Part of the solution---if you shop at Guitar Center, read this

[dylansmale]

the guy running this thread is an ass, he just tried debating me that it wasn't his fault. that the vendors give away free shit to his workers (minions) for selling a largest number of their product, making it a contest and not about what product is better for the customer (who i hope isn't a complete idiot)

[dasmetre]

I appreciate the feedback I've been given in this thread. Those of you who have offered sincere opinions (even those that were negative) have been invaluable to me. I give my sincerest thanks.

That does not mean my job is finished, though. I'm all ears!
Thanks again!
Eli

[Dean7]

Originally Posted by dylansmale

the guy running this thread is an ass, he just tried debating me that it wasn't his fault. that the vendors give away free shit to his workers (minions) for selling a largest number of their product, making it a contest and not about what product is better for the customer (who i hope isn't a complete idiot)

Do you have any posts where you're NOT pissed off? Cut this guy some slack. How is it his fault that vendors want to provide incentives to sell their stuff so they give away free bonuses to those that sell their stuff?

[Mr. Man]

Originally Posted by dasmetre

I'm the general Manager for GC in Fountain Valley, CA and have a question for you guys--

What do we need to do better? I want to be a part of the solution.
Thanks
Eli

ps--I hope this doesn't turn into a "you guys suck" thread, because that's not going to help us get better at what we do.

thanks again!

It sounds like you have a little bit of management common sense trying to connect better with customers. Kudos to you, my friend.

[TheBluesBrother]

Ok, so if you want to sell studio monitors to anyone who knows a damned thing about audio, you're going to have to do better than they do at my local GC.

First, actually make the demos work. I'm going to be blunt about this. If the salespeople at an audio store can't make their demos function properly then I WILL NOT buy from them.

Second, how about setting up at least a halfway decent listening environment for the speakers. A wall of speakers set up in such a way that it is impossible to actually get a center image does not help me evaluate anything. Furthermore, proper placement doesn't mean a thing if the room is noisy, heavily trafficked, and acoustically questionable.

Finally, as has been mentioned a thousand times already, hire sales staff who have a clue. Even a small clue could go a long way. I'm 20 years old and completely inexperienced yet I know more than any recording sales rep I've ever met at a GC. It once took me 10 minutes to find someone who even knew what a Radial DI was, and then it took 5 more minutes for them to find someone who knew where they were. That is sad.

[manthe]

Originally Posted by dylansmale

the guy running this thread is an ass, he just tried debating me that it wasn't his fault. that the vendors give away free shit to his workers (minions) for selling a largest number of their product, making it a contest and not about what product is better for the customer (who i hope isn't a complete idiot)

Explain how it IS his fault, please.

[cl516]

Here's something Guitar Center should NOT do.
This did NOT happen at GC, but rather at a retail chain store in downtown Toronto.

I walk in, I need a Word Clock Cable.
I could only find the low-end Hosa-type, so I approach Sales Person "A".
He immediately greets me in Korean, not English. I'm Chinese not Korean.
I politely sidestep his greeting and ask which brands of word clock cables they stock.
He grabs a Mogami, but proceeds to explain how pointless it would be to buy the more expensive item by speaking with Sales Person "B".

SalesPerson A: "Hey, how much of a difference would it make between these 2 cables, going with the expensive one?"

SalesPerson B pauses, and then get this:
He replies with a really strange and cryptic acronym that is supposed to express something like, 'not a hell lot of difference'. He says something like N.A.H.L.O.D.

SalesPerson A didn't even understand, but I attempted a guess and said it out loud.

SalesPerson A (nodding): "See? He says not a lot of difference. And he would know too, he's one of the BEST Pro Tools engineers in the WHOLE city."

I politely ignore their suggestion and I go with the Mogami.
I ask SalesPerson A if he could please ring up my order.

