Not where I work, we're always friendly and try to help people. That's not always possible, and there are always the difficult customers who don't want help but most of the time it's great. I really enjoy helping people with any guitar related questions. There have been a few times when I've come to work after a late gig night, but I'm usually perfectly alert after a coffee and red bull.

Oh, and we do have a "No Stairway to Heaven" sign. But that usually just makes people point it out, smile at us, and play it. I don't really mind since I like that song. What we really need is a "No Sweet Child of Mine" sign. But I have a little brother who's ten times worse than any wanker, so I'm used to tolerating annoyances like that.

_________________
Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalairdmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckslaird
Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckslaird

unfortunately in the uk most customer service is like this, not just in guitar shops.....

As always, their income peaks around the holidays and rolls off after the last of the kiddies have pissed away what's left of their holiday money come the middle of January. Consequently, they know their income is now going to be significantly less for the foreseeable future. Consider too that they themselves, pissed away at the very least, whatever extra money they made on stuff they didn't need in spite of the fact that they live day to day financially. As to the psyche, for the most part, they are wannabee rock stars who cannot function in any other job so yes, they are frustrated and have no ambition because in their world, they think they should have been discovered years ago. Lastly, if they did indeed have any upward mobility, they wouldn't be at a facility which operates on drawer against commission.

As always, this is merely IMO where YMMV.

_________________
You dig?

[quote="Martian"][quote="ZZDoc"]
Guitar looks fab!

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

...... yes, the younger generation's replacement for the former. To give credit where credit is due, however, a tad more demanding to learn and play well.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

Hi ZZ...I have the best guitar salesman ever in a local Sam Ash. He goes out of his way for me and is so easy to deal with he makes a purchase a pleasure. He`s made numerous exchanges for me with no questions asked, as long as I`m happy. And his manager is the same as he is. They have treated me so well over the past few years that I have given them gifts around the holidays. I couldn`t ask for better people to do business with. He always looks out for my best interest and has even run serial numbers for me with guitars I wasn`t even buying from his store. I know your not that far from me and if you want to know where I do business drop me a note. I`ll gladly meet you and introduce you to them. This particular salesman works Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

_________________

In Nashville's GC the other night I heard somebody playing old Luther Perkins licks...for those that don't know who Luther is,you've heard him play the licks on Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash...although I was preoccupied at the time those licks were in stark contrast with the normal things you hear.....only in Nashville I guess....I half expected to hear "I hear that train a comin' "....

I was once taught a telephone skill which instructed to automatically smile when you place the handset to your ear. I seems to turn on a mental switch that sets one's mood and orientation. Not unlike what I do, a helping relationship attitude has to be in place in order to act effectively in the best interests of the customer. Consistent with Martian's comments above, it highly unlikely that this is in their best interests. When it comes to Fender, I have personally found myself in a position of offering some guidance to parents shopping with their hopefuls for a first guitar. Having been there at one time myself, then as a parent, and a grandparent I understand many of the subtle factors that are operating in that kind of circumstance. As often as not, the hopeful recipient is looking at at gear whose price point far beyond the budget available and guidance to understand that gear acquisition is generally progressive, becoming more sophisticated in keeping with the growth in skills and possibly professional needs of the player. Rather that, the sales force is looking at the bottom line at the end of the month, particulary at the big box stores. Were I a career salesperson, I'd be looking to develop a clientele who's return business I could count on, as well as referrals of new customers. That's the way you do it!

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

.....I may have actually shopped that location many years ago when I lived in Georgetown. It went off well yesterday....may of just been a 'telephone thing.' Thanks for the heads-up. Wiil keep in touch about the Clapton auction.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

Frequent these locations on the 'off days'....during the week....and you'll more often than not be hearing a lot of that sort of thing, because the older players will come in and noodle, much to the relief of the sales staff. It makes for a great moment, falling into a blues riff with someone of similar interests.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

i'll tell you- i can understand people's frustration in retail music stores- especially in the internet era. when i started playin in 1960, people went to a store, and if they liked the product, they bought it. today someone goes into the store, plays around, asks questions, says "i'll think about it", and goes home to order it online, just to save on sales tax!

i have a sales job- not in the music industry - that depends on repeat sales. most people are upfront and honest with me. others use my knowledge, and turn around to buy online at a lower price. i explain that i only get paid on sales, and that unless they buy from me, i will turn the account to inside sales. some get angry, but when you are paid on sales, you have to make a living.

Without question, it is difficult to audition an instrument online and, as sales technology and resources become more sophisticated, I fail to understand how this will ever happen. This sector is definitely a hands on entity. What will have to happen is that retail stores in this market are going to have to be not only price competitive,i.e. equal or beat any price,(which is how I acquired my new '57VHR), but find a unique carrot which online vendors could not possible offer. Similar to automobiles dealerships, perhaps the employment of a full-time tech who would provide free maintenance to original owners of gear would be a loss leader to attract and keep a loyal customer base. My guess is that most in-store techs are independent contractors working on a percentage.
I presently have a lifetime setup contract with the vendor I purchased my Les Paul from. I paid an additional $100 fee for it. It could have just as easily been provided gratis.
It's about the same amount of drive time to The Music Zoo as it is to the two vendors I have previously frequented, but the current transaction is worth some continued loyalty to the vendor.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

+1

ZZ Doc !

I have been wanting to go to the Music Zoo as well as Mandolin Bros. for longer than I can recall. I get either too busy or I'm in the financial doldrums, the intricacies of being a remodeling contractor in the bespoke residential market.
It's also a trip where I've promised my friend Zeray to hang out in NYC's West End for a few day's.
This Spring, plus ordering that Custom Deluxe is on that agenda.

On the issue of the Big BOX retail scenario, guitars have been reclassified as durable goods.
Less about acquiring one to become an excellent musician ( that would take too long and too much effort ) but more about the cool thing to show off to your friends and listen to the cool noises I can make with it. My amp is all modded so I just select and go.

I don't think anything could be worse than that hideous abomination Guitar Hero.
Follow the visuals and match the colored lights and masturbate with the toggle
If it was on a par skill wise with lets say Xbox's GT or PS III's Formula I then Ok I could see the point but it is as mindless as watching reality programs on the Boob Tube.
You are watching, not participating... A chasm of a difference..

_________________
"C'est parti mon Kiki "

It's the Opioids

_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson