I've stopped in Sound Force a few times over the years and experienced a significant issue today. I had a gig which was going to require a direct box today. I've not had a need for one yet but knew it was a good investment. Normally, I order from Sweetwater, but I needed the box immediately as a last minute purchase.
First, their hours on Saturday are from 11-2. I arrived at 1:40. On the front door was a sign which said please call this number to enter which was strange and inconvenient to me. I entered and someone greeted me, I assume one of the owners. I heard his voice, but he was not visible until I walked back to the show floor where he was sitting at a desk. He didn't get up which was somewhat unprofessional to me.
I asked him to show me the passive direct boxes which he was very knowledgeable about his various models. I was set on purchasing a stereo LTI-1 Rapco Horizon. It was priced at $109.95. I asked to see some XLR cables (30 ft. Rapco Horizons priced at $21.99 each) and a RCA male to 1/8 inch ($8.99) cable for the box.
A quick check on my phone identified the same model box for $95 and the cables for $18.84 a piece. A difference of $21.25. I asked for a price break of $5-$10 which I thought was more than fair. He said, "No I gotta be there." He provided me a different option for mono which was cheaper, but based off of our conversation, he knew I wanted stereo and was in a bind.
I said let me think about it for a minute. He walked away and came back about 3 minutes later. It was now 2:00 on the dot and said well were closed now. Again since I was in a bind, I went ahead and made the purchase.
He came across very arrogant. On my way out, I explained his behavior was a bit unprofessional for me spending $175 (after tax). He stated well me and the guys (which there was only one) have been here all day so we've got to go. I said, "You're only open for three hours today." He then continued by saying they worked long hours all week (normal hours are from 12-6) - not long in my book.
When I go to a non-corporate business my expectation is for all the employees to have a little more finesse with their overall communication and not try to rush me out the moment the second hand hits 2:00.
I won't be back. The arrogant attitude he had was more than enough to write this review. I was ok with the prices after considering it was small business, but was really put off by him rushing me out. If I would have had more time, I would have went somewhere else. read more