Anyone here ever work at Guitar Center??

[Stress Man]

I been there a month already. Has anyone else here ever worked at Guitar Center??

[Brandino221]

Originally Posted by Stress Man

I been there a month already. Has anyone else here ever worked at Guitar Center??

yup!!! lol.
florida

[Acoustic Cloud]

Not me, but GC started the bastardized downward spiral of the client-proprietor relationship!! All to be expected though, not much different than the Home-depot vs. popular hardware store that had been in business on the corner for 50 years!

Even though its true, I see why old guys complain all the time!! I am one of them now!

[Reag1502]

I worked at the one in Hollywood and hated it. Its a job were you run round like your head cut off to make sales, so in the end you can make basically NO money, and when you do make some sales the nimrods return it all on the 30th day of when they purchased it. The other thing that drove me nuts were these kids sitting around in ther Metallica TShirts playing bad riffs ALL day long with no intention of ever buying anything. That's ok, but they would always leave all the guitars lying around, or worse damage them because they fell over and what not. They had absolutely ZERO respect for what went on there. They were always of a certain race as well. You figure it out.

[Stress Man]

Originally Posted by Brandino221

yup!!! lol.
florida

didja like it??

Didja get those HUGE discounts??

[audioalchemy]

I have and do work at GC. Been at 2 different stores so far. I don't mind it so much. It is true that it is difficult to earn a living by working there.(thank god for engineering gigs to pay the bills) The main reason that I work at GC is the cheap gear (you can buy @ cost) and I enjoy interacting with people. I have to say though, that GC's attitude behind closed doors about their customers is ass backwards.

Here is how it works....

One...
The way you make money at GC is the comission you get from gross profit on sales. They give their sales guys 10% of GP. Therefore it fosters an attitude that forces sales guys to sell the gear with the biggest profit margin instead of what the custy really wants and or needs. Even though the sales guy probably knows better.

Two...
Because they are a massive publicy traded corporation they are concerned about the bottom line. This is directly reflected in their hiring practices, as many people here can tell you. GC tends to hire gear morons, with no practical audio expirience except their MPC and Mbox. The people they do hire are salesmen. You know, the people that glad hand, push the pricey stuff, and have no idea what they are talking about. Now please keep in mind that this is not a big FU to all the GC guys out there. You can find responsible, knowledgeable, and helpful sales guys at GC, I'm one of them.

Now GC can find me and sue me for telling people what most allready know. Just a word of advice for all the GC shoppers out there. Don't pay the tagged price, find a sales guy who is knowledgeable and deal with nobody else except him.

Peace,
AudioAlchemy

[audioalchemy]

Originally Posted by Acoustic Cloud

Not me, but GC started the bastardized downward spiral of the client-proprietor relationship!! All to be expected though, not much different than the Home-depot vs. popular hardware store that had been in business on the corner for 50 years!

Even though its true, I see why old guys complain all the time!! I am one of them now!

I have to agree with your statement here. I get pissed off about the same stuff all the time. This is why I put the extra effort to help my customers out. The reason so many people hate GC is because you do get shitty service. The reason for this is because most of the employees there are just kids who aren't willing to do manual labor, or wear a tie.

[farside]

I worked there for about a year in 02/03.

I had 8 bosses

[Stress Man]

[QUOTE=audioalchemy;862544].

GC tends to hire gear morons, with no practical audio expirience except their MPC and Mbox.

Yup that's me, sadly.

[ersheff]

Originally Posted by Reag1502

They had absolutely ZERO respect for what went on there. They were always of a certain race as well. You figure it out.

Jesus, man. Don't even mention things like that. It makes you sound ignorant.

[Reag1502]

Originally Posted by mopppish

Jesus, man. Don't even mention things like that. It makes you sound ignorant.

Just stating the facts. Its not my fault that %99 of the time, that was the case.

[usekgb]

Ahhhh...... GC. I was working at Musician's Friend when GC bought them out. What a change! I suddenly started making less money, while having to work harder than ever. Then I went over to MARS music, which was actually pretty good for a while. The problem was, they started running things like guitar center, and things started spiralling down the pisser. We started making less money, we had less stock, and the quality of gear went down.

Thankfully, I have been at a local pro-audio shop for about four years now, and I am very happy here. We actually have time to spend with our customers to get them what they need, instead of what has the highest margins. We have been in business for 30 years, and we can barely keep up with growth. One of the things that keeps us going is people who are fed up with Guitar Center and want to shop at a real audio store. We don't sell drums, keyboards, or guitars, so we can be really good at doing what we do; which is renting, servicing, and selling pro-audio and recording equipment.

