Sales Associates At Cabela's And Bass Pro Shops 2024
papajoe222 reply :
Don't get me wrong, I like both of these stores. I just would appreciate it more if their associates were a little more knowledgeable about the items they carry. It's gotten to the point that I'd rather order online and just pick up at the store. I really feel for anyone that stops in either store on the weekends and has a question because not only are these people uninformed, they don't make any attempt to get informed.
The young man I wasted my time with today has been working the gun section for 'almost three years' couldn't tell me if they carried any .223 Rem. match grade ammo.
Is it just me, or does anyone else feel their customer service at the point of purchase needs some major improvement?
tcbass reply :
On 9/29/2014 at 11:30 AM, papajoe222 said:Don't get me wrong, I like both of these stores. I just would appreciate it more if their associates were a little more knowledgeable about the items they carry. It's gotten to the point that I'd rather order online and just pick up at the store. I really feel for anyone that stops in either store on the weekends and has a question because not only are these people uninformed, they don't make any attempt to get informed.
The young man I wasted my time with today has been working the gun section for 'almost three years' couldn't tell me if they carried any .223 Rem. match grade ammo.
Is it just me, or does anyone else feel their customer service at the point of purchase needs some major improvement?
You get what you pay for.
The service will reflect the pay. If those places paid more they may get employees who care more and are more knowledgable. When you pay someone low wages you get low wage work.
Of course you can get lucky and get someone who is knowledgable and cares in that line of work and pay. It's just rarer.
buzzed bait reply :
^what he said.... you have to luck up and get somebody who knows something... typically someone working there for the employee discount
Huntrava reply :
Labor is a commodity. Like any commodity, quality is an aspect that determines it's value. When they pay their associates barely above minimum wage, I think we're safe to assess that these stores aren't concerned about staffing with subject matter experts. Companies paying minimum wage are just trying to find employees that won't embarrass themselves and/or the company.
Of course, sometimes you'll find someone who really knows his $**t. Those people are under-valued, and could leverage that know-how somewhere else (and be making a lot more money).
OK Bass Hunter reply :
I play customer service rep almost every time I go into my local Bass Pro. The only knowledgable guys are behind the reel counter. The other reps walking the floor are non-fisherman.
tomustang reply :
So true. I cringe sometimes while I hear a customer ask a question about something and an associate tells a load of crap just for a sale.
But there's always that sucker customer that believes it all anyway.
Bankbeater reply :
On 9/29/2014 at 12:17 PM, OK Bass Hunter said:I play customer service rep almost every time I go into my local Bass Pro. The only knowledgable guys are behind the reel counter. The other reps walking the floor are non-fisherman.
I see the same thing at the BPS near me. Most of the guys behind the counter are fishermen with experience, but the reps on the floor couldn't tell you the difference between a baitcaster and a spinning reel.
Jolly Green reply :
There's one guy at my local Gander Mountain who probably doesn't know his own wife's birthday but has the lunar charts memorized out to 2018; everyone else is the reason I do all my research here.
*Hootie reply :
As a former BPS employee, and being on the other side of the fence, I can tell you it ain't always a pleasant experience over here either. Try helping a customer who thinks he knows everything, when it's obvious that he is dumb as a sack of hair. I have dealt with customers who were rude and impolite. Not to mention the first ones of the day with morning breath...WHEW!!!. I had a customer come to the counter one time pointing at a particular baitcasting reel he wanted for the rod he had just picked out. I pointed out that the rod he had was a spinning rod, just assuming that he had inadvertently picked it up. This fellow came unglued and informed me "loudly" that he knew what he was doing. "WELL EXCUSE ME"!!..I was thinking. Granted, there were, and will be times when someone will ask you something that you really don't know. No one can be expected to know everything about everything. At our Cincinnati store we tried to have all the bases covered. Ask me something about striper fishing and I am clueless, but let me take you to see Erik. He is an avid striper fisherman. Then there are days when you can't have everything covered and someone gets angry or just disappointed. I guess that's just life. You win some, you lose some and some get rained out. Would be great if everyone could have a pleasant experience at all the stores, all the time, but it's probably not going to happen. Anyway, that is my view from "the other side".
Hootie
WIGuide reply :
Haven't had any real bad experiences at either place. I can see where it could happen though. After all, they are just people and it's impossible for them to know everything about everything.
ColdSVT reply :
What hootie said!
I was on that side of the fence too...there is now way possible to please everyone even i tried. Also it impossible to know every product in your area when they change on a weekly sometimes daily basis. That kid may have been off for a few days and they got some product in or sold out of it. If the ammo is like my local store it is not all behind the counter.
I know i tried to know as much as could about what was on the floor.
I know i dealt with people all across the spectrum from total moron to complete genius.
My most memorable moment was selling a guy a box a .308 ammo only to have him bring it back as defective a few days later " because it would not eject properly"
I asked him to bring my the rifle and he did a few hours later...the rifle was a rem 700 30-06!
He told me "30 caliber is 30 caliber this should work"
Catch and Grease reply :
Hmmm, the only BPS I've been too is the one in Tallahassee and the people there seemed decently knowledgeable and helped me out
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
FYI, I'm a retail associate in both the fishing and firearms section of an outdoor retailer. I know a little bit about a little bit. 
