Showrooming

[mellowinman]

Amen Brother. The same model of instrument is often times not the same instrument.

I buy instruments that crank my tractor from a hands-on test. Not by assuming manufacturer or model implies "sameness".

This doesn't mean I haven't bought online. I've sent some back if that privilege is offered, with some I've taken my lumps and flipped it.

Supporting the local folks has a value to me also, and I'll pay the sales tax and a bit of a premium to do it, but I'm not a die-hard about it, except with automobiles... Then I always buy local from a dealer that I have a good relationship with.

Yeah, you could really regret not buying the one you liked, when that dud with the exact same specs shows up on the UPS truck.

 

[Bikes_n_Bass]

Local non-chain shops are where I try to do most of my business. Online is great for deals and all but these days for me it comes down to service, I am willing to pay for good service and knowing that if I have a problem, I have someplace I can go back to with ease and not have to worry about shipping and who pays for shipping etc etc. I love my local shop and won't mess them about. I've built a great relationship with my local shop and they are willing to do a bit extra for me in appreciation of my loyalty.

Big chain stores have never ever given me service. I am actually ignored but if I do have to ask them anything it is clear that I am annoying them with the fact that they can't stand there doing nothing anymore. That's where I will do my showrooming if I need to, I'll play something the chain store has and then ask my local guy to order it for me and all is well.

That said I do my best to not have to showroom since I do feel an ethical tug doing it. So is it wrong, eh, that's an individual choice. The service and the relationship with my local shop is certainly worth the extra cash to me even if it means saving longer.

 

[Big Hoss]

Sadly, my amp and Squier Jazz were both "Showroomed" from my local shop, and not by my choice. They were ordered online as gifts for me. My SXs weren't able to be showroomed, but if they could have been bought locally, I would have preferred buying local. No blame to Rondo. My cables, power supplies, tuner etc... were all bought locally. I buy my strings online, but if my local guy could match, I would go local. No blaming basstringsonline.com, but I prefer supporting local.

 

[Neon Blues]

...how else will I know what to order cheaper from Thomann?

 

[Malak the Mad]

Where do you guys stand on this? Is it "unethical" or just whatever.

Here's a true-life scenario of mine…one that I'd like to see where it falls in people's minds on the murky scale of "Ethics". This is not to say I regret the series of events. I just want to see what people reading this think and get their perspective.

I went into a local chain (at the time, three stores) to see that particular location for the first time and perhaps buy a set of strings. For the first time ever, I got to try out a Blacktop Jazz. Man-oh-man, was I impressed! (See that? That was my face at that first pluck of the E-string!) I didn't buy it on the spot for a few reasons; I didn't have the money at that time, I didn't want that color and I had one too many basses at home. However, I did buy the strings I was looking for.

Six months later, Guitar Center was having one of their "Used Gear Expos" where you can get 15% off new gear with an acceptable trade-in. I had a Squier P-Bass Special that I wasn't loving and was debating what to do with it. When I saw the Expo's notice, I remembered the Blacktop and how awesome it was.

I brought in my bass, asked if they'd take it, what I could get for it and could it go towards a new Blacktop. They gave me a fair quote, I accepted, they did the math for the discount+trade-in value, called Fender to place a special order and I paid for said instrument.

I guess you could say I unintentionally "Showroomed" the instrument. When I first demo'd it, I didn't think I would be buying it anytime soon. But an opportunity to turn one mediocre-at-best instrument into something fantastic popped up a whole half-a-year later. I'm certain some would call what I did "unethical" and others not. For the former, I'd like to hear why.

In the meantime, let's look at some other posts I'd like to respond to…

I consider it highly unethical. A shop has more overhead, you use his services, you should pay for that right.

If you know what you want, buy it the cheapest place.

Not to be argumentative, but aren't those two principles mutually exclusive? You say it's unethical to simply try out an item at one store without buying something, then you suggest buying the cheapest from wherever it's available. What if the only place to test something is not the cheapest place to get it? If I'm misreading you, please elaborate.

