LearnGospelMusic.com Community

Gospel Instruments => Gospel Drummers => Topic started by: stiksnmypocket on April 21, 2008, 02:49:58 PM

Title: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: stiksnmypocket on April 21, 2008, 02:49:58 PM
they've sold out to the Wal-Mart mentality, NO MORE DEALS.... they say they have to lowest prices guranteed, that may be true but I bet your smaller stores will gladly knock off a couple bucks to get your business, from now on the price you see is the price you pay... in which in most cases if you were a loyal customer there and the guy you used to deal with on a reg basis used to give you sweet deals knock off a couple dollars here or there, Not anymore, so they'll be losing alot of money I guess, maybe, maybe not, but who doesn't love deals? its so deep that they've made internal changes that doesn't allow the salesman to even knock off a dollar, just thought I'd share that lil bit of info if there were any G/C custys on the site that was used to buying gear below of what they sold it regularly for
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: JFunky on April 21, 2008, 02:56:52 PM
...I don't buy anything from Guitar Center anyway so congrats. to them.  :-\ ;D

...the last time I went to the local G.C. in my area, I told 3 customers to visit the local 5 Star Drum Shop and walked out of the drum dept. feeling good. LOL  Twenty-five minutes later, I saw one of them at the shop "purchasing" what he needed and leaving with a smile.  ;)


Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: under13 on April 21, 2008, 03:01:16 PM
That sucks, They are building a bigger one in my area. I guess I'll be shopping at Sam Ash, and going to guitar center to play around with gear and network.
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: JFunky on April 21, 2008, 03:07:20 PM
That sucks, They are building a bigger one in my area. I guess I'll be shopping at Sam Ash, and going to guitar center to play around with gear and network.

...isn't that what everyone else does? LOL

...I played a Timeless Timbre DW on the Sales Floor.  As a matter of fact, I think every drummer in Central Florida did as well.  The dumb thing was that G.C. was still trying to sell that kit at "full price" when it was all beat up and scratched.  "No Deals.  We have the lowest prices in the land." - G.C.

...sure they don't. LOL
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: yamahaboy on April 21, 2008, 03:22:41 PM
...isn't that what everyone else does? LOL

...I played a Timeless Timbre DW on the Sales Floor.  As a matter of fact, I think every drummer in Central Florida did as well.  The dumb thing was that G.C. was still trying to sell that kit at "full price" when it was all beat up and scratched.  "No Deals.  We have the lowest prices in the land." - G.C.

...sure they don't. LOL


Yeah, there is a Pearl Masters Series Kits that has been beat up on for over 8 months now, and they are still selling it for $2,000. I have seen countless heads on it. I barely ever buy anything from GC over 20 bucks because they always say that they will knock something down, but its only for about 7 or 8 bucks most of the time.  :-\ I just go there and act like Im interested in Purchasing something, and then ask for a pair of Sticks to fool around on the kit for a bit! :P :D
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: under13 on April 21, 2008, 03:28:23 PM
I usually only purchace small stuff there. When I got some software from them that cost $300, they knocked it down to 270, but with tax it came to like 290ish. I shoulda gotten the tax exempt number from the church.

Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: QCdrummer on April 21, 2008, 03:35:20 PM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! This is the worst news I could have heard. Well I'm glad I picked up my set when I did! I haven't been to GC in a while since I've got almost everything that I need, but this is still bad news!

But in all honesty, the salesman have to eat too. And the more they knock money off, the more they lose on commission. And if it wasn't for commission they wouldn't even be able to put gas in thier cars. Alot of those guys work for a month or two, and then leave because they money is just not good.

So maybe the people in charge realized how much money was being loss because of the deals (AND I'VE GOTTEN PLENTY OF THEM) that were being given out. I mean if you take 2 dollars off here and there, it may not see like much, but it does add up in the end.
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: stiksnmypocket on April 21, 2008, 03:53:06 PM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! This is the worst news I could have heard. Well I'm glad I picked up my set when I did! I haven't been to GC in a while since I've got almost everything that I need, but this is still bad news!

