Been doing business with Bear Arms since 1995. Started with my Father and continues with me. It has been interesting to see the evolution over the years. I am glad they are still going strong. Stay classy my friends.
"Showrooming" Where I used to live in CA we had 2 gun shops both had 2 different transfer charge rates; If it was a firearm that the shop had or could order in- the Transfer fee was 150.00 if it wasn't, -used/ private party sale etc.- then it was 35.00; worked well for them
All stores shouldnt charge more than $40 max for transfers its such low effort for transfering guns they just need to log the gun in and run the nics check shops blow this way out of proportion and should have competive prices if they dont like it
@@Frankgonzalez-hj7bm Yeah it’s very low effort. I do mine at my local pawn shop and they charge $10. They make a good deal of business just doing transfers. It also gets people in the door who might buy something else. I think that’s the fallacy of logic with gun stores who charge a lot on transfers. They think if they charge a lot on transfers people will buy from them instead of online. In reality they’ll just do their transfer somewhere else. Just more lost business. Offering cheap transfers keeps people coming to your store who may still buy something while they’re there and keeps your store in their mind for future needs. So someone bought a Glock 19 online and sent it to your store. Great, ask them if they need extra magazines, a holster, or ammo while they’re there.
I really love to hear Kurt signaling out Walther and CZ as underappreciated gun manufacturers. I have been an advocate of Walther products since the P99 came out. Walther makes fantastic products and they really do a good job offering firearms that are left handed friendly. As a south paw, I really appreciate these firearms for their ergonomics, accuracy, and quality. I hope Ian can visit Walther one day like he has with HK.
Heh, the P99 is both my favorite and my least favorite gun. The P99C had a HORRIBLE trigger. But the P99 full size with the AS (or QA) trigger is a great pistol.
Love the insight on how Walther and CZ don't get enough love. As someone outside of the US it's interesting what is and isn't popular - would never expect brands like that to be less popular!
Accessories are sold in store because 1. people come in just for accessories, 2. customers buying a gun will see accessories & convince themselves to buy some, 3. on sale accessories draw in customers and 4. the salesmen can suggest an accessory or include one in the deal to convince a customer to make a purchase. The average customers is very open & susceptible to suggestion if you're polite and helpful.
I used to work in camera shops. It sounds like there's a lot that's similar in terms of how the business works, and how customers handle the goods. Cameras have an advantage in terms of getting dropped, though: you can get the customer to put the strap round their neck.
Gunshop I visited, the sales clerk would allow the customer to look at the gun, but first placed down one of those foam locking tiles on the counter. Another store has a fatigue mat on the counter. Guess he's right about accidents...
Agree on the CZ’s being overlooked. I let a friend of mine shoot my 75 Compact carry gun, and he came off of wanting a Glock or S&W so fast it made your head spin. Been carrying one for years, and training regularly, and it always shines.
I tend to find a store I like and always go there, even if it's not the best price. I like the people there and would rather support the business over saving a few bucks, community has more value than paper
It sounds like a gun store that should be an adult petting zoo for guns, would love to be able to browse his collections and touch/pet them, no need to actually fire them
Forgotten Weapons has not disappointed since I bumped into it on the web 2 years ago. The combination of solo presentations and partnered with quality co-presenters really works. Nice work!
One of the best Q&As I have seen. Two obviously well-prepared participants addressing questions all gun owners have had at one time or another. Thanks! Hope you two collaborate on something else down the line!
One of the things I appreciate most about Ian, and the people he works with, is his attitude towards women. He is so respectful and inclusive, which are two things that the gun community historically hasn't been. Tactical grandmas are badasses, and it's so cool to see them, and people like them, celebrated.
Bear Arms is definitely my all time favorite gun store. I remember it being a special treat for my dad to take me there after visiting my grandfather nearby. Then Kurt took over and it got even better. THE BEST sales staff.
Very informative, thanks very much. I’m not usually very excited to see a q&a involving someone else but the topic was useful, the guest was engaged, the sound quality was excellent and I sat there and watched all the way through. Thumbs up!
Best Buy is an interesting example for showrooming, because the way Best Buy makes it work is a combination of: price matching online prices, and more importantly, that the manufacturers (Samsung, Apple, Dyson, etc.) pay to have their products in the store. So, if 10% of Best Buy is filled with Samsung TVs, there is a direct payment from Samsung to Best Buy, even if no TVs sell out of the store. The problem I imagine a gun shop runs into is that while a big player like Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's might be able to demand payment to act as a showroom, an individual retailer really doesn't have the leverage to make the same request. It's a shame, because the manufacturers should really recognize that even moreso than most electronics, firearms purchases really benefit from getting hands-on, and local gun shops are providing that.
My wife and I ran a sewing machine,and fabric store for 31 years, and 98% of what Kurt commented on applied to our experience as well! Super video, thank you! Regards from Canada 🇨🇦
@@helmsscotta I didn't ever sew for fun just to repair needed items, but my wife did it as a hobby/fun, and like Kurt she really didn't get to do as a hobby/fun anymore. Regards!
