Heath
Stewart @ marshall is a pleasure to deal with knows his equipment , and rather friendly as well .... just my 2 cents worth . was there on friday when buying stuff they always good , just don't send you guitar there that they will screw up thou ..... andy mc gibbons is the guy you send you guitar to .
NorioDS
Stuart @ Marshall is very good and helluva nice guy but HELLUVA busy. My rule of thumb, go to a music store on a week-day and no where near lunch time. Then you get better service at busy places like Marshall.
Riaan
Worse are the ones who, if they don't know something, make up something on the spot.
That's something I've encountered a number of times when buying other stuff such as computers etc. It seems to be a common thing in specialist stores in this country - the dude who works there is just holding a job and isn't necessarily an enthusiast in whatever the shop sells. Though as in any industry there are some very knowledgeable salespersons as well, best is probably to go by word of mouth.
Worst still, are the attitude where the salesman "sums you up" as you walk in the door, judging whether you seem like a serious buyer or not - or whether you look like you're able to afford what you're asking about. I seem to never create the impression of someone who can afford whatever I'm enquiring about - in in most cases it's true ? - but not always. I was shopping around for a camera a few years ago, and actually had the money for a top of the range model. When I asked about the price, the answer was "it's very expensive..." Maybe I should shave and dress better before major expensive purchases... :-[
Garth-S
Its great to see the music stores starting to take notice of their customers. A+ to Norio for doing such a great job with the forum!
I must say, in Durban, the guys at Glenwood Village Music (Bothners) are all great and have a vast knowledge in their respective instruments. I have purchased most of my equipment from them and always feel welcome whenever I pop in there.
FatBoy
Manfred, I must say I haven't had as bad an experience with Musiek Wereld as you did, which branch did you go to? I used to go to the one in Bellville, the tags on the guitars was retail price, but I always got 15 to 20% discount on everything without even asking for it. Only reason I stopped going there is because the salesman never followed up on arrival of stock of the Tele I wanted, so I got it through another shop, and they are close by.
Manfred-Klose
Fritz, i usually go to the one in Brackenfell
I've been to the one in Bellville, that Kobus is a nice and friendly guy.
Music mate seems to have a lot of stuff, and they also have a lot of clients.
They are a old skool guitarshop!!!!
Riaan-Combrink
Guys, I hold no affiliation for Musiekwereld that I need to declare per the Forum Rules. Just wanted to point out that Greg at Brackenfell is an experienced guitarist and composer of many years experience (originals & covers, Rand Easter Show, number one original songs, etc) and a close personal friend. Very knowledgeable and straight forward guy who won't rip you off. Bought my last monitor through him cause he got me a better price than the other two big brand shops in CT. He's the guy at the bottom of the page I've linked, so if your purchase is guitar or amp-related and you're in that area, give Greg a shout. We should be careful to write off an entire shop or chain because a particular person treated you badly.
http://www.musiekwereld.co.za/index.php?id=151
Manfred-Klose
I usally speak to greg, he's has a great knowledge, but most of the time he is busy and someone else has to help me.
I've been shopping at musiek wereld for 5 years now.
Maby it's just me being a typical guitarist!!! ?
FatBoy
I dealt with Carlo at the Bellville branch, he didn't have all the knowledge I would expect, but is friendly, keen to get me to try the stuff out, ordered guitars for me to try, and gave me great discounts without me even asking.
Carel
(Reminder: I am the guy at Paul Bothner Music)
Delighted to hear your comments about our Durban and Plumstead Branches, but I agree that we can do better at all of our outlets. At least now you know where and who to get hold of…
I was surprised to see no comments on out Helderberg and Claremont outlets…?
This by no means is an attempt to defend neither my brand nor my industry.
Quite frankly there is just no excuse for poor service, bad attitudes and generally a lack of manners and courteous behavior/service.
Product knowledge though is a different matter all together…
Remember, as with any skill, knowledge and wisdom (as is the case on any subject) is something quite often obtained over time.
I often find that my junior staff is very keen to learn, but struggle to find the correct mentoring. Unfortunately, in their innocence, they often mistake opinions for facts and on occasion they loose the plot.
What has worked for us – and I am under no illusions that it is not always implemented – is to ask the person that does know.
Believe me, if there was a magical button one could push I would have done just that.
