Sportsmen Warehouse...........

[fishfinderswife]

Who likes shopping at Sportsmen warehouse? I do, but I don't...... [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img] They package things up in a good quanity, but don't carry enough fishing gear. [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img] .

[oversize]

I agree with you, they never have what I am after. They don't carry anything that is high end either. I was not impressed.

[skahorse]

I love the store, and the selection. How can you say they don't have enough fishing gear? IMO they have more than Joes or FMS. I can spend hours in that store. What they really need is gift registry! A few weeks back I walked through the whole store with my wife, she had a pen and paper, and I listed everything I wanted. Now I know what I am getting! I can't wait for those new waders for christmas!!

Now, what drives me nuts is the customer service there. They are mis-informed. And rarely seem to know what you are talking about. My wife was there last weekend. She was looking for shooting gloves, the ones with the neoprene trigger fingers. She asks someone, and they say "Oh, yea, I know where those are." And takes her to the whole rack of gloves and says "There ya go" and just leaves. Now, she didn't know what she was looking for, and I tried to describe them over the phone. Well, long story short, she didn't get the right thing. O'well, I guess I just have to go with her everytime... :grin:

--Skahorse

[GOT2FISH]

Not to be rude but what is your idea of high end?I have spent hours in that place looking at what I concidered a good selection of rods and reels, the service I recived has always been impresive, the information has been helpful except for the board out front that tells whats hitting where. And the bait has almost always been fresh, who could ask for more. If theres any one out there who works for this company keep up the good work I personal am very impressed. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Lure Dragger]

I have to agree with Skahorse, great selection but poor customer service. I bought a Lowance X87 fishfinder from there and what they don't tell you is that if you want the boat speed and distance traveled to come up on you screen you have to buy a different trasducer. That was bad enough but when I went back in to find out which one that I wanted they didn't have a clue. I was told that I would have to have two transducers. I told them that there was only a place for one to plug in and he then told me that I would have to but a special adapter. He asked someone else and this person just shrugged his shoulders. I left without a transducer and still don't know what I need.

[steelheadslayer]

Hey all, I think it's a good place to shop. You need to remember they are new in the NW. They have been catering to the midwest warm water fishermen for years. It is going to take them awhile to get dialed in like FMS or Joes. I have had bad customer service at Joes and sometimes FMS with guys who didn't have a clue. Just be patient and really TALK to who ever you're dealing with and maybe you can get something figured out between the two of you. I'll still have my FMS loyalty but sometimes Sportsmans has things I won't find at FMS or maybe a little better price. Give them some time, just go into a Home Depot and try and find a very knowledgable person who knows exactly what you're asking for all the time.

[Tilla]

Not too many knowledgeable people around when it comes to Marine electronics. FMS in Delta Park has one guy I can trust, other than that a Marine Elec supply is the way to go for good answers.
Some of these stores send their employees to product schools to get factory trained, that helps.

[fishfinderswife]

They don't carry somethings for sturgeon fishing, I like the way they setup there corkies, there hooks are packed nicely - 25 hooks instead of 8.... [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] GI joes, they don't always carry what we need, they can be messy, FMS - they always have what I need, but there toooo far away from where I live. :depressed: The customer service at Sportsman isn't that bad. I have not had any problems. :smile:

[Corkie Monster]

I like the store, but I don't like beeing followed around and harrassed every 5 minutes. They seem to treat everybody like a theif!!!!
Just my .02

CM

[fishfinderswife]

They need to get FRS radio's just like GI Joes, my work has them and we let each other now when we have helped customers. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

[topcd098]

All I am going to stay is...cheap bulk flies craig

[Mr. BrownTrout]

I wished they had more marine supplies.
To me it seems they have way more bass(warmwater fish) tackle then salmon, steelhead or trout.
But overall as I don't have easy access to fishermans marine supply here in Idaho...they will have to do until Feb when I come to town for the sportsman show.

[sparkleboy]

I love the place, but it does seem like two things are apparent:
1) They don't carry a lot of equipment for specialized fishing, i.e. marine and sturgeon.
2) They do not have the best customer service. But I expected that, it's kind of like Home Depot. Unless you get there at 6 am, you're not going to get helped.
I really don't mind the lack of customer service, to tell you the truth. I kind of enjoy wondering in awe of all the things I'd like to buy. I already know where most of the things I want to buy are located. A lot of the times when I'm wondering, someone will ask me if I need help. I've asked a couple of times where certain things are, and I've always been led to what I want. I've never experienced an employee following me around as if ready to catch me in the act of stealing, though.