Dunville's Three Crowns is a resurrected brand name of a Belfast distilled. The old stuff stopped being made in 1936, the new stuff started from 2016 and is a blend. The name and place suggest the background of the original company,
This was an extremely enjoyable video because of the many years I have worked in the retail firearms industry. I've been the sales clerk, manager and owner. Everything that was discussed is spot on. Thanks
As the manager of a gun store, this was a very cool episode for me. Very cool to get Kurt's perspective on everything. Its easy to tell that he's an absolute pro. Hes got a great attitude, you can tell hes a businessman that intends to make money and not apologize for it, but he is also very focused on his customers desires. Learned a lot from this episode, thank you
Wow Kurt was incredibly honest and transparent which is really nice to see, really seems to care and isn’t just trying to sell stuff. This was really enlightening
I’ve absolutely loved every interaction with Bear Arms ever since I started shooting. I sometimes go years between seeing them and they still remember me and support my options . They do a wonderful job showing your options and knowing what your interests might be! Small things like a free shirt or asking what you’ve been up to for work are amazing. They know what they are doing and I only do my business with them.
Lol Ian mentioned his wife ! I haven't heard him mention her since a very ,very early video. I wasn't sure if she got fed up with his shenanigans and left him ! Lol
This owner seems like a really cool guy. He shows absolutely no derision for kids who got into guns through videogames. Much of what I like is based on '90s videogames, anime, and films, naturally after acquiring things myself and seeing how I like it.
C&R licenses can 100% be verified with the ATF over the phone in approximately 5 minutes during their business hours. They are not verifiable on the website due to privacy issues per ATF.
I enjoyed that. I completely forgot about time. It was interesting to hear the views of the sales people. I believe he is spot on about narrow profit margins on guns. I never ask about discounts in a shop. I want them to do well so they are there for me when I want to buy a gun.
This was really interesting i hope we get to see more of kurt, i live in Sweden so im sadly not able to engange in my gun interest that much so hearing opinions and experiences from US gunowners are really amazing :)
Lol, people begging for discounts is the bane of almost any retail business. I worked in a liquor store in Texas for over seven years and people will either ask for a discount because it's Tuesday and the sky is blue or they'll want a discount to get back to the prices they paid in 1978.
I'm impressed Kurt was willing to take the time to answer these questions. Sounds like he's very knowledgeable and if I'm ever I the area I'd stop in to support his business.
This guy really cracks me up for some reason. I know this is a random one off QA, but I think there's a lotta potential in collaborating with this guy again
I've been involved in two gun stores over the past couple of decades (both, sadly, gone) and Kurt is dead on in every aspect that was brought up with in the allotted time space. Well done!!
SO! I used to be the manager of an airsoft store, not a gun store... but still retail --> still quasi gun related. Question at 12:40 --> I loved this... Helping a customer for like half an hour, answering every question, doing everything with them, just for them to turn around and buy it online. "Ok, but maybe online had a way better price?" NOPE! They'd pay the exact same price we had it on the shelf for. "What about a deal? maybe they had a coupon for some goodies" NOPE!!! No extra clipazines, no super batteries, no laser range finding rail covers that are blue-tooth compatible... "Well... why?" been asking that question for a while.. some people just LOVE online purchasing. The super-kicker... is when it arrives broken, or they dont know how to use it, or they have a problem... annnnddd they bring it to the store asking for help. "I dunno man, sounds like an *insert website here* problem..."
The issue I’ve always had is guns in the $500-$1,500 range always have at least a 15% mark up vs. online. Most have around a 25% mark up, all in. I’d be happy to support local business, but when their price for a gun is $600 and I can pay $450 online, I can’t justify the 20 min they spend with me being worth $150.
When 40% markup over cost is all you have to pay for running a business that deal is harder to lower the price when times are this difficult to stock items.
@@ChrisLoew I’m saying that the 3 gun shops around me have been like that for 15 years, regardless of supply/demand, politics, type of gun, etc. I understand overhead and the basic expenses of running a business, but at the end of the day, if I know what I want and don’t need my hand held, it doesn’t make sense to spend so much extra money. If it was 10% or less, I’d be all for supporting local business, and I happily spend my money on other products they have that the mark up wasn’t so high.
Love Bear Arms. Just recently went there to buy an AR muzzle device and the salesman actually saved me some money and I left with a warcomp that I love and following his advice was easy to install!!
Fitting a gun to the hand size and physical strength of a new customer is vital to having a successful outcome to the whole sales process. Find out what fits the customers' hand and that they can work the slide on. Back in 1999, I had a gentleman come in to the store I worked at to find handgun for his wife. He had three requirements 1) Not a .22 rimfire, 2) semi auto with ease of loading/unloading and very small hands. When he brought his wife in, I showed them the fairly new Beretta Tomcat in .32 ACP with the pop up barrel for easy loading. She had hands that would not fit a larger grip and was happy with the Tomcat. Fit is always the most important factor in a happy customer.
Great video and store. I have bought 3 guns from Bear Arms and their service and shopping experience is excellent! They are always busy every time I have been in there and they have ammo in stock.
