Anyone here ever work at Guitar Center??

[dasmetre]

Originally Posted by Tibbon

To any GC Manager: the general thing is that yes... GC sucks. It sucks to shop there, and it sucks to work there. Everyone knows this..

I had written another (what I felt to be) polite and conversational response to all this. You're right, I don't like people spreading discontent about where I work or what I do. Unfortunately, emotional arguments cannot be won. So since you feel that somehow GC is a simple disservice to humanity and no amount of open communication will change that, I wish you good luck on your crusade. May your voice carry far and wide, and may all those that hear it have the wisdom to decide for themselves.

All the best.

[Tibbon]

Originally Posted by dasmetre

I had written another (what I felt to be) polite and conversational response to all this. You're right, I don't like people spreading discontent about where I work or what I do. Unfortunately, emotional arguments cannot be won. So since you feel that somehow GC is a simple disservice to humanity and no amount of open communication will change that, I wish you good luck on your crusade. May your voice carry far and wide, and may all those that hear it have the wisdom to decide for themselves.

All the best.

I'm sure you do your best as we all do. Cheers.

[nofi]

Originally Posted by Tibbon

drug screenings (I don't agree with them, but at least for "hard" drugs they might help... a crackhead is somewhat likely to steal from you).

1) if you can't tell someone is a crackhead (or a heavy ice user) when you're hiring them, or at least working with them for a few days, something is very very wrong.

2) if someone discovers something like crack or ice, and get heavily into it, they can go downhill very fast.. you want to catch someone just on tests? well then, you gotta test every single person in the company every few weeks.

3) drug tests are not about helping people, or even avoiding having drugged employees - theyre about hypocritical social control.

4) if you're going to treat your employees like dirt, junkies or not, they'll make sure you get what you deserve when they have the chance to get back at you.

[Tibbon]

Originally Posted by nofi

1) if you can't tell someone is a crackhead (or a heavy ice user) when you're hiring them, or at least working with them for a few days, something is very very wrong.

2) if someone discovers something like crack or ice, and get heavily into it, they can go downhill very fast.. you want to catch someone just on tests? well then, you gotta test every single person in the company every few weeks.

3) drug tests are not about helping people, or even avoiding having drugged employees - theyre about hypocritical social control.

4) if you're going to treat your employees like dirt, junkies or not, they'll make sure you get what you deserve when they have the chance to get back at you.

That's why I don't really agree with drug testing. But at the same time, I can see why a crackhead would be a poor employee.

[Master Tang]

Never worked at GC myself, but I did a few years at a smaller single owner music store.

The owners there were worse than the attitudes I get once in a while at GC.


To be honest, I feel sorry for anyone that aspires to work at GC, or almost any other music store.


I've read a lot of stories in this thread about people who felt mistreated as a customer by the larger companies. From an employee's point of view it would suck to go to work every day, and try to demo a Fender Tweed reissue to a guy that would really buy it have some kid trashing a Les Paul with his bracelet, on a dimed Marshall half stack two amps down the line.

Or work in the Pro Audio department, get some know-it-all gear head that spends more time reading forums, and spouting book knowledge about compression ratio for a kick drum, than making music.

It would also suck to recognize some asshat that returns everything he buys 29 days later. He wouldn't get very good service after the first couple times of that stunt.

You get what you give both as a customer, and as a salesperson. The guy that pushes me hard will never get my money. But regardless of how hard he pushed I wouldn't ever think of being a condescending jerk to anyone.

I happen to be very satisfied with the GC that just opened in my town. There are a few guys there that I avoid like the plague until the guys I deal with are available. I treat them fairly, rely on their opinions, and listen to what they say, because selling 247 copies of Sonar, Cubase, Pro Tools, DFH, Fruity Loops, or whatever the product may be, will yield some customer feedback. I don't return what I buy, I spend frequently, not a lot of money either, but I deal with the same guys repeatedly. As a result I get SMOKIN' deals, the scoop on what works best, price not withstanding. I just bought a monitor setup for my internet computer (but I listen to a lot of tunes there so I want it to sound great), and the guy actually talked me out of buying 1,000 dollar set of monitors, and into a 350 dollar 2.1 setup that sounded unbelievable for the price. And the space savings was killer as well.

I got them for 50 bux less than the "pro" price to boot.

I'm not an engineer, I have never formally studied recording, mastering, or hell.... music theory, but I enjoy creating music. I have no illusions, all music will ever be to me at this point in my life is a hobby, but if it's gonna be my hobby of choice, I'll do my best to surround myself with the best gear I can, and get it from someone I have built some trust with. That wouldn't be possible if they treated me like a bottom line number all the time.

