Guitar Center LOST a sale on a StingRay Bass

[screaminhugger]

screaminhugger,

Marty Albertson, the CEO of GC, mentioned that GC employee turnover for sales reps is 100% annually. Many people who take jobs there are musicians themselves and have other long-term plans beyond retail. Some just work there long enough to earn some cash to buy the gear they want at a discount.

The problem is the general work ethic these days more so than any one company's fault. Do you think that if someone working at GC really wanted to learn all about the products there, that they'd have no resources at their disposal? GC/Musician's Friend are responsible for a staggering portion of total retail music sales in the US every year. There's nothing that any manufacturer wouldn't do to help GC sell more of their product.

I so agree with you on the general work ethic thing...I guess it is easy for me to say, but I still think they should be able to find quality people, at least a few wouldn't hurt. Like I said, it's easy for me to say. This is just a real "sore spot" with me because it happens so often, everywhere it seems.

James

 

[adouglas]

Lets not turn this into the bi monthly GC bashing.

+1. It's not about the company, it's about the individual you're dealing with. And training, however well intentioned, doesn't always stick or get put into practice. I've worked retail too, in the dim and distant past.

 

[Enzo]

On behalf of Guitar Center I apologise for any confusion caused. Our Bass Buyer will research this issue and advise asap.

Best regards,
Michael Doyle

 

[adouglas]

EXCELLENT!

This demonstrates how powerful an on-line community can be. Can you imagine this kind of follow-up happening if forums like this did not exist?

 

[SteveB]

I so agree with you on the general work ethic thing...I guess it is easy for me to say, but I still think they should be able to find quality people, at least a few wouldn't hurt. Like I said, it's easy for me to say. This is just a real "sore spot" with me because it happens so often, everywhere it seems.

James

Well, having been fortunate enough to meet Marty Albertson, Michael Doyle, and Ed Ocean at bovinehost's Dallas Birthday Bash.. I can tell you that GC has some quality people at the top of the organization. That doesn't guarantee any trickle-down in so large a company, but it's good to know that the guys on top really care and more importantly, they listen.

 

[AnthonyD]

Well, having been fortunate enough to meet Marty Albertson, Michael Doyle, and Ed Ocean at bovinehost's Dallas Birthday Bash.. I can tell you that GC has some quality people at the top of the organization. That doesn't guarantee any trickle-down in so large a company, but it's good to know that the guys on top really care and more importantly, they listen.

+1!

I had the opportunity to speak with each of these guys and they do listen. It's a large company, though chatting with these folks certainly brought it down to a "mom & pop" level. While the trickle down can't be guaranteed, I feel it is likely based upon the senior management enthusiasm.

 

[wraithwrider]

Wraithboy pops his head above the parapet and says

Bring back Peach

and then quickly ducks down again



Peter

 

[tadawson]

Now we're back to it being Guitar Center's fault.

If I had a buck for every time a GC has claimed that something is discontinued, just 'cuz they don't stock it anymore (if they ever did . . . ) I would be a rich man! It seems to be a tendency to crap on what they don't have, to try and get you to buy what they do have . . . . not terribly uncommon in sales, unfortunately . . . . and not just at GC . . . . Although I think some GC reps think that if it does not show in the GC computer, that it must not exist, as opposed to being special orderable, which sounds more like what happened here . . . . .

- Tim

 

[bubbao]

Trans Teal Stingray

Stingray 7181,
We have one Trans Teal Stingray w/ 3 EQ, Black Pickguard, with maple fingerboard in
our La Mesa location (John Day - Asst Mgr 619-668-8400) if you're interested. They can ship it to the Marietta store for you to check out. Please PM me if you have questions.
Thanks,
Ed Ocean
Bass Buyer, GC

 

[Straight UP]

Stingray 7181
Granted It dose not have a rosewood fret board, BUT this offer looks legit.
Might be as close to what you want, than you may find ..

 

[bubbao]

Trans Teal Stingray

BTW Stingray 7181, I spoke with Christian May, one of the managers in the Marietta store (770-980-9222) and he would like you to call him regarding a "non" discontinued trans teal Stringray w/ rosewood fingerboard that he could special order for you.
Regards, Ed Ocean

 

[SteveB]

Man, this forum is one very special place!

 

[maddog]

Talking with the GC cats over burgers, I was expected jaded business men looking to increase their profit margins. What I got was a bunch of hip cats wanting to talk about music and making music. I was floored that these cats found music just as magical as I did.

Their business model has its +'s and -'s. Sometimes you have to walk in to a store knowing what you want but they sure are making it easier for musicians to make music.

 

[bovinehost]

Ed swoops in and all is right with the world.

 

[spencer]

The perfect bass ha one!!!!

The Perfect Bass - bass guitars, amps and accessories for every player!

 

[MingusBASS]

That is a Sterling. Not a Stingray.

 

[spencer]

Sorry I didn't think he would mind owning its SUPERIOR brother.

 

[maddog]

Sorry I didn't think he would mind owning its SUPERIOR brother.

when did we start talking about Bongos?

 

[EBMM7181]

Man, this forum is one very special place!

Yes it is!

I am '' amazed '' at the GREAT customer service from everyone at Ernie Ball, on this forum, and Ed from GC.

I'll NEVER buy a bass from any other company

Only Ernie Ball Musicman basses for me!

 

[Rano Bass]

I'm glad it all worked out in the end