There is an FFL near me that is run out of the office for an electrician business. Considering where they are located I think he got his FFL so he and his buddies could buy guns online and not drive 30 miles to the next closest gun store to get them. The nice thing is they only charge a $10 transfer fee so if they aren't out of your way it's really nice for those of us in the area who also like guns.
Kurt offered me a job years ago. I didn't end up accepting it, (my problem, not his) but he was very courteous and very down to earth. I still go to Bear Arms to research and purchase on the regular. Great bunch of guys!
As someone who used to work in retail, the majority of customers have no idea how a warranty works. And profit margins on most new products (guns or otherwise) is slim to none. Unless you're a Wal-Mart type business where you buy in bulk for cheap and then sell at regular retail for an insane profit margin there's no real wiggle room.
Kurt is great. Never had any conversation with the man but all sales are a breeze and he can quickly tell you whatever you need to know to make a sound purchase. It's also nice of tue owner to let him sell some knives from his personal collection in the store. Got a couple good bayonets from that. Thank you for interviewing kurt, ian. He very much deserves it.
My anecdotal evidence to two of these questions: 1.) The most returned firearm in my experience was airweight or very light .357 DAO or DA/SA revolvers, like a 360PD/340PD. While the people who wanted them (like Ian's wife!) really wanted them, most people heavily underestimated exactly how difficult they are to shoot "well" or worse, bought them for a loved one sight unseen who ended up less than enthused with the heavy recoil. 2.) I was always confused by the obsession with DAO revolvers being the only thing "for ladies", as while they may have been able to rack a slide when shown how, they often had trouble keeping aim through a long, heavy DA pull. I sold many a female customer on the then-new G43 & G42, a few of those the TALO "Tiffany Blue" 😊
This video was taken in the infamous back room where all shops hide all their ammo and good product. Congrats on blowing that spot for all of us who have been behind the counter.
Ah yes, the magical back room. I know the website said you're sold out, and the shelf is completely empty, but could you check in the back room? Obviously that super hot item that sells well might be back there rather than on the shelf, because for some reason I don't realize you're here to sell stuff instead of simply store it in the back room.
I never heard the term "analysis paralysis" but it happened to me too often to overlook. Overhearing it in this Q&A actually opened my eyes on some things. Great Q&A as always. Very wholesome and insightful information. And most importantly, very engaging.
Wow this interview was way better than I thought it was going to be at the start. Kudos to Kurt. Ian you should definitely do a video on Kurt's collection.
It wouldn’t be too far of a stretch to say I now live in Tokyo because a gun shop owner in Florida with a similar mentality to this guy gave a very curious little boy a rifle with the Kanji 三八式 written on it. Creating an environment where kids can pursue their interests and explore new things through firearms and firearm history is something I really love.
One of my favorite Q&As to date! Great conversation, great answers, and some useful insight! I didn’t realize stores didn’t like me using them as a transfer for guns they may stock, but it makes sense and I will do my best to buy from them!
Good interview / Q&A. Kurt comes across so well as a dealer to do business with. Please please can we have a full episode on that delightful Woodsman prototype?
One of our local gun stores, the one with the cheapest transfer fees, doesn't care a bit if you buy online. He does enough transfers that he pays all his bills just in the transfer fees. Of course, when you go in to get the gun, he's happy to sell you the sling, scope and mounts, cases, holsters, ammo, etc. to go with it.
Had to laugh one day when a salesman tried to tell a little old lady what she wanted and she said very loudly "No, I want that one" and points to the .500 S&W! 😄 And she knew how to handle it, too!!!
They don't generally call the guns by their actual names like they did in the 90s and mid 00s, so these kids are usually doing their own research too. You love to see it.
This was terrific! Kurt is well-spoken and very forthcoming in response to the questions. If I ever get the opportunity, I will visit his store, and I will recommend him to friends in AZ. Excellent job, Ian!
I really want to thank you and Kurt for this video as it comes at a perfect time! After 10+ years in the automotive industry I've decided to leave it to get into the firearms industry and I'm starting out in sales, probably doing a lot of behind the scenes compliance stuff too due to my background. The things you said here have given me a lot of inspiration as well as affirmation that my skills are going to translate well in both the front and back of the house. It's quite a nice and modern gun store that was purchased a year or so ago from owners that ran it to the ground. The new owners have done lots of great things with the new place and have worked very hard to undue the damage from the previous owners. In fact, I was their customer. Purchased a pre-owned and broken firearm. However the experience from start to finish (shopping, purchase, sadness, return) was so Incredibly good for a gunshop that I put in an application the next week. If I was to leave the car industry, it was going to be to a shop that ran like a luxury car dealership. A white glove experience.
Worked at a gun shop myself for a hot minute, and when Kurt mentioned distributor shenanigans around the 48-minute mark, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of our wall of Kel Tecs- we had to have been THE biggest distributor of Sub 2000s, KS7s, and KSGs Q4 2020/Q1 2021 in California- at one point I counted no less than 47 Kel Tec boxes in the back of our store. Not to mention the 15 S&W M&P Shields in different colors (including distributor exclusive combinations of colors and night sights) that my boss bought just so she could get her hands on some M92FSes and POF rifles at the height of the pandemic. Great interview! Bear Arms was a destination for a trip to Arizona I took a couple years back and Kurt was an incredibly gracious host!
Outstanding advice for those considering a home based FFL business. I tried it and since I’m only looking for a low maintenance side gig, it’s been an utter waste of time. Also, wholesale price for small timers is just a few percentage points away from sale price for the big guys. People should know that.
I too own my own business my standard line when I am standing in a shop at midnight finishing the repair of something not working is that this is the joy of business ownership I'm just waiting for the joy to start! No I don't get to set my own hours, no I can't just take off anytime I want, no I don't get paid vacation, no tax breaks don't favor me as my taxes are actually due before yours are! Also when you stated that people come in and waste your time by getting all the research done by someone with knowledge and then go by it somewhere else that's just all too true true but when they call me to repair it because they bought it somewhere else unfortunately for them I have to charge them a higher fee because they didn't get it from me!
I found Bear Arms only a few years ago and just want to say that you run a fantastic shop. You, in fact, have great customer service and I have bought 5 out of my last 6 guns from you because of everything that you said. Five out of five stars for you and your shop. 👍👍
Great video, I'm happy to say this is my local gun shop. I'm new to the area & every time I've been there the staff has been awesome. Great selection of firearms too.
I am that guy who went into a dealership, asked a lot of questions and then went and bought that thing online. BUT. - It was not a firearm, it was a watch, and I bought it online only because they didn't have my preferred variant in stock, nor could they order it (I asked). So I saved the equivalent of 40 dollars (and it's more valuable over here), but I would have gladly supported my local dealership if I could.For the convenience...and the warranty.
Very good question from your patrons! I had to call Kurt first before I watched the video to get the inside scoop. You should talk about Kurt's collection in one of your video's
Ran into Ian when I went into Bear Arms the day he filmed this! He was super nice, I'm excited to hear what they talk about in this.
This was a REALLY interesting Q&A. I appreciate the diversity. Kurt was really interesting to see the perspective. Thanks Ian!
It was. Loved the mention of the Tactical Granny. 👍🙂
Concur
Aeataaa
We definitely need a video on Kurt’s ”cool, flexing collection” now!
Yes, yes we do!
Been doing business with Bear Arms since 1995.
Started with my Father and continues with me. It has been interesting to see the evolution over the years.
I am glad they are still going strong.
Stay classy my friends.
If Kurt is willing, it would be great to see a video tour of his store.
Never thought an interview with a gun store owner is what I needed
Can't wait to see the "Kurt flexing his cool stuff" video, the tool room Woodsman was really cool.
There's a saying in the world of fishing: If you never want to go fishing again, open a tackle store.
@@acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 Indeed.
The grim truth.
"Showrooming" Where I used to live in CA we had 2 gun shops both had 2 different transfer charge rates; If it was a firearm that the shop had or could order in- the Transfer fee was 150.00 if it wasn't, -used/ private party sale etc.- then it was 35.00; worked well for them
See, I can get behind that. I asked the transfer fee question at 37:16 with collectors in mind.
Now you know what their profit margin is.
All stores shouldnt charge more than $40 max for transfers its such low effort for transfering guns they just need to log the gun in and run the nics check shops blow this way out of proportion and should have competive prices if they dont like it
@@Frankgonzalez-hj7bm Yeah it’s very low effort. I do mine at my local pawn shop and they charge $10. They make a good deal of business just doing transfers. It also gets people in the door who might buy something else.
I think that’s the fallacy of logic with gun stores who charge a lot on transfers. They think if they charge a lot on transfers people will buy from them instead of online. In reality they’ll just do their transfer somewhere else. Just more lost business. Offering cheap transfers keeps people coming to your store who may still buy something while they’re there and keeps your store in their mind for future needs.
So someone bought a Glock 19 online and sent it to your store. Great, ask them if they need extra magazines, a holster, or ammo while they’re there.
yeah. Most places I shop at charge $20, or $10 if you have a CCW.
I really love to hear Kurt signaling out Walther and CZ as underappreciated gun manufacturers. I have been an advocate of Walther products since the P99 came out. Walther makes fantastic products and they really do a good job offering firearms that are left handed friendly. As a south paw, I really appreciate these firearms for their ergonomics, accuracy, and quality. I hope Ian can visit Walther one day like he has with HK.
Heh, the P99 is both my favorite and my least favorite gun. The P99C had a HORRIBLE trigger. But the P99 full size with the AS (or QA) trigger is a great pistol.
My dream job is to become marketing director for Walther USA.
Shhhhhhhh......don't let THE SECRET out about how great CZ is (and a great value), and how wonderful and well thought out all the Walthers are too!!!
Excellent Q&A. I’m a former employee of another gunshop in AZ and still answer questions from my friends.
Bear Arms is one of my favorite shops also.
Same!
@James Luong do you have Vietnamese ancestry?
I like the fact they're sitting in front of Ian's latest ammo purchase :)
🤣🤣🤣
Huge Flex
Love the insight on how Walther and CZ don't get enough love. As someone outside of the US it's interesting what is and isn't popular - would never expect brands like that to be less popular!
Well, main stream no. But they have some die hard fans here.
Edit: I carry a ppk, and love my CZ 97.
CZ gang till I die.
Only guns I'd ever even humor in that price range. Been carrying CZ for years.
CZ guy here. I have shown a couple glock guys the PCR who know own one lol
I worked a gun counter at a big box store for a while and I believe every person who knew what CZ was already owned one. It was sad.
Accessories are sold in store because 1. people come in just for accessories, 2. customers buying a gun will see accessories & convince themselves to buy some, 3. on sale accessories draw in customers and 4. the salesmen can suggest an accessory or include one in the deal to convince a customer to make a purchase.
The average customers is very open & susceptible to suggestion if you're polite and helpful.
I almost always buy an accessory or box of ammo if I walk into a gun store to just look. Even though it’s not much for the store, it helps a little.
I used to work in camera shops. It sounds like there's a lot that's similar in terms of how the business works, and how customers handle the goods. Cameras have an advantage in terms of getting dropped, though: you can get the customer to put the strap round their neck.
I remember that was the first thing we learned in high school photography, always put the strap on first.
Gunshop I visited, the sales clerk would allow the customer to look at the gun, but first placed down one of those foam locking tiles on the counter. Another store has a fatigue mat on the counter. Guess he's right about accidents...
Yeah pretty much all of this rings true for bicycle shops too.
Agree on the CZ’s being overlooked. I let a friend of mine shoot my 75 Compact carry gun, and he came off of wanting a Glock or S&W so fast it made your head spin. Been carrying one for years, and training regularly, and it always shines.
I tend to find a store I like and always go there, even if it's not the best price. I like the people there and would rather support the business over saving a few bucks, community has more value than paper
We need a video of Kurt's interesting collection!!
It sounds like a gun store that should be an adult petting zoo for guns, would love to be able to browse his collections and touch/pet them, no need to actually fire them
Love this dude, seems so genuine and fun to hang out with
24:35 Made my day
And respectful "hey dad can I?"
What a cool guy, If I was in Az. I would buy from him. In fact if I lived local I would probably like to work for him as well.
Their shop is amazing. They have everything from classics to very rare and expensive modern guns
Forgotten Weapons has not disappointed since I bumped into it on the web 2 years ago. The combination of solo presentations and partnered with quality co-presenters really works. Nice work!
I found the website like 6 years ago and I feel like an old person like I cant belive I found THE WEBSITE instead of the yt channel
Mr ian never let's down if he messes up its usually an accidental *extra content*
One of the best Q&As I have seen. Two obviously well-prepared participants addressing questions all gun owners have had at one time or another. Thanks! Hope you two collaborate on something else down the line!
One of the things I appreciate most about Ian, and the people he works with, is his attitude towards women. He is so respectful and inclusive, which are two things that the gun community historically hasn't been. Tactical grandmas are badasses, and it's so cool to see them, and people like them, celebrated.
Bear Arms is definitely my all time favorite gun store. I remember it being a special treat for my dad to take me there after visiting my grandfather nearby. Then Kurt took over and it got even better. THE BEST sales staff.
Two experts, a bottle and a great discussion. Life is sweet...........
To be faaaaaair, there was two bottles. The classic Tullamore Dew was there early on for Ian to have a 2nd option.
Very informative, thanks very much. I’m not usually very excited to see a q&a involving someone else but the topic was useful, the guest was engaged, the sound quality was excellent and I sat there and watched all the way through. Thumbs up!
Best Buy is an interesting example for showrooming, because the way Best Buy makes it work is a combination of: price matching online prices, and more importantly, that the manufacturers (Samsung, Apple, Dyson, etc.) pay to have their products in the store. So, if 10% of Best Buy is filled with Samsung TVs, there is a direct payment from Samsung to Best Buy, even if no TVs sell out of the store.
The problem I imagine a gun shop runs into is that while a big player like Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's might be able to demand payment to act as a showroom, an individual retailer really doesn't have the leverage to make the same request. It's a shame, because the manufacturers should really recognize that even moreso than most electronics, firearms purchases really benefit from getting hands-on, and local gun shops are providing that.
Well of course now we need that Kurt's Cool Flexing Collection video :)
Love bear arms had another great experience there today. I have never walked out disappointed.
My wife and I ran a sewing machine,and fabric store for 31 years, and 98% of what Kurt commented on applied to our experience as well! Super video, thank you! Regards from Canada 🇨🇦
Didn't get to do a lot of sewing?
@@helmsscotta I didn't ever sew for fun just to repair needed items, but my wife did it as a hobby/fun, and like Kurt she really didn't get to do as a hobby/fun anymore. Regards!
Dunville's Three Crowns is a resurrected brand name of a Belfast distilled. The old stuff stopped being made in 1936, the new stuff started from 2016 and is a blend. The name and place suggest the background of the original company,
Me, a foreigner, who could never get a residential visa in the United States let alone firearm ownership: _Wow, such an interesting topic to know_
Curiosity and knowledge is everything!
