Worst experience I have ever had buying any bass gear.

[mgsmith9]

Last night I broke my D string, so today I planned on going buy a new set of strings and just replacing them all. I had planned on going to a local bass store that I have gotten all my stuff from so far, but they are closed on Sundays so I decided to go to the local Guitar Center. Big Mistake. First, I get there and their selection of strings for a 5-string bass (and basses in general really) was awful. When the guy behind the counter finally shows me that they do have 1 set for a 5 string, I said ok, I'll take them. My parents owed me some money for some things I had done for them previously, so I told them to just pay for the strings and we would be good. I go to check out and hand him my parents credit card. Little did I know that Guitar Center won't take credit cards that aren't in the buyers name. Two things about this, 1. It's a stupid policy considering several families these days only carry one credit card, and children cannot apply for their own card. 2. The guy behind the counter was a complete ass about trying to explain it, and was very rude to me (a paying customer no less). I finally just gave up trying to do any reasoning with him and just dropped some cash on the counter, and walked out of that store.

Needless to say, I will never buy another thing from GC. And I get why they do the whole can't use a credit card unless it's got your name on it, but seriously, who would walk into a store with a stolen credit card to buy strings?

Just wondering has anyone else had a horror story like this trying to buy something? I would love to hear about it so I know I'm not the only one.

[thedude77md]

Originally Posted by mgsmith9

Last night I broke my D string, so today I planned on going buy a new set of strings and just replacing them all. I had planned on going to a local bass store that I have gotten all my stuff from so far, but they are closed on Sundays so I decided to go to the local Guitar Center. Big Mistake. First, I get there and their selection of strings for a 5-string bass (and basses in general really) was awful. When the guy behind the counter finally shows me that they do have 1 set for a 5 string, I said ok, I'll take them. My parents owed me some money for some things I had done for them previously, so I told them to just pay for the strings and we would be good. I go to check out and hand him my parents credit card. Little did I know that Guitar Center won't take credit cards that aren't in the buyers name. Two things about this, 1. It's a stupid policy considering several families these days only carry one credit card, and children cannot apply for their own card. 2. The guy behind the counter was a complete ass about trying to explain it, and was very rude to me (a paying customer no less). I finally just gave up trying to do any reasoning with him and just dropped some cash on the counter, and walked out of that store.

Needless to say, I will never buy another thing from GC. And I get why they do the whole can't use a credit card unless it's got your name on it, but seriously, who would walk into a store with a stolen credit card to buy strings?

Just wondering has anyone else had a horror story like this trying to buy something? I would love to hear about it so I know I'm not the only one.

I hear what you are saying and was there when I was your age, but realistically, how many kids with stolen cards would choose GC as their first place to go? Many. You can't blame the store for making sure they weren't contributing to fraud. Plus, it is against any credit card agreement (contract) for a third party to use your card, even if it is your kid.

Frustrating, I know, but they are in the right and had every reason to suspect it wasn't legit.

[big90sbasshorns]

Really?

The store 100% did the right thing. This is way the credit world works, is if your name isn't on the account/card you're not authorized to use it.

I'm glad to hear that a retailer and it's employees are prudent enough to adhere to company policy instead of being dismissive.

[mgsmith9]

I forgot to mention, I'm just at home for the summer from college, I did them a favor (won't go into details, lets just say it cost me money a few weeks ago), and they said they would pay me back. I mean I totally get why GC does this, and really don't have a problem with it, but I am trying to buy something from them, the least they can do is not have people behind the counter who are just completely rude while trying to explain it.

[bassmonkeee]

This has to be one of the dumbest rant threads I've seen recently.

You are mad at GC because they won't let you use a credit card that's not in your name?!?

If your parents want to get you a card on their account with your name on it, they can do that. Because they didn't think ahead doesn't negate the fact that GC can't take their card without them there. One credit card per family, notwithstanding.

Based on your logic, you should be boycotting your parents.

And, you're in college?

You say "I don't really have a problem with it" when, in fact, you do. You actually called it a "horror story." I agree that it's a horror story, but not for any reason you'd like me to go into detail about.

"But I am trying to buy something from them" Yeah, so is the guy using a stolen credit card. Bummer.

"the least they can do is not have people behind the counter who are just completely rude while trying to explain it. " From the fact that you started this thread, I'm thinking you probably gave them reason to be rude considering the logic and reasoning you show here. You remind me of the people who get mad when a server won't sell you a beer when you're "totally 21, but I forgot my ID." Nevermind that anyone accepting a credit card without proper ID can be fired, or at the very least lose their company money.

I'm dumbfounded that a college student would complain about this. I weep for the future.

[blendermassacre]

As a manager of a small business, suck it up. You should know better. Your parents should know better. They're protecting your parents. If you're in college, you're probably 18. Get your own bank card, and quit whining.

[mgsmith9]

Again, I am saying that I have a problem with the way I was treated because of me trying to use the card. I get the policy. I just don't want to be treated like some common thief when I tried to hand it to him. It's a horror story because I have worked as cashiers and waiters, etc. And one rule has always been to have respect for the customer. I'm sorry if it was confusing, but I had a problem with the manner in which I was treated not the policy

[mgsmith9]

I'm done with this thread, you guys can bash me all you want, but I have worked in situations like this, you always treat the customer with respect no matter what.

[groooooove]

Originally Posted by big90sbasshorns

Really?

The store 100% did the right thing. This is way the credit world works, is if your name isn't on the account/card you're not authorized to use it.

I'm glad to hear that a retailer and it's employees are prudent enough to adhere to company policy instead of being dismissive.

