McBride's in Austin,TX -- The bad

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mikemck

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Went in yesterday, thinking maybe I should try and give some business to my local sporting good store, but it just ain't gonna happen.
The people were rude, when they finally deigned to acknowledge my presence, and the prices were outrageous. For example, a BM 730 that I can buy online for $97 + shipping, $160 + tax in McBride's! And the rest of the prices were just as bad.
frown.gif

If this is the cost of supporting local business, I just can't afford it, and would'nt pay it even if I could.
Does this make me a cheap b****** ?? Maybe so, but I work hard for my money and I try to get all the bang for my buck that I can....
 
I can get better customer service from some of the online dealers here at BFC than I can by going into a local cutlery store. Why should I go in there, pay sometimes nearly twice as much, and get crappy service.

I know there are the people who would say I'm wasting the sales peoples time by even going in. However, one day I might walk into a store where someone actually knows (and cares) about the knives they are selling. That's when I'll buy one.

~Mitch

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My Hobby Page
 
You knew when you went there that you were going into a retail store where they have overhead and insurance and other costs. They are always jammed packed and have been very friendly the occasions I had to be in there. Cost isn't always the driver though and when you need that special or custom made part to fix your deer rifle or a pistol on a moments notice, they'll usually have it. definitely a gun store and not a knife store.
Mike

[This message has been edited by flash71 (edited 10-15-2000).]
 
Yes, it is true the are a retail store, with all that entails, but the service and prices are better at Cook's Sure Shot.
I will say that the USED gun prices are usually pretty good in McBride's, which is why I was there in the first place.
As for the service, I really can't understand it, because everytime I go in there to look at guns, I buy at least one. And I do mean every time...

This last time was the first time I had taken a close look at the knives they sell, and I just couldn't believe the prices, and I had to wait about 25 minutes to even take a look at any of them, and it just wasn't that busy at the time.


Overall, McBride's is good for used guns, but that's about it. For just about anything else, I go to Cook's or even Red's..

But anyway, the whole point of this thread was that it might be nice to try and support your local business, but as is often the case, the prices are just outrageous, and the customer service is lacking.
 
The Absolute best prices in Austin are at Heritage Firearms.
Check the m out, you'll be suprised.
Mike
 
This is one of the problems that I have wondered about. A few years ago(right about the time that the Benchmade Pinnacle came out) I wandered into JT's Knife Shop in Port Jervis,NY. Now dont get me wrong, the service there is excellent and JT and his asst.(sister?) are very knowledgable and helpful.I want to be clear on this-they are very friendly. Anyway, I saw the Pinnacle for the first time and the price was $139.I decided to think it over and went home.The next day I was talking to Greg at Skylands Cutlery and mentioned this knife(satin,plain edge). His price was $90 to me(no shipping as I live near him and meet him). Now what do I as a regular guy who works 2 jobs(actually 1 full and 1 part-time)to pay for kid's college do in this situation? Yes they are great people and friendly but do I spend the extra $49?? I mean I can go in there and buy shirts and stuff(JT's is also military surplus) but can I justify to myself the extra $49 because he is a nice guy?
Opinions please,no flames.

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Dave (Phil.4:13)
I Can Do All Things Through Him Who Strengthens Me
Lifter at work: www.profitness.com/Profiles/profileDaveAbramson
 
I have wondered many times into JT's Knife shop,thats just the reason why I do most of my knife purchases there.I guess if I want a place to go in and talk knives,I better try to keep them in business by giving them my business.I'm like most of you,I don't have endless money and most times I have to sell a blade to get a blade.I still feel strongly though supporting a brick and mortar operation,if I'd like to be able to visit year after year.Joe at JT's has also been very nice to me and helpful.He has given me discounts and good deals.Hell he even has done many a trade with me,just to keep me satisfied,even though he really felt it was something that wouldn't be easy for him to turn over.That didn't stop him though,just to keep me happy and help me out.The prices at JT's actually are fairly competitive and he has everything reasonably priced IMHO.I would also like to add something you can do at a real shop as opposed to online is go in and handle the merchandise.I support some online dealers with my business also,but I can honestly say I would pay a few extra bucks for a knife to have a place to go and bs about knives.Just my thoughts,Ralph

[This message has been edited by TOMBSTONE (edited 10-15-2000).]
 
Mikemck,
For Austin try Texas tactical knives off of Lamar blvd. Ask for John. Great guy to know and he knows a lot about knives and swords.
Mike
 
lifter4Him –

If there was a local blacksmith, who made knives of about the same quality, but had to charge considerably more because of his technological disadvantage, would you think of buying from him as <EM>being a nice guy</EM>? That question may have a different answer for you than it does for me. And your answer may be legitimate.

But as far as I'm concerned, there's little point in <EM>subsidizing the obsolete technology</EM>. A blacksmith may be the person to go to for many things, but no longer for a typical knife.

The contemporary retail store is a manifestation of a technology &#150; a <EM>sales</EM> technology. Mail-order, telephone, and I'net businesses are manifestations of a different, newer, and often more appropriate <EM>sales</EM> technology.
 
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