Another horrible Guitar Center Experience!

[Jake Morris]

So I went to Guitar Center yesterday after receiving a $15 giftcard, but isn't valid until the 25th. I called ahead to see if I could use it before hand because I would not be around the 25th-27th. (thats all the time you had to use it ) So after waiting in traffic, I got there and the guy said I need a manager to activate it and I was thinking "ok, but I really don't think you need a manager for that". The guy then told me there were no managers on staff. My dad was pissed and wanted to just leave and he was cursing and a mess. Sooo... I walked out not buying the strings, picks, and accessories. They didn't seem upset for loosing my buisness... forever. I'm officialy done with Guitar Center AND Sam Ash. Yet at the same time where else am I going to go to try new stuff out.

[jollygiantchris]

On a random off note if you've ever worked retail depending on the company a lot of times you simply cannot scan the time sensitive giftcards in and can't override them on the register. Usually only a manager or DM can override that kinda stuff depending on the corporate structure. The way a lot of these places work now the managers are overworked and don't answer their cells when they are at home so are unreachable to do an override over the phone.

That doesn't make it suck any less or be any way less irritating but it generally isn't the people in the store's fault.

[LowBC]

Yeah.... I manage a local independent/franchise musical instrument store and REGULARLY hear horror stories about GC. We'll just add this one to the stack....

[Depth_Charge]

Originally Posted by bassmasta1209

Yet at the same time where else am I going to go to try new stuff out.

There is absolutely nothing preventing you from using their premises and stock to test gear out and have them write a quote for you to use in haggling elsewhere, or to help in choosing to purchase something from an online store etc.

[Munjibunga]

What horrible experience? You wanted them to bend their policy and it didn't pan out for you. Waaaaahh! All I can say is, if that's what you call a horrible experience, the rest of your life must be charmed. Then, to punish them, you're going to take the store with the biggest stock of musical equipment and accessories out of your realm of possibilities. That's going to hurt them real bad.

[pnut166]

Not to play devil`s advocate, but.... you expected them to go against their stated terms and conditions. I don`t think they`re gonna lose any sleep over a pissed off kid and his Dad not buying their discounted picks there anymore. Would you expect WalMart to accept an out-of-date coupon ? Best Buy to give you that laptop that was on sale two weeks ago, or is going to be on sale next week ? Not saying GC couldn`t do better on customer relations, but no one in that particular store was responsible for the date on your coupon. Just sayin .. P.S. - Since you`re never going back, I`ll gladly take that burdensome gift card off your hands

[Chrisk-K]

"ok, but I really don't think you need a manager for that"

There is a reason why there's a manager for a chain store, be it GC, CVS, Walmart, etc.

[Jake Morris]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

What horrible experience? You wanted them to bend their policy and it didn't pan out for you. Waaaaahh! All I can say is, if that's what you call a horrible experience, the rest of your life must be charmed. Then, to punish them, you're going to take the store with the biggest stock of musical equipment and accessories out of your realm of possibilities. That's going to hurt them real bad.

I understand what your saying but ever since the first day I went guitar ceenter like three years ago, they've treated me with absolutely no respect and all they do is rip me off when I try to do a trade in. Also, they call me at least once a week to see if I wanna buy something. I realize all their pay is made off commision, but when I try something for the first time don't ask me if I want to buy it now and don't ask me how I'm paying for it! Oh and I really hate it when they tell u something u isn't correct. I had to tell the guy how to hook up a cab to a head. And, the guy tried to convince me that neo speakers are better than cast speakers. I'm just done with all this bs.

[Jake Morris]

Originally Posted by pnut166

Not to play devil`s advocate, but.... you expected them to go against their stated terms and conditions. I don`t think they`re gonna lose any sleep over a pissed off kid and his Dad not buying their discounted picks there anymore. Would you expect WalMart to accept an out-of-date coupon ? Best Buy to give you that laptop that was on sale two weeks ago, or is going to be on sale next week ? Not saying GC couldn`t do better on customer relations, but no one in that particular store was responsible for the date on your coupon. Just sayin .. P.S. - Since you`re never going back, I`ll gladly take that burdensome gift card off your hands

Sure! I'll send you the gift card by mail I guess? Another offers?

