Anyone else out there had any issues with this dealer? I'm not one to complain but I thought it would be worth at least an honest opinion for anyone whom hasn't dealt with them or is planning to in the near future. I bought my first guns from them this summer and the guy working the counter was great to deal with. Knowledgable and courteous. I really appreciated that because as a newbie in the firearms world I can tell you that it can all very very scary and overwhelming. I left that first encounter happy and relieved because I thought I could rely on FOC's experience and expertise for any future related purchases I may make. Since then I've dealt with foc on 3 different occasions, all 3 of which were subpar from that first encounter. What's really getting me is their customer service is complete crap. Not sure if this has been an ongoing thing but I've certainly noticed it, and for that reason alone I will not deal with them again. It's just the attitude of the staff that can go from snobby to just plain rude. My local range is more than happy to accommodate me and accept my business with a smile. I'll be going to them from now on. Anyone else have similar encounters???
Firearms Outlet Canada
- Thread starter Pathfinder2017
- Start date
You didn't specify your concern. No way to tell if it is poor service or your expectations are innapropriate.
In my limited experience, retail at the counter they guys are very good. Knowledgable, helpful, service oriented. On the phone it depends on how busy they are. The focus, understandably so is on face to face. It can get busy there.
The gold standard for gun counter guys are at Flaherty's.
In my limited experience, retail at the counter they guys are very good. Knowledgable, helpful, service oriented. On the phone it depends on how busy they are. The focus, understandably so is on face to face. It can get busy there.
The gold standard for gun counter guys are at Flaherty's.
Opposite for me, everyone behind the counter of FOC is friendly and welcoming. Had 50/50 experience for behind the counter guys at Al's. Both are great stores but my customer service experience has always been great when going to FOC.
My specific concern is the lack of customer care when dealing with them face to face. I got the vibe on all 3 occasions I dealt with them. That my business didn't seem to matter to them as they had something better to do. Which is fine with me. My business will go elsewhere if they don't want it. Also i don't think I was being unreasonable or unrealistic in my expectations for customer service. I think I've received better CS from those 15yr olds behind the McDonald's counter on a $10 bigmac combo let alone a several hundred dollar or more purchase.
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Their low prices attracted me to them. I won't be going back. Any how. Just my two cents.
FirearmsEnthusiast
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Kingston, ON
Bought multiple items from them including a handgun - both in-store and on-line service has been first-class!
I also sold 2 consignment guns when they were doing consignments - again, an outstanding experience.
If your experience has been sub-par - why not call them and talk to them about your specific concerns, rather than posting general (negative) feedback in an open forum?
I also sold 2 consignment guns when they were doing consignments - again, an outstanding experience.
If your experience has been sub-par - why not call them and talk to them about your specific concerns, rather than posting general (negative) feedback in an open forum?
i was happy with them with my first dealings as well except with my last transaction. I picked up the canuck defender shotgun during black friday sale (or whatever the last holiday was) which only came with the birds head grip. However on their site and others it's listed with the regular stock as well. i realized when i got home that they removed the stocks and sold them separately (which i bought) so it ended up costing the regular price. That being said i didn't say anything so it's on me. I will be shopping elsewhere unless they have something i want that no one else has.
Honestly. I don't think it's worth the time to bother discussing it with them to try and come to a resolution. I've spoken to them in the past and it seemed like they didn't care back then either. Also I've intentionally left it generalized so as not to drag this on longer than necessary. Wanted to know if I was alone with their CS issues or not. Simple as that. I could brief you on specifics of those encounters but it wouldn't do anything.
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I'm a newbie and I stumbled upon their website 2 years back, have made purchases online and in person. My last online purchase was screwed up but I called them immediately and they fixed it right away. I'm happy with their service overall. The guys and gal at the counter are helpful and friendly. I'm a customer that goes in and just want to look around on my own. If they say hi can I help with something then great. If not, that's ok too. They've always answered my questions and more.
My local range is the worst for customer service. Just a simple question and I get attitude with it. It was better my last visit but all the times before was bad. Maybe someone spoke to management about it. I was tempted to do myself but I work in the service industry and understand that frustration happens so I cut them some slack. I'm not looking to get anyone fired.
Hope you have better experiences elsewhere.
