I suppose Guitar Center is impressive, just in terms of how much merchandise they carry. Really, though, I want to talk about customer service, and I found it to be nearly non-existent during my visit yesterday at the Redmond Guitar Center. I went there to look at (and try out) and possibly purchase, guitars. I was in the store for at least a half an hour before an employee even talked to me, and that was only because I finally interrupted him. I told him what I was looking for, and then I suggested that he combine his efforts with me and a father/son duo who seemed to have similar shopping goals (after checking with them). He talked to all three of us, and showed off some of his playing skills. He then left the area, saying he would be right back. And then....poof...he seemingly disappeared, never to return. Since I was there to check out different guitar makes and models, I at first didn't really mind this, as it avoids the irritating "hard sell". After I tried out the first three guitars, I got up to get another, and found that all of those which remained were locked to the wall stands. This, by the way, makes them really hard to play! I'm a patient person, so I waited, visually looked at guitars in their holders, looked up said guitars on-line to learn more about them, and, after about an hour passed, I finally left. On the way out I saw the original salesperson and gave him the stink eye. Again, although they did not seem busy, none of the workers said anything to me, nor offered assistance of any kind.
I forgot to mention, I am disabled, walk with a cane, and obviously am a person you would offer to help. Hmmm....maybe this is an ADA issue.
Although the store was having a seemingly excellent sale, they will be missing my purchase (and this is an illustration of the sad world in which we live).
P.S. If you're the manager of this store look me up, and maybe give me an even better price, and I might reconsider. read more