But in all honesty, the salesman have to eat too. And the more they knock money off, the more they lose on commission. And if it wasn't for commission they wouldn't even be able to put gas in thier cars. Alot of those guys work for a month or two, and then leave because they money is just not good.

So maybe the people in charge realized how much money was being loss because of the deals (AND I'VE GOTTEN PLENTY OF THEM) that were being given out. I mean if you take 2 dollars off here and there, it may not see like much, but it does add up in the end.

me being a Former employee, it doesn't matter if we sold stuff at cost or at full price the way the commission is set up is a joke, you have to sell and make their money first then lets say afte I made the store $1500 I would then get 3% of whateva over the 1500 I made them which would be compared to cheap cat food by then, then the commision check got a hefty tax, and keep in mind the base was/is min wage unless you're and Assi manager or above... so all in there going down, thats just what happens when a big cooperation buys you out, they don't care about musicians they want what everybody else wants and thats that Green paper, I worked there about 7-8 months before dipping, I was DM and top sales in drums and brought home like 1 good commision check....
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: Metronome on April 21, 2008, 03:53:16 PM
..........my boys used to work there at home.....I only go to guitar center when buying stuff for the church.  My personal stuff never gets bought there.  I go see my peoples and they put me down
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: QCdrummer on April 21, 2008, 04:20:19 PM
me being a Former employee, it doesn't matter if we sold stuff at cost or at full price the way the commission is set up is a joke, you have to sell and make their money first then lets say afte I made the store $1500 I would then get 3% of whateva over the 1500 I made them which would be compared to cheap cat food by then, then the commision check got a hefty tax, and keep in mind the base was/is min wage unless you're and Assi manager or above... so all in there going down, thats just what happens when a big cooperation buys you out, they don't care about musicians they want what everybody else wants and thats that Green paper, I worked there about 7-8 months before dipping, I was DM and top sales in drums and brought home like 1 good commision check....

Whoa! I didn't know it was that bad. Thats why hardly nobody stays there longer than a year.
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: SabianKnight on April 21, 2008, 04:58:26 PM
A lot of this has to do with the lack of live venues and paying gigs for musicians. When cats are not gigging they are not buying. A lot has to do with the fact that they have these ridiculous mark ups. As well the sales people not knowing the gear well enough to give the customer what they need in regards to answering situational questions or specific sound issues. Money comes through good service. The lack of support for the clinic circuit did not build any loyalties either.

Right now gas prices are wrecking through increased shipping costs.
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: Lildrummaboy66 on April 21, 2008, 09:33:10 PM
A lot of this has to do with the lack of live venues and paying gigs for musicians. When cats are not gigging they are not buying. A lot has to do with the fact that they have these ridiculous mark ups. As well the sales people not knowing the gear well enough to give the customer what they need in regards to answering situational questions or specific sound issues. Money comes through good service. The lack of support for the clinic circuit did not build any loyalties either.

Right now gas prices are wrecking through increased shipping costs.

Truth! We see it in all of our purchases!
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: sugabear on April 21, 2008, 09:41:22 PM
I work for samash.com, so I know how it is trying to work as a commission sales person. Sabe is right about those gas prices. We just got a memo from Pearl today about a hefty price increase they just made because of the cost of gas. The good thing about working at my Sam Ash store is you have the opportunity to work in more than one department because you do phone sales. That alone has kept me happy there. If I only worked in the drum department and lived off that commission I'd be a homeless man with a job. Our base pay is really good though. The actual Sam Ash store employees make minimum wage base if I recall correctly. Every music retailer is filling the pinch of today's economy. Sales are down everywhere. Today I took only 11 calls in a 8 hr. shift. That's ridiculous. I've been making all my money by calling international customers and selling to them. International customers pay advertised price in a heart beat because gear cost so much overseas.
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: THE WOLFMAN on April 21, 2008, 09:45:51 PM
I work for samash.com, so I know how it is trying to work as a commission sales person. Sabe is right about those gas prices. We just got a memo from Pearl today about a hefty price increase they just made because of the cost of gas. The good thing about working at my Sam Ash store is you have the opportunity to work in more than one department because you do phone sales. That alone has kept me happy there. If I only worked in the drum department and lived off that commission I'd be a homeless man with a job. Our base pay is really good though. The actual Sam Ash store employees make minimum wage base if I recall correctly. Every music retailer is filling the pinch of today's economy. Sales are down everywhere. Today I took only 11 calls in a 8 hr. shift. That's ridiculous. I've been making all my money by calling international customers and selling to them. International customers pay advertised price in a heart beat because gear cost so much overseas.