I know what you mean though. This time of year is the ramp up for holiday sales. There are a ton of "warm bodies" that get hired on. Maybe you get lucky and get someone who knows what they're talking about, maybe not. Usually you can tell from the first couple minutes of interaction.
GoDeep reply :
I don't rely on anyone to help me make my purchases, or rely on them for what they carry. I always do my own research before making any purchases. Bps is a retail store, and while it's a specialized store, anyone expecting their employees to be knowledgeable for what they get paid is crazy lol. This is the age of the "informed consumer".
Catch and Grease reply :
On 9/29/2014 at 9:10 PM, GoDeep said:I don't rely on anyone to help me make my purchases, or rely on them for what they carry. I always do my own research before making any purchases. Bps is a retail store, and while it's a specialized store, anyone expecting their employees to be knowledgeable for what they get paid is crazy lol. This is the age of the "informed consumer".
I expect a store employee to help me with my problems. not everyone is knowledgeable when it comes to what they are buying, what about the people that are just starting to fish or the people that fish once a month? what about the dirt old men that don't get on computers to do "research"? If I ask where X item is they at least need to point me in the right direction.
bassh8er reply :
I worked at BPS part time for about 6 months in college for some extra income. I actually had to take a test, fishing department, and had to come back for a 2nd interview for a total of 3 different interviews.
It was for $8/hour and I ended up quitting when I graduated and got offered a "real" job. I don't know how the full time guys do it there unless they're retired or have another job.
I got a 4% raise right before I quit, but the extra $.32/hour just wasn't enough to keep me there.
GoDeep reply :
On 9/29/2014 at 9:20 PM, Catch and Grease said:I expect a store employee to help me with my problems. not everyone is knowledgeable when it comes to what they are buying, what about the people that are just starting to fish or the people that fish once a month? what about the dirt old men that don't get on computers to do "research"? If I ask where X item is they at least need to point me in the right direction.
Those expectations are sadly not realistic nowadays. I will say at my BPS most of the guys ARE pretty knowledgeable, but our BPS is in a town that is close to Douglas Lake which is a Bass Elite and PAA tourney lake, so we have quite a few fisherman out this way and some work at BPS. I agree that you SHOULD be able to rely on employees for help, you just shouldn't count on it.
CarolinaBoy4Life reply :
I would expect them to have basic knowledge but not be an expert when it comes to the gear being sold. To be honest at what they are being paid I couldnt expect them to be much more knowledgable than I when it comes to products or gear I am looking to purchase. I've already done my homework and read up on the stuff I'm looking to get. So normally I wouldnt have too many questions or issues I would need for them to assist me with.
TBO reply :
this goes for any store! sometimes they make you feel like your a pain in the ass and give you a lazy two word answer.
but when i need a question answered i look for older guys, look for the guy who looks like he is at retiring age. ive noticed alot of older people work their just stay busy and generally they have good advice because its something they are into themselves.
Fishes in trees reply :
In fishing matters pertaining to technique or strategy, I don't count on BPS or Cabelas employees to be much help. In matters of inventory, I kind of expect them to know what they've got and where it is. I mean, they walk past all that stuff all the time, over time, how could they not get a knowledge of what is where, unless they really don't care.
For instance, when I go into BPS and say, " I'm experimenting, trying to create a strike indicator for my Bubba drop shot rig. Where are your tiny foam floats?" I don't expect them to know what a strike indicator or a bubba drop shot rig is. I do expect them to know where their tiny foam floats are. In the clothes departments, I do expect them to know what is and what ain't correct fit. I do expect them to know what waist size in inches corresponds to large, extra large, etc. I do know that number is different for different manufacturers. Taking measurements isn't hard. I do expect them to have a tape measure handy and know how to use it..
Maybe I'm just an unreasonable geezer, I don't know. I know years ago when I worked in a hardware store, I knew the difference between common and uncommon o-ring sizes. I knew the difference between coarse and fine thread on bolts & nuts. I knew where the dozens of different chemicals were located on the paint and maintenance and lawn & garden aisles. I knew the difference between pesticide and herbicide. Just saying, I knew the environment I worked in. I don't think that is asking too much, even from a slightly above minimum wage worker.
I guess I am a geezer, I just re-read my post and it kind of turned into a rant. Sorry, but not sorry enough to change anything or delete it.
Choporoz reply :
I am a demanding customer, but also spent a number of years working in retail. I agree with posts above explaining dissatisfaction on both sides of the counter. But, I no longer expect anything approaching expertise from anyone in an entry level job who is paid close to minimum wage. Most of us here, as can be seen from numerous posts, value best price as much as service. Big box stores in any retail segment aren't going to have much expertise in store. Can't compete anymore if they tried to pay wages for that value. Lower your expectations. Sorry.
Also, it isn't helping any of those brick and mortar retail guys any when I go into BPS and handle rods and reels and ask questions.....but make my purchase from TW when I get home.