So everyone, support your local pro-audio shops. If you really need something from GC, by all means get it. But if you want to talk to a real audio person and get good service, go to your local pro-audio shop. You won't regret it.

Cheers,
Zach

[digitalM]

Not all salesguys at GC are jerks! The guy that helped me at GC in Mobile some time ago went to GREAT lenghts to make sure I finally got that beautiful '54 model customshop strat. The guitar was preowned and signed ( on the back ) by Jim Hall and Hank Williams Jr.

At one point he was ready to get in his car to bring it to New Orleans personally ( I was in the Gulf of Mexico and was going to pick up the guitar in Mobile, oh no, now my ship isn't going to Mobile but to N' Orleans! I called Byron at GC and asked if there was any way he could get the strat over to New Orleans, blabla, next morning the ship is sailing to... Mobile...! )
Last minute I called Byron who already had one leg in his car and told him to stay right there in Mobile. Late afternoon the ship docked, almost closingtime, I race my bosses Dodge to the otherside of town and get there 16:55 saturday afternoon, get my guitar, thank the salesguy Byron and fly home next day just before hurricane Bonnie hits the mainland.

So Byron, if you happen to read Gearslutz: thanks!thumbsup

[xopeth4]

Living in Manhattan, there are lots of places for gear. The GC on 14th has, from what I have dealt with, a predominantly friendly staff that actually remembers you when you walk in. Lots of smaller gear stores in NYC, on the other hand, treat you like it is your privilege to walk thru their doors and spend 2 to 3 dollars more on guitar strings than you should. As examples, East Village Music on 4th street and First Flight on 1st Ave are very cool places with friendly staff, whereas places like Rogue on 30th has a bunch of asswipes working there -- from personal experience, even AFTER I spent 100 bucks!! I'm sorry, I am all for the smaller places, but in the NYC setting, with the exception of a few places, I'd rather just walk into GC and grab up what I already know I needed.

-Edited to add, I hate Sam Ash as well, as a lifelong NY resident, I always found their sales people rude and condescending. A funny story-- I called Manny's, now owned by Sam Ash, and asked if an item was in stock (it was) and the guy on the phone said to ask for him when I came down. Well I went down, walked into the department (software) and found a grand total of nobody anywhere near the software area, nobody on that side of the store as a matter of fact. Finally, someone moseyed along and asked me if they could help me and I said i wanted to buy (pointed to it) that product. Glass case was opened, grabbed item, walking to the register, and the guy from the phone saunters over, sees what's in the other guy's hand, demands to me "why the hell" I didn't ask for him, and then gets in an argument with the other sales guy! I understand bottom lines and the need to make money, but this idiot made me feel like a heel and a dick for not busting my ass looking for him to sell me my item, when he clearly was not around when I came thru the door. Yes I bought the item, but i have never walked thru those doors again. I was very happy when GC opened in NYC.

[Brandino221]

Originally Posted by Stress Man

didja like it??

Didja get those HUGE discounts??

Well, I have worked at 2 stores. I like the company. I have been working there for a while so I know the company well. I do like it. Is it easy? Not..but nothing is easy.
I think yes there are some people who do need to learn more. However, I have seen some people that do know plenty. So I would not say all of the guys fall into the "they don't know what they are talking about" group.

Yea, we get discounts after being there for a little while. It's nice. Can you make money? Yea you can. It's all about what you put into it. If you sit and clerk deals all day..then now. If you have fun and get to know DJs, studio, and the bands in town..yea, you can make some money. I think GC gets a bad rep sometimes..but I think it's a great company.

[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

[Reag1502]

I don't know how it's going to be were you work Mr Stress, but as far as getting stuff discounted, the managers in Hollywood always made it as difficult as possible for you to NOT get stuff. You had to chase them down 10 million times, and of course they were always to busy at the time to help you. Most of the time I just gave up. The guy above me said it best. They are all a bunch of glorifed used car salesmen. My favorite thing too is the second you walk in that place and point at a guitar, some cheesy dolt comes over there trying to lay all his sales b.s on you trying to intimitate you into buying it. I have found that the Sam Ashs in Hollywood and the one in West Hollywood have really cool staff members and seem to know what the hell there talking about. I guess its different everywere you go. Good Luck though

[Sounds Great]

Worked in Guitar Center's pro audio department in 92' - 94', Roseville MN and Lawndale, CA.

[warhead]

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

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

[Acoustic Cloud]

In the 70s and 80s it was a way better market, and there were no chain stores, with dummies....sorry, if you had a good bloke at GC, chances are hes not there any more. NOBODY works at GC for more than a week- 3 years, because they always have a fresh "dummy" import supply.