My local range is the worst for customer service. Just a simple question and I get attitude with it. It was better my last visit but all the times before was bad. Maybe someone spoke to management about it. I was tempted to do myself but I work in the service industry and understand that frustration happens so I cut them some slack. I'm not looking to get anyone fired.
Hope you have better experiences elsewhere.
Bubba Yugga
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Midwestern Ontario
I've dealt with FOC for years, and have yet to have a negative vibe in the slightest.
You dumbfound me.
You dumbfound me.
That goes for me as well.
I'm actually surprised by the OP's comments. Completely opposite to my experiences with FOC.
OP, you didn't happen to try to imply to them you were more knowledgeable than you really are???????????? Your comments are go general as to be ??????????????????
FOC are good people.
OP, it has happened to all of us that in some manner or another, maybe the alignment of the stars or the color of our eyes in a particular light, we create a negative impression without the slightest intention of doing so. Maybe you have been blessed by such a situation.
.30/06 FTW
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Thunder Bay, Ontario
I’ve had mixed experiences. My first order I asked them to put a label on the package saying to hold for pickup at the Canpar depot. Rather than arguing with me saying you don’t normally do it when every other retailer does it no questions asked why don’t you use the 2 seconds it takes and do it. Other orders were good.
Ok since there's been so much Hubub about details I'll be more clear about what I'm more or less complaining about. For the last 3 times I've dealt with them I've felt that the Customer service has been lacking. I went in on Boxing Day after I was done work. I fully understood that Boxing Day sales are usually pretty hectic and can be quite stressful for all parties. I walked in, patiently stood in line and when it was my turn to be served I stepped up and asked for the item in question. They didn't have any more in stock, no worries because I had already anticipated that answer. It's Boxing Day after all. What I didn't expect was the sales person to just stand there staring blankly at me. I asked if they could order one and I could pick it up when it came in. He said I wouldn't get one at that Boxing Day price. Then he moved on to the next customer and that was that. Double checking their Boxing week ad I did not find any mention of "while quantities last" or "limited supply" etc. I walked out thinking how I wasted my time going there in person. I went to my range today to get some practice time in and inquired about that same item. They were more than happy to honour that ad pricing and get it ordered for me same day. No issues at all.
Also this isn't the only time I've found that their advertising is off the mark. When they first came out with their foc branded ammo, a typo on their ad had the ammo listed for 10000rds for $200 or so, when it should have read 1000rds for $200. When I called to inquire, apparently I was the first to notice and call about it. They blew me off rather than acknowledge the mistake and apologize for the typo. I was calling about another item and took the time to mention their mistake. The least they could do was say thanks for the heads up, but no.
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If you had time to notice he was staring at you blankly, that means you were staring at him blankly. You were just weirding each other out and that's hardly something to hold against anyone - nevermind the whole store.
These phrases are manipulative advertising strategies to entice you to impulse buy. They're not raincheck indicators.
Yes you did. You can order online and specify pickup in store if you don't want to pay and/or wait for shipping.
Instead, this post could have been singing the praises of your range store. Most retailers don't price match ads for retailers when they're out of stock. What they did doesn't make FOC look bad in comparison, it makes your range store look better.
You wanted an apology for a typo on an item you weren't even calling about .....
Sakoman .308
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
I don't think the mods will like you discussing anything negative about site sponsors.
If you do I expect your thread will be locked.
If you do I expect your thread will be locked.
Hi Pathfinder2017,
Thank you for sharing your experience, as I have had similar experiences from other dealers/stores as well.
I would suggest you avoid shopping from any place that gives you these vibes. Shopping online is easier, and the $20-30 shipping charge more than makes up not having to deal with some of these people.
Perhaps they were having a bad day? It's still inexcusable, as when you run a retail business you should learn to separate your personal issues from work. It's called professionalism.
As for the other responders in this post, they may not share your experience. Some of them may also be fiercely loyal, and cannot fathom their favorite retailer acting as so.
As for merchant laws in Canada there are very few as they are usually regulated by established industry agencies and not government.
Good luck with your future purchases and keep sharing your experiences, pleasant or otherwise.
Few stores I've heard good things about: Bullseye, GoTenda & Reliable gun.