And again you guys are correct, it is a problem in different industries, not only the MI.
However I believe that music and for that matter instruments as the tools of once trade and passion is a rather emotional issue.
As such it revokes and emotional reaction when someone insults your intelligence.
We recently lost Gareth at our main outlet in Plumstead as one of our guitar salesman. Luckily Matt has stepped up to the plate and has a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
That said, I have no doubt that the knowledge on this sight is far superior.
The trick I suppose is to care enough to be courteous enough to give a damn, admit your short comings, but be committed enough to find the answer and get back to your customer. To be honest, when a salesman from any company phones me back with regards to a query I often find myself surprised that they did so…as if I did not expect them to keep their promise.
Any suggestions on how to become and make our stores a 10?
I.e. what is a customer's top 10 to an awesome guitar shopping experience...?
Renesongs
Unfortunately Bothners Claremont is in a building that looks like it is just about to fall down in a very seedy part of Claremont. So tend to avoid it even though I live in Claremont. It is not much more trouble to go to Plumstead. Personally I would like the convenience of a Plumstead style Bothners is Claremont, say in Cavendish but I would not be so willing to pay the mark-up you guys would have to make cover Cavendish rentals.
And while I've got your attentions - when can we expect to see prices on Bothners web site?
It's quite a schlepp to have to drive out all the way to Bothners to find a price ?
Riaan-Combrink
Renesongs wrote
when can we expect to see prices on Bothners web site? It's quite a schlepp to have to drive out all the way to Bothners to find a price ?
+1 on that. But I must say I find the tutorial section of the Bothners website to be of great help and a strong feature. The lack of pricing on product is, however, a major downside.
NorioDS
Yep, long before I started this forum, the lack of pricing on the Bothners site bothered me.
However, Carel, back to your question. I'd recommend that you recommend GFSA to your staff. Some of them may have internet at home and it could improve their knowledge at no cost to you.
Oh and print a big GFSA banner and hang it across your store. That will help a lot too ?
Manfred-Klose
Hi carel
If your staff like reading, they will learn alot on this website for free!!!!!
Go to this link there,and you'll find invite cards you can give to your clients:
http://www.guitarforum.co.za/site-feedback/invite-cards-for-guitar-forum/
+1 norio,the banner idea is awesome!!!! i would never have thought of that.
Riaan
Any suggestions on how to become and make our stores a 10?
I.e. what is a customer's top 10 to an awesome guitar shopping experience...?
Hi Carel I agree with the price thing on the website - it would help a lot. Also, how about a facility to buy things online and have it delivered by courier or post, especially for us okes in the platteland. It's just not worthwhile for me to drive to Cape Town for things like strings, etc. At present I order my strings on EBay, usually sets of ten or so, and I look for those with freebies such as a tuner, picks, etc. It's worthwhile even with the shipping costs. But if Bothners offered the same facility, I would definitely use it instead.
And I agree with making staff members aware of GFSA - people share experiences, good and bad, and in addition to the forum being a powerful consumer help, it could be to tremendous advantage to music shops with good service also.
FenderBender
GFSA is rapidly growing into an incredibly powerful source of knowledge and influence. This is based on the fact that the truth always gets out. If all concerned use the forum's info correctly, it can only result in a win for everyone.
Without GFSA, I would be left in the dust regarding all things twangy ?
Renesongs
@ Graeme - And soon to go international with members in South Carolina USA and Canberra Australia.
AlanRatcliffe
We already have members from all over - Russia, Spain, the US, the UK, New Zealand, France and Australia.
CornFlakes
Carel wrote
(Reminder: I am the guy at Paul Bothner Music)
I’m glad to see that you came across this issue and to see that you are actually seeing this not as a problem but a solution in your industry.
I am willing to pay more for my muso gear but all I want is service to back it up. To be honest I have learnt more on this Forum than in any muso shop ever!
Thanks to RENE, ALAN and Norio for starting this forum and the other people I’m in contact with in this Forum. If GFSA had a online shopping function I bet you it will be a HIT!
Squonk
I completely agree with Cornflakes. This forum has saved my guitar playing life completely. Thanks to all who started this Forum.
Especially the bedroom guitarists who dont mix with musicians that much.
If I had a hat I would take it off to you all.