The one thing that does routinely tick me off in B&M's is associates who bullchit me. Often it isn't a deliberate attempt just to get me to buy something....it is usually just some poor minimum wage Joe who somehow has decided that it is better to answer and/or suggest something totally wrong or inappropriate than to say "I'm not sure ---- let me find out (or ask a manager)." Seems lately that a whole lot of (usually) young retail workers just make crap up instead of finding out the answer. That's what really upsets me in a store. Not ignorance.
buzzed bait reply :
i think it would be best if they would just admit they don't have the answer or know the answer, but try to find someone that does. all too often i've heard people at these big box stores just give some flat out bad answers/advice when it seemed pretty obvious they did not know what they were talking about.
i also agree 100% that the best ones to find are behind the reel counter.
last thing i will say is the customer service online and in stores is fantastic, you really cannot beat it.
kickerfish1 reply :
Every place like this seems to have a couple "go to guys" and the rest are filler. I really only go there to get a feel for rods and reels if it is something I may consider buying at somepoint.
All I really expect the staff to do is be able to tell me where things are located. I am not going in there expecting much advice.
I may BS with a few guys there that know there stuff and swap stories and local reports. Also not all the guys there are bass guys which for a place like Cabelas is good for the diversity.
My only gripe is with prices and shipping usually rather than staff. Rarely are the sale items anything I need.
bstephenson1225 reply :
If and when I go to Bass Pro I usually try to find the oldest guy I can in the fishing dept. I have found they are more knowledgeable than some of the others and seem to care. I recently went to Dicks to purchase a bait caster and made the mistake of letting the sales associate talk me out of it. All I asked for was recommendation cause I had bad experience from one of the younger guys at BPS setting me up with a POS. Thank god Glenn sent me in the right direction and now I LOVE bait casters. All the big box stores need to staff their stores with people more knowledgeable in the field.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
As far as the pay=service idea goes everyone should be doing the job they want, not the job they've got. Employees with the "Minimum wage gets minimum effort" mentality are doomed to be minimum wage forever or, if they work for me "looking for something that makes them happy". If a customer service person doesn't know the answer to a question they should know how to get the answer, like Hootie did.
J Francho reply :
This is what consumers asked for - lower price, more inventory. In almost every segment, the local, small retail business was edged out by a huge chain. Now we want some minimum wage employee to possess the same knowledge and personal customer service skills that those small retailers had. Do your own research. go prepared. If you can't find something, then hopefully someone will know where it is. If not, I guess you'll have to search all 5 fishing aisles for that one piece of terminal tackle you need. I rarely speak to anyone working the stores I shop, unless it's someone I know, or to pay for what I am buying. It's sad, but it's just a fact. Some places will figure out that having a few well compensated employees that actually add value beyond facing and stocking the shelves will put them ahead of the competition. Bass Pro seems to get, most of their guys are pretty good. Gander? Uh, not really. DSG? hit or miss. Usually I get asked if I need help by employees less interested in helping me, than they were told to greet every customer. Seems like this aspect doesn't matter to management, so long as internet sales and in store sales support their bottom line.
rboat reply :
I have to agree with Hootie on this one. I had a good job making good money as a manager and when the economy headed south, the business closed. Work was scarce. Our current government leaders have totally destroyed the middle class. I could not find a similar job to save my life. Before I lost everything, I fell back on something I know and care about. So I am an associate at a retail sporting store. I work in a large outdoor sports area and one person covers that area by themselves at most times. My knowledge is mostly fishing, some other areas I know the basics. I do not know it all, or pretend to. I will go out of my way to help you if you just treat me decent. There are times I would love to grab a customer and beat the crap out of them for being rude. Please keep in mind, these jobs are part-time with no real benefits and no 401k. You make close to minimum wage and have to work mornings, nights, weekends, holidays, and overnights. Your pay is just barely above minimum wage. So why you are home with your family or watching your favorite show or game, or even out fishing, I am trying to help customers that many times treat me like dirt.
Sorry about the rant, If I could find a better job I would. Take a walk in someone else's shoes before you pass judgement.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
I will admit that I thoroughly enjoy when a customer enters my store with a preconceived notion about what I know or what experience I have. I try my best not to make someone look like a complete jackwagon but hey, sometimes it's well deserved.
Raul reply :
I´ve been to several BPS stores several times, of course you don´t think that I can go every week to purchase stuff just cuz the neares one is a 2 hour flight for León, all the times I´ve met knowledgeable and very serviceable associates, so I have nothing wrong to say about BPS employees except for one ocassion when one of the asscociates bothered to go to the warehouse in search of hooks I wanted LEAVING ME ALONE WITH THE GODDAM BAITMONKEY FOR 15 MIN !!!! , hell, the only thing I wanted was a few packs of hooks and I ended up with WAYYYY more than what I went for. 
ColdSVT reply :
On 9/30/2014 at 2:21 AM, SPEEDBEAD. said:I will admit that I thoroughly enjoy when a customer enters my store with a preconceived notion about what I know or what experience I have. I try my best not to make someone look like a complete jackwagon but hey, sometimes it's well deserved.
Yup!
One guy i worked with (we both worked weekends mostly) was aTwo time classic qualifier and i co angled a few local tournys with him. That guy knew moreabout tackle and boats than i could ever know ( and i knew my products cold!)
My favorite question was always " what pole and reel is good for fishing?" I always asked what is your target species? And usually got a blank stare lol.
