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SurfGuitar101 Forums » Gear »

Permalink Store Appointment for Guitars, Amps, etc.

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All,
Any of you encountering this situation at your local music store?

During the COVID idiocy 4 1/2 years ago, a large music store near me (not GC) essentially closed down its showrooms, fired a lot of staff, and went to online sales. Its showrooms became warehouse rooms. I quite understand the business necessity of doing that under COVID.
It is now some years later. GC is back to where it was with a normal store, but this place is still stuck in its online sales model. I used to go to the place at least once a month; I haven't gone in 3-4 months and then only to get strings, cables, picks - small stuff.

If I want to look at a guitar or amp, I have to make an appointment with the store(??!!). This isn't buying a Ferrari or a doctor's appointment; it's just a damn guitar or amp! The store also has some filthy screen Kiosk (God knows who or what touched it) where you can search the store's inventory and make an "appointment" to try some gear out.

The turn-off there:
I don't need some gumshoe kid standing over me while I try equipment out. And I don't need the "soft intimidation" this situation implies to buy what I might try out. ("Gee, man. Like I brought out like all this stuff and like you don't like anything you like tried?") - Talk like an idiot, sound like an idiot, come across as an idiot. I have to think repeats of that scenario would eventually result in my being (like) ignored for any future "appointments".

I've talked this matter over respectfully with the management -> in one ear and out the other.
I've acquired a bit of great equipment this year. All these clowns got from me was some string and pick business.
I see some strides by this store to get back to normal. But it's almost 5 years since COVID. I guess they like their business model. I certainly don't.

Similar experiences, anyone?

J Mo'

Last edited: Sep 16, 2024 12:42:54

I patronize a number of businesses with limited hours and/or appointment-only formats.

It is what it is. If my need is enough, I will continue to patronize them. If it is not, I will not.

The one music store in my town - open usual business hours for what we'd expect from a music store, I suppose - is a ratty little establishment that obviously makes the bulk of its income from lessons. I bought strings from them once, in desperation, and paid a hefty premium as a result as well as getting an earful about an important political issue in my county at the time I was in the store. Lesson learned. Since I won't give GC my money for -reasons- I now get my strings, picks, cables, etc. online. In some cases (Rattlesnake Cable Co) I'm able to patronize a small, US-based business. When I can do that, I do. Otherwise, Amazon to the rescue.

Both my full-time and part-time jobs are officeless and function more or less on an appointment-only basis. My contract work is similarly done by appointment and electronic communication. I haven't had a face-to-face meeting with somebody I didn't work for since covid, and I'm not the least bit upset about it. My only regret is not buying stock in the company that owns Zoom before the pandemic.

--
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