[ 12-03-2003, 05:29 PM: Message edited by: sparkleboy ]

[SalmonNilla]

I've only been to the one in Salem but have had a great experience with them. John ( dont know his last name) has been very helpful. He's helped me find all the gear I was looking for, offered plenty of tips and even taught me some new knots. Great customer service. Sportsmans is the only place I can find Amerman eggs in stock, G.I. Joes never has them. I sure wish we had one in Eugene. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[blacktail]

I still prefer Fisherman's and Great American Tackle for steelhead and salmon gear.

Sportsmans is better for hunting, camping and clothing.

IMO

Mike

[reel guru]

I hope no one takes offense to me giving a plug for my employer. Ollie Damon's is a smaller store but has a lot of fishing stuff and a very friendly and knowledgeable staff. It is also a warranty center for most reel manufacturers, electric trolling motors and coleman camping supplies. It has some deals on new and old stuff that is tough to find at bigger stores. Once again I hope you guys don't mind me giving my employer a plug. I have a great time helping people out on a daily basis and feel that there is a much more personable feel when a customer walks through the door. I still shop at other places for the stuff we don't sell and for my 2 cents, Fisherman's is way more knowledgeable than sportsman's. This site (ifish) is very kewl. Everyone is incredibly friendly and helpful.My kinda people. Tight lines all. -Ryan

[DF]

Corkey Monster...imagine being a teenager walking through ace hardware...around...every..corner, can I help you can I help you can I help you!? for crying out loud im not gonna steal anything GO AWAY...and as with most all stores, when you really NEED somthing, ya can't find anyone :tongue:

[fishfinderswife]

reel guru
Ollie's is a good store to. Sportsman's does need to get more knowledge on what people really fish for out here.
They do have gear for bass, not as much for steelhead, salmon or sturgeon. :whazzup:

[SHOUGALNITE]

I have been to Sportsmen's many times. They have some high end stuff. The only fair prices I saw was on some of the clothing. The fishing rod selection sucks, but the tackle section is great. As far as customer service goes , I am not that happy with them. They told me they would beat any price or match it. That did not happen when I talked to a manager and showed him the prices on a shotshell reloader. And one more thing, I had four people in the store looking for Campdry and noboody could find it, or knew what it was. So, I found it myself.

[Chromaflage]

I spend more than my share of time at Sportsman's, FMS, GI Joes, Great American Tackle, Bi-Mart - and just about anyplace else that has gear. They all have their pros/cons. Regarding customer service, I've found that it really depends on each person. But, in general, I have found that FMS and Great American Tackle (Gary Waterhouse) have the most knowledgeable people.

I've also found that it's very difficult to find a one-stop-shop for hunting/fishing/outdoor gear where people are knowledgeable and where you can actually get a decent deal. I tend to go the the more specialized shops.

Back to topic, regarding Sportsman's, I have yet to find "good" deals or knowledgeable fishing people. I did however find a Brad's wobbler there this year that I didn't see anywhere else - it put 12 URBs in my boat in three straight trips.

BUT....if Cabela's has it and I can wait a couple days for it, I'll order it.

ORS

[Swim Shady]

Something to keep in mind folks is that 1 person owns SW. Therefore; decisions are swift to moderate criticism. Case in point, word is, shift in company rules is now allowing managers to bring in local product for local needs. IE Salmon/Steelhead so on, this is a NEW shift so give it time!! It would not hurt to drop a line to corporate and express your complaints. I do work their part time for the fun of it and enjoy the selection and prices. In Salem, it is the only "REEL" sporting place around where a fellow can get a box of shells, spool his reel, buy a framed picture and some bulk Cherry Sours. When I work, and I mean very part time, customer service is my top priority. If I ask you 2-3 times if I can help... it's because I want to help, not because I think you are a thief. Come see me at the Gun counter in Salem if you want good service!!
Thanks for the ear
Jasun

[ 12-04-2003, 04:24 PM: Message edited by: Swim Shady ]

[Jennie@ifish]

I sure enjoy Gary at Great American Tackle. I have heard lots of nice things about him.

