Academy of Self Protection in Joelton - What Happened?

[contendershooter]

I haven't been up there in a long while to their shop, and while up there on other business I seen it's now out of business.  There is a sign in the window showing "RIP Academy of Self Protection, has the years in business and the words Thanks to the Price Point Shopper" on the sign.  

 

SO I am guessing from that message they are saying places like Bud's Gun Shop, KY Gun Company and other similar places put them under?  

 

IF that is the case, how is Guns and Leather among others able to compete?  I do know the person whom owned ASP also owned The Reloader's Bench in Mt. Juliet, so did it go under also?

[Spiffy]

I LOL@ Price Point Shopper......... to me it says I blame the customer because they wouldn't pay my higher prices. Had a shop in Athens with that attitude towards the end of it's hay day. 

[reed1285]

I know Hickok45 has mentioned them in several of his videos. I think they loaned him several guns to do videos with through the years. I had never been in there.

Edited July 16, 2014 by reed1285

[xjsnake]

Sounds like they didn't adapt their business model in the wake of internet sales. Modern gun stores have to do more that just sell guns and accessories; they have to provide things that can't be obtained online to stay viable.

Edited July 16, 2014 by xjsnake

[LagerHead]

I haven't been up there in a long while to their shop, and while up there on other business I seen it's now out of business.  There is a sign in the window showing "RIP Academy of Self Protection, has the years in business and the words Thanks to the Price Point Shopper" on the sign.  

 

SO I am guessing from that message they are saying places like Bud's Gun Shop, KY Gun Company and other similar places put them under?  

 

IF that is the case, how is Guns and Leather among others able to compete?  I do know the person whom owned ASP also owned The Reloader's Bench in Mt. Juliet, so did it go under also?

 

Guns & Leather competes because when you account for shipping and FFL transfer fees, their prices are pretty competitive. They also come highly recommended for their carry permit and other classes and have a top notch gunsmith on site. Most of the guys in there talk to you like you're a gun guy talking to another gun guy, or they can give you decent advice if you're not. They actually make you want to come back to their store most of the time. In my experience, roughly one in five gun shops, if that, have guys that don't talk down to you like you're some kind of idiot just because you don't work behind the gun counter. 

[peejman]

Yep.  Too much overhead and/or not enough volume to compete.  Capitalism and/or a market economy at work.  Blaming the customer is a classy parting shot.  :shake:

Edited July 16, 2014 by peejman

[contendershooter]

I have known the Williams family that owns Guns and Leather for a long time, even before they had a shop, and was there when they opened in the little strip mall in Greenbrier.  I have had 90% excellent experience with them, especially if either Dennis, one of his son's or one of the Crabtree's are around, but I have had some bad experiences too with some of the employees hired in the past two years or so being very arrogant acting, and ignoring you if your not looking at the higher dollar items.  It doesn't matter if I was going in there to purchase a hi-point or a Colt Gold Cup, my experience should be the same.

 

D&T are excellent also. Knowledgeable people, great to work with.  I have also had great experiences at Guns for America and Springfield Arms in Springfield, TN. 

[LagerHead]

I have known the Williams family that owns Guns and Leather for a long time, even before they had a shop, and was there when they opened in the little strip mall in Greenbrier.  I have had 90% excellent experience with them, especially if either Dennis, one of his son's or one of the Crabtree's are around, but I have had some bad experiences too with some of the employees hired in the past two years or so being very arrogant acting, and ignoring you if your not looking at the higher dollar items.  It doesn't matter if I was going in there to purchase a hi-point or a Colt Gold Cup, my experience should be the same.

 

D&T are excellent also. Knowledgeable people, great to work with.  I have also had great experiences at Guns for America and Springfield Arms in Springfield, TN. 

 

You are exactly right about what your experience should be. But remember, if you don't bring it to the attention of the bosses, it can't be corrected. Knowing the Williams' personally, I'm guessing you probably did.