They don't.

Cheers!

Jay

[allbaldo]

I did about a year there a while back. They opened a new store here, and a strange thing happened... they brought in a manager with a brain, and some integrity. It was fine for a while... despite my total inability to sell stuff. Then, the company transfered our manager to a bigger store, and brought in a guy who turned the place into a standard fare GC, and ruined it. All the original guys, myself included, quit after he lowered all of our commisions, basically making it completely impossible to make any money.

The discounts were fantastic however. I got a LOT of stuff to get my studio up and running while I was there.

By the end I hated it. I was SO glad to leave.

[kafka]

Originally Posted by Master Tang

From an employee's point of view it would suck to go to work every day, and try to demo a Fender Tweed reissue to a guy that would really buy it have some kid trashing a Les Paul with his bracelet, on a dimed Marshall half stack two amps down the line.

This has always been my issue with my local GC. I've never had any problem with any of the employees (well, except the one who seemed to be suggesting that he could "hook me up" with some kind of deal - and it wasn't all that clear that he was talking about music equipment, either. Didn't want to get involved with that - whatever it was). They'll have some nice new stuff on the wall, but when I'm there, I never really feel like trying it out because of all the noise from the kids around. I'll go to the local vintage and used shops and try out their stuff, no problem. Just something about the GC vibe that puts me off.

[joelpatterson]

True confession: I dropped three Ben's on Mogami patch cables at my local Guitar Center to try out this incredible new F o u r C h a n n e l P r e that Fletcher is letting me test out, the NPNG (no pain, no gain) and was that absurd? Yes, I suppose, it would have cost me 1/3 of that to order them from someone, but I wouldn't have it right now, and when you're excited about stuff like an amazing new pre, the Having It Right Now factor and the Excitement factor really drives business decisions, sometimes.

I could imagine racing down there on some future Friday night, and doing the same thing. Yeah, wag your finger all you want, but I am telling you, the convenience of being able to walk into a store like that and walk out with pretty much anything your throbbing heart desires or a close enough facsimile, I say that trumps all.

[Mosby]

Originally Posted by dasmetre

I had written another (what I felt to be) polite and conversational response to all this. You're right, I don't like people spreading discontent about where I work or what I do. Unfortunately, emotional arguments cannot be won. So since you feel that somehow GC is a simple disservice to humanity and no amount of open communication will change that, I wish you good luck on your crusade. May your voice carry far and wide, and may all those that hear it have the wisdom to decide for themselves.

All the best.

Dasmetre: I don't think Tibbon is attacking you personally, or trying to. You seem like a pretty stand up guy - you at least agreed that the company had faults.

I do think GC's biggest problem is the base pay is so low.... Or keep the base low, but boost the commissions.

Originally Posted by dmbandtimmy

I've never worked there, but for those of you who have, whats a fair discount to ask for? I am wanting to purchase a Vox AC30cc1, but am unsure of price to ask for that they can do.

I received a 20% off coupon off of anything last year and used it to buy a firepod and now they are only $399. :( I wish they would come out with another coupon like that!

I know guys are working on commission, but when I bought a lot of my recording gear and tried to get a decent deal the manager seemed put off. Any suggestions???

Here's my advice. Find the price you want to pay. Ask them if they can do that price. If they can't, they can't. But don't sit there and try to haggle the guy, or say something like "what deal can I get?" Tell him what you want to pay (be reasonable) and either let him make a counter-offer, or walk.

The reason he seemed put off was the reason I touched on. To him you're just another guy who wants a better deal than anyone else and making it harder for him to get his commission check.

[Tibbon]

Originally Posted by joelpatterson

True confession: I dropped three Ben's on Mogami patch cables at my local Guitar Center to try out this incredible new F o u r C h a n n e l P r e that Fletcher is letting me test out, the NPNG (no pain, no gain) and was that absurd? Yes, I suppose, it would have cost me 1/3 of that to order them from someone, but I wouldn't have it right now, and when you're excited about stuff like an amazing new pre, the Having It Right Now factor and the Excitement factor really drives business decisions, sometimes.

I could imagine racing down there on some future Friday night, and doing the same thing. Yeah, wag your finger all you want, but I am telling you, the convenience of being able to walk into a store like that and walk out with pretty much anything your throbbing heart desires or a close enough facsimile, I say that trumps all.

I 100% agree that the convience of GC is great. They are like Radioshack; their employees know little, and the customer service is horrid, the prices are high... but if all you need is some solder NOW or some leds, then you go to Radioshack- not mouser.

At the same time, GC wouldn't have let you borrow that gear to try out.