werd?  so you know James Bennet then...
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: Hotsticks1 on April 21, 2008, 10:20:04 PM
..........my boys used to work there at home.....I only go to guitar center when buying stuff for the church.  My personal stuff never gets bought there.  I go see my peoples and they put me down

What's good with some connects then cuzzo!!!!!!! You know I'm tryna get my gear up before college...lol...no but seriously
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: sugabear on April 22, 2008, 01:25:04 PM

werd?  so you know James Bennet then...
even though there are quite a few employees named James that name doesn't ring a bell. Does he work in the office or in the Warehouse? We don't interact a lot with the warehouse guys (company policy), so I only know a few guys back there.
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: JFunky on April 22, 2008, 03:04:28 PM
...hey fellas.  Yall have got to be careful when dropping names from these companies.  ;) 


...man, I went to purchase my Gibraltar Kick Practice Pad from G.C. and they wanted $80, right.  The guy was like, "..that's as low as I can go too."  I was like...uuhh...I dunno.  I went down the street to Sam Ash and I bought that joka for $45.  The drum rep. wasn't even around. LOL
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: LDN-DRUMMA on April 22, 2008, 04:40:49 PM
at least you have a guitar center
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: fretai03 on April 22, 2008, 06:03:51 PM
at least you have a guitar center

AMEN!
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: yamahaboy on April 22, 2008, 06:14:32 PM
AMEN!


You guys have a point, We are the ones complaining about GC and there recent changes, and you guys don't even have a Guitar Center. Don't you have to pay MSRP for your gear?


One thing I must say is that Used gear is pretty abundant there. I needed a Ball Joint Mount for my toms and the guy just let me have it. I was happy because a brand new one would have been almost $30 ;)
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: JFunky on April 22, 2008, 07:34:02 PM
AMEN!

...if I ever win a Million, I'll make sure to upgrade your Export to a Visions with an A Custom Cymbal pack.  ;D
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: THE WOLFMAN on April 22, 2008, 09:33:13 PM
...hey fellas.  Yall have got to be careful when dropping names from these companies.  ;) 



far be it for me to be an upstart and a rogue.......

I jus mentioned it, I knew James during my time at sam ash (10 yrs), now he's in SamAsh.com....


was there problem wit that? in tha past? PM me if u dont wanna put it out there...

Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: fretai03 on April 22, 2008, 09:37:28 PM
Correction...

...if I ever win a Million, I'll make sure to upgrade your Export to a Reference with an A Custom Mastersounds Cymbal pack.  ;D


THANKS JFUNKY!  :'(
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: fretai03 on April 22, 2008, 09:44:04 PM
Don't you have to pay MSRP for your gear?

Man... Don't even get me started on how much my Export cost me... & that was back in '96.
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: JFunky on April 22, 2008, 09:51:16 PM
Man... Don't even get me started on how much my Export cost me... & that was back in '96.

...man, I hate to burst your bubble but the Reference is slowly being called a headache kit. *looks out the door for SabianKnight* LOL  All of those plies of different woods!!??  You'd hate me after a month. LOL
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: yamahaboy on April 22, 2008, 10:15:19 PM
Man... Don't even get me started on how much my Export cost me... & that was back in '96.


I heard it was bad but I didn't know it was like that! :'( Makes me proud to be an American :D

Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: fretai03 on April 22, 2008, 11:37:06 PM
...man, I hate to burst your bubble but the Reference is slowly being called a headache kit. *looks out the door for SabianKnight* LOL  All of those plies of different woods!!??  You'd hate me after a month. LOL


Meh... Visions, Reference... as long as you're paying I'll be fine. ;D



I heard it was bad but I didn't know it was like that! :'( Makes me proud to be an American :D

Yeah dude, I like I said ages ago... Where I live, loans & hire purchases go hand in hand with music gear.
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: yamahaboy on April 23, 2008, 08:33:42 AM
Meh... Visions, Reference... as long as you're paying I'll be fine. ;D


Yeah dude, I like I said ages ago... Where I live, loans & hire purchases go hand in hand with music gear.


