Senior tried to shut down the Houston store last week - said it wasn't making enough money, so he just showed up and took everything. Left Scott with his tools and the building and not much else. Viking in Houston is still around, but in "rebuilding mode" and with a new owner(s) - Scott himself and a group of investors. They are working on a reopening plan, so don't give up on them - when they get it back up, I expect it will be better than ever now that Tim isn't involved at all. I hope Scott will make it, but people like me paid cash for new bow with delivery time promises and got nothing, no bow, no refund. try to called them and send messages couple of times no response. I used to shoot their every day than one day when i showed up it was empty, no notice nothing (not that it's much but even paid for January and lost the money). I loved the people over there ( John) but I will be so careful next time with anything related to viking archery. It was like a second home for me.
viking archery Houston
hsh
21 - 31 of 31 Posts
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4,483 Posts
I've never met the father BUT have nothing except good to say about Kevin, Scott, and Rick. They have always treated me and my husband fair and with kindness. Scott gave my son a recurve and a few arrows he found after their fire and took an hour of his time to spend with him. It meant a lot to a 12 yr old. He can also do a great set of strings and its cool to watch. He is very good at wood work as well, and can do some custom grips for any bow. I wish the best for Scott at Greater Houston.
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49,991 Posts
I hate to hear about that one. It's so difficult making a living today in many business. I don't know the fella, but I wish him the best.
BTW, I got burned once like that too. I had put money down on a gun. Went to pick it up and the door was locked. Had a sign on the window saying "Foreclosed"
I never got my money back nor my gun. So I am not excited about paying for a bow, or gun, up front now.
BTW, I got burned once like that too. I had put money down on a gun. Went to pick it up and the door was locked. Had a sign on the window saying "Foreclosed"
I never got my money back nor my gun. So I am not excited about paying for a bow, or gun, up front now.
Joined
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7,262 Posts
Is Greater Houston Archery in the old building or has it moved. If it's moved I need to know the location.
Thanks.
Thanks.
I purchased a bow from Viking earlier this year; unfortunately, it was right before the whole closure debacle. Fortunately, I had my receipts and was able to have my bow sent from the Canyon Lake store. I did have Scott install my rest on the new bow and perform a tune- up on my older bow.
Scott is top notch when it comes to quality work and customer service. I would recommend anybody in he Houston area to drop by Greater Houston Archery if you need to buy a bow, or have work done. His inventory may not be large, but he can order what you need and set it up to perform its best for you.
Scott is top notch when it comes to quality work and customer service. I would recommend anybody in he Houston area to drop by Greater Houston Archery if you need to buy a bow, or have work done. His inventory may not be large, but he can order what you need and set it up to perform its best for you.
Joined
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7,106 Posts
My first compound bow was a Viking bow purchased in the late 1970's as I recall. I think people on this thread are on skinny ice with all the name dropping. All I can say is that I understand and am not surprised. I do hope the new owner makes it work. We don't need archery shops closing.
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20,941 Posts
I believe it's still Kevin and Scott that are running the place, just that it's not associated with the Viking name that Tim, the father, started back in the 60's.
As far as I know, it's still the same location...I'll be going there today and will report some time this afternoon.
As far as I know, it's still the same location...I'll be going there today and will report some time this afternoon.
Joined
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4,483 Posts
It is the same location. It is only Scott now; Kevin is at the other store with his dad.
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13,896 Posts
I can tell you that if Scott is running the show it will be a great company...those folks treated me like family when I was there on a deployment for 3 months...There are very few people that no more about tuning bows than Scott and he is one heck of a string builder and better yet you should see his custom grips...Beautiful!!
Good luck Scott I hope it all goes well for you!!
Good luck Scott I hope it all goes well for you!!
Joined
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7,262 Posts
If Scott is there, and they're in the same location, I'm happy.
I do like to stop in from time to time when I'm in the area.
Best I can remember I've bought 6 bows there over the years.
I do like to stop in from time to time when I'm in the area.
Best I can remember I've bought 6 bows there over the years.
Joined
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20,941 Posts
Report from yesterday...
Greater Houston Archery- (713) 393-9865
Had a great time there...went with my brother, nephew (never shot a bow).