I am just so used to Fisherman's and GI Joes and Great American.... why would I need a new store?

:smile:

Jen

[SuperT]

I love the place, but unfortunately, I don't have much of a choice here in Boise. They seem to have just about everything that I've needed, but being that it is the only large store of it's type, they get wiped out quickly during the steelhead and salmon seasons. Now if I could just figure out a way to convince you all to stop catching them and let a few more get over here to me... [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img]

[fishfinderswife]

For those of you that don't have much choice's on what store's to shop at, you can shop Gi Joes and Fisherman's online and get the gear you need. [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img] I have heard that great American Tackle is a good place to shop, he is just to far for me to get to. :depressed:

[Ryan Pultz]

My first choice for Customer service is always Gary at Great American Tackle as far as for one stop I need a box of shells and son fly line I like sportsman’s. Just don’t go to sportsman’s and ask the person in the fly tying section about Tube Fly’s they don’t know what they are trust me I asked Rp

[Pickles]

Until this thread, I had never heard of Great American Tackle, could someone please clue me in on their location?

[drhall99]

Great American Tackle [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] .

[Chromaflage]

I don't know if this is legal according to the AUP, but if one were to drive south along 82nd Drive in Clackamas, just south of Highway 212 and happen to stop at Taco Bell on the east side of Street accross from Elmers, one might find a place in the strip mall to shop.

Make sure you take an extra $1 bill to give to Belle so she can go buy a bone from the pet store. :grin:

ORS

[ 12-05-2003, 11:31 PM: Message edited by: OregonRedside ]

[STGRule]

Gary doesn't have a huge selection but it is everything you need. Nothing in that store is useless. I bought my last rod from him. Same brand, same price as the big stores and Gary said it was good for what I bought it for. I trust him. He has also helped me out through work when he could have said "sorry ". But that is just the kinda guy he is. He will get my money first.

For the stuff Gary doesn't carry (non-fishing), I have been known to buy at Sportsmans. I also buy at GI Joe’s, Fisherman’s, Cabela's, Eders and others. I just prefer Great American.

[fishing is life]

I agree that Sportsmens needs to buy more local. Hopefully they will figure it out before it is too late for them . They also need to have better sales.

Great AM Tackle is a smaller shop but his prices are very reasonable and he is on my way home from work. He also sells smaller boxes of sandshrimp in case you dont need a whole lot. I will try and support him as much as possible to keep him in business.

[River Ranger]

sportsmans has a little to much bass equip and needs more salmon and steelhead stuff.Fishermans has much more tackle for s&s I think.I also am a fan of great american.Only sells the things you need good info and Honest reports.Joe's doesn't have a very knowledgable staff.Question..How old do you have to be to sell firearms over the counter???long guns.
R.R.

[fishfinderswife]

My husband goes into Great American Tackle on his way home, he likes going in there. He say's Gary is a nice guy.

[Fish'nDude]

Great American Tackle has always had the specific tackle I’m looking for when I need it.
Very easy to find what your looking for and more! Gary has a great shop and if you haven’t you should check it out. Gary is a heck of great, knowledgeable guy as well.

[Norski]

Wish we hade one over here in Bend Or, I think the store would go great gun's over here.
But than Salem is only 2hrs away or 2&1/2.

I like the store, the cost compaired to G.I..Joes well I buy more for the salem store.

[Chromaflage]

Originally posted by River Ranger:
Question..How old do you have to be to sell firearms over the counter???long guns.
R.R.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Better question - how many times will a GI Joes salesperson grab a long gun off the shelf and hand it to someone without checking the breech? I've noticed this about other stores as well.


ORS

[snowball]

i do like sportsmans for the carhardt selection. Tackle is so so but the merchandising departments need a wake up call. I was in the the Minnesota store and most of the fishing gear was for salmon and coastal type fishing. No offence, but it was the middle of winter and most folks in minnesota would be in need of an auger, small jig rods, ice fly's etc.

[Pickles]

I did happen to find Great Am Tackle yesterday, since I had just happened to be in the area. I liked his selection, and Gary was great to talk to. I noticed his kwik fish selection was small, yet the kwikies he had were ones that caught fish. I will go back