In a really loud voice, he asks for my phone number to pull up my account on the computer. When my account finally pulls up, he ANNOUNCES my full name loud enough for the whole store. Upon seeing my last name, he also asks which Chinese dialect I speak, so he can practice his greetings. I tell him NONE.

I pay, get my change, and leave.

The part that also annoys me is that Salesperson B actually knows me by name, but is so incredibly awkward that he can't even say hello properly. The only sounds he spoke were cryptic 'letters'. I've been in their store probably more than 30 times in the past 2 years. Salesperson A was just plain annoying and should switch jobs if he's into languages so much.

[dasmetre]

Originally Posted by cl516

Here's something Guitar Center should NOT do.
This did NOT happen at GC, but rather at a retail chain store in downtown Toronto.

I walk in, I need a Word Clock Cable.
I could only find the low-end Hosa-type, so I approach Sales Person "A".
He immediately greets me in Korean, not English. I'm Chinese not Korean.
I politely sidestep his greeting and ask which brands of word clock cables they stock.
He grabs a Mogami, but proceeds to explain how pointless it would be to buy the more expensive item by speaking with Sales Person "B".

SalesPerson A: "Hey, how much of a difference would it make between these 2 cables, going with the expensive one?"

SalesPerson B pauses, and then get this:
He replies with a really strange and cryptic acronym that is supposed to express something like, 'not a hell lot of difference'. He says something like N.A.H.L.O.D.

SalesPerson A didn't even understand, but I attempted a guess and said it out loud.

SalesPerson A (nodding): "See? He says not a lot of difference. And he would know too, he's one of the BEST Pro Tools engineers in the WHOLE city."

I politely ignore their suggestion and I go with the Mogami.
I ask SalesPerson A if he could please ring up my order.

In a really loud voice, he asks for my phone number to pull up my account on the computer. When my account finally pulls up, he ANNOUNCES my full name loud enough for the whole store. Upon seeing my last name, he also asks which Chinese dialect I speak, so he can practice his greetings. I tell him NONE.

I pay, get my change, and leave.

The part that also annoys me is that Salesperson B actually knows me by name, but is so incredibly awkward that he can't even say hello properly. The only sounds he spoke were cryptic 'letters'. I've been in their store probably more than 30 times in the past 2 years. Salesperson A was just plain annoying and should switch jobs if he's into languages so much.

Wow. Sorry that even happened. Definitely not something I'd be happy to own up to. Glad it wasn't us.
Eli

[christmasjones]

Originally Posted by TheBluesBrother

hire sales staff who have a clue. Even a small clue could go a long way. I'm 20 years old and completely inexperienced yet I know more than any recording sales rep I've ever met at a GC.

I'd imagine it's not very easy to keep comission sales guys around when everyone comes in and wants the lowest price possible. People that know their stuff don't get paid well enough to stay.

[dasmetre]

Originally Posted by Mr. Man

It sounds like you have a little bit of management common sense trying to connect better with customers. Kudos to you, my friend.

Thank you. I appreciate that.
Eli

[cl516]

hey dasmetre, thanks for reading that.

to be fair: the Manhattan 14th street Guitar Centre has been pretty cool in general.
They have a sweet collection of synths (even though they are in a bit of a beat up condition - not their fault, the clientele there are relentless) and the staff back off politely if you say you're just browsing.

they don't start stereotyping right away or try to convince me i need something else.

[shanabit]

Here is some constructive criticism:

Make SURE all Keyboards, Monitors, Amps, and any other audio device that needs to be heard to audition for sale is :

HOOKED UP!!!

I instantly walk out without buying if they are not

[dasmetre]

Originally Posted by cl516

hey dasmetre, thanks for reading that.

to be fair: the Manhattan 14th street Guitar Centre has been pretty cool in general.
They have a sweet collection of synths (even though they are in a bit of a beat up condition - not their fault, the clientele there are relentless) and the staff back off politely if you say you're just browsing.

they don't start stereotyping right away or try to convince me i need something else.

