pete.young Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 I'd like to say a bit thank you to the team in PMT in Birmingham, who tick all the boxes - yes , they appreciate being asked to try the gear, yes they have very competent specialist staff, friendly, knowledgeable, not pushy and will do you a good deal if they can. If they're on commission it's clearly on what the team sells, which is how it should be. As a result, I'm now the proud owner of a new piano, that I've been umming and ahing about for ages! Wish I'd gone in there yonks ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGH Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 Mansons Exeter...... Worth the trip no matter what the distance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bythesea Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 Further to my earlier posts about GAK - was in there yesterday and all the staff I spoke to were great, both in the bass section and the pro-audio. And if the guy from the bass section is reading this the divorce lawyer is on hold (for the moment at least ). Oh, and there was a young teen slapping away on a bass in there at the time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 [quote name='bythesea' post='544508' date='Jul 19 2009, 09:33 AM']Oh, and there was a young teen slapping away on a bass in there at the time [/quote] Good lad!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Academy Posted July 19, 2009 Author Share Posted July 19, 2009 [quote name='Mokl' post='544328' date='Jul 18 2009, 09:14 PM']I must say that having worked in music retail for far too long now, this thread comes as a breath of fresh air. We have continual problems with people displaying a complete lack of respect for our instruments and stock, thinking it's okay to abuse them as their own and then leave, never having had any intention of making a puchase. We always stress the need for our customers to try out the gear properly and do our best to make sure that they are happy with their purchase, and we are usually more than happy to allow anybody to try anything they want. A polite "would it be okay to try this?" before ripping that Rickenbacker from the display goes a long way! The one observation I would make is that I would not necessarily single out a particular age group as being more guilty of poor manners or disrespectful behaviour. In fact, in my experience it is often the older guys who come in (guys who really should know better), who will start yanking acoustics off the wall and in the process bouncing them off the Clavinova's. As a small, independent shop, you would really not believe how much this can cost us. Irritatingly we often only pick up dings and small areas of damage at the time of sale, which inevitably involves us having to throw in free stuff or reduce the price. Anwyay, let's not give the kids too hard a time. More recently I find that the younger guys and gals that frequent our shop are often very appreciative of our time and attention.[/quote] Good point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 (edited) [quote name='pete.young' post='544494' date='Jul 19 2009, 08:53 AM']I'd like to say a bit thank you to the team in PMT in Birmingham, who tick all the boxes - yes , they appreciate being asked to try the gear, yes they have very competent specialist staff, friendly, knowledgeable, not pushy and will do you a good deal if they can. If they're on commission it's clearly on what the team sells, which is how it should be. As a result, I'm now the proud owner of a new piano, that I've been umming and ahing about for ages! Wish I'd gone in there yonks ago.[/quote] It's weird how one's experience can vary. I went into PMT Birmingham asking after a particular [i]tuner[/i] pedal to be told by one of their more 'mature' people that they didn't stock that brand, that the brand was crap, that "[i]only an idiot [/i]would want to buy one" and that he'd rather "step on dog sh*t than one of those". He then followed this up with the observation that "If you still want one of those, you can go somewhere else. If you want a proper [i]fuzz[/i] pedal, you should try one of these". As you might imagine, I was a bit displeased. A couple of his mates were stood in the background having a good smirk while he delivered this peroration, so I suspect it wasn't the first time he'd gone off on one. Having reminded him it was a [i]tuner[/i] I was after, I bollocked him savagely in front of his colleagues for a very long five minutes. As compensation for "your rudeness and stupidity" I then gouged him for a "proper" tuner pedal at 