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Post by Phil on Sept 25, 2020 8:37:09 GMT -6
A week ago my son ordered a powered speaker from Musician's Friend. 2 days later he checks and sees it's on back order. 6 days later he contacts them. After several minutes and some back and forth he's told that they no longer carry that item. He cancels order and goes to Sweetwater.
Sweetwater immediately informs him that this particular speaker has been discontinued by the manufacturer and gives him some options - other brands of speakers in same price range and the new version of same speaker for $50 more. He orders new version of speaker for $400 (original one was $350).
Yesterday the speaker went on sale for $350. He emails Sweetwater to ask if he can get the new price even though the item has been shipped. Today Sweetwater contacts him and says they'll refund him $50 within 24 hours. He received the refund within an hour.
Needless to say, Sweetwater just got a new customer.
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Post by jack1982 on Sept 25, 2020 16:31:10 GMT -6
Yeah I've always had great luck with Sweetwater too. Haven't really had any problems with Musician's Friend either, I dunno I suppose they just screwed up that order for your son but in my experience at least, I'd count it as the exception rather than the rule.
One thing I love about Sweetwater is they have pictures of the actual guitars they're selling - not just a stock photo. With stuff like ash and its grain pattern, a guitar might be gorgeous or...definitely not gorgeous depending on the piece of wood. I ordered an Ibanez bass from Musician's Friend, the stock photo was awesome, the one I got looked like it had a very noticeable scratch in the finish right in the middle of the front. It was actually just a feature of the wood's grain, but I definitely wouldn't have had that problem with Sweetwater (I returned it). And their 55 point inspection on guitars is pretty nice too.
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Post by cunningr on Sept 25, 2020 17:58:56 GMT -6
I like sweetwater too, noticed they are generally faster shipping. Although I do order from MF.
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Post by Marc on Sept 26, 2020 7:13:33 GMT -6
Here is my take on online and music stores in general
I've never ordered from Musician Friend, I've have drooled over the catalog though. I have bought though Guitar Center only because I can drive across town and return it if I don't like something. The staff at the one close to me are really helpful. I've heard some horror stories but the one near me is great. I believe both Musicians Friend and Guitar Center are owned by the same company now, not that it matters.
I purchased some sennheiser headphones from guitar center online, I had a coupon for 20% off an $100 but the site would not let me use it (it was an excluded brand). So I jumped on their little chat app and after talking with the guy for a few minutes hew was able to honor the coupon. It's probably why I become loyal. Overall I've bought 4 guitars (kept 2), and audio interface, headphones and countless packs of strings from them.
I've ordered a few things from sweetwater. I have to say the images of the products is top notch. The bag of sweet's are nice touch. But they can be a little harassing after the order, kind of like a used salesman. I got the spark mini from them. and after words they kept calling like every month asking about it or if i am looking for anything else. Some people like having that person they can go to or their own rep. Not me, I don't like sales people. If i wan t something i buy it. I do my own research on it and just look for the best price and best return policy.
I also have a Sam Ash near by. The privilege of living near a big city. They have a great selection, but the staff pretty much ignores you unless you wave them down or flash your stacks of cash. I bought a used flanger from them but that's really it. It's really a last restore form.
I try and by local music wise when i can. I used to dealing with little mom, and pop music stores but they are not too many around here.
Overall everyone screws up sometimes and makes mistakes. It's good to see some people go out of their way to make it right.
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cc
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Post by cc on Sept 26, 2020 10:38:11 GMT -6
Marc, Marc, Marc.........
Regarding Sweetwater "Not me, I don't like sales people."
Very next paragraph regarding Sam Ash " but the staff pretty much ignores you unless you wave them down or flash your stacks of cash"
You can't have it both ways. So what is it? Do you like salespeople that help you? Or do you like people who are not sales people but clerks that ignore you?
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Post by Marc on Sept 26, 2020 15:38:34 GMT -6
Marc, Marc, Marc......... Regarding Sweetwater "Not me, I don't like sales people." Very next paragraph regarding Sam Ash " but the staff pretty much ignores you unless you wave them down or flash your stacks of cash" You can't have it both ways. So what is it? Do you like salespeople that help you? Or do you like people who are not sales people but clerks that ignore you? There is a different between salesperson harassment and acknowledgment of your existance. |
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Post by grampalerxst on Sept 27, 2020 5:15:51 GMT -6
For similar reasons to Marc, most of my online purchases w/big retailers has been Guitar Center. Always been happy with them. I have ordered with Sweetwater on occasion and don't have complaints. Not a huge fan of getting unsolicited follow-up contacts, but they weren't bothersome about it. Don't think I've ever ordered from MF.
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Post by bluesbruce on Sept 27, 2020 6:53:37 GMT -6
Marc, Marc, Marc......... Regarding Sweetwater "Not me, I don't like sales people." Very next paragraph regarding Sam Ash " but the staff pretty much ignores you unless you wave them down or flash your stacks of cash" You can't have it both ways. So what is it? Do you like salespeople that help you? Or do you like people who are not sales people but clerks that ignore you? There is a different between salesperson harassment and acknowledgment of your existance. Way to go, Marc! You incited a new member to join our forum just to needle you about your post! I don't think anyone has ever accomplished this on this board previously. Strong work!  |
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cc
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Post by cc on Sept 27, 2020 9:10:26 GMT -6
??
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Post by Marc on Sept 27, 2020 17:13:04 GMT -6
Welcome to the gang CC!!! |
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cc
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Post by cc on Sept 27, 2020 21:18:23 GMT -6
I guess so! lol
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