Man. How is the overall economy as far a gas prices and such?. I was in my COM101 class yesterday and a guy said in his speech, that there has been over 200 million barrels of oil found in the heart of Mexico somewhere. I think that our economy will take a turn for the better as soon as we get Raisin Face out of office. :D :( :D
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: LDN-DRUMMA on April 23, 2008, 11:18:59 AM

You guys have a point, We are the ones complaining about GC and there recent changes, and you guys don't even have a Guitar Center. Don't you have to pay MSRP for your gear?






ehats MSRP????
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: under13 on April 23, 2008, 11:21:57 AM

ehats MSRP????

Manufacturer suggested retail price
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: L.V.Drumma on April 23, 2008, 04:24:23 PM
...if I ever win a Million, I'll make sure to upgrade your Export to a Visions with an A Custom Cymbal pack.  ;D

Say dawg.........

*takes out sheet of paper*

















Can I get a Pearl MMX w/8" & 16" tom, a Tama B/B(6-piece), a set of Paiste Signature cymbals(Fast crashes, mellow crashes, and dark crashes), a thousand pack a Now or Laters, 10 packs of Listerine mouthwash and good toothpaste so my teeth wont rot, some KFC coupons, and a Caprice Classic with dark blue candy paint w/some rims. HHALLELUJAH!!! holla back
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: BigFoot_BigThumb on April 23, 2008, 04:51:04 PM
That's why I shop(ped) with the Mom-and-pop stores.  They're willing to work with you and want you back as a customer.  The everyday prices are great, and if they have a sale, that's it.  I've been to Guitar Center many times, but I've never bought anything from them.  In fact, I haven't even been to the local GC in over a year.   
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: fretai03 on April 23, 2008, 05:15:08 PM
holla back

Oi! Get your own millionaire! 
>:(  >:(  >:(  >:(
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: fretai03 on April 23, 2008, 05:28:53 PM

Man. How is the overall economy as far a gas prices and such?. I was in my COM101 class yesterday and a guy said in his speech, that there has been over 200 million barrels of oil found in the heart of Mexico somewhere. I think that our economy will take a turn for the better as soon as we get Raisin Face out of office. :D :( :D

Yeah our economy is not doing well at all but it'd be the same as whats going on in the States. Whatever happens with you guys usually trickles down to us.

Finance companies closing down left, right & center. Our manufacturers (We've only got like 5 big manufacturers) affect the whole country when 1 or 2 shutdown. People foreclosing on their houses or having to move overseas cause the cost of living is just too much.

Gas prices (as of right now) are:

Diesel: $4.07US/gallon
91: $5.51US/gallon
95: $4.96US/gallon
98: $5.80US/gallon

I had to convert to gallons cause we deal in litres. And the prices are still rising...
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: yamahaboy on April 23, 2008, 10:15:23 PM
Yeah our economy is not doing well at all but it'd be the same as whats going on in the States. Whatever happens with you guys usually trickles down to us.

Finance companies closing down left, right & center. Our manufacturers (We've only got like 5 big manufacturers) affect the whole country when 1 or 2 shutdown. People foreclosing on their houses or having to move overseas cause the cost of living is just too much.

Gas prices (as of right now) are:

Diesel: $4.07US/gallon
91: $5.51US/gallon
95: $4.96US/gallon
98: $5.80US/gallon

I had to convert to gallons cause we deal in litres. And the prices are still rising...


That is just Awful. >:( It burns me up every time I have to buy gas because I remember back a few years ago ppl were complaining because gas was at $2.00 I would love to have that back now man. I barely get over a Quarter of a tank with $10.00! :o :(

Michigan Homes are Foreclosing left and right man. Homes in our neighborhood a few years ago were reaching as high as $500,000. Now those same houses that are only like 2-4 years old are going into foreclosure and people are nabbing them up for around $200,000 and they are like 4000 Square Ft. Homes :( Its just getting worse and worse man.