[alexnetick]

It's funny you mention that -- I've done the same thing, and somehow that alway turned out to be the most emotionally frustrating experience I've had at guitar center. You need something "right now," and like rats drawn to cheese, they sort of pick up on it, and, it's like a mystical thing, somehow everything just gets ****ed up, and you get more irritated, and the manager comes out, and suddenly you can't leave like it's an episode of the Twilight Zone, with a soundtrack that's a blend of some 12 year old playing Green Day riffs, and a radio on the intercom playing Blink 182, and some poor old lady trying to buy a guitar for her kid on her birthday paying list price, and ... well that's Guitar Center.

Originally Posted by joelpatterson

True confession: I dropped three Ben's on Mogami patch cables at my local Guitar Center to try out this incredible new F o u r C h a n n e l P r e that Fletcher is letting me test out, the NPNG (no pain, no gain) and was that absurd? Yes, I suppose, it would have cost me 1/3 of that to order them from someone, but I wouldn't have it right now, and when you're excited about stuff like an amazing new pre, the Having It Right Now factor and the Excitement factor really drives business decisions, sometimes.

I could imagine racing down there on some future Friday night, and doing the same thing. Yeah, wag your finger all you want, but I am telling you, the convenience of being able to walk into a store like that and walk out with pretty much anything your throbbing heart desires or a close enough facsimile, I say that trumps all.

[alexnetick]

And then the shit breaks after 31 days just for the karma of going to that miserable place in the first place.

Originally Posted by alexnetick

It's funny you mention that -- I've done the same thing, and somehow that alway turned out to be the most emotionally frustrating experience I've had at guitar center. You need something "right now," and like rats drawn to cheese, they sort of pick up on it, and, it's like a mystical thing, somehow everything just gets ****ed up, and you get more irritated, and the manager comes out, and suddenly you can't leave like it's an episode of the Twilight Zone, with a soundtrack that's a blend of some 12 year old playing Green Day riffs, and a radio on the intercom playing Blink 182, and some poor old lady trying to buy a guitar for her kid on her birthday paying list price, and ... well that's Guitar Center.

[nofi]

Originally Posted by Tibbon

That's why I don't really agree with drug testing. But at the same time, I can see why a crackhead would be a poor employee.

they definately would make a very bad employee.. if they even managed to show up...

the issue is, so would an alcoholic... or a kleptomainiac.. or someone with an out of control gambling addiction... or someone with a violent personality...

But drug testing is about imposing social/moral codes on people - it's about catching recreational drug users who you would never tell by their work performance that they use drugs... and that's why drug testing is crap - fascist, overbearing, big-brother crap.

I'm not a recreational drug user (anymore - I know when I've had enough) but if I were ever forced to take a drug test for a place of work, I'd be complying with it (and passing) and then spending as much time as possible looking for a new job, and quitting as quickly as possible. I'd probably not bother with documenting any of my projects before leaving, either.

sorry to highjack the GC thread - I just can't stand by and not rant when someone brings up drug testing... evil sh!t.

[toneguru]

I'm LA born n raised and I will tell you straight up... LA is a better place with GC.

In the 70's I use to go to the old store on the south side of the blvd and listen to some world class players and rock stars and it was a fun hang for a teenager. Although without a doubt the best store for hanging with world class players was Valley Arts in Studio City. They had great sales staff like Martin and studio musicians seemed to live there.

In the late 80's Guitar/Guitar was a fun hang and also great for swinging trades.

Back to GC... In the 90's I would jam on $4k Martin's with my friends in the vintage room. I even swung trades there and I found a friend a killer Strat during a $300 sale (I had to play about ten before I found one that stood out).

Life is what you make of it and so is GC.

PS. There is one major downside to GC, it will accelerate the demise of the smaller stores and that totally sucks.

The only constant in life is change.

[toneguru]

I'm LA born n raised and I will tell you straight up... LA is a better place with GC.

In the 70's I use to go to the old store on the south side of the blvd and listen to some world class players and rock stars and it was a fun hang for a teenager. Although without a doubt the best store for hanging with world class players was Valley Arts in Studio City. They had great sales staff like Martin and studio musicians seemed to live there.

In the late 80's Guitar/Guitar was a fun hang and also great for swinging trades.

Back to GC... In the 90's I would jam on $4k Martin's with my friends in the vintage room. I even swung trades there and I found a friend a killer Strat during a $300 sale (I had to play about ten before I found one that stood out).

Life is what you make of it and so is GC.

PS. There is one major downside to GC, it will accelerate the demise of the smaller stores and that totally sucks.