That's good to hear. I have a friend that is a sales manager there--she and I come from the same town, our bands played together, etc. Glad to hear they are being cool.
Thanks!
Eli

[dasmetre]

Originally Posted by shanabit

Here is some constructive criticism:

Make SURE all Keyboards, Monitors, Amps, and any other audio device that needs to be heard to audition for sale is :

HOOKED UP!!!

I instantly walk out without buying if they are not

I don't blame you. It's definitely something we could be better at. Thanks for the input!
Eli

[whitepapagold]

Originally Posted by dasmetre

I appreciate the feedback I've been given in this thread. Those of you who have offered sincere opinions (even those that were negative) have been invaluable to me. I give my sincerest thanks.

That does not mean my job is finished, though. I'm all ears!
Thanks again!
Eli

Ok Ill bite. I shop at your store. I spent THOUSANDS there actually and try not to go there anymore.

1. Your computers are ALWAYS wrong by 1 or 2 items as far as stock count. I came in AFTER CALLING to buy a mic boom, 2 mic stands, and 2 guitar stands. I walked out with ALL FLOOR MODELS. Your computer disagreed and said 2 or 3 in stock- your employees ADMIT this is normal and a JOKE. How the hell does that happen with EVERYTHING I called about? This happens at least 60% of the time and I ALWAYS CALL FIRST.

2. The boom stand I bought was a floor model. The salesman offered to sell it for 25 less than normal. ITS BROKEN. The middle part that secures the pole rotates indefinitely- BUT ITS DISCOUNTED A FLOOR MODEL- no returns... I was told it was in perfect working condition. I can't trust you guys at all.

3. I came in 2 weeks ago to buy a gator case for my new quad eight preamps. I asked the guy how much- he said 100.... WTF? I said now Ill tell you right now your full of BS and if I buy this and go look on YOUR INTERNET SALES site musicians friend and its cheaper, Ill be pissed- so he checked-its 79 bucks. How do you OVERPRICE things like that? Thats a joke.

4. Your employees lie constantly when they have no idea what they are talking about. I own a studio. Racks of gear, 9 synths, 3 guitars and do this full time BUT I NEVER tell them that. I want to see what they say. They will say ANYTHING to make it sound like a good deal or that they know what they are talking about.

5. The manager in proaudio (brown hair and glasses- thats as much as I remember) is an IDIOT! I came in and asked about a digi plug. He said he could order it, I answered no thanks. He proceeded to tell me I was stupid if I were to buy it else where... UM elsewhere I would have the plug transferred on line INSTANTLY. Why would I buy it from him. No return and NO SUPPORT.... He got really agressive and I walked out- I needed some other minor things (strings, cables) but no way...

6. In general its a shady place where pricing is based off how much they THINK they can get from you, not a good fair price. Im almost 40 so they always think they can snow me... Like Im an ignorant dad here to buy gear for his kids. Not ONE employee Ive dealt with in your stroe truly knew a damn thing but I guess what do I expect for 8 bucks an hour and a commission program that makes slavery look like a good deal. How do I know that, I used to work for GC YEARS ago. Its the same place with the same BS and a bunch of ignorant kids trying to misrepresent themselves as not being completely IGNORANT!

Its nice of you to try and see what people think but I was in your store when this thread started and I was there last week- nothings changed. If you weren't a mile away from me, I wouldn't bother but I can still get picks and strings hassle free.... MOST of the time.

And that mic boom stand deal REALLY burned me. I called first and was lied to on the phone- "YEAH, we have it in stock." Of course I verified NOT FLOOR MODEL- I was told NO IN THE BOX. Then I come down after being lied to get sold broken crap... HMMMMMMMMMMM.

[dasmetre]

Originally Posted by whitepapagold

Ok Ill bite. I shop at your store. I spent THOUSANDS there actually and try not to go there anymore.