+1- he's just doing his job. its a common policy, and its not an unreasonable one.

im sure most guitar centers carry at least the top few brands, and i'm sure they have it in 5 string packs- unless you (like me ) are in love with a particularly rare brand (S.I.T...) they usually would have you covered, i'd immagine..

[JimmyM]

i'm sure you didn't spend 10 minutes browbeating him over it and calling it a stupid policy, either. not saying it doesn't happen where counter people are rude, but by the way you related the story, i'm sure you got all assed up about it your own self. sorry you didn't get the sympathy you were fishing for, but i'm sure the salesman has a slightly different story.

[ubado]

Originally Posted by mgsmith9

Again, I am saying that I have a problem with the way I was treated because of me trying to use the card. I get the policy.

Really ... you understand?

Originally Posted by mgsmith9

1. It's a stupid policy considering several families these days only carry one credit card, and children cannot apply for their own card.

Sounds like backpedaling. Aren't you home from college? ... so you're not a child. You just act like one.

BTW ... don't try out for the Debate Club anytime soon. Fish On!

[Zombbg4]

Yeah that's just silly, why should they try to prevent identity theft? Oh, and treat the potential thief with respect, dang it!

[big90sbasshorns]

It's a stupid policy considering several families these days only carry one credit card, and children cannot apply for their own card.

Absolutely right! Children cannot, but anyone 15 and over can open an account and get a debt card.

[redefine dave]

Originally Posted by mgsmith9

Last night I broke my D string, so today I planned on going buy a new set of strings and just replacing them all. I had planned on going to a local bass store that I have gotten all my stuff from so far, but they are closed on Sundays so I decided to go to the local Guitar Center. Big Mistake. First, I get there and their selection of strings for a 5-string bass (and basses in general really) was awful. When the guy behind the counter finally shows me that they do have 1 set for a 5 string, I said ok, I'll take them. My parents owed me some money for some things I had done for them previously, so I told them to just pay for the strings and we would be good. I go to check out and hand him my parents credit card. Little did I know that Guitar Center won't take credit cards that aren't in the buyers name. Two things about this, 1. It's a stupid policy considering several families these days only carry one credit card, and children cannot apply for their own card. 2. The guy behind the counter was a complete ass about trying to explain it, and was very rude to me (a paying customer no less). I finally just gave up trying to do any reasoning with him and just dropped some cash on the counter, and walked out of that store.

Needless to say, I will never buy another thing from GC. And I get why they do the whole can't use a credit card unless it's got your name on it, but seriously, who would walk into a store with a stolen credit card to buy strings?

Just wondering has anyone else had a horror story like this trying to buy something? I would love to hear about it so I know I'm not the only one.

Doesn't sound much like a horror story to me. You should know that pretty much EVERY massive retail chain like GC, Target or anyone else requires the CC to be in your name to make a purchase. It's a safe guard for them. Bad mouth/blame GC because it's the easy/status quo/hip thing to do around here, but this isn't on them, it's on you.
I'd also bet that upon him saying that the CC has to be in your name for use you probably gave him attitude which led to him responding the way he did.
He doesn't make the rules, but his job depends on him following them.

[HeadyVan Halen]

If GC would use ANY credit card I would have a Stingray, Marcus Miller (4 string of course) and an Ampeg 4x10 and 1x15 all tube head...Parents don't OWE you anything. Your in college right? 33% of Americans have a college degree (I'm one, although I don't really know how that happened) YOU owe them. I hope you bought your dad a bottle of Single Barrel Jack Daniels for Fathers Day......I do every year.

[Big chicken]

Originally Posted by blendermassacre

As a manager of a small business, suck it up. You should know better. Your parents should know better. They're protecting your parents. If you're in college, you're probably 18. Get your own bank card, and quit whining.

+1

[silvertripper]

I received my first credit card when I was 17, I’m 34 now and I can tell you that if you had a credit card to your name you would be thanking the guy behind the counter for following a simple company policy. This is a policy that probably 100% of all companies have, and most everyone knows not to use someone else’s credit card. And if the guy wasn’t “nice”, then you should have asked for a manager but more than likely you were embarrassed and using this as an excuse. You’re in college, grow up and stop whining.

My only advice is to buy a few sets of strings so you have a back up when you need it and you're not out hollering at the world on a Sunday when most independent shops are closed. This will also save you the drama of posting such a ridiculous thread and getting absolutely no sympathy from TB. On another note, save your parents the hassle of paying you back Lord only knows your parents would probably appreciate you letting them off the hook and showing some responsibility.

[Stumbo]

Why would your parents think that any store would allow you to use their credit card? IMO, your parents are as arrogant/ignorant as you are. Now you've been busted attempting to perpetrate their illogic on the world, you get pissed because someone calls you on it? I suggest you enroll in a logic class asap.

IME, people don't have to do anything, and I mean anything you ask them to do(unless you're the warden, law enforcement or from the Pentagon or have a gun in your hand). It doesn't matter how you reached your conclusion, whether you think you're right and they are wrong. IME, what does matter is that you understand their position, formulate an argument that includes their position (or overcomes it) and is presented in a manner that motivates them to change. This also assumes that you've come to know what motivates people in general and more specifically, the person in front of you. IME, unless you do those things well, you'll most likely be:

[JimmyM]

honestly, i've let me my kids use my debit card on occasion and nobody says a word, even if they run it as a credit. now that i think about it, i should be mad.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by Zombbg4

Yeah that's just silly, why should they try to prevent identity theft? Oh, and treat the potential thief with respect, dang it!

I am surprised they didn't confiscate the card. Isn't that what they use to do?