My bow was in need of replacement, so I stopped in to purchase a high end primary and quality…read morebackup crossbow. I'd been using the same bow for years and really wasn't up to speed on what the different manufacturers were offering. Needless to say, I had some questions and wanted to try out a couple models to see how they felt and handled before dropping $3,000+. Hands down, this was the most unfriendly, uptight, and uncomfortable shopping experience I've ever had in my life. I'd called two days prior to see when their range would be less busy and to ensure I could shoot some bows. No problem, is what I was told.
I arrived as planned, a couple of shooters were sighting in on the archery range, no customers were in the bow shop, and a heavy set old guy and young man were working the archery counter. I perused the bows for 20 minutes listening to the old guy bitching about something and without being greeted, so I approach the counter where the old guy is sitting on a stool, clearly not wanting to get up or be bothered. I asked for some assistance with crossbows. The old guy pointed toward them, I walk over to them, and the young guy approached and admitted he knows little about them.
I'm told they do not allow customers to try out bows (contrary to what they told me on the phone to get me into the store). I discussed what I was told on the phone and the young guy nervously approached the old guy and talked to him about it. You could tell the young guy was on eggshells dealing with the old guy. I asked a question about the specs of two Mission bows, and the old guy tossed a Mission brochure on the counter and told me the exact specs are in it.
Reluctantly, the young guy takes me onto the range to test 3 bows, two costing over $2k and one costing $1k. I took a few shots with each and the old guy entered the range, rudely interjected (in front of the others on the range), and said, "Have you decided...we don't want these bows shot?" I was both shocked and embarrassed in front of the other customers for being treated like I was doing something wrong, the young man was obviously uncomfortable as well, and I had a loaded crossbow on the table. The young guy, watching the old guy walk away, cautiously told me to shoot it, made a comment about the old guy's crappy demeanor, then promptly put up the bow and went back behind the counter where I was Ignored and treated dismissively for another 10 minutes. I was told bows are like guns, they all do basically the same thing, just hold one and decide.
I have thick skin, but this is absolutely not the way you should treat a customer. I'm not sure if it is because they thought I couldn't afford a bow, because of my skin color, or if they just treat everyone this bad, but I won't ever step foot in Olde English again.
In addition to being treated poorly, most everything was overpriced in the store. I didn't mind paying more for the bows because I thought there was value in being able to test them and in getting info from their staff (BOY WAS I WRONG). So if you want poor service, pompous, dismissive, unfriendly staff, and high prices, visit their archery counter.
I went elsewhere, bought the same bows for $350 ish less, and got a free arrow and broadhead package.
