Guitar Shop Predicament. Please help....

aniki · #1 09-28-2006, 06:07 AM

Hey,
After some sensible advice on how to deal with an awkward situation.
-
Back at Xmas time I decided I needed to lay my hands on a valve guitar head as although I dont play much guitar, I write all my song structures on guitar and wanted it to sound 'proper'.
Anyway I had an 8x10 cab knocking around that wasnt being used since I converted to 15's so decided I'd try and get a trade-in.
We have a local 'vintage' guitar shop with some wonderful stuff but a reputation for being overpriced as the owner never really stepped into the digital age!
Anyway I got offered 250 trade in for my cab which was fine with me as I think I only paid 300 for it and it was kind of redundant.
We struck a deal, albeit possibly not a very good one, on a 100watt valve head.
It was a no-badge amp, but looked like it was possibly a simms-watts or sound city or similar originally and I was very impressed with how well it was put together. Although the catch was, that it did need a repair!
The shop owner rang his repairers while I was there and said if I took it up to them (close to where I live) they would sort it with in the week.
-
Anyway, suffice to say i STILL havent got the amp!
I've been back a few times and keep getting told the same bull**** story that it'll be done this week etc etc.
The guy is actually trying to be really nice and apologetic about it too, but hey, still no goods!
At one time I asked for my 8x10 back so I could sell it privately and his response was 'That could be difficult'.
Now, I dont know if this is because he doesnt WANT to give it back or its because the shop is so stacked full of gear that it would take half a day to dig it out!
Either way, not the response I expected.
-
So really I guess I'm stuffed. No paperwork changed hands as its just not that kind of shop.
Ive also heard rumours from other shop owners that the reason this guys repairmen wont do anything is because he owes them a load of money.
-
I'm kinda worried that if I leave it too much longer the place will go out of business & I'll be stuck without an amp or cab.
-
What should I do??????

Eric Moesle · #2 09-28-2006, 06:59 AM

What should you do? You should kick yourself for not getting a receipt or other evidence of the deal in writing. I don't care if its "not that kind of shop", its about YOU and what YOU demand to protect yourself. The phrase "caveat emptor" (buyer beware) exists for a reason. You have to take SOME minimal steps to protect yourself.

You don't mention HOW LONG you've been getting the runaround, please do.

RWP · #3 09-28-2006, 07:08 AM

Have you contacted the repair shop directly? If the place you made the deal isn't paying the repair guy I can see why there is a problem. He may be holding that amp hostage for payments due. He probably won't feel sorry for you either. It's all business.

Worse yet if the guitar shop goes under you will be without any recourse. I would demand the cab back no matter how much 'trouble' it would be for the guitar shop owner. GET MAD!

bassmonkeee · #4 09-28-2006, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Moesle

You don't mention HOW LONG you've been getting the runaround, please do.

Yeah, he does--around XMas.

Nine to 10 months since the original deal? You say you don't even know why they say it'll be difficult to get your cab back and you are asking for advice, so it could have been sold 6 months ago for all you know. You have no receipt of the "trade?"

You're screwed.

fish slapper · #5 09-28-2006, 02:17 PM

You don't list your location on your profile but I'm guessing from some of your word choices, you're from "across the pond".

If it were here in the States, I'd recommend small claims court. You wouldn't have the best case without paperwork but you still might prevail if you could get him to admit to a verbal agreement. Dunno what your legal options are where you are.

I'm guessing the "that could be difficult" to get your old cab back is that he's already sold it.

Bummer, dude

Lazylion · #6 09-28-2006, 02:25 PM

Go there when a lot of other customers are there, and complain loud and long about crummy treatment and ripping off customers. Be obnoxious about it. If he sees you driving off business, he'll have to make it right.
Good luck.

aniki · #7 09-28-2006, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazylion

Go there when a lot of other customers are there, and complain loud and long about crummy treatment and ripping off customers. Be obnoxious about it. If he sees you driving off business, he'll have to make it right.
Good luck.

Hey,
Thanks all for your replies. Yup, in UK.
-
Funnily enough a friend of mine who knows the owner fairly well on a client/dealer basis suggested this same tactic.
Although I'll play it safe to begin with and try the friendly approach but start digging my heels in further if I'm feeling fobbed off again!
The other option is, I may contact the repairers & offer to pay for the repair, which is only about £20 worth.
At least that way I get my amp which has gotta be better than nothing.
Then obviously give myself a slap & never deal with the guy again!

bassmonkeee · #8 09-28-2006, 04:03 PM

Hell, if that's all it'll cost to get it, pay the 20 and be done with it. Then, go to the store and tell them to give you a set of strings and you'll call it even.

RWP · #9 09-28-2006, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aniki

Hey,
Thanks all for your replies. Yup, in UK.
-
Funnily enough a friend of mine who knows the owner fairly well on a client/dealer basis suggested this same tactic.
Although I'll play it safe to begin with and try the friendly approach but start digging my heels in further if I'm feeling fobbed off again!
The other option is, I may contact the repairers & offer to pay for the repair, which is only about £20 worth.
At least that way I get my amp which has gotta be better than nothing.
Then obviously give myself a slap & never deal with the guy again!

Is your 20 about $50 U.S.? If so there is the answer!