Quote:
Originally Posted by bexarametric  Things I hate about certain GC customers (from an employee).
People that won't let me qualify them, then end up returning things. They suck bad. Because they never let me ask them enough questions to find out what they need. I'm not talking about most of the people on this site. I ask a lot of product related questions to customers to gauge their knowledge. That, in turn, dictates how I will speak to them for the rest of the conversation. If a GS comes into my store, I will not be explaining to them the benefits of buying high end gear. They already know. Instead, I will be talking features and specs. But when mommy comes in to buy Jr a FW interface, I don't talk features. I talk benefits. Mom does not care about Neutrik connections. She just wants to be assured of the solution.
When customers do not allow me to ask questions to help them find a solution, it's frustrating. It increases the chances that they are going to return what they buy. That is a waste of my time. You do not make commission on returns. Customers don't make music with returns either. It's a waste of time for all. Customers that rent gear suck even more. Guitar Center is not a rental center. It's a retail store. That being said, I do allow customers to "shoot out" products on loan tickets from time to time. It's a fair request when you're talking about $3000 mics.
My biggest problem is the computer morons. The one's that buy an interface from me. The last thing that I tell a customer before "goodbye" is "Make sure you download the latest drivers for your interface because the one's that came with it could possibly be dated". Then they come in pissed off the next day telling me that their stuff doesn't work. Of course I ask them if they downloaded the drivers. Like all liars, they hesitate for a second, then say "of course I did". We both look into each others eyes, in their eyes I see the cluelessness of a dog that was just shown a card trick. In my eyes they see that I know that they're full of $hit. That's when I just say whatever and return the gear. If a customer can't be truthful with me then I don't really want their business anyway.
I get the customers that ask about using MIDI to get audio in the computer. I have to be really patient with those people. I usually take a deep breath then proceed to explain that MIDI is not audio. Nine times out of ten, it takes me a very long time. It's understandable that a novice would struggle with such things, but I hear it like ten times a day.
At the same time. My job is a lot of fun and I meet a lot of great customers there. There's nothing better than getting a GS with an open wallet that needs a setup because I get the joy of helping them put their studio together (something that I can positively relate to) and I'm getting paid to do it. I think it's pretty cool. I know a lot of people's perception of GC employees are bitter concieted jerks that want to take your money. That's not how I roll. I am at my best when I am helping someone achieve their dreams (usually putting together a whole studio from scratch). It's great to be a part of that. That sounds cheesy from a guy that works retail, but that's really how I feel about it. For every 100 morons I deal with, I get those two or three people that I can level with. Those people make my day because I get to talk about gear with them. And, of course, that's why I am on this site.
Oh, and Van Halen's "Jump" is Pro Audio's "Stairway To Heaven". I hear that song at least a few times a day.
Anyway, this is a great thread. It has grown a lot. |
From one GC dude to another, well said. It is very difficult to deal with all that sometimes. Very often people get pissed off by all the questions that a GC sales dude will ask, but it gets the custy a product best suited to their needs in the end.
Just remember fellow GS, not all GC pro audio guys are bad. Some of us did a good service, to a great many people in our time there. You just have to find the one or two guys that know their shit, and stick with them.
Peace,
AudioFocus