1. Your computers are ALWAYS wrong by 1 or 2 items as far as stock count. I came in AFTER CALLING to buy a mic boom, 2 mic stands, and 2 guitar stands. I walked out with ALL FLOOR MODELS. Your computer disagreed and said 2 or 3 in stock- your employees ADMIT this is normal and a JOKE. How the hell does that happen with EVERYTHING I called about? This happens at least 60% of the time and I ALWAYS CALL FIRST.

2. The boom stand I bought was a floor model. The salesman offered to sell it for 25 less than normal. ITS BROKEN. The middle part that secures the pole rotates indefinitely- BUT ITS DISCOUNTED A FLOOR MODEL- no returns... I was told it was in perfect working condition. I can't trust you guys at all.

3. I came in 2 weeks ago to buy a gator case for my new quad eight preamps. I asked the guy how much- he said 100.... WTF? I said now Ill tell you right now your full of BS and if I buy this and go look on YOUR INTERNET SALES site musicians friend and its cheaper, Ill be pissed- so he checked-its 79 bucks. How do you OVERPRICE things like that? Thats a joke.

4. Your employees lie constantly when they have no idea what they are talking about. I own a studio. Racks of gear, 9 synths, 3 guitars and do this full time BUT I NEVER tell them that. I want to see what they say. They will say ANYTHING to make it sound like a good deal or that they know what they are talking about.

5. The manager in proaudio (brown hair and glasses- thats as much as I remember) is an IDIOT! I came in and asked about a digi plug. He said he could order it, I answered no thanks. He proceeded to tell me I was stupid if I were to buy it else where... UM elsewhere I would have the plug transferred on line INSTANTLY. Why would I buy it from him. No return and NO SUPPORT.... He got really agressive and I walked out- I needed some other minor things (strings, cables) but no way...

6. In general its a shady place where pricing is based off how much they THINK they can get from you, not a good fair price. Im almost 40 so they always think they can snow me... Like Im an ignorant dad here to buy gear for his kids. Not ONE employee Ive dealt with in your stroe truly knew a damn thing but I guess what do I expect for 8 bucks an hour and a commission program that makes slavery look like a good deal. How do I know that, I used to work for GC YEARS ago. Its the same place with the same BS and a bunch of ignorant kids trying to misrepresent themselves as not being completely IGNORANT!

Its nice of you to try and see what people think but I was in your store when this thread started and I was there last week- nothings changed. If you weren't a mile away from me, I wouldn't bother but I can still get picks and strings hassle free.... MOST of the time.

And that mic boom stand deal REALLY burned me. I called first and was lied to on the phone- "YEAH, we have it in stock." Of course I verified NOT FLOOR MODEL- I was told NO IN THE BOX. Then I come down after being lied to get sold broken crap... HMMMMMMMMMMM.

I could address all of these things seperately, but there's not much I can do except apologize that wouldn't sound like so many excuses. I reach out because I know we need improvement and am dedicated to at least starting the ball rolling. Some of the issues are quick fixes, but most are long term mentality changes that will take time, considering the years of habit we are trying to break.

As far as I know, I am the only person in my store that wears glasses, and I have brown hair. Not so sure that I'm an idiot, but I can say that I have never construed or implied let alone directly stated that one would be "stupid" to buy elsewhere. If I have ever come accross that way, I take full responsibility for the miscommunication.

For that I apologize.

I make every effort to address the issues brought up in this thread in my store. I have been able to change a few things almost instantly, and again some will take time. I've got the patience to work on these things, no matter how long it takes.

Eli

[whitepapagold]

Originally Posted by dasmetre

I could address all of these things seperately, but there's not much I can do except apologize that wouldn't sound like so many excuses. I reach out because I know we need improvement and am dedicated to at least starting the ball rolling. Some of the issues are quick fixes, but most are long term mentality changes that will take time, considering the years of habit we are trying to break.