I'm of the school of thought that you should NOT try, if you don't plan to buy.

If you never pick up an instrument that's within easy reach for a test-drive, how do you plan out future purchases?

I, for one, don't see any problem trying out a new-to-me model for basic ergonomic compatibility, even if I'm just coming in to buy a cable or strings. These trial-runs help me determine if a make or model is even worth my future consideration. Then, when the cash is in-hand, I can make an informed and responsible decision.

Opinions, impressions and feedback online (here and elsewhere) can only go so far in building that informed decision, especially in the realm of ergonomics. If my actual career has taught me anything, it's just how unique everyone's physicality is grossly/minutely different. So even if "BASS-X" is comfortably built for nine out of ten people, I certainly don't want to be Number Ten. And if I had the chance to spare myself the whole "buy, try and return" (assuming returning is even possible) rigamarole, but knowingly didn't take that opportunity, then shame on me. I deserve the hassle.

 

[friendlybass]

Get tire kickers in my industry all the time. I'm a plumber, residential type. I'll go to peoples houses and spend two hours working up an estimate. Then they don't buy. My estimate is free, and so was the guy before me they already decided to use but their mom or handy brother or whatever recommended a second opinion so they waste my time.
At the end of the day I tell myself its my job to recommend and diagnose. It's a shops job to have available what the average Joe and lets say 2 or 3 specialty Joe's wants, and the customer in either situation has the job to buy or not buy. You chose to not buy, no skin off your back unless you start taking it off yourself

 

[twinjet]

Here's a true-life scenario of mine…one that I'd like to see where it falls in people's minds on the murky scale of "Ethics". This is not to say I regret the series of events. I just want to see what people reading this think and get their perspective.

I went into a local chain (at the time, three stores) to see that particular location for the first time and perhaps buy a set of strings. For the first time ever, I got to try out a Blacktop Jazz. Man-oh-man, was I impressed! (See that? That was my face at that first pluck of the E-string!) I didn't buy it on the spot for a few reasons; I didn't have the money at that time, I didn't want that color and I had one too many basses at home. However, I did buy the strings I was looking for.

Six months later, Guitar Center was having one of their "Used Gear Expos" where you can get 15% off new gear with an acceptable trade-in. I had a Squier P-Bass Special that I wasn't loving and was debating what to do with it. When I saw the Expo's notice, I remembered the Blacktop and how awesome it was.

I brought in my bass, asked if they'd take it, what I could get for it and could it go towards a new Blacktop. They gave me a fair quote, I accepted, they did the math for the discount+trade-in value, called Fender to place a special order and I paid for said instrument.

I guess you could say I unintentionally "Showroomed" the instrument. When I first demo'd it, I didn't think I would be buying it anytime soon. But an opportunity to turn one mediocre-at-best instrument into something fantastic popped up a whole half-a-year later. I'm certain some would call what I did "unethical" and others not. For the former, I'd like to hear why.

In the meantime, let's look at some other posts I'd like to respond to…



Not to be argumentative, but aren't those two principles mutually exclusive? You say it's unethical to simply try out an item at one store without buying something, then you suggest buying the cheapest from wherever it's available. What if the only place to test something is not the cheapest place to get it? If I'm misreading you, please elaborate.



If you

Not to be argumentative, but aren't those two principles mutually exclusive? You say it's unethical to simply try out an item at one store without buying something, then you suggest buying the cheapest from wherever it's available. What if the only place to test something is not the cheapest place to get it? If I'm misreading you, please elaborate.

I think the point is, if you know what you want - order from wherever. If you go and try a store bass, you are using their services and ought to pay them for it. My take.