Just buy a hunting license under 925(Y).
This was an extremely enjoyable video because of the many years I have worked in the retail firearms industry. I've been the sales clerk, manager and owner. Everything that was discussed is spot on. Thanks
Yes, and the same difference for our sewing machine and quilt store believe it or not.
As the manager of a gun store, this was a very cool episode for me. Very cool to get Kurt's perspective on everything. Its easy to tell that he's an absolute pro. Hes got a great attitude, you can tell hes a businessman that intends to make money and not apologize for it, but he is also very focused on his customers desires. Learned a lot from this episode, thank you
Wow Kurt was incredibly honest and transparent which is really nice to see, really seems to care and isn’t just trying to sell stuff. This was really enlightening
I’ve absolutely loved every interaction with Bear Arms ever since I started shooting. I sometimes go years between seeing them and they still remember me and support my options .
They do a wonderful job showing your options and knowing what your interests might be!
Small things like a free shirt or asking what you’ve been up to for work are amazing. They know what they are doing and I only do my business with them.
Lol Ian mentioned his wife ! I haven't heard him mention her since a very ,very early video. I wasn't sure if she got fed up with his shenanigans and left him ! Lol
Very rarely she is alluded to in the patreon apocrypha videos
Gun Jesus is irresistible!
...and recently he stated that it was thanks to her support that he persevered in the first years of creating Forgotten Weapons content full time
She also occasionally makes an appearance in trip photos on Patreon.
he was talking about his family in interview with czguns (Česká zbrojovka)
That hour went by quickly. Thank you both for the content.
This is exactly why i love small and family owned gun shops, what a great dude.
This owner seems like a really cool guy. He shows absolutely no derision for kids who got into guns through videogames. Much of what I like is based on '90s videogames, anime, and films, naturally after acquiring things myself and seeing how I like it.
We in Northern Ireland appreciate the product placement of Dunville's Belfast Irish Whisley!
Some of the best whiskey I've ever tasted.
@@gifthorse3675 hwy spellling gests hard afer a few dhranks k?
Alto correct!!!
C&R licenses can 100% be verified with the ATF over the phone in approximately 5 minutes during their business hours. They are not verifiable on the website due to privacy issues per ATF.
YES! great idea for a guest. I'm very interested in what goes on behind the counter.
I enjoyed that. I completely forgot about time. It was interesting to hear the views of the sales people. I believe he is spot on about narrow profit margins on guns. I never ask about discounts in a shop. I want them to do well so they are there for me when I want to buy a gun.
This was really interesting i hope we get to see more of kurt, i live in Sweden so im sadly not able to engange in my gun interest that much so hearing opinions and experiences from US gunowners are really amazing :)
Yeah, this was a great Q&A, another with him would be very enjoyable
Lol, people begging for discounts is the bane of almost any retail business. I worked in a liquor store in Texas for over seven years and people will either ask for a discount because it's Tuesday and the sky is blue or they'll want a discount to get back to the prices they paid in 1978.
Ahhhh I love Bear Arms! I've purchased a handful of firearms from them over the years, Including my very first one!
I'm impressed Kurt was willing to take the time to answer these questions. Sounds like he's very knowledgeable and if I'm ever I the area I'd stop in to support his business.
This guy really cracks me up for some reason. I know this is a random one off QA, but I think there's a lotta potential in collaborating with this guy again
I've been involved in two gun stores over the past couple of decades (both, sadly, gone) and Kurt is dead on in every aspect that was brought up with in the allotted time space. Well done!!
SO! I used to be the manager of an airsoft store, not a gun store... but still retail --> still quasi gun related. Question at 12:40 --> I loved this... Helping a customer for like half an hour, answering every question, doing everything with them, just for them to turn around and buy it online. "Ok, but maybe online had a way better price?" NOPE! They'd pay the exact same price we had it on the shelf for. "What about a deal? maybe they had a coupon for some goodies" NOPE!!! No extra clipazines, no super batteries, no laser range finding rail covers that are blue-tooth compatible... "Well... why?" been asking that question for a while.. some people just LOVE online purchasing. The super-kicker... is when it arrives broken, or they dont know how to use it, or they have a problem... annnnddd they bring it to the store asking for help. "I dunno man, sounds like an *insert website here* problem..."
The issue I’ve always had is guns in the $500-$1,500 range always have at least a 15% mark up vs. online. Most have around a 25% mark up, all in.
I’d be happy to support local business, but when their price for a gun is $600 and I can pay $450 online, I can’t justify the 20 min they spend with me being worth $150.
When 40% markup over cost is all you have to pay for running a business that deal is harder to lower the price when times are this difficult to stock items.
@@ChrisLoew I’m saying that the 3 gun shops around me have been like that for 15 years, regardless of supply/demand, politics, type of gun, etc.
I understand overhead and the basic expenses of running a business, but at the end of the day, if I know what I want and don’t need my hand held, it doesn’t make sense to spend so much extra money. If it was 10% or less, I’d be all for supporting local business, and I happily spend my money on other products they have that the mark up wasn’t so high.
