I didn't realize age now gives one license to throw all logic and reason out the window. I'm 56, when can I start getting away with this?
I think that's the standard Boomer mantra. You might be just below the cut-off.
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Done with Sweetwater
- Thread starter minddrain
- Start date
I think that's the standard Boomer mantra. You might be just below the cut-off.
I don't have any loyalty to any one dealer...I just go to whoever has the gear I want at the best price at that particular time. That being said, I've never had a bad experience with Sweetwater...plus, I also like that they have lots of photos/specs of the instruments they have in stock so that you can choose which one you like--the variety of shades/contrasts in the sunburst finish of their selection of Squier Jazz basses was pretty dramatic, so I was really happy to hand pick one that I liked. Plus, even beyond that, my "sales engineer" went out of his way to change my selection for me at the last minute before shipping when an even more beautiful bass appeared on their website...and without any added delays. He has also offered discounts over the phone, as they don't want the mfrs to see what they are really selling stuff for, etc. I don't mind his occasional voicemails trying to sell me other stuff. But, again, I am more of a slut when it comes to new gear dealers...it just really depends.
I should also mention that after the first call or two, I could literally never get a hold of my rep. That's the one higher up in the company I was assigned, after the first rep was determined to be unsuitable. Multiple calls and messages, speaking with his secretary with relayed communications that clearly indicated my questions were not understood - very frustrating. A while later I get an email asking me to fill out a survey. I filled it out, and expressed my frustration. Like a month later, I get an email from the rep apologizing and suggesting I call. You know, because it worked out so well before.
Sorry, I just have not had good experiences with Sweetwater. And now after reading that a bunch of people here have been able to obtain a discounted price, when they flatly refused to discount price for me. Another slap in the face.
I didn't realize age now gives one license to throw all logic and reason out the window. I'm 56, when can I start getting away with this?
I started at 60.
I am the most attractive woman I know. I don't have a wife, but I do have a husband. He doesn't like candy.
My apologies for the assumption.
Still... somebody out there will smile if you hand them your bags of candy.
a) it's not cyanide
b) they're not strangers
other than that, your analogy was spot on.
It does sound like there's a lot of variation in rep. service quality. Some of us got lucky, others not so much. My rep seems to bend over backwards to keep me happy, even though I've only spent a few hundred $ at sweetwater. No hesitation to quote a 10-15% discount, answers questions and otherwise leaves me alone. All interactions were by email except one phone call I had to make to give him a credit card number. I thought the personal rep would be an annoying way to handle sales but I like it so far.
Is it fair to say something like that without telling the story? The way I read it has me assuming you walked into a GC and asked about price and they were like "Get out of here...." and we all know that's very unlikely to have happened. I want details!
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I've had 0% discounts when talking to them, which is fine because I'm not purchasing Sweetwater brand items and the gear is the same from any other retailer. I wonder if they have a system like Best Buy where customers are put into different categories? "Becky" gets offered 15% off because she's a shrewd buyer. "Tom" just appreciates the service.
Been eating candy all of my life and still here, and not diabetic or pre-diabetic. I say do whatever floats your boat. 
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I was sure that it’s our daughter at the center of the universe. Evidence: her reaction when we’ve had (anyone has had) a weekend away without telling her first. She believes we should be in a home because we don’t do Facebook.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
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- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Added sugar (and candy) causes anxiety, depression, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and about 1000 other illnesses and diseases they're still linking it to. It depletes our bodies of essential nutrients and gives us empty calories that make us fat, and keep us hungry. Most of the US is addicted to it, and hasn't a clue that they are.
The only positives it has is it can give a quick burst of energy and it tastes good. To some.
Just sayin.
I'm bored at my day job today.
The only positives it has is it can give a quick burst of energy and it tastes good. To some.
Just sayin
.I'm bored at my day job today.