I just pray that this will end soon. Y'all goin' see me on a Moped if gas gets any higher.

Gas here is about $3.70 for 89 Unleaded fuel. In my other Mustang(V8) I used Premium Fuel, but with this car I simply cannot afford to fill it up with Premium Fuel. Man something has got to be done man.
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: BigFoot_BigThumb on April 23, 2008, 10:31:16 PM

That is just Awful. >:( It burns me up every time I have to buy gas because I remember back a few years ago ppl were complaining because gas was at $2.00 I would love to have that back now man. I barely get over a Quarter of a tank with $10.00! :o :(

Michigan Homes are Foreclosing left and right man. Homes in our neighborhood a few years ago were reaching as high as $500,000. Now those same houses that are only like 2-4 years old are going into foreclosure and people are nabbing them up for around $200,000 and they are like 4000 Square Ft. Homes :( Its just getting worse and worse man.

I just pray that this will end soon. Y'all goin' see me on a Moped if gas gets any higher.

Gas here is about $3.70 for 89 Unleaded fuel. In my other Mustang(V8) I used Premium Fuel, but with this car I simply cannot afford to fill it up with Premium Fuel. Man something has got to be done man.


Man I remember my freshamn year of college back in 1987.  Gas was around $0.87 a gallon.  I could fill up my car for about $14.00(if that much) and ride.  Now I have an SUV and I'm lucky if $20 gives me a quarter of a tank.

And the foreclosure thing is rampant here in TN as well.  Big business is gonna have to give in if people stop buying.  That bottom line aint looking so good when people can't afford to give you business.   
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: yamahaboy on April 23, 2008, 10:42:43 PM
Man I remember my freshamn year of college back in 1987.  Gas was around $0.87 a gallon.  I could fill up my car for about $14.00(if that much) and ride.  Now I have an SUV and I'm lucky if $20 gives me a quarter of a tank.

And the foreclosure thing is rampant here in TN as well.  Big business is gonna have to give in if people stop buying.  That bottom line aint looking so good when people can't afford to give you business.   


Yeah we bought the F150 Lariat about 3 years back and it had a 5.4 liter v8 in it. It sucked gas like crazy. 20 bucks barely got us to a quarter. We traded it in and my mom bought her an Edge and it averages around 19 MPG City. I think that is good compared to the 10 MPG we average in the city with the F150 :D.

Now car companies are practically giving away SUV's, simply because people refuse to buy them due to gas prices. Having and SUV is like paying another car note every month.

Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: StraightPockett on April 23, 2008, 11:11:26 PM
Say dawg.........

*takes out sheet of paper*

















Can I get a Pearl MMX w/8" & 16" tom, a Tama B/B(6-piece), a set of Paiste Signature cymbals(Fast crashes, mellow crashes, and dark crashes), a thousand pack a Now or Laters, 10 packs of Listerine mouthwash and good toothpaste so my teeth wont rot, some KFC coupons, and a Caprice Classic with dark blue candy paint w/some rims. HHALLELUJAH!!! holla back

the listerine alone will rot your teeth and burn your taste buds.
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: yamahaboy on April 24, 2008, 12:50:05 AM
the listerine alone will rot your teeth and burn your taste buds.


You are Right sir. That stuff is very Acidic too.  :o
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: StraightPockett on April 24, 2008, 08:19:11 PM
Wanna here something funny....I have a 2001 Nissan Maxima, I just put $20 in the tank and it gave me 1/4 tank...I was speechless. Gotta get a motorcycle.
Title: Re: FYI... Guitar Center shoppers
Post by: yamahaboy on April 24, 2008, 10:04:39 PM
Wanna here something funny....I have a 2001 Nissan Maxima, I just put $20 in the tank and it gave me 1/4 tank...I was speechless. Gotta get a motorcycle.


I can put $10 in my car and get about 1/4. I'm old enough to have a motor cycle now. I'm thinking about getting me one. 5 Bucks and you can ride for almost a week! ;)