This place is an absolute dump, crap everywhere, service is terrible. I can't wait until all of the Big 5's go out of business. Tried to return something with a receipt and they would only give store credit. Go to SportsBasement instead. read more

Went to this Big 5 to look into purchasing my 1st firearm since they were having a sale. I researched several on my own and had to return to this location 3 or 4 times to handle the firearms and to ask questions. I interfaced with a total of 3 different salespeople behind the weapons counter and though some were more helpful than others, they were all friendly and willing to help. Ask for Mike (manager) and you won't be disappointed. The firearm that I wanted to purchase was no longer on sale, but he ended up giving it to me at the recent sale price and along with a 10% coupon, I got a deal! read more

If I can give this place no stars I would but I guess I can give them just 1 star. My boyfriend had asked me to go here to buy him some bullets for the shooting range because he had a rain check and I went there and ask the lady (i guess she was one of the managers) since the quantity is written for 3, can I buy 1 box now and 2 later. Before I even asked her this, I mentioned that I had a rain check and she said "that's funny, I checked my book and there wasnt a copy of a rain check for bullets" and was giving a rude ass luck. Like seriously? I wouldn't make a fake rain check and just lie. I'll give her just a point for letting get 1 box and save the rain check for the other 2. Other than that, where is your customer service? Afterwards I went to the cashier and she rung me up for the item, I asked the cashier was the girl manager having a bad day and the cashier said she was sick. SO WHAT! Don't be rude and have an attitude towards your customers. Walking pass me without saying excuse me and stuff. I'm rating this place for customer service. That manager needs to lighten up. read more

Guy behind the hunting counter was a bit rude and borderline unhelpful. Prices are not great for target shooting supplies.

worst customer service ever. manager with frameless glasses is worst manager ever. I waited for service for 20 minutes.

Love this one is my favorite quite and loaded with deals

Buying at the store, I found so many items on great deal and on sale which is not reflected on their website. Its smaller, well organized and variety of options to chose from. Sales personnel are friendly and helpful in answering questions. Glad to have Big5 in my hood =) read more

It's a small store but it's amazing how much stuff they fit in that space. Here you will find a wide variety of sporting goods, clothes, equipment, supply. And I just noticed the other day that they sell guns here, they have the whole section of guns and rifles, very cool! Location of this store is convenient, right on Elcamino Real, easy to get to, and parking is plentiful in the parking lot right in front of the store. read more

I came by looking for some soccer socks for my kids. I was surprised to find the little store packed with lots of stuff. It looks pretty small from the street. It was refreshing to find staff easily and for them to be helpful and friendly. These days I feel like it's so hard to find help and when you finally get a person, they act like you're wasting their time. read more

They good some cool staff up there.... love this store....

Well stocked Big 5 in San Mateo. Staff very helpful. Found the shoes I was looking for, for the kids. Hiking shoes were reasonably priced

Lots good stuff here, good selection and great prices especially if on sale. My go to place for sports equipment unless I need something specialized. Some camping gear here too. Basketball, football, soccer, all the main sports are covered. Burger King next door in case you're hungry too! read more

On July 5th I came to this location and had to return an item. I didn't think they would take it back, (it was opened and used) but they did. Jackie was awsome and never hesitated to allow me to retun the item. The other great think about this store is that they sell "Thorlo" Socks which are very pricy. This location is the ONLY sporting goods store that offers the "Buy one pair and get the 2nd 1/2 price. I have tried to see if other sporting goods stores follow this "Thorlo" offer, they don't. The other sporting goods store that is recommended in these threads wouln't give me the offer. read more

I always seem to find some sort of deal there. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

Service is good here. The employees are friendly and helpful. I always come here to buy tennis shoes, and they have a fairly good selection.

This store has the rudest night sales staff ever! I had an item transferred to this location from another store; the sales associate was rude, unhelpful and quick to tell me that the other store DID NOT ship my item. He then told me that I needed to wait an additional 3 weeks to a month to get my item. After speaking to the manager at the first location; it was discovered that the item is still in transit. The sales person did not take the time to check the sku number of the item to find out the details. Never have I felt so disrespected. The other Big 5 constantly apologized to me for this young man's ignorant behavior; but the damage is already done. I will not be shopping at this store again...I'll rather take my chances using Amazon or Craigslist. By the way, I happen to be a fellow inside sales associate and over the age of 35. read more

I went into the San Mateo Store today on my lunch hour to return a pair of shoes I bought that were not what I really wanted. I wanted to find the right running shoe, so I was in the back looking and I was approached by one of the team members there. This nice gal assisted asked me what I was looking for and if I needed help. She brought me pair after pair, and listened to my likes and dislikes..made suggestions and was very attentive. I was ready to give up, only because I was intent on something specific in look, color and brand. She came out at the last minute and had another pair to show me...behold, it was the perfect pair of running shoes I was looking for in my size!!! WOW...wonderful service, and I was in such a hurry, I felt bad I did not get to give her a proper thank you. But, I was so happy and I also got a sale price!.. I love Big 5!! read more

