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Afraid of going to music stores

#21
The only time I was ever treated rudely at a music store was at a Sam Ash by one employee, perhaps that's why there was a "Now Hiring" sign on the door. Other experiences in that store and guitar centers has been great. There are two music stores in my town. One about 200 yards from my front door which is great and one a few blocks up from that and they are very uptight in there with don't touch signs on even the cheapest of instruments. Some sales people are annoying and some leave you alone it all depends. I just try not to go into a store unless I intend on buying something, at least acoustic guitar strings.
 
#23
hahah...yah, i'm afraid but i'm afraid for other reasons...

i suck so I don't wanna pick something up and start playing.:crying:

I'm also afraid because the people i come in contact w/ are super nice and helpful. i feel bad for not buying something when they've been so "nice". :rollno:

k.
 
#24
The store I frequent, Alto Music is the exact opposite. They always greet you with a nice smile and hello at the front desk. They leave you alone when you want to be alone, and once you ask for help they are do nothing but open up about music and what your asking about. If they don't know the answer they actually bring you right to the person with the answer. They say here is "John" he will have your answer.
 
#26
There are two major music stores in my hometown. One, I know the owner and he's a great guy. The workers there are great as well - somewhat knowledgeable but generally players more than luthiers/store operators. Which is ok. The other place is more "professional" in that respect with amp tech and very knowledgeable. However, they always seem more "snobbish". I don't go down there much unless I know what I want or if I have a purpose.
 
#27
Raudsarw said:
Does anyone else feel dread whenever they have to go to a music store? The atmosphere there is always really opressing, the staff is rude and won't leave you alone. Whenever I need to buy something I buy online or send one of my many minions instead :D I guess my fear goes back several years when I wanted to buy a thumb pick. I was looking around for them, a staff member who was on the phone at time, sees that I'm looking for something and interrupts his phone call for a moment, asks me what I'm looking for. I tell him I'm looking for a thumb pick and he snaps at me. He asks if I'm blind and then proceeds to pull out this box, slams it on the table and continues talking on the phone. In fact pretty much everyone I've ever met who works at one of these stores has been an *******. Is it a global thing or just localized to the stores in my area?
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I had a similiar experience with one of my local music stores. It's like the staff had to take an a-hole exam to get hired. I've heard the owner doesn't even need the money (he has other ventures apparently), he just owns the music store as a kind of clubhouse he hangs out at.

The other music store in my area has much nicer staff. They actually act like they want my money.

Truthfully I hardly go into music stores anymore. I have all the gear I need.
 
#29
I enjoy going into music stores. BUT I'm afraid of touching anything. I can play drums and bass well, and can play guitar as well. But, I will not touch anything simply because I'm afraid of a) sales people telling me to go away b) other people making fun of me or c) damaging something I don't want to buy
 
#31
some stores have people behind the counter that seriously lack even an ounce of sympathy, but a couple of stores in my town have really friendly people. what throws me off at music stores is the mood. somehow i never feel comfortable playing there, feels like too much pressure to play well
 
#32
I can't generalize based on the stores around here. They all seem to have some good employees who are knowledgeable and helpful and other employees who get annoyed when you interrupt their "shredding" to try asking them a question.
 
#33
In my case I never find anything to play because I'm lefty playing lefty. On top of that I prefer 6 strings so ... I never bought strings because they never have what I'm looking for. I also stop using an amp so ... yeah ...

but when I went to buy my recording device I had a super service and I'm a happy customer.
 
#34
Raudsarw said:
I tell him I'm looking for a thumb pick and he snaps at me. He asks if I'm blind and then proceeds to pull out this box, slams it on the table and continues talking on the phone.
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Wow. If he'd been that rude to me, there would have been a hail of flying thumbpicks in every direction (including his) about 1 second before I turned away from the counter and left the store.
 
#35
gearhead1972 said:
The store I frequent, Alto Music is the exact opposite. They always greet you with a nice smile and hello at the front desk. They leave you alone when you want to be alone, and once you ask for help they are do nothing but open up about music and what your asking about. If they don't know the answer they actually bring you right to the person with the answer. They say here is "John" he will have your answer.
Click to expand...

I have an Alto Music where I am too. I've had the same experiences.
 
#36
I walked into one music store looking for a second bass. I picked up an interesting looking one in my price range (not the most expensive) and started noodling. The salespunk came up and said "Hey Slap Boy... You gonna buy something?"

I glared at him and said "Not anymore" handed him the bass and walked out and never went back. That was probably about 3 years ago. They've since gone out of business.

I'm a regular at my current music store. I've gotten to know the kids and they treat me like I'm their sole purpose for their existance. They'll get stuff over from another branch for me to try even if I'm not going to buy it. Probably because I spend enough to keep a couple of them employed. My only dread is buying more crap I don't need and can't afford.

Always interesting who knows which side their bread is buttered on and who doesn't.
 
#39
The only thing that I fear is walking in empty handed and leaving with lots of gear :D

In recent years my local GC has spiraled down in the good customer service at the store.

I have always been treated nicley at Music go round though. I've been going there for the last 7 years and gotten to know the staff, even the newer guys. And they always seem to hire the friendlier ones. They like to make conversation, even if they aren't knowledgeable in a certain area.
 
#40
Staccato said:
Next time-try going in, looking around, smiling, and not touching any instruments. Change your approach to the experience. :D Hint: One way to enjoy the experience is to talk/listen with the owner, manager, or employees. Get to know them, and vice versa...

If they don't engage customers in conversation, or don't like you, spend more time in other music stores.
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+1. The GC near my house (Not a mile away) have cool people working there. I know most of them by name. I have spent time with most of them. The GC about 20 miles away is like a second home. The guy who made my custom bass works there. Those guys are like family. I go there just to catch up with them.
 

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