LI Outdoorsman — Local services in Town of Hempstead

I purchased a shotgun from L.I. Outdoorsman recently the gentleman that helped me was very informative and kind to me as a firearm novice. Me as a novice looking to learn how to shoot targets and skeet I was glad I had somewhere to go close by where I could get some help. I went there today to buy fishing gear on the other side of the shop and again the customer service was outstanding and courteous. I walked to the other side to get information about ammo. Something that I was told by gun expert friends of mine that I should have. I stood there for a minute I was greeted with a kind hello by the gentleman that sold me the shotgun previously and I could see he was busy with a customer. So I waited for help I was asked by someone else if they could help he said he would get to me I said ok. Then a slovenly gentleman in a tee shirt came walked past me asked about getting lunch from fellow employees. I thought maybe he wasn't there to help people so no problem. After he found out he couldn't get his lunch delivered he proceeded to help someone that came in afterwards. The other tall salesman was still was helping other people but he asked me what I wanted I told him I wanted to look at a fishing knife and had ammo questions. He said help me when he was done. Then a fat stout old gentlemen yells who needs ammo. I was going to ask questions about breaking in my gun and purchasing buck shot. He basically blew me off and discouraged me from furthering the conversation by telling me I didn't need what I was looking for and quickly went to help the next person on line. I stood there another 10 minutes to see if I could at least get help and buy a knife no one else offered help. So I walked out. I know they're busy in this time where more people are buying firearms, but that shouldn't be an excuse for poor customer service. I am the type of person that spends a good amount of money on my hobbies and was ready to spend money at L.I. Outdoorsman today. I know about other options close by and I will have to go there from now on. I will bring my friend that is an expert in firearms. He knows the lingo and maybe I will be treated better. I know losing me as a customer won't make a difference to L.I.O., but it will make a difference to me and any one else that I speak to that ask me about my experience at this business. Goodbye and...

This establishment exudes an intolerable atmosphere of prejudice towards Jewish individuals. Their treatment towards me was utterly appalling, indicative of their overall unpleasant demeanor. Their incompetence was glaring as they berated me for my lack of familiarity with firearms when I sought information on obtaining a pistol license. Their behavior was nothing short of disgraceful, and I strongly advise against patronizing this establishment. I wholeheartedly echo the sentiments expressed by a fellow reviewer, Shalom Sharara. Despite their discouragement, I successfully obtained my Pistol License within a mere two months, disproving the erroneous claims of individuals like the owner Mike, who erroneously asserted it would take over a year. Their misplaced hostility now serves as a source of amusement rather than frustration.

UPDATE - IN RESPONSE TO THE OWNERS REPLY: It's fascinating how people can project such warmth and kindness from behind a screen. However, I stand by my comment regarding the humiliating treatment I received in front of your other customers. I'm genuinely taken aback by the evident self-importance displayed by each and every one of you. Instead of retaliating in front of others, I chose to remove myself from the situation. My naturally reserved nature aside, I assure you, I was neither rude nor disrespectful towards you or your team.

I regret to say that I can't in good conscience recommend anyone to patronize your store. Should they decide to visit, they'll unfortunately witness firsthand the unpleasant attitudes that seem to prevail. It's worth noting that your business may suffer if this behavior continues. Personally, I've found a much more welcoming firearm shop and have been consistently referring customers there. Additionally, you might want to reconsider the tone and language used to ensure it reflects the level of professionalism you wish to maintain.

UPDATE #2: For the hell of it, I went back to LI Outdoorsman to see how they would behave towards me. Let me tell you, It was worse the second time around. You guys are finished.

Any person commenting about "How friendly the staff is" is obviously on drugs and needs to have their gun privileges...

I must say, my experience at LI Outdoorsman was to the say the least, spectacular. At first when I walked in, I was greeted as if I was a regular. One of the salesmen(Mike) asked what I needed help with. I told him what I needed, and he showed me some of the options they had to offer. Forgive my being vague, but I’m private about my purchases at these types of establishments. So with that said, Mike was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the items I was looking at. He took his time, and answered all of my questions as well as educating me on some things I didn’t know about concerning the items I was looking to buy. I noticed when other costumers entered the store, and I could clearly see they were repeat customers by the way they were greeted by Mike and his colleagues. I felt that I was in good hands with the exceptional customer service that was offered at LI Outdoorsman. Mike was very patient, and didn’t push anything on me. He just showed me some options, and explained in great detail their features, as well as the laws and rules with regard to weapon ownership. In fact, all of the staff there seemed to be pretty knowledgeable of the laws concerning weapon ownership, and their legal limitations. I would highly recommend shopping at LI Outdoorsman. The store was well stocked with almost anything needed with regard to firearms and bow and arrows. They also sell fishing and camping equipment. The whole process went smoother than I expected, and they exceeded my expectations of what I thought the process would take in my purchase. We joked around a bit and, I left there feeling like I made the right decision shopping at LI...