To start off, we got my nephew started on a youth recurve- 20# (no sights)...probably should have gone 15# but he handled the 20 OK. We gave him a little intro to archery, how to nock the arrow, grip, anchor etc. and soon he was shooting. It took him a little while to become comfortable and he was dealing with the dreaded string slap but eventually he took the coaching suggestion of keeping his elbow out....not much to report here other than he had a great time, got some close to the bull and I think we'll be seeing him again at the range.
My brother brought his Bear quest and was grouping well...forgot what a good shot he is. Don't know who had more fun, he or his son...I'm guessing his son. My brother ended up having an issue with his peep....has the old tubing peep. As many of us had experienced, tubing broke and he didn't have any replacement...but Scott was there to take care of things...As can be expected with Scott. He ended up putting on an aluminum hunter size peep, D-loop (my brother had no loop). Soon, my brother was shooting again...my nephew never stopped.
I brought both a recurve and compound...had a great time even though my grouping was crap...was nice being out with family.
One thing I noticed there was the number of kids shooting...lost count of how many I saw there. Scott has a couple classes that he was helping coach as did, John (think that's his name- he does JOAD coaching). Watching the kids shoot will really put a smile on your face. And as always, Scott is there smiling helping everyone out he can.
I saw a couple other employee's/owners- Bill- don't recall his last name but a very nice guy, just like Scott and a woman, maybe Scott's wife...didn't get her name and assume the relation based on some conversations, again, very nice. Seems like things are going well with the new business.
I say new business because they're not associated with Viking anymore. Though there may be a couple of the family members there, Greater Houston Archery is it's own place. This does pose a problem with the shop in that they are limited on what they have there...didn't see a chrony, inventory is low (though they can get anything), gone are all the collector bows, arrow head collection etc...it's going to take them some time to get fully up and running but don't hold that against them. Give them some time and you'll be extremely pleased with what they have to offer...currently, a full service shop- bow repair/maintenance, plenty of lanes, coaching available, some inventory.
They'll eventually have a short range- 10 yard, a video/mirror lane(s) are for working on form---direct feedback, a rest area, maybe a smoking area outside. There is a rumor that they're going to set something up out back to shoot longer range, maybe 100 yards (the area behind them is a Power Right of Way.
At the end of the day, a great day of shooting with my family and I see a shop that I can't wait go get back too.
Greater Houston Archery- (713) 393-9865
Had a great time there...went with my brother, nephew (never shot a bow).
To start off, we got my nephew started on a youth recurve- 20# (no sights)...probably should have gone 15# but he handled the 20 OK. We gave him a little intro to archery, how to nock the arrow, grip, anchor etc. and soon he was shooting. It took him a little while to become comfortable and he was dealing with the dreaded string slap but eventually he took the coaching suggestion of keeping his elbow out....not much to report here other than he had a great time, got some close to the bull and I think we'll be seeing him again at the range.
My brother brought his Bear quest and was grouping well...forgot what a good shot he is. Don't know who had more fun, he or his son...I'm guessing his son. My brother ended up having an issue with his peep....has the old tubing peep. As many of us had experienced, tubing broke and he didn't have any replacement...but Scott was there to take care of things...As can be expected with Scott. He ended up putting on an aluminum hunter size peep, D-loop (my brother had no loop). Soon, my brother was shooting again...my nephew never stopped.
I brought both a recurve and compound...had a great time even though my grouping was crap...was nice being out with family.
One thing I noticed there was the number of kids shooting...lost count of how many I saw there. Scott has a couple classes that he was helping coach as did, John (think that's his name- he does JOAD coaching). Watching the kids shoot will really put a smile on your face. And as always, Scott is there smiling helping everyone out he can.
I saw a couple other employee's/owners- Bill- don't recall his last name but a very nice guy, just like Scott and a woman, maybe Scott's wife...didn't get her name and assume the relation based on some conversations, again, very nice. Seems like things are going well with the new business.
I say new business because they're not associated with Viking anymore. Though there may be a couple of the family members there, Greater Houston Archery is it's own place. This does pose a problem with the shop in that they are limited on what they have there...didn't see a chrony, inventory is low (though they can get anything), gone are all the collector bows, arrow head collection etc...it's going to take them some time to get fully up and running but don't hold that against them. Give them some time and you'll be extremely pleased with what they have to offer...currently, a full service shop- bow repair/maintenance, plenty of lanes, coaching available, some inventory.