On the otherside of the coin i did get to meet and talk to some awesome anglers and a handful of pros over the couple years i worked retail. I leared a lot and i hope i taught a lot as well. Some guys would bring in pics of fish they caught on combos i set up for em...felt pretty good ro see em succeed
HomersTomaco reply :
Depends on the store I guess. The Bass Pro near me all the people in fishing know a ton. Most our tournament fisherman or guides.
Gander on the other hand... I heard the guy at the counter tell a guy a navionics chip was for his computer and not a fish Finder....
A cabelas opened up a month ago too about an hour and a half away and no one there will even say hi to you.
mjseverson24 reply :
I love all of the sporting goods stores, I don't care if they people know a lot about their department, or not I already know what i am there for, and the only thing I ever need to ask them is if they have this reel in the X:1 ratio, or if they have more in the back somewhere. I have not met too many employees that cant accomplish those two tasks and even if they cant 5 bucks for 2nd day air on TW seems to work just fine...
Mitch
iabass8 reply :
On 9/30/2014 at 6:54 AM, mjseverson24 said:I love all of the sporting goods stores, I don't care if they people know a lot about their department, or not I already know what i am there for, and the only thing I ever need to ask them is if they have this reel in the X:1 ratio, or if they have more in the back somewhere. I have not met too many employees that cant accomplish those two tasks and even if they cant 5 bucks for 2nd day air on TW seems to work just fine...
Mitch
I'm with ya on that one.
I personally don't want any sale associate bothering me or trying to push products at me to which they know nothing about aside from the price. I would never expect ANY sales associate at a retail sporting goods store to know much more than they really need to. The only thing I ever expect from any sales associate is being able to type an item or number into a computer and tell me where it is or if they have it if I can't locate it myself first. I understand some people do the job to provide for their family and there are some that care about the job more than others. To expect anything much more than "the product is over here" or "this is the price and we have X amount of them" from a minimum wage paid employee is ridiculous. There's no excuse for not doing your own research on products these days with more information than you can handle rather than relying on 8$ an hour knowledge,
As for the thought of finding the elderly employees in the fishing departments, I totally agree. There's a couple old guys that work the fishing department at Cabelas just north of me on the river. They are only there because it is located in the most perfect location for all fisherman to come in and out as its located 5 min tops from a few launchs. They love to talk to all of us and will bend over backwards for the most simple task. I'm not sure how many of you on here are Cabelas employees, but whatever sales contests they run from time time in the company, these old guys have won the Loomis and Pure fishing contests (something about selling the most of X brand over X time) a couple times company wide. They get something like 250$ credit for each brand they win.
reb67 reply :
I am sure we have all notice that this problem is not only in our local sporting good stores that is why I always do my research before I go to purchase anything so when you get there the sale rep can just point you in the right direction.
Hell that is why I joined this site when I started bass fishing because with the guys on this site like Glenn, Sam and all you other guys who are so willing to help and give advice on gear, lures and techniques there is no reason for you to walk in any bait and tackle store not knowing what you are looking for.
I'm a contractor and when I'm at Lowes and Home Depot some of the things I hear the sales reps tell people just crack me up.
ChrisAW reply :
As a currently employee of Bass Pro, I have to say, seeing threads like these can be painful. This is a long winded post, and I mean no offense to anyone if you find it to be, but:
I hate to see people saying "I went there once and this kid didn't know anything, I'll never go back!" Yes, they will hire younger people that might not be very experienced. They might really enjoy hunting and fishing or what have you, but may have only been taught to do it one way their family or friends have taught them to do it. Do you really want to talk down to a kid who may enjoy the sport, but might not know EVERYTHING about it? They are there to learn and get some work experience just like many of you with your first job. We have a new kid at my store as well. A highschooler, on the school Bass fishing team, who enjoys the sport and wants to work in the industry. Where else do you start? A customer recently, very angrily, called him a moron because he didn't know what backtrolling was. That is the kind of thing that makes retail very stressful when it definitely should not be.
Not only that, but there are often employee's walking around the whole store that work in recieving, promotions, maintenance, or even just taking an item they found in their department back to where it goes. Even if they aren't in sales, they are told to try to be as helpful as possible. Many times they aren't going to try to pass a customer to a department associate, as some of us have witnessed, that this will annoy a customer just as much as them not knowing an answer.
But I keep seeing people mention minimum wage, and the truth is, most of us make more than that. They really don't hire at minimum wage, besides MAYBE holiday seasonal workers. I hired in above and have continued to climb in the pay scale, because hard work and knowledge is rewarded. They also have a lot of full time employee's that get full benefits and can buy pretty cheap healthcare and insurance.
BPS may now be a big box store, but Johnny Morris started it in a gas station in the 70's and grew because of a good reputation and good service. We might not always be cheaper than small shops and internet based companies who may have under 20 people working for them, but they now employ something like 14,000 people that are for the most part paid decently, and Johnny donates a LOT to conservation groups and charities. Whens the last time you seen any of these online stores giving a shopping spree to someone terminally ill or things of the like? This is just one example from the store I work at:
http://tinyurl.com/pboe9gn
But yes, there are downsides. Because we are such a large chain, product comes in slower than people would prefer. And because we may have thousands of customers a day, popular stuff sells faster than we can get it. And if the lures that don't sell well end up being removed from our stock, even if it was one of your best producers.