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I took a bass in to look at trading in on another bass. I know what my bass has been selling for recently. I did a lot of research on it before I went. I also had a good idea what I thought I should get "trade in". In the past I have got roughly 60% of what they have sold for on Reverb and other sites. The $105 that I was offered was less than 30%. When I asked if he could do a little better I was told "I am being very generous on what I am giving you for it, be thankful I am giving that much", in a very rude tone of voice. I really tried to deal with him after that but he would have no part of it so I put my bass back in the case and thanked him for his time. I them proceeded to exit the premises. The lowball offer was bad enough but to be rude on top of that was uncalled for. I have never been treated so rude, not even in a pawn shop.
Washburn RB-2002 in completely mint condition. I mean it is in "showroom" condition.
Every retailer has good & bad. I've had two bad experiences with Sweetwater. First was a Fender bass I paid full price because of their 55-point inspection as I needed it for a tour the following week. The bass had a fret lifting, bad volume pot & far from a playable (action, intonation) Didn't have time (it came late, a day before leaving on tour) so could not return it. Bought a used bass for the tour.
2nd was a Jazz bass, they matched price & said this one would be checked thoroughly. Action so low unplayable, not just buzzing. Salesman blamed the inspector but other than an offer to return it, no actual apology.
several months later I started getting calls from another salesman like my previous purchases were perfect. Whenever I asked about price, they were always higher, exclaiming the "value of their service"
Most of my new purchases since gave been MF. I almost always get at least 15% off just by calling regardless of any published sale or coupon. They have matched lower prices including a Nord Stage 3 with a ridiculous Black Friday price, saved me well over $1000. I have had better luck with the quality of merchandise. Not because they inspect as they don't but I don't believe Sweetwater inspects either. Its just chances are things come from the factory basically playable. Sweetwater plays the numbers.
I've had two returns with MF, both of which were smooth & they gave me paid shipping labels. I have spent probably around $20,000 with MF, so that might help. Also if you like a particular MF salesperson (a female salesperson there has been great & seems more informed) you can call or email that person directly.
I still get calls from Sweetwater once in a while but their prices are always higher. I have no confidence their service is better than MF. In fact they always tell me they can price match but never have met the price!
Should also mention I no longer buy from Sam ash either. Bought a guitar, they gave me a good price but was either used or a return. It was partially apart!!! They claimed it must have come from the factory that way & referred me to Jackson (FmOC) who only sent me a t-shirt as compensation. I've not purchased any Fender product since. Sam Ash did not offer a return. Was a $1200 guitar & expected better service.
I also buy quite a bit of used gear, much of which comes from various guitar center stores. Have had great luck & service there.
2nd was a Jazz bass, they matched price & said this one would be checked thoroughly. Action so low unplayable, not just buzzing. Salesman blamed the inspector but other than an offer to return it, no actual apology.
several months later I started getting calls from another salesman like my previous purchases were perfect. Whenever I asked about price, they were always higher, exclaiming the "value of their service"
Most of my new purchases since gave been MF. I almost always get at least 15% off just by calling regardless of any published sale or coupon. They have matched lower prices including a Nord Stage 3 with a ridiculous Black Friday price, saved me well over $1000. I have had better luck with the quality of merchandise. Not because they inspect as they don't but I don't believe Sweetwater inspects either. Its just chances are things come from the factory basically playable. Sweetwater plays the numbers.
I've had two returns with MF, both of which were smooth & they gave me paid shipping labels. I have spent probably around $20,000 with MF, so that might help. Also if you like a particular MF salesperson (a female salesperson there has been great & seems more informed) you can call or email that person directly.
I still get calls from Sweetwater once in a while but their prices are always higher. I have no confidence their service is better than MF. In fact they always tell me they can price match but never have met the price!
Should also mention I no longer buy from Sam ash either. Bought a guitar, they gave me a good price but was either used or a return. It was partially apart!!! They claimed it must have come from the factory that way & referred me to Jackson (FmOC) who only sent me a t-shirt as compensation. I've not purchased any Fender product since. Sam Ash did not offer a return. Was a $1200 guitar & expected better service.
I also buy quite a bit of used gear, much of which comes from various guitar center stores. Have had great luck & service there.
It's time to back out of a thread when the sanctimonious anti-candy faction shows up...