They'll eventually have a short range- 10 yard, a video/mirror lane(s) are for working on form---direct feedback, a rest area, maybe a smoking area outside. There is a rumor that they're going to set something up out back to shoot longer range, maybe 100 yards (the area behind them is a Power Right of Way.
At the end of the day, a great day of shooting with my family and I see a shop that I can't wait go get back too.
My review of Greater Houston Archery - mixed bag
The good –
The bow tech here knows what he’s doing. I was completely satisfied with his service. He’s very good at what he does.
The bad –
Everything else I experienced. This place needs lessons in customer service, professionalism, and organization.
Aesthetically this place leaves much to be desired. It’s looked messy, dirty, and it's in general dis-repair. This place is in major need of an upgrade.
Customer service –
Needs much improvement - I arrived on a Saturday around 11. I stood at the counter and watched this guy fletching arrows and shooting the sh*t with a couple of guys for 10 minutes before he even acknowledged I was there. Not a good way to win over a first time customer if you ask me.
I don’t know about anyone else but I have a minimum expectation on how I like to be treated when I patron a business and being ignored when I walk in isn’t one of them. At a minimum, a business owner should greet you and ask you how he can help you. If he’s busy helping someone else then he should acknowledge you and say “I’ll be right with you” or something to at effect. A little common courtesy would have been nice.
Professionalism –
Non-existent - The guy’s wife, girlfriend, or whatever she is was consistently arguing with him. She was just foul. Her language was so inappropriate. That kind of language should never be allowed to be spoken in front of customers. Her entire demeanor was unprofessional. There’s nothing more uncomfortable then to watch two people argue and air out their dirty laundry in the presence of customers. SO unprofessional.
Organization –
No one knows where anything is there. There’s just crap everywhere. It’s so disorganized. Every single time someone called to make an appointment she would have to find the appointment book because it was buried under something. There’s just crap randomly laying everywhere, nothing has a place. I don’t understand how this place functions.
The shooting lanes need an upgrade. The back stops are completely wore out. At least one out of three arrows I shot would shoot completely through the back stop. I had to go behind the wall and pull my arrows from behind. I moved my target to the very bottom of my lane because the stop wasn’t completely worn out there.
This place COULD be a good archery store but it needs to be cleaned up in more ways than one. I don’t know if I’ll go back. Ultimately I got what I paid for but my experience was terrible. This place needs major work.
The good –
The bow tech here knows what he’s doing. I was completely satisfied with his service. He’s very good at what he does.
The bad –
Everything else I experienced. This place needs lessons in customer service, professionalism, and organization.
Aesthetically this place leaves much to be desired. It’s looked messy, dirty, and it's in general dis-repair. This place is in major need of an upgrade.
Customer service –
Needs much improvement - I arrived on a Saturday around 11. I stood at the counter and watched this guy fletching arrows and shooting the sh*t with a couple of guys for 10 minutes before he even acknowledged I was there. Not a good way to win over a first time customer if you ask me.
I don’t know about anyone else but I have a minimum expectation on how I like to be treated when I patron a business and being ignored when I walk in isn’t one of them. At a minimum, a business owner should greet you and ask you how he can help you. If he’s busy helping someone else then he should acknowledge you and say “I’ll be right with you” or something to at effect. A little common courtesy would have been nice.
Professionalism –
Non-existent - The guy’s wife, girlfriend, or whatever she is was consistently arguing with him. She was just foul. Her language was so inappropriate. That kind of language should never be allowed to be spoken in front of customers. Her entire demeanor was unprofessional. There’s nothing more uncomfortable then to watch two people argue and air out their dirty laundry in the presence of customers. SO unprofessional.
Organization –
No one knows where anything is there. There’s just crap everywhere. It’s so disorganized. Every single time someone called to make an appointment she would have to find the appointment book because it was buried under something. There’s just crap randomly laying everywhere, nothing has a place. I don’t understand how this place functions.
The shooting lanes need an upgrade. The back stops are completely wore out. At least one out of three arrows I shot would shoot completely through the back stop. I had to go behind the wall and pull my arrows from behind. I moved my target to the very bottom of my lane because the stop wasn’t completely worn out there.
This place COULD be a good archery store but it needs to be cleaned up in more ways than one. I don’t know if I’ll go back. Ultimately I got what I paid for but my experience was terrible. This place needs major work.
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