[Devo-lution]

Originally Posted by bassmasta1209

I understand what your saying but ever since the first day I went guitar ceenter like three years ago, they've treated me with absolutely no respect and all they do is rip me off when I try to do a trade in. Also, they call me at least once a week to see if I wanna buy something. I realize all their pay is made off commision, but when I try something for the first time don't ask me if I want to buy it now and don't ask me how I'm paying for it! Oh and I really hate it when they tell u something u isn't correct. I had to tell the guy how to hook up a cab to a head. And, the guy tried to convince me that neo speakers are better than cast speakers. I'm just done with all this bs.

neo vs cast is purely opinion-based. There are some good neo speakers and there are some good cast speakers. Live with it.

If there phoning you is annoying, you should report this and ask them explicitly to stop it.

[Jake Morris]

I guess, but I told him how speakers respond differently from one another, and that opions is what it comes down to for all gear, but he tried it explain how neos have a wider range. It may be I still prefer the cast speakers, but I think I might go with a bergantino neo cab because its light and sounds great

[Febs]

Originally Posted by bassmasta1209

I understand what your saying but ever since the first day I went guitar ceenter like three years ago, they've treated me with absolutely no respect and all they do is rip me off when I try to do a trade in.

Translation: "I get pissed off with Guitar Center because I have an unrealistic expectation of the trade value of my gear."

[Edward G.]

There are many ways around using GC. GC is always my music gear purveyor of last resort, when I gotta have it fast and I gotta have it now. Music stores are set up to be major time burners.

[nightcityburn]

Originally Posted by bassmasta1209

I understand what your saying but ever since the first day I went guitar ceenter like three years ago, they've treated me with absolutely no respect and all they do is rip me off when I try to do a trade in. Also, they call me at least once a week to see if I wanna buy something. I realize all their pay is made off commision, but when I try something for the first time don't ask me if I want to buy it now and don't ask me how I'm paying for it! Oh and I really hate it when they tell u something u isn't correct. I had to tell the guy how to hook up a cab to a head. And, the guy tried to convince me that neo speakers are better than cast speakers. I'm just done with all this bs.

They aren't ripping you off on trade ins, that is how they make money. Guitar center is a business and must maintain certain profit margins in order to keep the doors open. You are sacrificing the difference of your ideal price for the convenience of not having to handle the marketing and delivery of your item you no longer want.

Neo speakers being better than cast speakers is a matter of opinion.

As for sales calls, ask them to remove your number and the problem is solved.

I am all for you no longer liking GC, but make sure you understand that for the most part, you haven't been mistreated.

[tlr1293]

Gotta chime in here...
To all those mocking this kid - bugger off. We all know GC is out to get the most buck for their least bang, and crap will happen along the way. That crap always, ALWAYS falls in front of the customer to step in.

I too run into idiots at GC who have no friggin clue as to what they are doing. Example: should not take 35 minutes to buy a guitar stand price-matched from their sister store: Musicians Friend. Every time I go in there, I have a price match from Musicians Friend - and GC tries to get out of it: "You know they are gonna charge you shipping?" "Sometimes ...and you're gonna charge me tax - always. Do we have a problem interpreting your own MASSIVELY advertised price-matching policy here?"

I've resolved myself to using GC as a testing ground and price point for purchases at a local Mom and Pop store that could use the business. No need to worry about them bugging you to buy in-store. Just tell them when you're ready to buy... "I'll make a bee-line straight to you." They will quit nagging you. In the meantime, ALWAYS ask for the axe perched way up top - makes me fell a whole lot better for them giving me crap.

Last 2 cents... way unrealistic to expect the 15% early (even if they said it's cool on the phone - that's to get you in the store), but... open hours and no manager on duty? Your request was too much for them and now they just wanted you to leave and fed you canned crap.

[tlr1293]

Originally Posted by Edward G.

There are many ways around using GC. GC is always my music gear purveyor of last resort, when I gotta have it fast and I gotta have it now. Music stores are set up to be major time burners.

Enthusiastic +1

[JTFormula]

Originally Posted by bassmasta1209

I understand what your saying but ever since the first day I went guitar center like three years ago, they've treated me with absolutely no respect and all they do is rip me off when I try to do a trade in. Also, they call me at least once a week to see if I wanna buy something. I realize all their pay is made off commission, but when I try something for the first time don't ask me if I want to buy it now and don't ask me how I'm paying for it! Oh and I really hate it when they tell u something u isn't correct. I had to tell the guy how to hook up a cab to a head. And, the guy tried to convince me that neo speakers are better than cast speakers. I'm just done with all this bs.

