Thread: Keith's Sporting Goods

Originally Posted by statick1

I arrived at Keith's 10 minutes before they closed and was going to purchase a new shotgun. I was asking one of the girls questions that she did not have the answers to. She wanted me to wait for one of the old men there to help me, of which there were two at this point. One with grey hair and the other with black hair and a beard. They took their sweet time to come and answer my questions. Once they did, I told them that I wanted to purchase this particular gun. They proceeded to tell me that they were closed now and that I would have to come back on Monday. I said "so you are telling me that you don't want my $400 right now?" They replied "no, we don't, but we'll take it on Monday." Even though I arrived before the store closed, they refused to sell to me. Pure laziness from these two men. I ended up buying a much nicer gun for just a bit more money at one of their competitors.

I hope they are happy, they lost a sale and they lost their boss $400.

I would NEVER shop here again! BEWARE of these jerks.

Depending on which guy with grey hair you got, that was the boss

The skinnier graying guy with a beard is an employee. The other is probably Keith. One thing everyone can take away from this thread is they are far from consistent in how they approach potential customers. That said, I've observed that how customers approach the staff is variable also, but when you're in business you have to allow for that. I think what the staff is juggling here is trying to keep those people that act like they'll purchase there long enough to do so without alienating the tire kickers that may take awhile, sometimes more than one visit, to make their purchase. I fit in the second group. I plan. I scheme. I research. I drool on the display cases. If I'm in the store when it's busy, I let them know up front I'm browsing so they can reduce any attention they pay to me down to shoplifter watch. Fine with me, there are times I want to concentrate on what I'm looking at instead of a salesperson. If I'm on my buying visit, I tell them that too, and I've never had them hesitate to take my money or plastic. (I haven't tried that at closing though, but in their defense, shops often take measures near closing time to secure the receipts against closing-time robberies. Plastic would not be a problem, but anything involving the till may have been. Gun stores, like gunshows, can attract some pretty flakey folks.)

Picked up a sweet deal on my PM9 at Kieths a week ago or so. Easy smooth transaction as always, and he was the only one in town who had the gun I wanted. I uess I'm the odd one out as I've really never felt I got bad service from Keiths. I let them know if I'm buying or looking when I come in (as I do at every shop) and I expect the service accordingly, and get it... I have purchased more than a few guns from him (other shops also), and I'm easily recognized so that may help. If noone else has it, and you want it, better try Keiths...

I had to vote for 1 as there was no zero! Worst customer service of any business I have ever shopped at and that includes used car lots. I've purchased one gun from them but never again.

The comments about how they interact with customers is accurate, so no surprises there. Got my hand slapped for breaking down the pistol I wanted to buy before I actually purchased it. The mope behind the counter made the less than intelligent analogy that I wouldn't take a CD player apart at the stereo store before I bought it. A CYA thing, I am sure. The key is to know what you want before you go in, because price is the only thing they have going; they obviously don't need to care about negative impressions!

Originally Posted by duginsky

Got my hand slapped for breaking down the pistol I wanted to buy before I actually purchased it. The mope behind the counter made the less than intelligent analogy that I wouldn't take a CD player apart at the stereo store before I bought it.

??.. But they usually let you plug in said CD player to see that it is fine.

Would you buy a car without looking under the hood?...

I don't like keiths...

I rated these guys a 1. Infact I haven't found a gunshop that is worthy of anything over a one yet. I too went in to sell a used firearm in practically perfect condition. I shot it once before I went into the Army and when I got out I wanted to sell it and get a little 9Mil. It was busy when I went in which it usually is (i have no problem with this, infact its great). However There were like 6 people or so working and every single one of them was sitting behind the counter looking at pictures on the internet while there was many customers just waiting to be helped. The guy in charge stood with his arms crossed not helping anyone like he was god or something. Finally after 15 minutes some girl with as much personality and customer service as a box of rocks came to help me. She opened my bag and we had to wait another 15 minutes for god to allow us into his space. Once we were in there he made zero eye contact barely even acknowledged that I was there and said......."75". Thats was the whole conversation, and it was 75 for trade or sell which is kind of ridiculous. After that I reluctanly continued to look for a pistol and the girl behind the counter who knew practically nothing about the guns besides their caliber and manufacturer acted like I was bothering her to look at two different guns. To make a really long story a bit longer I ended up leaving cause I'll be damned if I'm going to help a family like that. I took my gun to the gun show and ended up gettin $150. Can someone explain why all of these people have zero personality, customer service skills and still have people coming back. Then again most shops I have been in have horrible service. If only there were a shop with good pricing and service. Oh well, I can wish.

That experience is pretty regular with them. The stay in business because they do have variety in both guns and accessories. Their prices are usually pretty good as well. This being said, I will not shop at Kieth's. I work in retail and pride myself on my customer service skills. Going in to Kieth's is the way to learn everything NOT to do in retail. I recently went out to the Gun Broker in Oregon City and they are now the shop that I will frequent to buy guns. I walked in while it was on the busier side and was instantly greeted. I can't remember how many times I was asked if I wanted to hold something. I highly recommend them!

+1 on Gun Broker. Went to the one in Tigard the guy there was really nice. Seemed really knowledgable as well. But you can't beat Keith's selection and price, which is why he is still in business and thriving.

I'm a huge fan of Keith's. Here's why:

I've got no clue about most guns. I don't act like I do. I let them know that I don't, and they help me out in a very helpful & patient manner, despite the store being packed. I had to wait for my turn, but that goes with the territory when you're in a packed shop.

