Bad Experience @ Sherwood Park Archery Lanes

Jeromeo · #1 03-15-2009, 07:44 PM

I'd just like to share my discontent about my experience with Sherwood Park Archery Lanes on Saturday. I'm not going to name names because frankly I have no idea what the individuals' names are. I went in to buy some arrows and I wasn't looking to spend a crapload of money. I haven't shot in a league in about 12-13 years and I wanted to get back into the sport and so I bought a used Hoyt bow. The bow is roughly about 9 years old (made in 2000) so it's not extremely old but it's not brand new. Right when I walked into the store I was asked if I needed help by individual A, I said yes I was looking to buy arrows so I was directed to where I could select some arrows. I was helped by a certain individual that I will label as individual B. I explained to him my situation and that I haven't shot in a while and I was just getting back in the sport. I wanted arrows that were'nt going to break the bank and that weren't exactly junk. I told him that I would like a 26" arrow total length where I was interrupted and told in a negative tone to take out my bow and do it the proper way. Fair enough, I am always up for doing things the proper way. The gentleman was quite arrogant but I didn't think too much of it at this point. I put my old ratty bow case on the counter and opened it up. At that point he pulled my bow out and said "ohh" in a very obnoxious way. He, in a way, was mocking me. He then asked me how much I paid for the bow and I told him (160USD shipped to my door) He then shook his head and told me "You know for $300 more we could have set you up with a brand new bow. I just gave one of these away" He continued to mock and be extremely rude. I couldn't believe it. Is this the way they treat people coming back into or just entering the sport? I was absolutely furious with the way I was treated (I guess you had to be there to know how I felt). I was meeting my cousin to do a bit of shooting and I didn't exactly want to cause a scene so I figured I'd just buy my arrows and move on. After my arrows were cut, I was then handed off to individual A who was a little nicer ( I believe he was the manager). I think he realised I was being mistreated because his tone definitely changed after he could see the steam coming out of my ears. He then talked to me about my bow and some of the features it has.
I was in the store looking at some bows a few weeks before this incident and was helped by a younger fellow wearing a Hoyt shirt who was very friendly and informative. He didn't pressure me and helped me out alot by providing information on a variety of bows. Unfortunately this individual was not present on Saturday.
I realize I don't have brand new equipment but I don't think this is grounds for making a customer feel like absolute *****. This experience left a very bitter taste in my mouth and I will most likely be taking my business elsewhere where I don't get mocked or mistreated for the equipment I have. It's too bad because I really like Hoyt and they are one of the only Hoyt dealers in Edmonton that I know of.
BTW after sighting the bow in, it shot great groups and I was very satisfied. I still need lots of practice to get ready for the upcoming hunting season but I am super happy to be shooting a compound once again.

I am sure there are many of you who have had great experiences at this store but I just figured I would express my frustration in an attempt that maybe this will somehow get back to the shop so they can re-evaluate how they do business. I believe that customers should leave a store feeling good and confident but hey that's just me.
Thanks for reading.
Happy Shooting.

BigRackLover · #2 03-15-2009, 07:53 PM

I can relate. Most archery shops seem to have the attitude that they know whats best and for good reason. They go to all the shows, speak to and serve many many customers each and every year. They are just trying to help, but unfortunately many times they misjudge the customers actuall knowledge, opinions and the time they put into researching products. It's unfortunate. They really could do a better job of that, but its probably becuase 8 out of 10 customers really need a lot of help.

Perhaps try discussing the situation with the actual individual ... just a thought. You might be surprised at the results. I would bet the results would be far more favorable than just venting on this site.

Jeromeo · #3 03-15-2009, 07:59 PM

You are right bigracklover I should talk to the individual or the manager at least. Unfortunately I was just eager to shoot and didn't really want to talk about it then. Maybe next time I am down in Edmonton I'll have to have a face to face talk with the manager.

catnthehat · #4 03-15-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeromeo

You are right bigracklover I should talk to the individual or the manager at least. Unfortunately I was just eager to shoot and didn't really want to talk about it then. Maybe next time I am down in Edmonton I'll have to have a face to face talk with the manager.

Or maybe simply write the manager a letter explaining WHY you are going to go to a different shop.
FWIW, I would have told him to get his dickbeaters off my rig, that was good enough a few years back but not now, and shove his attitude !
I have a REAL problem with people than run my own equipment down, because I tend to use old stuff, that is , until they see it in action, then their attitude sometimes changes - my attitude towards them takes a bit longer to change and for the most part, I ignore them till my anger subsides.

Cat

IR_mike · #5 03-15-2009, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catnthehat

Or maybe simply write the manager a letter explaining WHY you are going to go to a different shop.
FWIW, I would have told him to get his dickbeaters off my rig, that was good enough a few years back but not now, and shove his attitude !
I have a REAL problem with people than run my own equipment down, because I tend to use old stuff, that is , until they see it in action, then their attitude sometimes changes - my attitude towards them takes a bit longer to change and for the most part, I ignore them till my anger subsides.