40% of their tag price - what my 'crap' choice of pedal would have cost. Swings and roundabouts. Edited July 19, 2009 by skankdelvar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Academy Posted July 19, 2009 Author Share Posted July 19, 2009 [quote name='skankdelvar' post='544686' date='Jul 19 2009, 02:05 PM']It's weird how one's experience can vary. I went into PMT Birmingham asking after a particular [i]tuner[/i] pedal to be told by one of their more 'mature' people that they didn't stock that brand, that the brand was crap, that "[i]only an idiot [/i]would want to buy one" and that he'd rather "step on dog sh*t than one of those". He then followed this up with the observation that "If you still want one of those, you can go somewhere else. If you want a proper [i]fuzz[/i] pedal, you should try one of these". As you might imagine, I was a bit displeased. A couple of his mates were stood in the background having a good smirk while he delivered this peroration, so I suspect it wasn't the first time he'd gone off on one. Having reminded him it was a [i]tuner[/i] I was after, I bollocked him savagely in front of his colleagues for a very long five minutes. As compensation for "your rudeness and stupidity" I then gouged him for a "proper" tuner pedal at 40% of their tag price - what my 'crap' choice of pedal would have cost. Swings and roundabouts.[/quote] Was it a Behringer you were after, by any chance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machines Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 [quote name='pete.young' post='544494' date='Jul 19 2009, 08:53 AM']I'd like to say a bit thank you to the team in PMT in Birmingham...........if they're on commission it's clearly on what the team sells, which is how it should be.[/quote] No commission in PMT - they prefer to give a slightly higher salary rather than force staff to be vultures. [quote name='skankdelvar' post='544686' date='Jul 19 2009, 02:05 PM']I went into PMT Birmingham asking after a particular [i]tuner[/i] pedal to be told by one of their more 'mature' people that they didn't stock that brand, that the brand was crap, that "[i]only an idiot [/i]would want to buy one" and that he'd rather "step on dog sh*t than one of those".[/quote] Can you describe the chap ? I'd be surprised and dissappointed if it was Dave 'The Bear' Sheriff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Academy Posted July 19, 2009 Author Share Posted July 19, 2009 [quote name='skankdelvar' post='544686' date='Jul 19 2009, 02:05 PM']It's weird how one's experience can vary. I went into PMT Birmingham asking after a particular [i]tuner[/i] pedal to be told by one of their more 'mature' people that they didn't stock that brand, that the brand was crap, that "[i]only an idiot [/i]would want to buy one" and that he'd rather "step on dog sh*t than one of those". He then followed this up with the observation that "If you still want one of those, you can go somewhere else. If you want a proper [i]fuzz[/i] pedal, you should try one of these". As you might imagine, I was a bit displeased. A couple of his mates were stood in the background having a good smirk while he delivered this peroration, so I suspect it wasn't the first time he'd gone off on one. Having reminded him it was a [i]tuner[/i] I was after, I bollocked him savagely in front of his colleagues for a very long five minutes. As compensation for "your rudeness and stupidity" I then gouged him for a "proper" tuner pedal at 40% of their tag price - what my 'crap' choice of pedal would have cost. Swings and roundabouts.[/quote] Is this actually true?!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Academy Posted July 19, 2009 Author Share Posted July 19, 2009 [quote name='skankdelvar' post='544686' date='Jul 19 2009, 02:05 PM']It's weird how one's experience can vary. I went into PMT Birmingham asking after a particular [i]tuner[/i] pedal to be told by one of their more 'mature' people that they didn't stock that brand, that the brand was crap, that "[i]only an idiot [/i]would want to buy one" and that he'd rather "step on dog sh*t than one of those". He then followed this up with the observation that "If you still want one of those, you can go somewhere else. If you want a proper [i]fuzz[/i] pedal, you should try one of these". As you might imagine, I was a bit displeased. A couple of his mates were stood in the background having a good smirk while he delivered this peroration, so I suspect it wasn't the first time he'd gone off on one. Having reminded him it was a [i]tuner[/i] I was after, I bollocked him savagely in front of his colleagues for a very long five minutes. As compensation for "your rudeness and stupidity" I then gouged him for a "proper" tuner pedal at 40% of their tag price - what my 'crap' choice of pedal would have cost. Swings and roundabouts.