Being mad at the people you see at the store is not going to make things any better. If you want to see things improve, talk to the store managers and the people in corporate, whether its good or bad. They decide what goes on at our stores. Believe me, we don't want to have lazy co-workers as much as you don't want them. And we can only carry what people buy. If you just come to us to look at things but buy online, things will only get worse. In my case, I'm always willing to do whatever I can to get you the lures, reels, rods, or line you need if we don't keep it in stock, as fast as I can. I had lures ordered and shipped in within days for quite a few guys fishing the BASS Open on St. Clair, and I would do the same for any customer if they just ask instead of getting mad at me for not having it on hand at all times.
Edit: And I forgot to mention, NO ONE at Bass Pro works on commission. We're not asking you if you need help because we get a fatter paycheck, we're asking because its what we're known for and what most people expect. If you dont want help, just politely say, "I'm fine, thank you." Or something similar, and well be on our way.
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
Easier to make money when 20 john doe's on the floor sell 20 cheap combos every hr then high paid employees selling 2 great combos in 1 day.its business i ignore them unless i cant find something or i talk politics easy way to get rid of um
*Hootie reply :
I had one HUGE gripe I forgot to mention. The absolute WORST customer, at least for me, is the guy who comes in carrying a spit cup, or worse yet, a see through container already half full. ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. If I saw you coming I would make every effort to avoid you. If you still approached me I would as quickly as possible, attempt to pass you off to another associate.I find that practice sickening and very inconsiderate to me and anyone else in the store. So guys, if you really have to do that, could you please leave it in the vehicle for the short time you are in the store. THANK YOU!
Hootie
Djf3864 reply :
On 9/30/2014 at 11:16 AM, ChrisAW said:As a currently employee of Bass Pro, I have to say, seeing threads like these can be painful. This is a long winded post, and I mean no offense to anyone if you find it to be, but:
I hate to see people saying "I went there once and this kid didn't know anything, I'll never go back!" Yes, they will hire younger people that might not be very experienced. They might really enjoy hunting and fishing or what have you, but may have only been taught to do it one way their family or friends have taught them to do it. Do you really want to talk down to a kid who may enjoy the sport, but might not know EVERYTHING about it? They are there to learn and get some work experience just like many of you with your first job. We have a new kid at my store as well. A highschooler, on the school Bass fishing team, who enjoys the sport and wants to work in the industry. Where else do you start? A customer recently, very angrily, called him a moron because he didn't know what backtrolling was. That is the kind of thing that makes retail very stressful when it definitely should not be.
Not only that, but there are often employee's walking around the whole store that work in recieving, promotions, maintenance, or even just taking an item they found in their department back to where it goes. Even if they aren't in sales, they are told to try to be as helpful as possible. Many times they aren't going to try to pass a customer to a department associate, as some of us have witnessed, that this will annoy a customer just as much as them not knowing an answer.
But I keep seeing people mention minimum wage, and the truth is, most of us make more than that. They really don't hire at minimum wage, besides MAYBE holiday seasonal workers. I hired in above and have continued to climb in the pay scale, because hard work and knowledge is rewarded. They also have a lot of full time employee's that get full benefits and can buy pretty cheap healthcare and insurance.
BPS may now be a big box store, but Johnny Morris started it in a gas station in the 70's and grew because of a good reputation and good service. We might not always be cheaper than small shops and internet based companies who may have under 20 people working for them, but they now employ something like 14,000 people that are for the most part paid decently, and Johnny donates a LOT to conservation groups and charities. Whens the last time you seen any of these online stores giving a shopping spree to someone terminally ill or things of the like? This is just one example from the store I work at:
http://tinyurl.com/pboe9gn
But yes, there are downsides. Because we are such a large chain, product comes in slower than people would prefer. And because we may have thousands of customers a day, popular stuff sells faster than we can get it. And if the lures that don't sell well end up being removed from our stock, even if it was one of your best producers.
Being mad at the people you see at the store is not going to make things any better. If you want to see things improve, talk to the store managers and the people in corporate, whether its good or bad. They decide what goes on at our stores. Believe me, we don't want to have lazy co-workers as much as you don't want them. And we can only carry what people buy. If you just come to us to look at things but buy online, things will only get worse. In my case, I'm always willing to do whatever I can to get you the lures, reels, rods, or line you need if we don't keep it in stock, as fast as I can. I had lures ordered and shipped in within days for quite a few guys fishing the BASS Open on St. Clair, and I would do the same for any customer if they just ask instead of getting mad at me for not having it on hand at all times.
Edit: And I forgot to mention, NO ONE at Bass Pro works on commission. We're not asking you if you need help because we get a fatter paycheck, we're asking because its what we're known for and what most people expect. If you dont want help, just politely say, "I'm fine, thank you." Or something similar, and well be on our way.
This is a spot on response.
People need to chill out and take it for what it is; I am certainly no expert in fishing and will ask questions when I don't know while at the store. It is the responsibility of the consumer to take in the information that is given and make informed decisions, if something smells fishy then take it with a grain of salt and do more research on your own, this is not Bass Pro Shops problem, it is yours. Don't put a kid down for now knowing or even one of the more "seasoned" guys working in the store. Everyone needs a job, but what they don't need is some ****** bag on his high horse cutting them down for insignificant bullcrap to make themselves feel good or because they didn't get the instant gratification they desired.