My brother in Dallas says the GC guys there are much more pro, and stable than they are here. He has been to the stores here also, so he must know.

I like meeting Beavis and Butthead in person though, there arent alot of places to do that!

[mrface2112]

Originally Posted by Acoustic Cloud

if you had a good bloke at GC, chances are hes not there any more.

yeah, that happened to me. i had a guy in "pro audio" at my local GC who was knowledgable, had session experience, had experience with the gear, treated me really nice, let me "demo" gear AND gave me great pricing. i could trust him and i trusted his ear. he was a rarity. he was there for a couple years.........and now he's gone. and now GC really bites b/c the rest of the guys there know they can't BS me, so i don't get very good service.

my "go to" guys in guitars and drums are still there (and will be for life, it seems).....i just don't buy much from them in guitars or drums.


cheers,
wade

[Brandino221]

Originally Posted by Acoustic Cloud

In the 70s and 80s it was a way better market, and there were no chain stores, with dummies....sorry, if you had a good bloke at GC, chances are hes not there any more. NOBODY works at GC for more than a week- 3 years, because they always have a fresh "dummy" import supply.

My brother in Dallas says the GC guys there are much more pro, and stable than they are here. He has been to the stores here also, so he must know.

I like meeting Beavis and Butthead in person though, there arent alot of places to do that!

Well, I can say that I know alot of people that have worked for GC for a long time. A good 8 years or more. I do understand the fact that there are some people that have no idea what they are talking about. However..those people are the ones that don't last very long. You gotta know your stuff to work in Audio. As long as you keep learning..it's all good. I always said..if you can't support it..don't sell it. Plain and simple.

[Sounds Great]

Originally Posted by Brandino221

Well, I can say that I know alot of people that have worked for GC for a long time. A good 8 years or more. I do understand the fact that there are some people that have no idea what they are talking about. However..those people are the ones that don't last very long. You gotta know your stuff to work in Audio. As long as you keep learning..it's all good. I always said..if you can't support it..don't sell it. Plain and simple.

It is hard to make a decent living working at GC, no matter how good you are.

[KevWest]

they keep trying to get me to work there and i turn them down everytime every guy taht comes in there to buy fruity loops talks to me and leaves with a triton

[Eric Greedy]

I get great service and prices @ GC. Artist Relations is the way to go - along with the post-production 3% tax (in California).

[max cooper]

I've shopped at Guitar Center Hollywood and on Ventura for many years and hated going in every time.

That said, I gotta give props to Guitar Center Austin. Great Pro Audio guys and excellent vintage guitar/amp guy.

[dshay]

Originally Posted by Reag1502

They were always of a certain race as well. You figure it out.

Hey, man, no offense but...

fuuck fuuck fuuck fuuck fuuck fuuck fuuck

[David Lee]

I worked at the GC in Sherman Oaks for almost 2 years and here is my take on it.

Your experience at GC is only as good as the salesman standing in front of you when you're there. period.

never pay "GLP"

if you're in California, the 3% sales tax for *ahem* 'post production' is a big win (but you can get that at most of the pro shops)

if you're in LA, and you're shopping at the Sherman Oaks store, and you're a pro, go to the GC Pro guys there, Gadget is the bomb.


I could say a lot of dirty things about my experience there, but i'm not that type of cat. I had good times there, and times that pissed me off, but i still shop there and it isn't that bad at all, as long as you're talking to a good salesman

[Sounds Great]

I don't know if you still get the manufacturers spiffs or not, but I once got a free Yamaha acoustic/electric for selling a bunch of Yamaha product.

[Acoustic Cloud]

Originally Posted by Brandino221

Well, I can say that I know alot of people that have worked for GC for a long time. A good 8 years or more. I do understand the fact that there are some people that have no idea what they are talking about. However..those people are the ones that don't last very long. You gotta know your stuff to work in Audio. As long as you keep learning..it's all good. I always said..if you can't support it..don't sell it. Plain and simple.

Sorry man, I dont think so... honestly. No one really keeps commision-draw jobs for a long long time, no matter what industry. I see alot of reps from all types of audio companies and distributors that are alot more reputable and knowledgable than GC "people", and they all jump to other ships usually well before any 8 year mark. The pressure and quota stuff seems too much for almost anyone to not start over almost regularly.

I see the occaisional meeting of the reps close up......"Your not with ___ anymore? No, that was in the late 90's, I have been with ___ and___ for a while, and do sideways with ___"!!

Your kidding, I was with them before ____ was out of business!! How funny, did they still have ______ working for them then??

HAHAHA!! No ____ was gone a few months before I was with them!! But ___ was there, only for ___, and he went to _____...

etc etc....