Important information
- Customer Complaint:Better Business Bureau has received complaints from Bass Pro Shop customers who allege difficulty obtaining recently purchased merchandise, experienced long delays for purchase deliveries, company failed to honor its warranty, and experienced poor customer service. Bass Pro Shops has addressed all complaints brought to its attention.
Complaints
This profile includes complaints for Bass Pro Shops's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 277 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 85 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:05/08/2025
Type:Customer Service IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
on May 2nd 2025, me and a friend drove 45 minutes to the Bass Pro in **********. As we walk in me and my ***** immediately get jumped on by ***, the man whose job it is to try and get people to sign up for bass pro cards. Me knowing the tactics, immediately tell the man I already have a card and I am all set, to which he respond I can increase your limit and continues on his pitch to my friend who is enticed by 20 free dollars to spend. me thinking that the person isnt lying to get me to sign up for a new card, because he told me he would increase my limit, decides its worth the free hat to fill out the paper work for an increased limit to a card i barley used. Only to find out the man lied, and tells me he is printing me a new card. there was another employee who had to step in and calm my friend down and i down, as the original employee *** tries to lie, even tho we bkth heard him say increased limit, that he would never say increased limit. *** even tried to convince us that the gentleman who stepped in was his boss. to which the very polite employee admitted he wasnt his boss and he couldnt help us any further then looking for items in the store. In short, this means *** was lying again. This added a hard inquiry to my credit and I am extremely upset about it, especially because the man flat out lied about the credit limit increase, and didnt clarify there would be a second card until after I filled out the information on the tablet. this is an extremely shady tactic to meet whatever quota this employee is trying to hit, and if he worked for my company I would fire him immediately.Business Response
Date: 05/08/2025
We will review and contact the customer.Initial Complaint
Date:05/05/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
The trolling motor does not even power up. They replaced it the same day with another that had the same problem.When I returned the replacement, they refused to help and told me to contact the manufacturer.Business Response
Date: 05/05/2025
We will review the issue and contact the customer.Customer Answer
Date: 05/07/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the business' response regarding complaint ID ******** and am satisfied with this resolution.
Sincerely,
***** **********Initial Complaint
Date:05/01/2025
Type:Billing IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I placed an order (Order W245479012) totaling $2,660.41 with Bass Pro Shops using valid gift cards. Bass Pro canceled the order without shipping the items, yet they refused to issue a refund for the gift cards used. They demanded proof of purchase for these gift cards, a requirement not outlined in their Terms of Use, Gift Card Terms, or Return Policy.Their policies explicitly state that gift cards are redeemable online and in-store, do not expire, and do not require proof of purchase for refunds on canceled orders. Bass Pro Shops' refusal to refund the canceled order is unjustified and breaches their published terms and conditions.Additionally, ******** has locked my account, restricting my ability to make future purchases online with valid gift cards, despite having no legitimate reason to do so according to their own stated guidelines.I request the following resolutions:A full refund of $2,660.41 for the canceled order to the original gift cards used, or alternatively provide a refund via check, cash, new gift cards, or deliver the originally ordered products.Immediate reactivation/unlocking of my account for future online purchases.Assurance that Bass Pro Shops will adhere to their published policy of accepting gift cards for online purchases without imposing additional undocumented requirements.This practice by Bass Pro Shops is misleading and unfair, warranting immediate corrective action and a formal resolution.Business Response
Date: 05/01/2025
We are reviewing the order and will contact the customer.Customer Answer
Date: 05/02/2025
Complaint: 23273422
I have reviewed the business' response and am rejecting it because:
The business continues to falsely advertise gift cards as redeemable online, yet systematically cancels online orders after purchase. After receiving a refund in the form of gift cards, I attempted to place another online order (Order W251341144 on May 2), which was again promptly cancelled. Subsequently, ******** confirmed via email that the company will no longer accept any online orders from me. This action directly contradicts the terms advertised at the point of sale, causing significant inconvenience and additional costs due to limited store availability and the broader selection of products available exclusively online.
I demand either the reinstatement of my ability to use these gift cards online, as originally advertised, or an immediate full refund. If this issue remains unresolved, I intend to pursue legal action and report these practices to relevant consumer protection authorities.
Sincerely,
Keerthi Tharaka *********** MudiyanselageBusiness Response
Date: 05/05/2025
Under this link
***************************************************************************************
We state:
You agree to accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your Account. We may suspend or terminate your Account at any time, for any reason or no reason and without prior notice to you.