The Big 5 in San Mateo is nothing like the other big 5 stores in the area. As soon as I walked in there the cashier greeted me. I didn't have to go ask the salesman for help. He came up and asked me if i needed it. He was not able to answer my question, but got another salesman who was more knowledgeable. This salesman knew his stuff!! he was able to answer every question I had and then some. He recommended me the best shoes I've ever had. He sold me a golf set I am more than satisfied with. On my way out the cashier asked me if I found everything alright and told me to have a good day. read more

Pretty good deals on shotguns and .22 rifles. But that's pretty much all these stores are good for... When they have sales on firearms their prices are untouchable. However, I can never find exactly what I want for my soccer and tennis needs... Most of the staff is friendly. There's the occasional high-school kid who knows nothing but we've all been there, right :p read more

I purchased a 1-day fishing license so I could help my 6 year old fish, cancelled my trip because she didn't want go, and returned later in the day to ask for credit towards an annual license. I really didn't go fishing but would understand it if there was a no refund policy of any kind. When I asked the clerk, he called his manager and said, "..he wants a refund" not "..he would like credit towards an annual pass and didn't use the license". The clerk then turned to me and gave me a flat and unfriendly "no". I think this as unprofessional and will consider other options before shopping here next time. read more

I recently purchased an item that required assembly and after assembly was very dissatisfied. We worked with Bill the manager who was very gracious and accommodating, and resolved the issue to our satisfaction. Great customer service. read more

Big 5 is the only place to shop for tennis shoes, especially during their big sales. But they also have fair prices on training gear. This week I visited the store twice. Both times the customer service was excellent. Store Manager Seth and employee Richardo and all other employees (sorry if I forgot the other names) were very helpful and friendly. This is the way customer service should be at all stores. Thanks y'all. read more

always check their weekly sales ad in the Sunday paper, find some pretty Good deals now and then.

We came here for some boots & socks for our trip to Tahoe & after a while of trying different sizes on, we found the ones that suted us; Carlos, one of the salesmen was very nice & made recommendations that helped us make our decisions all the more. The rest of the staff was friendly as well; of course, with things on sale, we could not have beat that. So, for excellent sports ware at reasonable prices with friendly service in a clean atmosphere, Big Five cannot be beat. Keep up the good work guys. read more

The prices are pretty high at this place. But it's a good place to buy fishing and hunting licenses, the staffs are knowledgeable about them, unlike some of the other places. They even carry Ocean Enhancement Stamp, which is required when fishing in Southern California. Most other shops don't carry it. I hope they will carry lobster card some day so I can have it before leaving for Southern California. read more

THE GOOD STUFF: The people have always been helpful. I even had a sales person listen to my story about how I wanted to buy an new cruiser type bike and he actually told me it wasn't a good choice to suit my needs! I was SO thankful! I appreciated that so much. I just called them to check and see if they had a specific sports shoe brand that I need for myself and after some discussion about my needs and what I wanted they found them in the store, in my size and they are on sale for a ridiculously low price until the end of the month. I think the cleats I bought for my daughter were appropriately priced, good quality and there was a good supply of them. Our shin guards were priced appropriately as well. Too bad for me that I couldn't wait for the shin guards to go on sale to save a couple of bucks but again the selection was good, it was convenient, and I like that people are friendly and not intimidating. I had to wait in a long-ish line once and guess what- it sucked but that's no ones fault ans the employees were and always have been competent, informed and helpful. This particular store has been open at this location for a long time and I hope it continues to be. read more

Good job yesterday. I went looking for a specific item...a pair of shoes. The shoe dept. Salesperson helped me find what I wanted. As it turned out, this store didn't have the shoes in the color I wanted, but the salesperson told me the front register employees could probably locate them at another store. They did, checking with me to see which location would be most convenient. I went to the other store and bought them. Mission accomplished! read more

The staff here is helpful and courteous. They have time to answer questions without making you feel like you're intruding on their precious time. Bill and Seth go above and beyond. I try to give my business to this Big 5. read more

Came in to buy a folding knife. Asked to look at a few and didn't find any that felt quite right. Asked the girl helping me for "the best bang for the buck" in my price range. She showed me one that felt right. Went home and out of curiosity checked out the same model on Amazon. Turns out the knife was very highly rated and *more expensive than Big5*. Wow, an employee who knows their stock and doesn't try and screw a clueless customer. read more

I find the employees there very helpful and courteous but the store manager incredibly unfriendly, intimidating and lacking any good customer service skills. I've witnessed him using intimidating to discourage customers from doing their returns even when they had the appropriate receipts and the products in unused condition. I guess he doesn't realize that this also discourages customers from wanting to buy from them in the future. If you need to shop, another location might be more friendly. read more

cool place not a ton of parking but great deals and the sales associates are very friendly.