I've heard storys about GC before but this one is just dumb. You are ranting because you want to use a giftcard when it cant be used and then pissed because they wont let you use it even though you knew it wasn't good that day?

Not to jump on you like the others but I agree. I think you have some expectations that are not realistic. You can't just walk in an demand that they change your date on your card so it works only when you want it to.

Also why would you trade equipment in? Sell it on your own. When you trade your equipment in, they are not going to give you full price for it. They are a business and you can't pay retail for a trade to then resell it for retail. Just like trading a car in at a dealership, they are going to give you wholesale value so they can make a little on it when they resell it. That's how they stay in business.

Also, of course they want to know if you are going to buy whatever it is you are trying out at the time. Do you think they want to stand there all day and let kids jam out on guitars and basses all day for free? Its a music STORE, not a rehearsal studio. I never, in 22 years of playing guitar, went into a store and started to try out equipment just for the hell of it. If I picked up a guitar or tried out an amp, I was ready to buy. Again, its just like walking into a car dealership and asking them if you can test drive a Porsche but have no intentions of buying or or affording it.

If you dont want them to call you, you shouldn't have given them your phone number.

Here's and idea, why don't you use the gift card online so it doesn't go bad? You can buy the strings, picks, and other cheap crap when the card is good and you don't have to walk into the store.

[Jake Morris]

Originally Posted by JTFormula

I've heard storys about GC before but this one is just dumb. You are ranting because you want to use a giftcard when it cant be used and then pissed because they wont let you use it even though you knew it wasn't good that day?

Not to jump on you like the others but I agree. I think you have some expectations that are not realistic. You can't just walk in an demand that they change your date on your card so it works only when you want it to.

Also why would you trade equipment in? Sell it on your own. When you trade your equipment in, they are not going to give you full price for it. They are a business and you can't pay retail for a trade to then resell it for retail. Just like trading a car in at a dealership, they are going to give you wholesale value so they can make a little on it when they resell it. That's how they stay in business.

Also, of course they want to know if you are going to buy whatever it is you are trying out at the time. Do you think they want to stand there all day and let kids jam out on guitars and basses all day for free? Its a music STORE, not a rehearsal studio. I never, in 22 years of playing guitar, went into a store and started to try out equipment just for the hell of it. If I picked up a guitar or tried out an amp, I was ready to buy. Again, its just like walking into a car dealership and asking them if you can test drive a Porsche but have no intentions of buying or or affording it.

If you dont want them to call you, you shouldn't have given them your phone number.

Here's and idea, why don't you use the gift card online so it doesn't go bad? You can buy the strings, picks, and other cheap crap when the card is good and you don't have to walk into the store.

I know I'm just saying over the phone they said that they'd be happy to let me use it. Don't change your mind once I get there. I'm not completely upset over this but all their over the years.

[Hopkins]

I must live in a magical part of the world where Guitar Centers are helpful and take care of their customers. Or people just have very high expectations

[prd004]

I used to work at GC. Not defending them, but here's a little insight:

Of course they need a manager to do that! Heck, sometimes a new salesman needs a manager just to approve a regular sale. At any given time there will only be one person in the store with the autority to do what you were asking them to do.

Of course they rip you off when you trade in gear, they have to re-sell it for profit. Any time I have traded in gear they out right tell you to try and sell it on craigs list first because you're not going to to get what it's worth by trading it in. Also, everyone thinks their used s#@t is worth more than it is anyways. They have to be able to turn around and sell it for AT LEAST $100 profit just to really break even. And it also has to be a used piece that will sell in a decent amount of time, a used piece of gear that isn't in high demand that just sits on the shelf forever is a loss to them.

Also, if you are expecting them to jump through hoops to sell you picks and strings at a discount, you need to realize that there is almost no profit margin on these items to begin with.

Are there nightmare stories about GC? Absolutely! Heard about em, seen em, lived em! This doesn't sound like one. The manager at my local GC has ALWAYS gone the extra mile for me, and has gone out of his way on customer service on more than a few occasions.