[/quote] Hmm...you seem to have gone a bit quiet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted July 19, 2009 Share Posted July 19, 2009 (edited) [quote name='Pete Academy' post='544862' date='Jul 19 2009, 07:25 PM']Hmm...you seem to have gone a bit quiet.[/quote] Well, that's because I've been out and about, coming back to find your posts above. Yes, it's true. PM'd and awaiting response. Edited July 19, 2009 by skankdelvar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Academy Posted July 20, 2009 Author Share Posted July 20, 2009 [quote name='skankdelvar' post='544945' date='Jul 19 2009, 09:42 PM']Well, that's because I've been out and about, coming back to find your posts above. Yes, it's true. PM'd and awaiting response. [/quote] Oops, sorry if I upset you. The whole episode in PMT did seem a bit extreme, if not unbelievable. I know the manager really well, which was why I was so interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machines Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 It's Gaz isn't it ? Looks a bit like Yoda. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Academy Posted July 20, 2009 Author Share Posted July 20, 2009 [quote name='Machines' post='545092' date='Jul 20 2009, 08:00 AM']It's Gaz isn't it ? Looks a bit like Yoda.[/quote] Who? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M4L666 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 [quote name='skankdelvar' post='544686' date='Jul 19 2009, 02:05 PM']It's weird how one's experience can vary. I went into PMT Birmingham asking after a particular [i]tuner[/i] pedal to be told by one of their more 'mature' people that they didn't stock that brand, that the brand was crap, that "[i]only an idiot [/i]would want to buy one" and that he'd rather "step on dog sh*t than one of those". He then followed this up with the observation that "If you still want one of those, you can go somewhere else. If you want a proper [i]fuzz[/i] pedal, you should try one of these". As you might imagine, I was a bit displeased. A couple of his mates were stood in the background having a good smirk while he delivered this peroration, so I suspect it wasn't the first time he'd gone off on one. Having reminded him it was a [i]tuner[/i] I was after, I bollocked him savagely in front of his colleagues for a very long five minutes. As compensation for "your rudeness and stupidity" I then gouged him for a "proper" tuner pedal at 40% of their tag price - what my 'crap' choice of pedal would have cost. Swings and roundabouts.[/quote] Scary... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 (edited) [quote name='Pete Academy' post='545084' date='Jul 20 2009, 07:33 AM']Oops, sorry if I upset you. The whole episode in PMT did seem a bit extreme, if not unbelievable. I know the manager really well, which was why I was so interested.[/quote] Thanks for the correction to your posts - appreciated. I thought the episode pretty unbelievable at the time, which accounted for my extreme response. If I get poor service anywhere - retail, travel, restaurants, whatever - I usually split and leave them to get on with it, reasoning they'll eventually put themselves out of business. But getting an instant faceful from someone you've never met before requires remedial action. I'm just citing this as the most extreme example of guitar shop arrogance I've ever experienced or even heard of. By the same token, I equally appreciate the problems retailers sometimes face in dealing with the public at large. Who was it? No names, no pack drill. He covered his side of the resolution and that's all that matters. Let's drop it now, OK? Edited July 20, 2009 by skankdelvar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 [quote name='skankdelvar' post='545419' date='Jul 20 2009, 04:00 PM']Let's drop it now, OK?[/quote] Please don't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 [quote name='EssentialTension' post='545422' date='Jul 20 2009, 04:03 PM']Please don't.[/quote] For 'worst-ever' service experience, I could recount certain events at a tea-shop in Kent.... ...but I won't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 [quote name='skankdelvar' post='545445' date='Jul 20 2009, 04:35 PM']For 'worst-ever' service experience, I could recount certain events at a tea-shop in Kent.... ...but I won't.