As far as I know, I am the only person in my store that wears glasses, and I have brown hair. Not so sure that I'm an idiot, but I can say that I have never construed or implied let alone directly stated that one would be "stupid" to buy elsewhere. If I have ever come accross that way, I take full responsibility for the miscommunication.

For that I apologize.

I make every effort to address the issues brought up in this thread in my store. I have been able to change a few things almost instantly, and again some will take time. I've got the patience to work on these things, no matter how long it takes.

Eli

I appreciate the response Eli- good luck! It would be nice to enjoy going there instead of looking on line first. Im a mile away (Harbor and the 405) and would obviously prefer to go there than online- I want my gear NOW! ehe!

And the pro audio guy (maybe you) didn't say "stupid" to me specifically but he incinuated it more than once then said it indirectly. The whole reason I even asked was he said, "can I help you"... I thought maybe lets see. Next thing I know I walked out and I did buy the plug in a week later on line. I really don't like a hard sell but sadly itworks most of the time.

[dasmetre]

Originally Posted by whitepapagold

I appreciate the response Eli- good luck! It would be nice to enjoy going there instead of looking on line first. Im a mile away (Harbor and the 405) and would obviously prefer to go there than online- I want my gear NOW! ehe!

And the pro audio guy (maybe you) didn't say "stupid" to me specifically but he incinuated it more than once then said it indirectly. The whole reason I even asked was he said, "can I help you"... I thought maybe lets see. Next thing I know I walked out and I did buy the plug in a week later on line. I really don't like a hard sell but sadly itworks most of the time.

The hard sell is something we are (slowly) getting away from, for exactly the reasons you have brought up. I'd rather see you take two weeks to decide that we are the right place for your next peice of gear than watch you take one visit to decide that we are not. I feel like that is a much more positive method of business growth than the push to sell today. That's what we are pushing towards.

Eli

[tubeman]

Originally Posted by ALL*MYTEE

Hi Eli,

You are a brave man. :)

My local GC here in Chicago is great.

This brought back memories. I remember a few years ago on tour, we lost an acoustic guitar and really needed one for a record store appearance and a gig later that night. We didn't know of any shops in the area, so we went to guitar center. The sales dude offered us a guitar and told us to just return it the next morning. It was a nice Gibson, but he put a huge discount on the price and said that he would just refund us 100% the next day. REALLY nice of him, but he was taking a huge risk with a bunch of outta towners.

Recently a friend who is opening a studio in chitown called me, and , and said that the GC pro audio guy gave him an amazing quote on a ton of gear. So there's a +1 on Chitown.

I wish I could get that service at GC Union Square or Fort Greene.

[DontLetMeDrown]

Originally Posted by whitepapagold

Ok Ill bite. I shop at your store. I spent THOUSANDS there actually and try not to go there anymore.

1. Your computers are ALWAYS wrong by 1 or 2 items as far as stock count. I came in AFTER CALLING to buy a mic boom, 2 mic stands, and 2 guitar stands. I walked out with ALL FLOOR MODELS. Your computer disagreed and said 2 or 3 in stock- your employees ADMIT this is normal and a JOKE. How the hell does that happen with EVERYTHING I called about? This happens at least 60% of the time and I ALWAYS CALL FIRST.

OK. Before i started feelancing, I was a retail store manager for over 10 years at various stores. I can tell you that it is abso-frickin-lutely IMPOSSIBLE to maintain 100% accurate inventory because of many reasons: customer theft, employee theft, cashier ineptitude, poor receiving practices, etc. Every retailer is guilty of this, I promise you. Never trust a retail inventory system.

[Kenny Gioia]

OK. I have a new story.

Happened a few hours ago.

My local store was out of stock so I held my nose and went into GC.

Nobody was in the drum section except for me and 3 workers.

Nobody asked if I needed help. So I went right to the drum heads and searched for
(2) 14" Ambassador Coated snare heads (batter) and 1 Ambassador (Hazy) bottom snare head.