 

[Venom of God]

I have a friend like this. He'll go into a shop and waste their time trying on sets of sunglasses, electronics, instruments, you name it- then go home and Google for the lowest price. It is a very low-class thing to do, though he defends it by saying it's the shops job to offer it as the cheapest price. What he doesn't seem to understand is that if everyone had the lowest price no one would make any money and the product wouldn't exist in the first place, not to mention distribution models don't allow for this.

If you know what you want from reviews online and don't need to try it, fine, order from anywhere. If you need to go into a shop and try something then you should be buying from there, plain and simple. Amazes me how many people don't seem to mind being an *******..

 

[Neon Blues]

I can see the point some people are making but the reality of it is if a customer tries a product in a store and it's cheaper to pay the price of the product which includes a profit margin and to ship it from elsewhere and possible have to pay for customs, then the store doesn't deserve the sale.

 

[twinjet]

I have a friend like this. He'll go into a shop and waste their time trying on sets of sunglasses, electronics, instruments, you name it- then go home and Google for the lowest price. It is a very low-class thing to do, though he defends it by saying it's the shops job to offer it as the cheapest price. What he doesn't seem to understand is that if everyone had the lowest price no one would make any money and the product wouldn't exist in the first place, not to mention distribution models don't allow for this.

If you know what you want from reviews online and don't need to try it, fine, order from anywhere. If you need to go into a shop and try something then you should be buying from there, plain and simple. Amazes me how many people don't seem to mind being an *******..

+1
Amen
QFT
ETC ETC

 

[Dlinqnt]

I have to admit, I'm a bit torn on this one. My job has me travelling quite a bit and one of the things l like to do in any new town/city I go to is check out the music store. I'm not usually buying a new bass, but I always bring a bass with me, so if I need strings etc, I will grab those.
But, while in a shop somewhere, if I see a bass I've never played before, or sometimes one that I've had and then sold, I'll play them without any hesitation at all. I don't ask the employees for help as l am not there I buy. If I come across a bass that I've played in those situations later when I'm back at home, then I have a bit of a frame of reference for that bass and I will most likely purchase it from the shop close to home when the opportunity to buy presents itself.
I don't think of that as showrooming, but other people might. Realistically, I can't bring two basses on the plane, nor would I want to. I love to play and I love all the different gear out there. There's no way I'm going to sit in my room and not go looking at gear when there's no reason in the world not to.
This is longer than I expected when I started typing...

 

[Gilmourisgod]

No guilt at GC, a little guilty at the only local guitar store worth the name. They have been there since the 70's. Kind of jerks unfortunately. Bought a Jay Turser violin bass for $250 from them, then a set of round wounds for it a couple weeks later. Salesman sold us the wrong scale strings then refused to take them back as "used". Never even installed, just package opened. How to lose a repeat customer in one easy step. Even at GC, I am super careful not to scratch or ding the guitars, almost into the OCD realm. I am polite and respectful of the guys making minimum wage and no benefits on the floor, least I can do for them.

 

[twinjet]

No guilt at GC, a little guilty at the only local guitar store worth the name. They have been there since the 70's. Kind of jerks unfortunately. Bought a Jay Turser violin bass for $250 from them, then a set of round wounds for it a couple weeks later. Salesman sold us the wrong scale strings then refused to take them back as "used". Never even installed, just package opened. How to lose a repeat customer in one easy step. Even at GC, I am super careful not to scratch or ding the guitars, almost into the OCD realm. I am polite and respectful of the guys making minimum wage and no benefits on the floor, least I can do for them.

The guys at my local store also make little, with employee discounts being their only benefit. But somehow, they seem to actually look happy...

 

[buldog5151bass]

Here's a true-life scenario of mine…one that I'd like to see where it falls in people's minds on the murky scale of "Ethics". This is not to say I regret the series of events. I just want to see what people reading this think and get their perspective.

I went into a local chain (at the time, three stores) to see that particular location for the first time and perhaps buy a set of strings. For the first time ever, I got to try out a Blacktop Jazz. Man-oh-man, was I impressed! (See that? That was my face at that first pluck of the E-string!) I didn't buy it on the spot for a few reasons; I didn't have the money at that time, I didn't want that color and I had one too many basses at home. However, I did buy the strings I was looking for.