*Edit - The above assumes that the employee is respectful and helpful in trying to assist you. One thing that I do get a little peeved about it are inattentive and rude sales associates. If they don't know the answer to a questions that fine, but I am sure that they are able to find someone who can better assist you. That relates to stock, inventory and product locations more than whats the best lure for X fishing.
CarolinaBoy4Life reply :
I agree with the guy's that work at BPS. I honestly don't expect an employee to know everything about every product in the store. Basic knowledge yes but some people now day's are just absolutely ridiculous in what they ask or demand. I work for a major Outdoor Power Equipment company and some of the complaints we receive are absolutely ridiculous. People will want something specific but will not provide specific information. And they get mad when you cannot answer this question because they have provided little info to assist. I could only imagine what they deal with in BPS fishing department. I'm not one of these customer's who feel's the customer is alway's right or I should get whatever it is I want. I expect good customer service within reason.
J Francho reply :
"if it weren't for all the darn customers, we could get some work done around here!" Something I used to say to my employees when I ran a retail store, lol.
Sarcasm as motivation...
Brnnoser6983 reply :
On 9/29/2014 at 12:17 PM, OK Bass Hunter said:I play customer service rep almost every time I go into my local Bass Pro. The only knowledgable guys are behind the reel counter. The other reps walking the floor are non-fisherman.
Not always the case. I had a person from Gander spin a spool of braided onto my reel. He did this while I was looking at some other tackle. (And not paying attention..... 100% my fault) Come to find out on my first trip out the SA didn't even backspin the reel and I wasted $40 on some braided line.
J Francho reply :
Quote
Come to find out on my first trip out the SA didn't even backspin the reel and I wasted $40 on some braided line.
Huh?
rboat reply :
That is another thing that irks me. Our line winding machine at my store is far from perfect and many times it does not work the way the way it was intended. Stop being so d**n lazy and put the line on your own reel. If you want to call yourself a real fisherman, that is a task you should learn and do religiously to your own standards. You will never see an elite tournament angler go to a store and ask to have his line spooled. If you are a beginner, that is a different story and I will gladly put some line on your reel to get you started. I have been spooling my own line since I was a young kid and would never ask a store associate to do it for me. If you spool it yourself, you know how it is done and if it is not perfect you can blame yourself.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Line winding for someone is one of the most mind-numbing, mundane tasks I've ever encountered.
As stated, buy line, learn to tie an arbor knot and do it yourself. It's not difficult and I'd be more than happy to show someone how to do it in store.
everythingthatswims reply :
On 9/30/2014 at 1:27 AM, Choporoz said:I am a demanding customer, but also spent a number of years working in retail. I agree with posts above explaining dissatisfaction on both sides of the counter. But, I no longer expect anything approaching expertise from anyone in an entry level job who is paid close to minimum wage. Most of us here, as can be seen from numerous posts, value best price as much as service. Big box stores in any retail segment aren't going to have much expertise in store. Can't compete anymore if they tried to pay wages for that value. Lower your expectations. Sorry.
Also, it isn't helping any of those brick and mortar retail guys any when I go into BPS and handle rods and reels and ask questions.....but make my purchase from TW when I get home.
The one thing that does routinely tick me off in B&M's is associates who bullchit me. Often it isn't a deliberate attempt just to get me to buy something....it is usually just some poor minimum wage Joe who somehow has decided that it is better to answer and/or suggest something totally wrong or inappropriate than to say "I'm not sure ---- let me find out (or ask a manager)." Seems lately that a whole lot of (usually) young retail workers just make crap up instead of finding out the answer. That's what really upsets me in a store. Not ignorance.
^This...but I don't have a local bps so I do this type of thing at gander mtn, dicks, etc...I have had rods (from stores) break the first time I fish them because they weren't taken care of during shipping/storage/something. Some of the rods on the shelves are visibly bent from being stored jammed up against a bunch of other rods, not the case with ordering from TW.
X-JaVeN-X reply :
Do you also expect the bag boy at your local supermarket to explain to you how to prepare Coq Au Vin? Most people (barring the occassional surprise) that work these counters are there getting maybe a bit above minimum wage and have no or minimal interest in the product they are selling. They are there to point you to the correct isle and take your money when you check out.
BassThumbAddict reply :
The guy that works the reel counter at my local BPS doesn't know whether to s**t or wind his pocket watch.
Chris S reply :
On 10/1/2014 at 12:40 AM, SPEEDBEAD. said:Line winding for someone is one of the most mind-numbing, mundane tasks I've ever encountered.
As stated, buy line, learn to tie an arbor knot and do it yourself. It's not difficult and I'd be more than happy to show someone how to do it in store.
I don't trust anyone but myself to do it 
As for the BPS or Cabelas employees they do their best to help out anytime I ask a question but most of the time I know what I am there to get and grab it and leave.
roadwarrior reply :
On 10/1/2014 at 2:29 AM, Chris Schauer said:...but most of the time I know what I am there to get and grab it and leave.
Ask your questions here on the BassRsource.com Forum. We have VERY knowledgeable anglers
and for the most part the guys around here are not representing a sponsor. Many of us have a bais,
but that just comes from experience. More importantly, "favorites" are pretty diverse.
Chris S reply :
On 10/1/2014 at 2:35 AM, roadwarrior said:Ask your questions here on the BassRsource.com Forum. We have VERY knowledgeable anglers
and for the most part the guys around here are not representing a sponsor. Many of us have a bais,
but that just comes from experience. More importantly, "favorites" are pretty diverse.
I am part of that Central KC Area Group and we are a pretty tight nit group and share info, trust me moving From FLA to Kansas almost made me quit fishing
Montanaro reply :
Field and Stream opened here. One of the opening days I just got there and was browsing when an employee came up and asked if I needed help...I said No I'm good.
Girlfriend was with me and apparently my resting mean face and deep tone spooked him because he looked at her and mouthed sorry and backed away in in a joking manner. Didn't even realize I did anything wrong! Then later I was " considerably nicer" to another employee which prompted my girl to tell me about the previous encounter.
I also noticed in their fancy reel wall that the $600 steez was actually a Regular tatula...which I immediately notified staffing and watched them fix it.
As for people working the reel display being the most knowledgable...I approached one and asked about the *** reels that had just been released...she had zero clue and I just shrugged it off.
everythingthatswims reply :
On 10/1/2014 at 10:13 AM, Montanaro said:Field and Stream opened here. One of the opening days I just got there and was browsing when an employee came up and asked if I needed help...I said No I'm good.
Girlfriend was with me and apparently my resting mean face and deep tone spooked him because he looked at her and mouthed sorry and backed away in in a joking manner. Didn't even realize I did anything wrong! Then later I was " considerably nicer" to another employee which prompted my girl to tell me about the previous encounter.
I also noticed in their fancy reel wall that the $600 steez was actually a Regular tatula...which I immediately notified staffing and watched them fix it.
As for people working the reel display being the most knowledgable...I approached one and asked about the *** reels that had just been released...she had zero clue and I just shrugged it off.
Guy behind the counter at BPS the other day didn't know what a cardiff was
MainelyBASS reply :
As a current employee of Cabelas in the fishing department I can say that my coworkers have sold 8 year olds baitcast reels, or button poles as this employee likes to call them. Ive seen ultralight combos sold with 65lb braid on them. These are just a few of the mishaps I see on a weekly basis. To be clear, I don't watch these scenarios take place and say nothing, I am the guy who gets the phone call to go up to the customer service counter and hear the story about the customers nightmare purchase. Ive learned over the years that Cabelas is no different than any other retail store. The pay is $9.50 regardless of your knowledge of the outdoors. The first 2 times I applied for fishing they gave me the job and "moved" me over to the cammo department. The second time I applied for fishing they "moved" me to the camping department. A few of our current fishing associates came over from the Deli and Janitor positions, having 0 knowledge of the department or the sport. I guess I cant blame them for taking a full time position over a part time position, but it reflects poorly on the company in the eyes of our customers. We have customers who drive 3 or 4 hours to visit our store, when they leave with a Abu Garcia baitcast combo for their kids first ever fishing pole because the guy in the fishing department said it was the best outfit for them. We as a store do not come away looking too good. I cant speak for BPS, but at Cabelas the only qualifications you need to be an employee are 2 lips and a tounge.
bighed reply :
For what it's worth, my 20yo son works in the fishing dept at Cabelas in Allen, TX. I'd put his knowledge up against anyones and say without a doubt that he knows more about fishing (and the outdoors) than 99% of the folks that walk in the door. He has tournament fished for a decade, caught smallmouth and northerns from a canoe in MN and DD largemouth from a 100 mph bass boat at Falcon, caught yellowfin tuna at the floaters in the Gulf, trout and redfish wading the Chandeleurs, Peacocks on the fly in the canals of Dade County, Brook/Brown/Cutthroat/Rainbow trout in the Gold Medal Streams of Colorado, and on and on and on. I know all this because I was fishing with him when he did it. He works hard for $10 an hour, no benefits, and no commission on anything so doesn't push product on anybody. I've met and fished with some of his co workers and they are not bad either. I've said this not to brag but to say that you can't paint all of these sales folks with one wide brush and say they all s##k because it's simply not true.
Missourifishin reply :
The guys in my local bass pro seem to know a lot about fishing gear. I've only been in a Cabelas once, and the guy I dealt with was rude. I could chalk that one up to bad luck though. I'm sure not all of their employees are like that.
clark9312 reply :
If i know exactly what i want BPS is fine. If i have some questions i go tot he mom and pop stores. They started the business because they have a passion for it so I know they are knowledgeable.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I worked at Cabela's in KC for 5 years. We had a great group of guys in there that complimented each other very well when I was there. Then they started moving guys to different departments if we were slow and they were busy and making the part time guys work a minimum of 20 hours a week. I was part time with another full time job where I was already working 40-60 hours a week, still I tried to stay because I enjoyed working with the guys there. Once I started getting moved to footwear, hunting, and even retrieving carts a time or two, it was more than I was willing to deal with. I know I had a lot of customers at first that avoided talking to me since I was only 18 and I'm sure they felt there was no way I could know anything. After my first year or so I had regular customers and even became good fishing buddies with a couple of them. Now they've pretty much run off everyone in that store that is very knowledgeable about anything other than where to find something if a customer knows exactly what they're looking for. A couple of the guys I worked with are still there, but the others I've tried to get help finding something look at me like I'm speaking a different language when I ask if they have any sexy mouse War Eagles or lime-purple passion Pit Bosses.