Cat

I dont care for "gear snobs" either jeromeo and cat. It seems some of the people I know who buy only the high end stuff and brag it up dont seem to use it very often or anymore effectivly than the rest.

catnthehat · #6 03-15-2009, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IR_mike

I dont care for "gear snobs" either jeromeo and cat. It seems some of the people I know who buy only the high end stuff and brag it up dont seem to use it very often or anymore effectivly than the rest.

I hear ya, those that play the equipment race sometimes do it for the fun of owning all that stuff, but sometimes think that it's going to win the day for them - most often is doesn't, because they just don't practise enough.....
Cat

BBJTKLE&FISHINGADVENTURES · #7 03-16-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IR_mike

I dont care for "gear snobs" either jeromeo and cat. It seems some of the people I know who buy only the high end stuff and brag it up dont seem to use it very often or anymore effectivly than the rest.

x 3 . If its not broken why fix it . I don't know i'm not interested in always spending big bucks on the top of the line stuff every year . Like I say if its not broken why fix it , no sense . Its to bad , I believe you should talk to the fellow by the name of Dallas there Jeromeo , hes the fella who owns the shop , hes a great guy but his staff needs an attitude adjustment .

depopulator · #8 03-16-2009, 07:29 PM

So let me see if I got this right:

1. You went in to buy some arrows. Right when you walked into the store you were asked if you needed help and were directed to where you could select some arrows.

2. You told him that you would like some 26" arrow total length and they wanted to measure you up to ensure you got the proper length arrows.

3. After they got you proper arows and cut them, you were handed off to individual A who talked to you about your bow and some of the features it has.

4. Then they got you sighted in and it shot great groups and you were very satisfied.

Sorry, but other than some ribbing (likely all in good fun that you may have taken too serious - maybe ??) it sounds like dam good service to me.

jaybull · #9 03-16-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote "Sorry, but other than some ribbing (likely all in good fun that you may have taken too serious - maybe ??) it sounds like dam good service to me.

Why should a customer have to be " Ribbed " ? If i'm gonna spend up to 2000 bucks a year at there store i would like to be treated respectfully and profesionaly. Sounds like to me some of them are just acting like snobs. Or kind of child like.JMO. These days no one has cash flow with the hard times going on like they are. You would think working on any bow or making any sale would be golden? Oh well ribs on them if you spend you cash somewhere else. JMO.

depopulator · #10 03-16-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaybull

Why should a customer have to be " Ribbed " ?

I dunno. I just think a lot of people need to lighten up. Stuff that Jeromeo is complaining about wouldn't even phase me, but then I don't take things too seriously or personally. Too bad really, as the crew (staff and visitors) over at SPAL are good folk with a wealth of information that is freely shared among new and veteran archers, 3D shooters and bowhunters alike. I wish more stores were as accommodating as them, but I sure haven't found one....

Jeromeo · #11 03-16-2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by depopulator

I dunno. I just think a lot of people need to lighten up. Stuff that Jeromeo is complaining about wouldn't even phase me, but then I don't take things too seriously or personally. Too bad really, as the crew (staff and visitors) over at SPAL are good folk with a wealth of information that is freely shared among new and veteran archers, 3D shooters and bowhunters alike. I wish more stores were as accommodating as them, but I sure haven't found one....

Like I said. You had to be there. It was in the way I was asked wasn't the most friendly way. Being mocked in any way is not what I go to a store for. I find better customer service in Fort McMurray retail stores. It's ok, I've been treated better at both wholesale outfitters and trophy book archery. I know where I will be taking my business next time.

BTW thanks Jaybull I couldn't have said it better myself.

Forgot to mention that when I was looking at the cases, I told them I wanted a black case. He had to go in the back of the store to grab one. He told me "I'll go an check but if it's not built then I am not going to get it because I am not going to put any more cases together"
He could have simply not said that. He, in so many words, told me that I am not worth it. My business simply doesn't mean enough to him.

doubleh · #12 03-17-2009, 09:55 AM

dickbeaters?? that is classic!! i will be using that in the near future.
jeromeo,
i finally gave up on trophy book and SPAL, just for little stuff like that. if you make it south, Calgary's archery centre and Jimbow's are both worth checking out. I do all of my own stuff now (buy from Archerytalk.com) but it wasn't cheap or easy to learn and a new guy is hooped.
I don't get where these guys get attitude. they are shooting bows, not racing nascar or riding bulls. truth is, they are in a service business and if they don't serve well, their business will show that.
i wouldn't call them, i would go in, ask for the manager and tell him your concerns. If he wants to make things right you are in the bonus round, if not tell him to go pound salt and take your business elsewhere.

Soupcan · #13 03-17-2009, 12:48 PM

I do apologize that you left SPAL with a bad experience. We are trying to do our best and sometimes are at fault; however if you felt that way then you should have addressed your concern at that moment and we would have done what we could to make it right.
We are working very hard to meet our customers needs and will take this complaint very seriously and address it internally.

