I don't know if I ever got a call from SW. I don't answer the phone if I don't recognize the number and my answering machine does not record calls. Never got a catalog either.
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Done with Sweetwater
- Thread starter minddrain
- Start date
My rep is pretty cool. I personally ignore most attempts at communication, though. Thing is, they try to offer a personalized experience....which is what some want. Others don’t want that. You can’t win....too many variables.
I usually end up with Musicians Friend. Sweetwater calls too much and their "pros" don't seem to know that much. Their prices are higher for the exact same item I can get elsewhere, so MF is where I go. I'm not against Sweetwater, I just see no compelling reason to use them.
I bought a full PA system and all associated accessories from Sweetwater, as well as other stuff. I've never had an issue. I get a call maybe twice a year, but I get robo calls daily from other sources.
For basses, I have a friend who owns a terrific guitar shop that is 50% basses, so I go there.
Having worked in wholesale and retail, I can tell you that there are some customers who can never be satisfied.
For basses, I have a friend who owns a terrific guitar shop that is 50% basses, so I go there.
Having worked in wholesale and retail, I can tell you that there are some customers who can never be satisfied.
Sweetwater whenever they have what I'm looking for. Great service and attractive financing - often 0% and 24-48 months to pay.
For a great rep -- and followup calls limited to about every 3 months -- try Derek Senestraro at ex. 1243
For a great rep -- and followup calls limited to about every 3 months -- try Derek Senestraro at ex. 1243
Used, often via trade. Sometimes in parts and I build my own. My only objection to Sweetwater is they seem to be more expensive than other vendors. Then again, I'm not going to pay the "new" price for instruments. Way too high in general.
I've had great experiences with Sweetwater - though I _am_ tired of the spam calls and snail mail.
And now that most states are collaborating among themselves, they've lost the edge of no sales tax...
And now that most states are collaborating among themselves, they've lost the edge of no sales tax...
I am fortunate, son, to live near Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center. However, on rare occasion I have purchased gear at SW I could not get at Chuck's. Funny about the calls. In Sweetwater's early days, they pestered me with calls too. I explained that an unwanted solicitation call resulted in a one year suspension of my buying anything from them. They violated that. Then, 364 days into the suspension, they called again. At that point the 'sales engineer' got the message. On my account in large letters it says, "Do not call."
I’ve never had a problem with Sweetwater and I order a ton of gear from them. I love how they list their guitar and bass weights etc.. Also always call and get the best price they can offer.
Sounds like something is amiss with your experience.
Sounds like something is amiss with your experience.
That’s what everyone says. It’s just a very high percentage of the time.
I love Chuck's. Great pricing and great staff. The only dislike is the parking situation.
I’ve spent about 6 grand for basses with Sweetwater, all great purchases. Sales engineer calls for updates and follow ups and has become a source of knowledge for other aspects I’m not too familiar with (Logic functions, Microphones, pro audio stuff). They won’t ever intentionally do you wrong.
I was done with Sweetwater back in '96 when they lied to me time after time about a $2k item I had purchased. SW's concept of "Sales engineers" is the most laughable in retail history of the world. ZZounds and MF have never disappointed me.
I deal only with one or two local music stores in my area. I do my research online and negotiate pricing accordingly. I've never been burned by these guys and they very much appreciate that I continue to support their business. I've been loaned cabinets and basses for gigs and given "family discounts" on other items. And I never have to pay for shipping.
I have to say... Although I prefer to buy locally when I can, I've had nothing but great customer service from Sweetwater. I think a few years ago I asked them to not call me (unless requested) and not send me the catalog (it's wasteful) and they honored that.
I just made a purchase from them last week (at prices that were the same as everywhere else) and when the items arrived I realized one of them wasn't going to work out as I had hoped. I sent Sweetwater an email about it and the sales guy responded with a phone call very quickly, helped me find a more suitable item at the same price, took care of the return on the other item (at no cost) and expedited the shipping on the new item (at no cost).
I just made a purchase from them last week (at prices that were the same as everywhere else) and when the items arrived I realized one of them wasn't going to work out as I had hoped. I sent Sweetwater an email about it and the sales guy responded with a phone call very quickly, helped me find a more suitable item at the same price, took care of the return on the other item (at no cost) and expedited the shipping on the new item (at no cost).
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From local independent music stores, craigslist, and facebook market place. Id never give my money to guitar center, sam ash, musicians friend or sweetwater or any of the "wal-marts" of the music industry.
'96? Was Sweetwater online that early or were they a mail-order catalog at that time?
good thinking, because everything is exactly the same as it was 23 years ago.
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