Turkey sandwich reply :
I've mostly encountered really helpful employees anytime I've been in my local (hour and 30 minutes away) Cabela's. The last time I was in, I had a great conversation with the fella who helped me on the fishing floor about water I grew up fishing and that he now travels well over an hour and a half to fish regularly. His knowledge of gear was spot on and offered some solid tips on fishing water that I'd fished hundreds of times before. And most notably - he was chipper and enthusiastic about doing it because he seemed to enjoy helping me. Realistically, that's what matters - and I don't care whether they're directly commissioned or not - a good sales person is someone who's primary concern is helping the customer get what it is they want.
Bluegiller reply :
I drive 2 hours to get to the Harrisburg, PA Bass Pro. I find the associates to be courteous and have helped me find an item a couple of times.
P.S. If any fishing department associates from that store are reading this, please put all your Gary Yamamoto plastics in the same aisle.
*Hootie reply :
On 10/2/2014 at 10:23 PM, Bluegiller said:P.S. If any fishing department associates from that store are reading this, please put all your Gary Yamamoto plastics in the same aisle.
BPS arranges their lures according to category, not brand name.
Creature isle, spinnerbait isle, swimbait isle, etc.
Hootie
EmersonFish reply :
I go to BPS to get what I need and move on. I only have two beefs from an employee perspective.
*The fishing guy who assumes he knows more than I do and offers unsolicited (and often ridiculous) advice.
*The sales people who try and push those vacation packages down your throat the minute you get near them. Somebody said no one at BPS works on commission. Well maybe these guys don't technically work for BPS, but BPS would be a better shopping experience if these people disappeared forever.
*Hootie reply :
On 10/2/2014 at 10:50 PM, EmersonFish said:*The sales people who try and push those vacation packages down your throat the minute you get near them. Somebody said no one at BPS works on commission. Well maybe these guys don't technically work for BPS, but BPS would be a better shopping experience if these people disappeared forever.
I posted this before because it works. When you are going past that section of the store, just put your cell
phone up to your ear and they won't bother you. I know, maybe you shouldn't have to do this, but hey!.... it works.
No muss, no fuss.
Hootie
ChrisAW reply :
On 10/2/2014 at 10:50 PM, EmersonFish said:*The sales people who try and push those vacation packages down your throat the minute you get near them. Somebody said no one at BPS works on commission. Well maybe these guys don't technically work for BPS, but BPS would be a better shopping experience if these people disappeared forever.
You're exactly right, those people do not work for BPS. But, they do have a deal going with JM and we all know exactly how annoying they are. We don't want them there either.
With our recent store manager change, the BlueGreen or Outdoor Traveler people were pushed to one area of the store only, where they used to have a station right infront of one of our entrances. He knew this was annoying customers, but we have no choice in them being there or not. Unfortunately for us, they were put right next to the fishing reel counter, smack in the middle of our department.
Best way to avoid them may be to look distracted, but a polite-ish "No thank you." seems to work just as well.
J Francho reply :
"No," works well enough for me without resorting to foolishness.
*Hootie reply :
On 10/3/2014 at 1:56 AM, J Francho said:"No," works well enough for me without resorting to foolishness.
Gotcha.
Hootie
EmersonFish reply :
Yeah. I use that trick in several situations where I know people will be all over me if I don't. Most of the time, when sales people do approach me, I just say, "no thanks" and they move on, but sometimes they take it a step further after that, and that's when I can feel a little blood rushing to my head. Unfortunately in the BPS near me, their little vacation package sales station is right next to the stuff I go in to shop for most often, and there seems to be enough turnover in the sales people (or the regulars don't remember faces because they see so many) that they are not familiar with who comes in a lot and has probably been approached 1000 times.On 10/3/2014 at 1:15 AM, *Hootie said:I posted this before because it works. When you are going past that section of the store, just put your cell
phone up to your ear and they won't bother you. I know, maybe you shouldn't have to do this, but hey!.... it works.
No muss, no fuss.
Hootie
Missourifishin reply :
On 10/2/2014 at 10:50 PM, EmersonFish said:I go to BPS to get what I need and move on. I only have two beefs from an employee perspective.
*The fishing guy who assumes he knows more than I do and offers unsolicited (and often ridiculous) advice.
*The sales people who try and push those vacation packages down your throat the minute you get near them. Somebody said no one at BPS works on commission. Well maybe these guys don't technically work for BPS, but BPS would be a better shopping experience if these people disappeared forever.
Yeah, you're right. Like I said earlier, the fishing guys at my local BPS are good. And I've had great conversations about fishing with several of them. But I was really disappointed when I started getting hassled about vacation packages. For a while last year it was messing up my whole experience there because it was every d**n time I walked in the place.
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