time you walked into a random store, and was immediately met with a handshake?? If I'm lucky, it happens once every few years.

So we continue chatting, we grab a few things, and then bid Steve adieu.

Fast forward to the next day when I'm checking his website, where I realize that he stayed open nearly an hour beyond his closing time, just chatting away, and treating us as if old friends. I didn't see him check a clock, close up till, or give off the faintest clue that he was closed. THAT right there gave me a smile. Firstly, I felt bad for keeping him, but that was that second 'nod' that told me what was yet to come. For the record, we didn't line up our purchases until the end, so he really had no idea that we were going to buy.

The next week, we went straight to the range, where we actually ended up running into him shooting. As soon as we walked in, he waved me over to say hello, and to give me another firm handshake. What was far more impressive, was that he remembered my name. Yes, a week later, and after mentioning it maybe twice, he'd made a point of remembering. Hell, I can't even remember the birthday's of family members. Again, we chatted through the noise, and he even let me take his guns for a spin. No questions asked - he was just happy to be doing what he was doing.

So people may say "that's nothing really, he's just trying to sell himself." Even if it were the case, I'd argue once again, when was the last time you had an experience - nay, a series of experiences - that left you in awe of such customer service?? I've lived in the country, the city, and even a few islands off-grid...

I've met some fine people over the years, but I can't say I've had too many customer experiences quite like those I've had with Tenda. I've had a couple other 'beyond the call' instances with Tenda (and so have a few friends), but I think i've already been wordy enough. Just go! Seriously.



So, here's the skinny:

- The owners are awesome people.

- The prices are beyond good, especially when you consider their buying power. I will also add that they have some DOWNRIGHT STEALS on guns/ammo...you really just need to roam around his store, and you'll know them when you see them. Like 15% on some ammo compared to the other BIG vendors. Oh, and random sales.

- The owners are stand-up people (and important distinction from my first point ;) )

- If you can, don't buy online - just go in. Steve runs his business like the days of yore. You'll become a repeat customer - trust me.

- Great place to stop for ammo, if you're in Richmond Hill or the more accurate GTA.



Again, that was all pretty wordy - even with the bullet points - but I wanted to make sure that people knew about this little diamond in the rough. Oh, and if you're another vendor reading this, please take note: this is how business should be run.

Thank you again for great product, the great service, and above all else, for keeping it real!

Gwhysow, out!
 
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I agree with everything you said, I just met Steve and his wife on Thursday at his shop and was very impressed with them as well. Its a shop I'll be returning to for sure.
 
I have delt with Tenda, hadn't heard of them before, but an internet search found them, and a Hornady LNL .45 shell plate I was looking for at a decent price. Phoned them up, had a very good chat, and will definitely deal with them again.
 
I have only been to tenda once but I felt very welcome there. Steve greeted me the same way and was very nice to talk too. I hope tenda is around for a long time. There are not enough stores that have great service and prices. I really need to get back down there. It's not too far from me but I just haven't had a chance.
 
tenda has become my go-to store for reloading supplies. always service with a smile and he even helps me bring my stuff to my car so i dont have to walk back. i have never experienced such great service.

being only a few minutes away is also a bonus. :)
 
Tenda is great. I work close by and I walk for about 20 minutes to get to his store. I bought some reloading supplies and they are very friendly people. I'm already a repeat customer. I jokingly told them once that they are bad for my wallet :)
 
Tenda is a perfect example of exactly how a small business should be run. Not only are they lovely people both in the store and at the range, they understand how things need to be done when you are a small and single location. There is no luxury of multi-location buying power, they work harder and are much more business savvy than any other store we have shopped at. I have walked in their shoes for many years and recognize the amount of work that goes into running a store as efficiently as they do. They will always have our loyalty and word of mouth recommendation.
 
Tenda is my go to place now.

goodfastcheap1-1.png


But how can it be? Tenda doesnt exist!
 
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FIL has done many, many orders with Tenda, and has always had great experiences. Well packaged, shipping on very agreeable time frames, and great prices seem to help. If we're talking guns, he's praising Tenda.
 
I place big bulk ordered with them about a dozen or more times a year. There was a time i would place a ammo order almost every pay cheuqe. Never had a issue and if they have a stock issue they call you and let you know.

Their prices are what have me spending money I normaly wouldnt. What ever they decided to do with there business must be working because I hear nothing but good comments from friends I recommend them to. They must have stock coming in and flying off the shevels.

I hope they are doing well because they really deserve it. Not being local I cant comment on customer service much and I never really have issues.
 
Well, I've now been shopping here for almost 2 years; been in store, and ordered online. Though I do cycle through a few vendors, my number continues to shrink, as their product line grows. That last point is a double-edged sword, and Tenda has done a great job of hitting this Goldilocks spot, where the there isn't too much product, and the ammo prices are the best around. Could their margins be a little higher in that regard? Sure. But I'm sure a few of you would agree, that little bit of red keeps us coming back.

Now, the part that pleases me most is that the identity of their customer service has only grown. To say it hasn't changed would be fair, as it gets better and better with every visit. Your experience may very based on frequency, but to have the owners recall your name, details, and purchase points of interest....well, that still remains rare. Heck, I see the same people every morning, and they still can't remember my coffee order.

There are some that have said they didn't get an email fast enough, a call fast enough, or an order out the door fast enough. Well, I would like to let you in on the little secret: their store is like Toronto traffic, and it really doesn't wind down. They're now up to 4 or 5 staff in front of house, and a couple in the back. When they're serving customers like it's a McDonald's, it's going to be a trick at times. Be calm, be fair, and don't expect the unrealistic. We all want out stuff 'now', but let's take a second to be thankful for great prices, and honest folk. Heck, if you can't be happy with yourself, at least be happy that their business is thriving, and making the rest of us happy :p

I've seen all kinds of things happen in this store that would make you think they're dealing with friends, and not customers. I've seen the staff take 20 minutes talking to non-buyers during rush hour, without any sense of urgency. I've watched the owner give away his own mags when a box shipped with only 2, and not 3. I've watched troubled customers come in with issues that fall beyond reason, only to watch them step up and do everything they can to please the customer. Free services, trial products, returns, and of course, those free targets.

Now, no place is perfect - that's just the way of the world. They can be slow with their emails - hours. They may not pick up their phone - neither do I. They may not stock that one obscure product that only you want - that's business. But at the end of the day, they're here to serve the community as a whole. If you want an approachable store, please get in touch. If you want great prices that rotate weekly, go ahead and order. There's no wrong answer here...unless of course you're a PITA, then please leave this gem alone.

I'd hate to see them become jaded.
 
Tenda is a great store. I walked in even before I had my PAL. They were friendly even knowing that I don't have my license yet. 6 months later, I got my PAL, walked into the store and they remembered me.
 
Agreed. I have bought 6 guns (and counting) from Tenda and my experience has always been positive. Their prices are always competitive and customer service is great. It's my go-to gun shop.
 
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