I couldn't find the bottom head so I asked someone. He seemed slightly bothered but showed me the Diplomat Hazy bottom head. I told him that it was too thin. 'Do you have a thicker one?" He explained that Diplomat was the one that sounded best. I asked again. "Do you have a thicker one". He said that the clear ambassadors are the next thickest one. I showed him that it was in fact a batter side clear head. "It's not meant for the bottom head." He said that that was the one people use if they don't like the Diplomat. My blood started to boil.

I picked up a random snare drum that was on the wall and I turned it over. It had an Ambassador bottom head on the bottom. I showed it to him. "This is what I want." He very confidently explained that that was the same as the clear Ambassador batter head. I was really trying not to choke this kid, 20 years my junior. I told him again "You can't hit the bottom head with a stick. It will break." He said "It's the same thing." I said "thanks" and starting looking further thru the heads.

All of the sudden. Bam. I found one. I showed it to him. "This is what I was asking for." He acted like he didn't speak english or he didn't know what it meant to be wrong.

Fine. Ring me up. No need to educate this know it all. And then "Why are you buying the Ambassador top heads?" Is he talking? Did I really seem like I was in need of a lesson from YOU? You clearly do not know the difference between the top and bottom heads and now you can't tell the difference between a customer who wants your advice and one who wants to spit on you.

So I begrudgingly ask. "You don't agree with my choice of top head?"

His answer. "Absolutely disagree. The Emperor sounds soo much better"

Beaten. like a drum. I say "Really. Thanks" I didn't care why.

He didn't even ask me what I was doing with them. Who I was. How long I've been playing drums. He just knew (being half my age and managing to land a job at GC without the help from his mommy) that he knew what I needed better than I did. Hmmm.

In retrospect, I really should have taken the time to remind him his place in life and how he could have been of service to me but I was honestly in awe.

Hoping he reads this.

Enjoy.

[De chromium cob]

Originally Posted by biggator6

you asked to not be called 'dude'.. then proceeded to call the GC guy 'dude' in the same post.

just sayin'..

I was thinking he also called him "baby" (I know its probably his name) which immediately made me think of Jonathan Winters and Dick Shawn from "Its a mad, mad, mad world". I'm probably really dating myself on that one.

[Energie]

I have had about 50/50 good experiences with Guitar Center and Sam Ash. Mostly prefer Guitar Center over Sam Ash here in O-town, but ol sammy is getting better. But most of my stuff I get from Online retailers unless its short stuff like cables and thigns in a pinch for various reasons.

One thing that is inevitable in any retail store, is the abuse some of the gear, guitars, and amps take. Having every 16 year old drop tune it to death and abuse the guitars or take knobs off of amps, really makes me not trust taking a guitar or an amp out of a retail store, but its hard not being able to play one either. At least the high end guitars are pretty much kept out of reach

What I really appreciate is a salesperson who acknoledges my presence right away in a non pushy , hey let me know if I can help kinda way. I hate having to look around and try to stare at someone for 10 minutes or go to the counter and ask for help. Granted people may be tied up, but more then half the time they are sitting behind the counter talking with another worker. Which I understand as well, I mean it would help to pass the time, but sometimes it takes work to get noticed, and sometimes not.

I think its best for any sales guy to assume that the customer may know more then they do, unless its quite obvious or asked for advice. And I really appreciate when a sales guy tries to do better then the price marked if possible on expensive items, specially when buyinng multiple things together.

oh and yeah, please have monitors connected in stereo so proper listening can be done. Also, Its nice to try out mics and such before hand as well. One time they let me record an acoustic guitar with a couple of mics into their 002 setup, and it was really nice to listen back and make a good desision! Really appreciated that

Best of luck with your career my friend and thanks for asking!

[PoorGlory]

I had a GC pro audio guy once refuse to hook up a pair of Event monitors for me (even though they were out on display, sitting next to the pair of Yamaha's I was wanting to A/B them with). He said "nope, can't do it" and walked out of the room. I was actually ready to purchase that day. But guess what? **** him. I now buy all my mainstream audio gear at the local Sam Ash, where the pro audio dude actually hooked up stuff for me, without me having to ask.

