Guitar Center, do the right thing.

[xaipemw]

This is my story involving Guitar Center, specifically the one in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A few weeks ago I decided that I was going to purchase the M-Audio IE-40 in-ear monitors. I've owned Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro's in the past, and really liked them. In fact, I purchased them through Guitar Center a few years ago. So, I went to the Milwaukee store. They didn't have them in stock--they don't have much high end stuff there. So I said okay, I'll order them, through Adam (who's easily the best guy working there). Around a week and a half later, they FINALLY showed up, and I went to pick them up. The bottom of the box was double-sealed, which was strange to me, since none of the other M-Audio IEM's were like that. So, I handed the package back to them. Instead of having to wait another week, I decided to get store credit and drive down to the Chicago store on Halsted, which is a much bigger store.

All of the IE-40's they had there also were double-sealed. I said, okay maybe its just the way M-Audio ships them. I took them home, and after a little while of burning them in, I realized I had a lemon on my hands. This of course pissed me off to no end, because of the driving and work I'd already done to get a pair. So, today I went back to the Milwaukee store, package and receipt in hand.

Adam was working, and I told him how I thought the pair was defective. He had to get the store manager, named Steve. Adam told me that I should be able to get a refund, which was what I wanted--I was soured too much already. Long story short, Steve refused to give me my money back, and was adamant about ordering another pair of the same IEM. I asked him if there was any other option he would be willing to do, and I eventually was able to have him give me store credit, on one of those gift cards.

As far as I'm concerned, this experience really soured me from Guitar Center. I've purchased a lot of stuff from them in the past 3 years. I expected better, and now instead of having cash or a check, I'm stuck with having to spend more money at GC.

I used to work in the camera store business. And if we ever had a customer bring back something that was defective, we'd give them their money back and send the faulty product back. Additionally, I know of several online stores that sell B-stock IEMs, so the whole concept of "they can't take it back" is moot. I didn't expect them to re-sell a defective product--it should go back to M-Audio.

Basically, I'm now stuck with a rather large amount on a GC gift card. I do not believe this situation was handled properly.

[2xBassist]

Sorry to about your experience... I Avoid GC like the plague for major purchases... I was considering ordering a Mark Bass basshead through them, and when they wanted all the money up front, even thought they assured my I could return it if I didn't like it... I Ran!

Why don't you drive over here to Madison, and buy from Full Compass? They smoke GC on most prices, and they're good local folks.

[xaipemw]

Originally Posted by 2xBassist

Why don't you drive over here to Madison, and buy from Full Compass? They smoke GC on most prices, and they're good local folks.

Actually, that's what im planning on doing for when i buy another microphone. i might even go there tomorrow.

[ddageek]

IF you Paid via Visa AMex Visa or Discover card call The Credit card Company!!!
Call GC corporate If I remember correctly (its been 10 years) In Wisconsin If the Item is defective you have to take it back and give the customer his money back in the original form of payment! Look up Wisconsin retail Laws online! Make sure everyone knows that You were forced to take the refund as a "Store credit" Heck Find a copy of their little satisfaction Guaranteed policy!
Wisconsin Has some of the most customer friendly retail Laws! do some research and Stick it to GC If you do business somewhere not knowing the rules is not an excuse!

[ddageek]

OK Wisconsin Law won't help except that On dealtime.COM GC states that they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. I would say you were not 100% satisfied with this transaction! So call corporate and Bitch!

[NoEgo]

Or here is another one.
Call or email MAudio and ask if they take back defective IEM and tell them what GC is doing to you and see if they get on them. Tell them that you think they are selling their product in that condition and are detremental to M Audio's reputation. If they take them back (MAUDIO) there is no reason why GC can't and you will have it in writing from MAUDIO...they will have to admit they are pimping trash or give you your money back at that point.That is just a slimey retailer if you ask me. I hate hearing stories like that.

[DontLetMeDrown]

This is the retail model for most big box retailers. Of course they would rather keep your cash. That's why they insist of giving you store credit. I think we are also part of the problem. We've gotten used to not having to commit. We actually think when buying: "Oh, if I don't like it, I'll return it." It's time to change that way of thinking. Be sure you want what you're buying or don't buy it, or just buy from a place where you know you can get a cash refund for sure.

[xaipemw]

Why would I want to keep something that is defective? Does that make any sense to you? Because it definitely doesn't to me.

[olivia_nb]

Originally Posted by 2xBassist

Why don't you drive over here to Madison, and buy from Full Compass? They smoke GC on most prices, and they're good local folks.

I used to shop Full Compass when I lived in WI and MN. Since I moved away to LA where there are ostensibly a lot of retail choices I still shop them occasionally. Definitely call them before ordering off the website, I have gotten small breaks without even asking for one and the one time I had an issue with a broken shock mount, the FC rep contacted the distributor and I had a replacement on my doorstep in under a week.
Their prices are very competitive and their service has always been really great.

[Sqye]

guitar center = walmart......whatever...i REALLY wouldn't expect much, at this point...

their business model doesn't really take service into consideration.

i try to avoid gc as much as possible - which is working really well.

[xaipemw]

I made the trip out to Middleton and Full Compass today. I spent around an hour and a half A/B'ing various microphones, and Adam helped me out. The level of service there is amazing, and these people actually KNOW WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT! It's night and day. I went into the nearby Guitar Center in Madison after I left Full Compass. I'm sorry, but it was a joke. I still don't know what I'm going to spend my $300-something dollars on, since I have to use it at GC.

But when I'm going to buy a microphone, which will be soon, I'm definitely going to buy it through Adam at Full Compass.

[Joe Porto]

That really sucks, and there is always some leeway that a store should afford a good customer, but if you look on the back of your guitar center receipt, it clearly states that in ear headphones are excluded from the 30-day return policy. They can only be exchanged if defective.

Think about it, would you want to use a b-stock set of in ears that have been in some nasty musicians waxy ear holes?

[sahiaman]

Originally Posted by xaipemw

I still don't know what I'm going to spend my $300-something dollars on, since I have to use it at GC.

Ebay the gift card, or put it in the classified section. I recieved a GC gift card for $300 dollars, and put it on ebay. It sold for $275.

[boyinthebox]

Originally Posted by xaipemw

I made the trip out to Middleton and Full Compass today. I spent around an hour and a half A/B'ing various microphones, and Adam helped me out. The level of service there is amazing, and these people actually KNOW WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT! It's night and day. I went into the nearby Guitar Center in Madison after I left Full Compass. I'm sorry, but it was a joke. I still don't know what I'm going to spend my $300-something dollars on, since I have to use it at GC.

But when I'm going to buy a microphone, which will be soon, I'm definitely going to buy it through Adam at Full Compass.

Thanks for the kind words! I had a great time shooting out those mic's with you. Always happy to help. I am sure I'll see you back for another shootout again someday soon Drop me a line next time you are going to come out, adam@fullcompass.com. Take care!

Cheers.