Six months later, Guitar Center was having one of their "Used Gear Expos" where you can get 15% off new gear with an acceptable trade-in. I had a Squier P-Bass Special that I wasn't loving and was debating what to do with it. When I saw the Expo's notice, I remembered the Blacktop and how awesome it was.

I brought in my bass, asked if they'd take it, what I could get for it and could it go towards a new Blacktop. They gave me a fair quote, I accepted, they did the math for the discount+trade-in value, called Fender to place a special order and I paid for said instrument.

I guess you could say I unintentionally "Showroomed" the instrument. When I first demo'd it, I didn't think I would be buying it anytime soon. But an opportunity to turn one mediocre-at-best instrument into something fantastic popped up a whole half-a-year later. I'm certain some would call what I did "unethical" and others not. For the former, I'd like to hear why.

In the meantime, let's look at some other posts I'd like to respond to…



Not to be argumentative, but aren't those two principles mutually exclusive? You say it's unethical to simply try out an item at one store without buying something, then you suggest buying the cheapest from wherever it's available. What if the only place to test something is not the cheapest place to get it? If I'm misreading you, please elaborate.



If you never pick up an instrument that's within easy reach for a test-drive, how do you plan out future purchases?

I, for one, don't see any problem trying out a new-to-me model for basic ergonomic compatibility, even if I'm just coming in to buy a cable or strings. These trial-runs help me determine if a make or model is even worth my future consideration. Then, when the cash is in-hand, I can make an informed and responsible decision.

Opinions, impressions and feedback online (here and elsewhere) can only go so far in building that informed decision, especially in the realm of ergonomics. If my actual career has taught me anything, it's just how unique everyone's physicality is grossly/minutely different. So even if "BASS-X" is comfortably built for nine out of ten people, I certainly don't want to be Number Ten. And if I had the chance to spare myself the whole "buy, try and return" (assuming returning is even possible) rigamarole, but knowingly didn't take that opportunity, then shame on me. I deserve the hassle.

Yes, it can get murky. My point is this. Don't use the store to try the instrument if your intent is strictly trying it and and buying elsewhere. You know when you are using the store for this. That is unethical.

A store has more overhead, and either has to charge more, or make less profit.

 

[twinjet]

Yes, it can get murky. My point is this. Don't use the store to try the instrument if your intent is strictly trying it and and buying elsewhere. You know when you are using the store for this. That is unethical.

A store has more overhead, and either has to charge more, or make less profit.

Speaking of less profit, what's your opinion on haggling?

 

[buldog5151bass]

Speaking of less profit, what's your opinion on haggling?

I have no problem with it. It's a negotiation.

But going to Joe's Guitar Shack knowing he can't/won't beat a price, trying the instrument there, knowing that the end result is you buying it on line is not the same thing. You know that.

 

[twinjet]

I have no problem with it. It's a negotiation.

But going to Joe's Guitar Shack knowing he can't/won't beat a price, trying the instrument there, knowing that the end result is you buying it on line is not the same thing. You know that.

Sure. I just ask because I didn't know how to feel about haggling a local shop. GC, I might not care so much. The little guys, ya know.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Sure. I just ask because I didn't know how to feel about haggling a local shop. GC, I might not care so much. The little guys, ya know.

Nothing wrong with asking - some places put their bottom line price on the tag. Others (even buying from GC or MF) on line put down a price and still allow room to negotiate. All the more reason to have a relationship with the store (or on line rep).

 

[electracoyote]

Buying stringed instruments on line is a recipe for disappointment.

lol

I have at least six basses that dispel this little internet myth.

 

[twinjet]

lol

I have at least six basses that dispel this little internet myth.

I just sold my internet-bought bass, but I owned it for seven years. Only sold it so I could afford a USA Fender.