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Post by jackorion on Jul 19, 2013 18:04:10 GMT
I haven't read the AGF thread but, to be honest, I can sort of sympathise with the store manager.
Now I'm not saying he should have been rude but, in blunt terms, you were essentially asking if you can buy a guitar, play it whilst you were on holiday, then return it within 30 days for your money back.
Now the manner in which he dealt with this request might not have been correct, but can you blame him for being a little peeved?
You're a guitar teacher right? What if someone asked if they could have a month's worth of guitar lessons, pay up front and then, after thirty days when they moved country, have their money back because you offered a 'satisfaction guaranteed' clause? Would you be happy even though there was nothing wrong with your lessons?
Also buying it back for $50 seems quite reasonable - I assume that the shop would have to sell the guitar as 'used' or 'ex-demo' at least - you wouldn't want to buy that guitar for full price and then find out someone had used it for a month, returned it, and the shop had just put it out for sale as new would you? But you'd buy it for 30% off perhaps, therefore the shop has to buy it back at a price they can still make money on...
I don't want to start an argument but I don't think you're 100% blameless in this situation...
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Post by jonnymosco on Jul 19, 2013 18:11:53 GMT
You're a guitar teacher right? What if someone asked if they could have a month's worth of guitar lessons, pay up front and then, after thirty days when they moved country, have their money back because you offered a 'satisfaction guaranteed' clause? Would you be happy even though there was nothing wrong with your lessons? I think you may be touching on the problem Ben, I would be happy to give them for free if it helped the pupil out (I'd have to like them though and they'd get what they paid for!). However, I did not expect a guitar for free, just a discussion about the options open to me - and I'm far from blameless, the situation was created by my failure to read the situation correctly. Jonny
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Post by earwighoney on Jul 19, 2013 18:58:51 GMT
Also, you'll find the rudest people in the world (if you so happen to look like me, being dark skinned, with a big bushy beard) are securities at airports. A demographic I encountered in NY 12 months after 9/11... Needless to say, I was examined like Ervin Somogyi deals with his Sitka Spruce soundboards.
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Post by jonnymosco on Jul 19, 2013 19:12:21 GMT
There is a general air of paranoia I feel... the GC experience was actually very similar to the way they make you feel at immigration here when you enter the country. I didn't realise the UK was so laid back, but it is I think (not wanting to generalise of course).
Jonny
I've just had a call from the guy, a complete stranger, who is lending me his Rodriguez classical - I asked what he wanted in return for his kindness (strings, music etc.) he replied that it is enough to know that he can help a fellow musician out... what a nice guy.
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Post by redpick on Jul 20, 2013 13:26:50 GMT
I didn't realise the UK was so laid back, but it is I think (not wanting to generalise of course). LOL
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Post by jackorion on Jul 21, 2013 11:09:37 GMT
You're a guitar teacher right? What if someone asked if they could have a month's worth of guitar lessons, pay up front and then, after thirty days when they moved country, have their money back because you offered a 'satisfaction guaranteed' clause? Would you be happy even though there was nothing wrong with your lessons? I think you may be touching on the problem Ben, I would be happy to give them for free if it helped the pupil out (I'd have to like them though and they'd get what they paid for!). However, I did not expect a guitar for free, just a discussion about the options open to me - and I'm far from blameless, the situation was created by my failure to read the situation correctly. Jonny I definitely think the manager could have handled it better, perhaps by explaining that wasn't what the returns policy was for and that they would purchase the guitar back from you but it would have to be a certain price and those were your options. I imagine it was probably a clash of personalities or the manager had already had a tough day... Glad to hear you've managed to get hold of something now anyway...
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Post by jonnymosco on Jul 21, 2013 13:48:02 GMT
Thanks Ben - Mrs Mosco told me not to go there as she'd had a bad experience over buying some strings for my Terz guitar (tuned as if the capo were on the third fret, to G) a few months ago... they didn't know what one is and argued with her that I should put lights on it, saying short-scale guitars need mediums or heavy. They wouldn't sell her lights, she left without buying anything. The incident is different as it was unprovoked, but does show the general level of respect for customers.
The guitar arrives tomorrow that I'm borrowing, ordered some new strings for it from Amazon. So, looking forward to playing again.
Jonny
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Post by grayn on Jul 21, 2013 15:35:44 GMT
I have one simple rule. I don't care how good the deal is, I won't buy from gits.
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Post by jonnymosco on Jul 21, 2013 22:38:05 GMT
Guitar Center Yonkers, nicest people on earth
As I walked into the store I expected to see 'Wanted' posters of me! Thankfully I was greeted by a guy at a desk who asked how they could help. I told him I was interested in their acoustics, he introduced me to Leon who gave me a tour. I played a few guitars and he kept popping in to ask "How's it going Jonny?".
I played a Taylor 914, cost more than my Kostal, so that was my benchmark... sad to say it wasn't my sort of guitar, too quiet, lacking in balance across the strings and very weak trebles - the electronics may be good, but that wouldn't justify such a high price.
The one 'guitar' I did play that floated my boat was a Yamaha Guitalele, all laminate, tiny, but with a sound that was bright and would cut through most other instruments - good intonation, easy to play and only cost $100, would have fitted in my suitcase, but maybe one for the future.
I almost bought a special edition Acoustic mag, had an article on Martin Simpson and mentioned Stefan Sobell, but it cost almost as much as the guitalele!
My Manhattan store experience must have been more about a store in a big city and doesn't represent the atmosphere and approach of all Guitar Centers.
Jonny
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Post by grayn on Jul 22, 2013 12:20:31 GMT
Will this new (lovely) Guitar Center experience be posted on AGF?
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Post by jonnymosco on Jul 22, 2013 13:32:14 GMT
I'd be lynched if I criticised a Taylor 914!
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Jul 22, 2013 13:45:58 GMT
I'd be lynched if I criticised a Taylor 914! But it's an over-priced, gaudy Popinjay of a guitar! Ooops!
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leoroberts
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My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Jul 22, 2013 20:32:56 GMT
I'd be lynched if I criticised a Taylor 914! But it's an over-priced, gaudy Popinjay of a guitar! Ooops! Yankee's gonna getcha, yankees gonna getcha, na,na,na na, na
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Post by ararat66 on Jul 23, 2013 8:17:16 GMT
No probs mate ... take it easy :-)
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Post by ararat66 on Jul 23, 2013 8:17:54 GMT
... only joking was in the Peak district yesterday !!!
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