[/quote] ohh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 [quote name='skankdelvar' post='545445' date='Jul 20 2009, 04:35 PM']For 'worst-ever' service experience, I could recount certain events at a tea-shop in Kent.... ...but I won't.[/quote] NO NO NO, I WON'T HAVE THAT!! It's a place in Eastbourne .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 [quote name='skankdelvar' post='545445' date='Jul 20 2009, 04:35 PM']For 'worst-ever' service experience, I could recount certain events at a tea-shop in Kent.... ...but I won't.[/quote] You're such a tease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 To redress the balance, here are some places, past and present, where I've enjoyed the the "customer / vendor interface experience": Musicmart in Canterbury (deceased, I think) / Peter Cooks, Ealing / Tempo, Ealing / Musical Exchanges, Birmingham in the 70's-80's / Langley Guitar Centre nr Slough / One Man Band - Banbury / Oxford Guitar Centre / Antones in Hull / Some little place under Snow Hill Station, Birm / Reverb, Birm / Hanks - Denmark St / Angel Music, Denmark St - he's frighteningly honest about his stock and good prices / Kings Rd Guitars - Fat Rick / Bass Gallery, Camden / Guitar Village Farnham / Oasis Music, Ringwood, Hants / Absolute Music Solutions - on the phone Some may disagree - like I say - swings and roundabouts. One of us had a good exp at PMT - I didn't, but, in the end, business was done, which is some sort of recommendation, I suppose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leonshelley01 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 I have had excellent service from Octave in Dunstable, Machine Head in Hitchin, Academy of Sound in Norwich and Coda Music in both Luton and Stevenage. The shop in Milton Keynes Xscape (I can't remember what they were called) was utterly awful however. Unfriendly, unwilling to answer questions, I felt like I was in a Tescos rather than a music shop. No loss when it closed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Academy Posted July 20, 2009 Author Share Posted July 20, 2009 Just thought I'd mention this: A young girl came into our shop last Saturday looking for a beginner bass pack - bass, amp, etc. I gave them at least an hour of my time, which included: A detailed run through 3 basses - a Squier Affinity P, Yamaha RBX, Cort active. All around £200. I explained the difference between single and dual pickup configuartion, and the active tone controls on the Cort. Ran through the features on the amp - an Ashdown Tourbus 10w. Showed her the correct way to hold the bass, right and left hand positioning etc. Because her Dad was into Cream, I gave an impromptu lesson on how to play Sunshine Of Your Love. Demo'd the difference between playing with fingers and pick. While she was practising the aforementioned bass part, I showed the parents some books and explained how to read tab. The parents commented on fingerprints being all over the bass (!!), so I took ot and polished it. When she chose a strap (chucked in for free), I adjusted it to the correct length. Answered every one of the million quiestions they threw at me (Secret Shoppers?). The whole sale came to £244. Nuff said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunetune_jazz Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Truely outstanding service.... [quote name='Pete Academy' post='545535' date='Jul 20 2009, 05:53 PM']Just thought I'd mention this: A young girl came into our shop last Saturday looking for a beginner bass pack - bass, amp, etc. I gave them at least an hour of my time, which included: A detailed run through 3 basses - a Squier Affinity P, Yamaha RBX, Cort active. All around £200. I explained the difference between single and dual pickup configuartion, and the active tone controls on the Cort. Ran through the features on the amp - an Ashdown Tourbus 10w. Showed her the correct way to hold the bass, right and left hand positioning etc. Because her Dad was into Cream, I gave an impromptu lesson on how to play Sunshine Of Your Love. Demo'd the difference between playing with fingers and pick. While she was practising the aforementioned bass part, I showed the parents some books and explained how to read tab. The parents commented on fingerprints being all over the bass (!!), so I took ot and polished it. When she chose a strap (chucked in for free), I adjusted it to the correct length. Answered every one of the million quiestions they threw at me (Secret Shoppers?). The whole sale came to £244. Nuff said.[/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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