The customer purchased the gift cards from a third party and was advised if he wanted a refund for the gift cards to contact the place of purchase.
Customer Answer
Date: 05/06/2025
Complaint: 23273422
I have reviewed the business' response and am rejecting it because:
Bass Pros statement misrepresents how gift cards work and attempts to shift accountability. When consumers purchase ******** gift cards through authorized third-party distributorssuch as ******** are acquiring cards marketed as redeemable both in-store and online, as stated in Bass Pros own Gift Card Terms.
Once a gift card is activated and visible in the purchaser's account, it is non-refundable by the distributor. Third-party distributors have no ability to deactivate or refund these cardsthat power lies solely with Bass Pro. Thus, Bass Pros suggestion to seek a refund from the distributor is both unreasonable and disingenuous.
If Bass Pro chooses to reject or disable the use of their own gift cards without cause, while also refusing to refund or deliver the purchased goods, they are effectively stripping the cards of their value. This practice is misleading and borders on fraudulent: Bass Pro profits from the sale of these cards but evades responsibility when the buyer is unable to redeem them.
If Bass Pro refuses to honor these gift cards or deliver the canceled order, they must provide a refund directlywhether through reissued gift cards, a check, or another reasonable method. Otherwise, this represents an unfair and deceptive business practice.
Sincerely,
Keerthi Tharaka *********** MudiyanselageInitial Complaint
Date:05/01/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Just purchased handgun and gun was shipped to **. ** is shipping gun back but a *** at your store said that couldnt be done. I just need to get my money back. However I am just noticing after I purchased gun the receipt says gun sales are final. So how do I get the gun or what do I do?Business Response
Date: 05/12/2025
We are contacting customer for more information to check on the status.Initial Complaint
Date:04/20/2025
Type:Product IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I purchased my first boat from the *******, ** Bass Pro location in 2010. I went in to the store and they did not have my selected boat in stock and it had to be ordered by the boat center. The purchase went smoothly and I received a $500 gift card in mail. On 2/8/25, I went in to purchase my next boat from the same location of which a $500 gift card came with the purchase as advertised online and shown in store. I went to the store and worked with **** *******, boat salesman, to buy the boat. **** did not have the boat in store and had to have it ordered. **** sent the purchase to *****, the boat center manager to be made. I followed up with **** on the order 2 weeks later and he advised me to come to the store because ***** refused the purchase claiming the website price of the boat that **** and I viewed was fake. I went to ********, where **** and I went into ******* office to pull up Bass Pro's site to all verify that website/prices/gift card offer was valid. He then ordered the boat. **** told me that I would receive a $500 gift card. Jasmine completed final documents and told me that the gift card would be received by email. After a week, I called to follow-up on the gift card again to no avail and left a complaint message with customer service. ***** called back after receiving that complaint and told me that he would need to check with corporate to determine whether I qualified for the gift card. I was confused as to how I would not qualify, but have been waiting over 2 weeks now on a response or my gift card. I would like to receive the $500 gift card that comes with the purchase of a new boat sent to me by mail or email as verified by all parties while in store.Business Response
Date: 05/01/2025
Customer was updated on the status of the gift card.Customer Answer
Date: 05/05/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the business' response regarding complaint ID ******** and am satisfied with this resolution.