[ThrillHo]

Originally Posted by nofi

the issue is, so would an alcoholic... or a kleptomainiac.. or someone with an out of control gambling addiction... or someone with a violent personality...

But drug testing is about imposing social/moral codes on people - it's about catching recreational drug users who you would never tell by their work performance that they use drugs... and that's why drug testing is crap - fascist, overbearing, big-brother crap.

What sucks is that weekend pot-smokers get thrown into the same pile as seriously chronic hard-drug users if they fail the test, considering that pot is the only drug that actually stays in your system for several weeks, as opposed to a few days.

People should be judged on the quality of their work and the way they present themselves in a business environment. Is that so unreasonable?

[bexarametric]

I just finished a 2 year stint at GC last month. It was a pretty cool run. I can see things from both the customer and salespersons POV. I left as a manager and am moving onto a job that pays more money.

It is what it is. You get a sweet hookup on gear and, if you work hard and sell people the correct item, then you have nothing to worry about. It's the moron salesperson that gets "commission breath" that will sell you the thing that makes them the most money instead of the thing you need. Had they sold you what you needed, the possibility of a relationship and a repeat customer would be a reality.

I did get into that job to get more involved with music. From and "equipment purchasing" standpoint, I was very active. Perhaps too active. The problem is that I never wrote anything. In the month since I've left, I have written a few songs and I feel great. My new job makes twice as much and I work half as much.

So, yeah, it is what it is.

I think stricter hiring standards would be a good thing.

[Mosby]

Originally Posted by bexarametric

It is what it is. You get a sweet hookup on gear and, if you work hard and sell people the correct item, then you have nothing to worry about. It's the moron salesperson that gets "commission breath" that will sell you the thing that makes them the most money instead of the thing you need. Had they sold you what you needed, the possibility of a relationship and a repeat customer would be a reality.

Sure. But at least at the one I worked at - repeat customers meant that they would come in two months later to buy a set of strings for their $300 guitar.

[Pistolpete]

I joined GC's staff for one day. The job was just going to be a fun job to put some extra money in the pocket and get some good discounts. Unfortunatly the manager told me that I was supposed to get an hourly plus commission. I began the day wondering around looking at all the potential money I can make (especially actully knowing what im talking about) and witnessed the typical behavior of GC employees, selling wrong pieces to customers...even a apogee ensamble to a PC customer...lol...I was going to step in but why help them look better...I want that money....So the day goes on...more bs flying than a pac of canada geese and I start asking around what can I expect for my hourly and commission. Then the truth comes out, that My so called hourly is a draw, and its taken out of my monthly commission, not added to it....so i confirmed the lie to the manager that sold me on it....he said it was tru and i told him by sign language what I thought.....(middle finger).....oh well....at least I learned how much markup there is and how they operate for future comsumer reference.

[contempo]

Originally Posted by jcool

disgustingly horrible company.
Impersonal and selfish sales tactics.
Some people there are great, but the company is a joke.
Worked here in california for about 3 months in Pro Audio.
Errors on the tests they give. Stupid videos for new hires.
Regional managers knew nothing but second-hand buzz-words and hyped audio lingo.
Used car salesmen.
Stinks real bad.
james

indeed!

i worked at guitarget for about 40 days...

39 days too long. they really push the 60-70 hour, 6 day work week. between my band and recording i couldn't deal with it. something had to go and it was teh evil GC. like a bad boot camp or something...

[Black Rewind]

I have an interview at GC next week, and I was just wondering if I could get some kind of idea of what I should be expecting and what I should do to seal the deal (I guess). Thanks!

[fcorl]

Originally Posted by warhead

That is good news for pro audio dealers who either know what they are talking about, or instead of lying or making up answers...finding info and passing it along to customers.

But once that information gets dispensed by the knowledgeable dealer who is at least trying to sell at MAP pricing...many people will still run to the "used car salesmen" at the box stores and beat them up on pricing and still give them their business.

If the customer doesn't value information, why should the box store salesman?

War

Although I always try to get a good deal... I will pay the extra few bucks for knowledgeable and friendly service. I also make it a point to not GET my info from one person and GET the better deal from GC. Although I will occasionally stop in for an emergency cable or pair of drumsticks or drum heads..... I make an effort to buy the larger ticket items from someone who is willing to talk to me, teach, and help me out a little.

[Chris]

I've wanted to try to get a part time job there just for the discounts, but I probably never will.

[pikapikapi]

what are the employee discounts like?

[infopimpster]

Now that they are mostly/sorta on the path (if not already there) to fixed pricing, no more friendly discounts for high volume buyers ... see ya later GC!

Explaination from my sales rep: "We were bought out"

-steve