They have to pay rent taxes lights heat security
@@demonprinces17 So does the on-line guy. It's usually another brick and mortar gun shop. It's not like you can buy direct from a wholesaler.
Love Bear Arms. Just recently went there to buy an AR muzzle device and the salesman actually saved me some money and I left with a warcomp that I love and following his advice was easy to install!!
Fitting a gun to the hand size and physical strength of a new customer is vital to having a successful outcome to the whole sales process. Find out what fits the customers' hand and that they can work the slide on. Back in 1999, I had a gentleman come in to the store I worked at to find handgun for his wife. He had three requirements 1) Not a .22 rimfire, 2) semi auto with ease of loading/unloading and very small hands. When he brought his wife in, I showed them the fairly new Beretta Tomcat in .32 ACP with the pop up barrel for easy loading. She had hands that would not fit a larger grip and was happy with the Tomcat. Fit is always the most important factor in a happy customer.
The thing he talked about with atf auditors is the same thing with building inspection
Great video and store. I have bought 3 guns from Bear Arms and their service and shopping experience is excellent! They are always busy every time I have been in there and they have ammo in stock.
There is an FFL near me that is run out of the office for an electrician business. Considering where they are located I think he got his FFL so he and his buddies could buy guns online and not drive 30 miles to the next closest gun store to get them. The nice thing is they only charge a $10 transfer fee so if they aren't out of your way it's really nice for those of us in the area who also like guns.
"Bear arms firearms"... Shoutout to a great shop name, right there.
Kurt offered me a job years ago. I didn't end up accepting it, (my problem, not his) but he was very courteous and very down to earth. I still go to Bear Arms to research and purchase on the regular. Great bunch of guys!
As someone who used to work in retail, the majority of customers have no idea how a warranty works.
And profit margins on most new products (guns or otherwise) is slim to none. Unless you're a Wal-Mart type business where you buy in bulk for cheap and then sell at regular retail for an insane profit margin there's no real wiggle room.
One of your best Q&A videos ever.
Kurt is great. Never had any conversation with the man but all sales are a breeze and he can quickly tell you whatever you need to know to make a sound purchase. It's also nice of tue owner to let him sell some knives from his personal collection in the store. Got a couple good bayonets from that. Thank you for interviewing kurt, ian. He very much deserves it.
My anecdotal evidence to two of these questions:
1.) The most returned firearm in my experience was airweight or very light .357 DAO or DA/SA revolvers, like a 360PD/340PD. While the people who wanted them (like Ian's wife!) really wanted them, most people heavily underestimated exactly how difficult they are to shoot "well" or worse, bought them for a loved one sight unseen who ended up less than enthused with the heavy recoil.
2.) I was always confused by the obsession with DAO revolvers being the only thing "for ladies", as while they may have been able to rack a slide when shown how, they often had trouble keeping aim through a long, heavy DA pull. I sold many a female customer on the then-new G43 & G42, a few of those the TALO "Tiffany Blue" 😊
Love visiting bear arms. One of the best shops I’ve ever been to
This video was taken in the infamous back room where all shops hide all their ammo and good product. Congrats on blowing that spot for all of us who have been behind the counter.
Ah yes, the magical back room.
I know the website said you're sold out, and the shelf is completely empty, but could you check in the back room? Obviously that super hot item that sells well might be back there rather than on the shelf, because for some reason I don't realize you're here to sell stuff instead of simply store it in the back room.
I never heard the term "analysis paralysis" but it happened to me too often to overlook. Overhearing it in this Q&A actually opened my eyes on some things. Great Q&A as always. Very wholesome and insightful information. And most importantly, very engaging.
You should read The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz. He was my lead professor in college.
Wow this interview was way better than I thought it was going to be at the start. Kudos to Kurt.
Ian you should definitely do a video on Kurt's collection.
More Kurt!
I manage my family's small retail business. We don't sell firearms but so much of what he said rings true with my business as well. Much respect Kurt!
It wouldn’t be too far of a stretch to say I now live in Tokyo because a gun shop owner in Florida with a similar mentality to this guy gave a very curious little boy a rifle with the Kanji 三八式 written on it.
Creating an environment where kids can pursue their interests and explore new things through firearms and firearm history is something I really love.
One of my favorite Q&As to date! Great conversation, great answers, and some useful insight! I didn’t realize stores didn’t like me using them as a transfer for guns they may stock, but it makes sense and I will do my best to buy from them!
Good interview / Q&A. Kurt comes across so well as a dealer to do business with. Please please can we have a full episode on that delightful Woodsman prototype?
Really enjoyed hearing Kurt's insight, and would love to see him on the channel again!
Love the part about showing a kid a svt40. That’s how I got into firearms. Keep up the good work sir next time I’m in az I need to stop by your shop.
One of our local gun stores, the one with the cheapest transfer fees, doesn't care a bit if you buy online. He does enough transfers that he pays all his bills just in the transfer fees.