Thank you,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeromeo

I'd just like to share my discontent about my experience with Sherwood Park Archery Lanes on Saturday. I'm not going to name names because frankly I have no idea what the individuals' names are. I went in to buy some arrows and I wasn't looking to spend a crapload of money. I haven't shot in a league in about 12-13 years and I wanted to get back into the sport and so I bought a used Hoyt bow. The bow is roughly about 9 years old (made in 2000) so it's not extremely old but it's not brand new. Right when I walked into the store I was asked if I needed help by individual A, I said yes I was looking to buy arrows so I was directed to where I could select some arrows. I was helped by a certain individual that I will label as individual B. I explained to him my situation and that I haven't shot in a while and I was just getting back in the sport. I wanted arrows that were'nt going to break the bank and that weren't exactly junk. I told him that I would like a 26" arrow total length where I was interrupted and told in a negative tone to take out my bow and do it the proper way. Fair enough, I am always up for doing things the proper way. The gentleman was quite arrogant but I didn't think too much of it at this point. I put my old ratty bow case on the counter and opened it up. At that point he pulled my bow out and said "ohh" in a very obnoxious way. He, in a way, was mocking me. He then asked me how much I paid for the bow and I told him (160USD shipped to my door) He then shook his head and told me "You know for $300 more we could have set you up with a brand new bow. I just gave one of these away" He continued to mock and be extremely rude. I couldn't believe it. Is this the way they treat people coming back into or just entering the sport? I was absolutely furious with the way I was treated (I guess you had to be there to know how I felt). I was meeting my cousin to do a bit of shooting and I didn't exactly want to cause a scene so I figured I'd just buy my arrows and move on. After my arrows were cut, I was then handed off to individual A who was a little nicer ( I believe he was the manager). I think he realised I was being mistreated because his tone definitely changed after he could see the steam coming out of my ears. He then talked to me about my bow and some of the features it has.
I was in the store looking at some bows a few weeks before this incident and was helped by a younger fellow wearing a Hoyt shirt who was very friendly and informative. He didn't pressure me and helped me out alot by providing information on a variety of bows. Unfortunately this individual was not present on Saturday.
I realize I don't have brand new equipment but I don't think this is grounds for making a customer feel like absolute *****. This experience left a very bitter taste in my mouth and I will most likely be taking my business elsewhere where I don't get mocked or mistreated for the equipment I have. It's too bad because I really like Hoyt and they are one of the only Hoyt dealers in Edmonton that I know of.
BTW after sighting the bow in, it shot great groups and I was very satisfied. I still need lots of practice to get ready for the upcoming hunting season but I am super happy to be shooting a compound once again.

I am sure there are many of you who have had great experiences at this store but I just figured I would express my frustration in an attempt that maybe this will somehow get back to the shop so they can re-evaluate how they do business. I believe that customers should leave a store feeling good and confident but hey that's just me.
Thanks for reading.
Happy Shooting.

rluedtke · #14 03-17-2009, 02:32 PM

Jeromeo I also would encourage you to speak with either Doug or Dallas at SPAL. My son and I shoot there a lot and both Doug and Dallas are aware that they don't always get it right (after all we all make mistakes), but I know both of them are very committed to providing quality customer service, and would rather hear directly from you about your concerns.

Go talk to them - I know they'd appreciate it.

JohninAB · #15 03-17-2009, 03:52 PM

I agree with depopulator. Seemed like very good service to me.

DAVE · #16 03-17-2009, 04:28 PM

My Nephew spent 2300.00 last week new bow and all new acc said people at spl were awsome. I have been going there for quite a few years. Have had good service with both Joe old owner and Dallas new owner,will keep on going there.

pdfish · #17 03-17-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAVE

My Nephew spent 2300.00 last week new bow and all new acc said people at spl were awsome. I have been going there for quite a few years. Have had good service with both Joe old owner and Dallas new owner,will keep on going there.

If I were walking in anywhere with $2300 to spend on either hunting or fishing gear, I damn well better be getting GREAT customer service or they wouldn't be getting my business. Anybody can sell when times are good, its the places that go the extra mile that stay busy when times are tough.

300WSM · #18 03-18-2009, 05:37 PM

I'm with Depop and JohninAb, never had bad service and frankly if I'm going into a shop for a few hours to hang out I would like the jokes and stories and BS to flow freely. If I need my back & feet rubbed I'll stay home; that's why I got a wife. If I want to hang out with the stiffs it will be at the morgue when I'm dead.

Lighten up people enjoy your hobby or sport, and frankly who gives a crap if your shooting a willow branch with string, if it works for you. Use it.

I would bet if I came to your job unannounced, I'd eventually catch you having a bad day. We're human.

Keep it up SPAL, your sales show you're doing a good job.

300

p.s. How do I book a hug from Doug @ SPAL, I heard they are given with a smile.

jacob1202 · #19 03-20-2009, 11:41 AM

hey partner...a very good family freind of mine owns an archery outfitting/ meat cutting business here in edmonton....he is extrememly knowledgeable and will not ever try to sell u anything you dont need....if u wanted to check him out for future archery/hunting/meatcutting needs check out www.buffalovalley.ca/swampdonkey/index.htm ... tell him big tim sent u...i think ull be impressed with his service and most importantly his knowledge of the sport