Every single time I go in there are what I'll call "groupies" who just want to chat with the staff about guns. It's obvious that the staff would rather watch paint dry, and I don't blame them. These guys have no intention of buying anything-- they just want to talk guns. In a way, it reminds me of the interactions you'll see at a comic book store... "hey, can superman beat up batman?" but it's "hey, think the glock beats a beretta?" So I suspect that some of their attitude comes from dealing with groupies all day long.

Shopping at Keith's is similar to getting a drink at a busy bar. If you aren't looking to buy a drink, or don't have experience buying a drink at a busy bar, you won't get served. Unlike a busy bar however, if you are ready to order, have your money out, and catch a salesperson's eye, they're more than happy to help you out with questions, spend time waiting while you try stuff out, etc.

I will continue happily shopping with Keith's until it comes a day when they don't have anything I want. I think it's a great store, and really wonder about what type of person thinks they have poor customer service. If you know how to handle yourself at a busy bar, Keith's really isn't much different. If you need someone to wait on you in a sweet kind voice the instant you go in, well then, I'd have to agree that Keith's is not the place for you.

Here are problems I have with Kieth's. It is common knowledge in retail that everyone that walks through the door gets greeted within 30 seconds. Also the phone gets answered within three rings. I constantly see both of these rules ignored. No one is going to convince me that these aren't do able on a busy day, I do it everyday. "If you are ready to order, have your money out, and catch a salesperson's eye, they're more than happy to help you out with questions." That is pathetic. You should not have to walk in and wave money around just to be able to ask a question or hold a gun.

Never had any luck at Keith's and I've always been treated poorly. One time, I had to ask the young gal and another guy to stop playing grab-a$$ and take my money on an ammo sale. Any shiney objects and she gets distracted....beware.

Originally Posted by HKP30

I'm a huge fan of Keith's. Here's why:

I've got no clue about most guns. I don't act like I do. I let them know that I don't, and they help me out in a very helpful & patient manner, despite the store being packed. I had to wait for my turn, but that goes with the territory when you're in a packed shop.

Every single time I go in there are what I'll call "groupies" who just want to chat with the staff about guns. It's obvious that the staff would rather watch paint dry, and I don't blame them. These guys have no intention of buying anything-- they just want to talk guns. In a way, it reminds me of the interactions you'll see at a comic book store... "hey, can superman beat up batman?" but it's "hey, think the glock beats a beretta?" So I suspect that some of their attitude comes from dealing with groupies all day long.

Shopping at Keith's is similar to getting a drink at a busy bar. If you aren't looking to buy a drink, or don't have experience buying a drink at a busy bar, you won't get served. Unlike a busy bar however, if you are ready to order, have your money out, and catch a salesperson's eye, they're more than happy to help you out with questions, spend time waiting while you try stuff out, etc.

I will continue happily shopping with Keith's until it comes a day when they don't have anything I want. I think it's a great store, and really wonder about what type of person thinks they have poor customer service. If you know how to handle yourself at a busy bar, Keith's really isn't much different. If you need someone to wait on you in a sweet kind voice the instant you go in, well then, I'd have to agree that Keith's is not the place for you.

Major difference in Customer service between any of the Gunbroker locations and Keith's. Get out more and visit the Clack, Tigard and Woodburn stores. Also try NW Armory for a major difference in CS when compared to Keith's.

I'll do that. Thanks for the suggestions!

Keith's is so far my only experience in a gun shop, and I can't complain at all.

Originally Posted by Doubletap

I've purchased several weapons there..as he offers a LE discount on certain lines..but..I think their customer service..or more accurately..attitude..is terrible.. It always seems as though they feel they're doing you a huge favor..to take the time to deal with you.. I only go there..when I can't find it somewhere else..

+1

Went to Keith's for the first time today to look at some AR's. I was helped by Dennis. He was great. Knowing that I wasn't buying today he still stayed at the counter with me, showed me whatever I wanted to see/handle, answered any questions I had. I was pleased with the service.

I would say since the mid 90's I have purchased about dozen or more firearms from Keith's and had mixed feelings about his shop. As for selection and price he is tough to beat. As for service in his store it can be hit and miss. I have walk in and out with Guns, ammo, and accessories literally in minutes and other times been not so lucky. I will say if I was new to the gun thing and just wanted handle a mess of guns to figure out what I liked Keith's may not be the best bet (especially on a weekend). I would recommend going to the gun show for that. But if you walk in the door with cash in hand and know what you are looking for you can expect good service and a great price.

i've bought two guns from Kieths and got the best price in town. It does at times take awhile for someone to get to you and they do not seem like the kind of folks your gonna have cofee with it's agood place to go if you know what you want. Since my purchases there I've bought 3 from gun broker Clackamas and 3 from Fishermans. good people.

I've read some bad review about keith's CS but i went in there today and i was able to get a great deal on a ruger and glock 17. The sales person ask me what i wanted and i told them what i was after. Bought the guns and left. I was happy with the experience. Maybe it helps because i was straight forward with what i wanted. It was definitely better than what i went through at fisherman's in the OC. I went to fisherman's last week and ask for a glock 17...and the older gentleman proceeded go on rant about liberals and how many guns were sold in OR since january??? I asked him again and he told i should buy the glock 22?

Compared to this, Keith was awesome!

It does help if nyou know what you want. I've had pretty good experience with fishermans at Delta Park.