Of course, when you go in to get the gun, he's happy to sell you the sling, scope and mounts, cases, holsters, ammo, etc. to go with it.
Local pawn shop is the same way... like 20$ a transfer..
Bingo. 20 bucks (some do 10 with a CCW) and you are inside the door? Selling opportunity. You make zero dollars off the guy who never enters the shop.
@@Rocketsong good point! Especially since the one I mentioned is a pawn shop, probably worth it to get the added traffic
Had to laugh one day when a salesman tried to tell a little old lady what she wanted and she said very loudly "No, I want that one" and points to the .500 S&W! 😄
And she knew how to handle it, too!!!
Wonderful. One of the most interesting q and a sessions I have seen in all my years viewing the web.
Keep the aspidistra flying!
Paul
The best Q&A featuring a guest that I've ever watched. Thank you to both of you. Please do it again.
So glad to hear about kids learning firearms thru video games!!!
They don't generally call the guns by their actual names like they did in the 90s and mid 00s, so these kids are usually doing their own research too. You love to see it.
Loving the CZ love! My 75BD is by far the best gun I own. 👍
Fascinating video. Thank you both for taking the time to do this.👍
This was terrific! Kurt is well-spoken and very forthcoming in response to the questions. If I ever get the opportunity, I will visit his store, and I will recommend him to friends in AZ. Excellent job, Ian!
I sadly do not watch your q&a's often enough. Loving this video. Would definitely love a collection video if kurt ever has time!
Happy to say this was one of the more interesting Q&As I’ve watched
I really want to thank you and Kurt for this video as it comes at a perfect time! After 10+ years in the automotive industry I've decided to leave it to get into the firearms industry and I'm starting out in sales, probably doing a lot of behind the scenes compliance stuff too due to my background. The things you said here have given me a lot of inspiration as well as affirmation that my skills are going to translate well in both the front and back of the house.
It's quite a nice and modern gun store that was purchased a year or so ago from owners that ran it to the ground. The new owners have done lots of great things with the new place and have worked very hard to undue the damage from the previous owners.
In fact, I was their customer. Purchased a pre-owned and broken firearm. However the experience from start to finish (shopping, purchase, sadness, return) was so Incredibly good for a gunshop that I put in an application the next week.
If I was to leave the car industry, it was going to be to a shop that ran like a luxury car dealership. A white glove experience.
Worked at a gun shop myself for a hot minute, and when Kurt mentioned distributor shenanigans around the 48-minute mark, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of our wall of Kel Tecs- we had to have been THE biggest distributor of Sub 2000s, KS7s, and KSGs Q4 2020/Q1 2021 in California- at one point I counted no less than 47 Kel Tec boxes in the back of our store. Not to mention the 15 S&W M&P Shields in different colors (including distributor exclusive combinations of colors and night sights) that my boss bought just so she could get her hands on some M92FSes and POF rifles at the height of the pandemic.
Great interview! Bear Arms was a destination for a trip to Arizona I took a couple years back and Kurt was an incredibly gracious host!
Outstanding advice for those considering a home based FFL business. I tried it and since I’m only looking for a low maintenance side gig, it’s been an utter waste of time. Also, wholesale price for small timers is just a few percentage points away from sale price for the big guys. People should know that.
I too own my own business my standard line when I am standing in a shop at midnight finishing the repair of something not working is that this is the joy of business ownership I'm just waiting for the joy to start! No I don't get to set my own hours, no I can't just take off anytime I want, no I don't get paid vacation, no tax breaks don't favor me as my taxes are actually due before yours are! Also when you stated that people come in and waste your time by getting all the research done by someone with knowledge and then go by it somewhere else that's just all too true true but when they call me to repair it because they bought it somewhere else unfortunately for them I have to charge them a higher fee because they didn't get it from me!
That was a very pleasant interview to watch.
I found Bear Arms only a few years ago and just want to say that you run a fantastic shop. You, in fact, have great customer service and I have bought 5 out of my last 6 guns from you because of everything that you said. Five out of five stars for you and your shop. 👍👍
What a great q&a with a really interesting guest. Very enjoyable to watch.
Great video, I'm happy to say this is my local gun shop. I'm new to the area & every time I've been there the staff has been awesome. Great selection of firearms too.
Kurt isn't your typical gun shop owner, that's a compliment
I am that guy who went into a dealership, asked a lot of questions and then went and bought that thing online.
BUT. - It was not a firearm, it was a watch, and I bought it online only because they didn't have my preferred variant in stock, nor could they order it (I asked). So I saved the equivalent of 40 dollars (and it's more valuable over here), but I would have gladly supported my local dealership if I could.For the convenience...and the warranty.
Hey, Bear Arms is my home shop! Good to see Kurt on here! Best shop in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, hands down!
This is definitely one of the best Q&As. This and the flamethrower one
Very good question from your patrons! I had to call Kurt first before I watched the video to get the inside scoop. You should talk about Kurt's collection in one of your video's
That dunnville three crown is one of my favorites whiskey.
One of the best you have done so far. I really appreciate this man's point of view on certain topics thank you guys both of you I appreciate your time