Sincerely,
****** ***** **Initial Complaint
Date:04/16/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Is Bass Pro Shop willing to make this right and keepBusiness Response
Date: 04/29/2025
Customer was contacted and issue was resolved.Customer Answer
Date: 05/07/2025
Issue has been resolved. Thank you!!Initial Complaint
Date:04/15/2025
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I initially placed an order online for a firearm to be picked up at the ************* location in ***************, once the order was ready to be picked up (04/14/2025) I drove 30 minutes to pick up the firearm, upon arriving one the employees behind the counter of the firearms department looked anything but thrilled to help me while standing there, I was here to conduct business not waste any of their valuable time, as they made me feel. When I was finally being helped the store associate mentioned that I could not pick up the firearm in question due to me not having my current up to date address listed on my ID. I understood and left without any issue. When I got home I went ahead and read through the entire firearm pickup guidelines listed online and in the pickup confirmation email not once but twice to make sure I had all necessary documents needed to pickup my order the next day, the alternate documents I provided on 04/15/2025 was a Utah state vehicle title and my Utah vehicle registration both being listed as acceptable documents according to the online and email firearm pickup guidelines. When I arrived the next day I was told by two associates that those documents were not valid. I expressed my frustration in a polite and professional manner. And they did not offer any solution or advice whatsoever to remediate this situation. I had a few second thoughts when I initially chose this specific store for pickup, as I had read an alarming number of ****** reviews which stated discrimination. I have no doubt in my mind that I was racially profiled. Unfortunately in this case, I count with education, time and the legal resources to pursue further action to make this right not only for me, but for all the other people that have been mistreated because of the color of their skin. I hope to hear back from someone that takes this matter seriously before I pursue legal advice and action as well as begin reaching out to other affected individuals.Business Response
Date: 04/17/2025
We are reviewing the situation and will contact the customer.Initial Complaint
Date:04/15/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
bass pro shop has given out gift cards with a expiration date. in the state of ct gift card has no expirationBusiness Response
Date: 04/17/2025
We have contacted the customer for additional information.Initial Complaint
Date:04/14/2025
Type:Product IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Details:Date of Transaction: 03/02/2025 Purchase of New Firearm: Kimber K6 *** #RV112203 Purchase Price: $969.99 ISSUE: Gun is damaged and appears to be used rather than new Confirmation from KIMBER America: This gun was sold to Cabela's on May 09, 2024 (nearly 1 year ago). This is a very long time to be considered a "new gun".Business Response
Date: 04/14/2025
I spoke with Mr. ****** some time ago and assured him the Firearm in question is new and was never transferred to another customer prior to him per our electronic bound book. The Firearm was acquired directly from Kimber on 5/13/2024 and then disposed to Mr. ****** on 03/02/2025. During my conversation,I offered Mr. ****** a full refund as well as discount towards another Firearm of his choice for his inconvenience. I can also offer him a $100 gift card for this inconvenienceInitial Complaint
Date:04/12/2025
Type:Delivery IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Subject: Complaint Against Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's Deceptive Trade Practices and ********************* To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to file a formal complaint against Bass Pro Shops (also operating as Cabelas) for what I believe to be deceptive trade practices, poor customer service, and misleading promotions related to online order #W250232322.I placed an online order using a promotional coupon that was accepted by their system. The order was confirmed and remained pending for over 24 hours before being abruptly canceled. After multiple inquiries, I received conflicting explanations:Initially, I was told the cancellation was due to GDPR restrictions despite the fact that I am located in ***************** and used a U.S. address.After follow-ups, I was told the issue was with the coupon being in-store only, though there was no such limitation mentioned at the time of checkout.The company refuses to honor the original pricing or offer compensation, despite the technical oversight being on their end.This lack of transparency, misleading handling of the promotion, and the shifting justifications indicate a pattern of unfair business practices and poor internal coordination. A simple order was escalated into a drawn-out and frustrating experience, with zero accountability taken by the company.I am requesting:That the *** review this matter for possible deceptive trade practices.That Bass Pro Shops be investigated for how they handle promotional pricing and customer complaints.That other customers be warned about these practices.Attached is the full email thread for your reference.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Sincerely,****** ****** Email: ************************** Order Number: W250232322Business Response
Date: 04/14/2025
The coupon the customer was using clearly states "in store only". See the attached add with the information.Customer Answer
Date: 04/14/2025
Dear BBB and Bass Pro Shops/Cabelas,
Complaint: 23194837
I have reviewed the business' response and am rejecting it because:Thank you for your response regarding my complaint.
However, I must respectfully reject the explanation provided, as it does not adequately address the issue at hand.
While I understand that the coupon may have been intended for in-store use only, the image provided in your response does not clarify this. It does not reference the specific coupon code I used, nor does it provide a clear link between the flyer and my order. It appears to be a generic promotional graphic and could apply to any number of campaigns it does not prove that the coupon code applied to my order was in-store only.
Additionally, my core concern remains unresolved:
1. The order was placed online and accepted by your system with the coupon applied. If the coupon was truly in-store only, your checkout system should have flagged or rejected it this is a system oversight.
2. When the order was canceled, I was not informed that it was due to the coupon being ineligible. I was given a vague or misleading explanation. Had I known the real reason, I would have canceled the order myself and simply reordered the item at the correct price.
Therefore, I request the following resolution:
1. I am willing to repurchase the item at the original discounted price from my first order.
2. If Bass Pro Shops believes the coupon was in-store only, you are welcome to show clear evidence linking the coupon code to that restriction. Without that, I believe honoring the original discounted price is a fair resolution.
I appreciate your time and consideration and hope we can bring this matter to a satisfactory close.
Sincerely,
****** ******
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