Once went to the guitar section and asked if they stocked any Eminence speakers. Guy had no idea what I was talking about. I said "Eminence. Celestion's main competitor?" He said "what's Celestion?" I looked at his asinine lanyard, just to make sure he actually worked in the guitar department. He did. I said "Dude, I'm looking for speakers... you know, raw speakers that go into a cab?" His reply: "Raw speakers?" Awesome. So I went to Sam Ash, asked the same question, and got the response: "No, but we carry a few Celestions. What Eminence drivers were you looking at? Maybe we have some comparable Celestions."

I could go on forever. Now, I'm just talking about my local GC and SA. I've had good and bad experiences in both, in different locations. But here's my main point:

Went in a few years ago to trade in 2 guitars for one guitar. I knew going in that I was going to get ripped off and lose money to some degree. I had already accepted that. But the guy doing the transaction kept mentioning that I was trying to nickel and dime him, and I was taking food out of his kids mouth. I was trading $800 worth of guitars plus cash for a sub $400 guitar. That guy was a ****ing prick. Never went back to that particular store.

In contrast, I recently had a GC Accessories employee (cute girl, mid 20s... unassuming look and demeanor) display more knowledge about guitar pedals than all other GC employee I've ever met combined. She was nice, patient, knew her stuff, and didn't pressure me to buy anything. I ended up buying a bunch of stuff from her over the next few months.

So my point is, the store is 2 things to your customers: a place where you can get gear, and a place where you have experiences. Any store can stock an item and have people buy it. But music stores, especially GC and SA, are places people go to have fun. Sometimes we go there to kill time, sometimes we go to try stuff out, and sometimes we go with the intention of buying things. We usually end up buying something every time we go there. So what makes the experience for us? Your employees. Your employees are EVERYTHING to Guitar Center. Do I need some 20 year old frail emo kid to help me buy a guitar? No. Sometimes all they need to do is ring me up. Not every customer needs a salespersons advice. Teach your employees to be helpful... they shouldn't try to control every aspect of their contact with the customers. In music retail, customers tend to be extremely loyal to salespeople who give them good experiences. Even if they're not the most knowledgeable, I still like to give the commission to the guys that help me, are honest with me, and are good people. Shitcan the people with attitudes and a chip on their shoulder.... no one needs that crap, especially customers who know nothing about music and are buying something for someone else.

Bottom line: Make your store a place people want to go and hang out, talk about music and gear, and leave with a smile on their face. I can buy anything I want online.... unless I need it NOW, why drive to Guitar Center? The answer should be: Because it's a fun/cool/friendly/helpful place to be.

[JVVI]

everything is a good idea that people have ben saying abut please stop saying hey dude, dude let me hook you up, dude dude dude. i hate the dude center just because i cant shop in peace.

[dasmetre]

Originally Posted by Kenny Gioia

OK. I have a new story.

Happened a few hours ago.

My local store was out of stock so I held my nose and went into GC.

Nobody was in the drum section except for me and 3 workers.

Nobody asked if I needed help. So I went right to the drum heads and searched for
(2) 14" Ambassador Coated snare heads (batter) and 1 Ambassador (Hazy) bottom snare head.

I couldn't find the bottom head so I asked someone. He seemed slightly bothered but showed me the Diplomat Hazy bottom head. I told him that it was too thin. 'Do you have a thicker one?" He explained that Diplomat was the one that sounded best. I asked again. "Do you have a thicker one". He said that the clear ambassadors are the next thickest one. I showed him that it was in fact a batter side clear head. "It's not meant for the bottom head." He said that that was the one people use if they don't like the Diplomat. My blood started to boil.

I picked up a random snare drum that was on the wall and I turned it over. It had an Ambassador bottom head on the