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Infuriating. Honestly.
- Thread starter paddydaddyo
- Start date
@nutdog It's hard to say what "actually" happened in this scenario, or even if it actually happened at all. I just put myself in the position of the store, and to watch a sale of a brand new Fender Custom 5 evaporate within a matter of minutes because of a guy canoodling on a little combo in the corner ... wow.
OBVIOUSLY THE SALESMAN HANDLED IT WRONG. That isn't even debatable, but the guy who posted this talks up Sweetwater all the time (where he bragged about getting the bass from with no tax (illegal) and free shipping!), and I'd be willing to bet he was indeed showrooming the combo, and would go off and order it online.
OBVIOUSLY THE SALESMAN HANDLED IT WRONG. That isn't even debatable, but the guy who posted this talks up Sweetwater all the time (where he bragged about getting the bass from with no tax (illegal) and free shipping!), and I'd be willing to bet he was indeed showrooming the combo, and would go off and order it online.
I guess from the salesperson's viewpoint a guy that probably wasn't going to buy anyway killed his sale.
The only music shop in my town that isn't clearly failing is the one where they routinely check online prices and either match or beat them.
The anecdote in the op reflects attitudes indicative of why I no longer darken the door of the local music store. Last time I went in there it was to buy a SM58. They had listed for full retail, so I asked if they would sell it for $100 (without mentioning you can get it everywhere else at that price). Right away I got an earful of vitriol about how they weren't Musicians Friend or Guitar Center and the standard fare about small business vs online retailers, show-rooming, etc. What his self-righteousness was too arrogant to see was I was guaranteed $100 sale, and that money was walking right out the door along with all other future sales. All over $25. Had he taken a different tack and educated me about his cost and markup, or even politely said he couldn't do that, I might not have made the purchase, but I wouldn't have lost respect. I certainly wasn't going to pay $25 more for the disrespectful sermon aimed at me. My time and money is just as valuable to me as I'm sure his is to him.
I'm all about small businesses, and I'm willing to pay a bit more for products in order to develop that community. I highly value the relationships and appreciate knowing I can trust the hometown guy. However, that business is never guaranteed. Just because you set up shop in town doesn't mean you deserve my business, or that it is incumbent of me to supply it.
I'm all about small businesses, and I'm willing to pay a bit more for products in order to develop that community. I highly value the relationships and appreciate knowing I can trust the hometown guy. However, that business is never guaranteed. Just because you set up shop in town doesn't mean you deserve my business, or that it is incumbent of me to supply it.
As some others have pointed out, this wasn't really a "test driver" situation. I do appreciate how frustrating showrooming can be, but it's hardly anything new - I wish I had a dime for every DX7 or M1 sale that I lost back in the mid-80's where someone came into the store and tried the instrument out, only to mail order it from Sam Ash or Washington Music. It was somewhat satisfying when they'd come back and we'd refuse to offer them access to our preset library or any services other than warranty repair, though.
A couple things. There's no way to authenticate the story. A lot of times people will go to great lengths to make up a story, and most of the time it's for revenge of some sort.
As a mtter of fact, it's been shown through research that a large number of people mis-represent themselves on facebook, half the time you don't know if it's even their picture you're looking at. Many of the stories presented online are pure fiction.
Given these things I agree with Joe Nerve. No need to develop stomach acid of some third hand information shared from a questionable source.
As a mtter of fact, it's been shown through research that a large number of people mis-represent themselves on facebook, half the time you don't know if it's even their picture you're looking at. Many of the stories presented online are pure fiction.
Given these things I agree with Joe Nerve. No need to develop stomach acid of some third hand information shared from a questionable source.
This happened a few years ago at a local store which I used to go to (and spend money at) frequently.
I'd seen Zoom multi effect units on the internet, and decided to pay the brick and mortar a visit so I could buy from the local place instead of ordering online. I walked in, the place was empty. One of the part-owners was sitting behind the counter.
Me: "Do you carry Zoom products?"
Him: "Garbage"
Me: "OK, thanks." I walk out, never to return.
He could have made a sale just by asking me what I was looking for; probably would have been able to sell me a different but comparable product which he actually did sell, but he cut the conversation short with his arrogance and rudeness.
I'd bet the store clerk in the original post story could have hooked the fellow who was interested in the Fender just by telling him that a setup would probably make the bass more to his liking.
Oh, and the store I mentioned above has since gone out of business.
Tom
I'd seen Zoom multi effect units on the internet, and decided to pay the brick and mortar a visit so I could buy from the local place instead of ordering online. I walked in, the place was empty. One of the part-owners was sitting behind the counter.
Me: "Do you carry Zoom products?"
Him: "Garbage"
Me: "OK, thanks." I walk out, never to return.
He could have made a sale just by asking me what I was looking for; probably would have been able to sell me a different but comparable product which he actually did sell, but he cut the conversation short with his arrogance and rudeness.
I'd bet the store clerk in the original post story could have hooked the fellow who was interested in the Fender just by telling him that a setup would probably make the bass more to his liking.
Oh, and the store I mentioned above has since gone out of business.
Tom
Look, the small time shop-front business model is dead. Period.
A person might hate the issues that go on in the small shops but, what do you expect? No one is a charity; if a guitar can be obtained cheaper elsewhere, then I would expect a person to go elsewhere.
This proposal is not very romantic but like the small business owner, we are all just trying to get by - even the person buying a guitar.
Ive done the opposite, l went to GC and played the basses I was interested in and then bought it from my local shop, GC is so big and profitable that they dont care either way...
Big? Yes. Not so sure about the second part.
What confuses me most about this story is what music store doesn't sell Ibanez? Maybe it's just me, but I have never been to any music store that didn't carry Ibanez. Next to Fender, it's the most overexposed brand. Sounds like the store owner got schooled.
I dont know...did the guy just pick the fender off the floor at this store, or did he order it? (I know OP just reposted something and wasnt there) Because if he ordered the fender, wouldnt he need to put down a deposit? The couple of times I ordered a bass through a local shop, I had to put a decent percentage down and they made it clear it wasnt refundable if I "changed my mind".
My local shop doesn't stock GK, but offers to order for me and eat the shipping. I think there's a reason they're still in business.
..Actually, I have an Ibanez acoustic guitar that is quite nice. Everyone who's played it says that it sounds and plays just like a Taylor guitar. It has crazy low action and is very bright sounding. Great in a band mix, not boomy at all.
My local music store stays in business by having the stock, the knowledge, and the right attitude. They also advertise that they will match on line prices. With the exception of an online blow out price they have been true to their word. It has made me a lifelong customer.
Whether you think a bass sucks or not, if a customer wants to order a certain bass through you, you make it happen. Keep your opinions to yourself. It's a business and you're there to sell basses and to make money.
That clerk was a dumbass. He literally just prevented himself from making a few extra bucks on his paycheque.
That clerk was a dumbass. He literally just prevented himself from making a few extra bucks on his paycheque.
There's three GCs and about the same amount of small shops within range for me. Not a one carries anything even slightly different then the others. If they even fully stock their bass rooms, which they don't. Then they want to know if you want to test any basses using one of the two beat up amp choices they have in stock. I'd like to buy a Gretsch G2202 but no one will stock one to try, most ask if I want to try a Fender as if I've never heard of the brand before, and none have any idea the Gretsch is a short scale or have any idea what the difference between a short and a long are. There's more to the story of the demise of the brick store than just showrooming.
