That woman at the gun counter didn't get there by chance

SHOT Business takes a look at the female customer that might walk up to the gun counter and inquire about a purchase.... and why they dont need to be greeted by a loud mouth know it all on the other side.

Amen!

And what happens when customers feel intimidated by the sales help? They walk out the door. Furthermore, they'll tell their friends to avoid you like the plague. That's no way to encourage a new crop of customers.

I will also add that this also applies to the men who walk up to the gun counter and start asking questions - 1st time gun buyer or not. The last time that I walked into a local gun shop I was "assisted" by two mall ninjas who I am pretty sure thought they just got back from Afghanistan. "Yes, I am familiar with the AR platform" I said to one of them [and I dont appreciate the condescending tone] I thought to myself but did not say out load.... I also wanted to add (but didnt) that when a customer wants to look at the newest gun in the shop, let him look at it. You can have all the time in the world to fondle it once the customer is done. Dont make him stand there and wait for you to get your jollies. Good Grief!

But back to the article... The point being that women gun owners/buyers are now a very common sight in the industry, and they need to be viewed as just a serious of a customer as any man. Drop the prejudgements, answer the questions in an open and friendly manor, and try to close a sale. If the woman on the other side of the counter wants to look at an AK, a Glock, an AR or what ever then dont tell her how she needs to stick to a pink snubbie.

I will also add, that when you gun shop owners are ready to let those loud mouthed know it alls go (or that mall ninja tag team duo), please consider replacing them with a knowledgeable female to attend the display case. You will be absolutely amazed at how your sales will soon sky rocket. Of course female buyers are going to be drawn to them and view them as less intimidating, but I will say that I too much more prefer a female gun counter sales rep then the mall ninjas/grizzled old LEO that have become the gun shop norm. I am totally over it... and 100% of the women sales associates that I have been encountering lately at shops across my state have been pleasant, helpful, more knowledgeable, and way less condescending than most of the men in all of those shops. Guess what? That equates to more sales no matter who that sales rep is helping.

I think Shelley Rae may also have a bit of an opinion on this subject as well.