Why do Guitar Center Employees Dislike Guitar Center Brand Products?

I went in to check out the new products and had a bad experience at one location. Have you had a similar experience?
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[@fencingisaband]

My wife was kind enough to go to a local GC to purchase an sd1250 for me late last year when I was out of town. Her experience mirrored yours closely: the employee talked trash on simmons drums, pushed her to buy an alesis set even though she was ready to give this person money for what she wanted. I'm a beginner on a budget, so I did research on this and other channels; this should have been the easiest sale of the day for the employee. She left without spending a dime and won't return to that location. I went to a different GC where I was that weekend and wandered the drum section for 30 minutes without any employees walking by. A retail employee with a bad attitude is one thing, a business model that's aggressively anti-customer service is another. When I finally purchased the sd1250 at another GC (the third different one), the two employees were absolutely swamped by 5-6 customers. I felt for those working, their company clearly does not give them the support needed to run a retail operation with a footprint of that size. Thanks for making this video and allowing me to share; It was cathartic. Your reviews of the sd1250 led to my (drawn-out) purchase and I absolutely love the kit. Thanks again!

[@KeithronPowell]

Wow! You’re welcome.

[@MrBeen992]

You already know the answer. They dont know their products and they will guide you to known established brands like Alesis. You are expecting too much from GC employees who are not well paid.

[@KeithronPowell]

I work on commission... not well paid can be the result of a lack of product knowledge. Most companies provide the material but it is up to the employee to learn it. Sales is the #1 job where your income is predicated on you. You hold your own destiny.

[@MrBeen992]

@@KeithronPowell Well, that is right. I forgot they work on commission. But anyway, they dont regularly know their products in detail.

[@KeithronPowell]

@@MrBeen992 That's a serious problem and results in bad customer experiences.

[@MrBeen992]

@@KeithronPowell Welcome to capitalism

[@KeithronPowell]

@@MrBeen992😂😂😂

[@manowar4046]

I own the Simmons titan 50 and it's taken a beating and is still running strong. I use the Harbinger m200-bt with my Titan 50 drum set and they sound great.

[@KeithronPowell]

Awesome

[@bobbyboombatz1489]

Thanks for taking me shopping. Great class !

[@KeithronPowell]

👍🏽

[@mysterieswithcalib516]

I love the growth bro!

[@KeithronPowell]

I’m getting close bro! Real close.

[@PhotoTrekr]

Photos look about like my GC. The worst thing about GC is customer service. It's gotten to the point where I dread walking in there. There's a huge amount of employee turnover. You never know what you're gonna get. To be fair, I've met really nice knowledgeable employees there. But, for every one of those there's ten who aren't knowledgeable or helpful. In fact, you're lucky to get someone to help you at all. But, enough about GC. I bought a SD1250 at Christmas because it was on sale and because of your videos KP. Thanks!

[@KeithronPowell]

Yep… and awesome!

[@djshakyshaun5366]

Hey man like your review, I found out years ago B52 speaker company makes the speakers for guitar centers brand Harbinger and , anybody who know speakers know that this is a respectable company!!!!

[@KeithronPowell]

Cool… I looked up the company and didn’t see harbinger listed as one of their companies.

[@markallan9528]

I agree with your sentiment about Guitar Center. I love the store; but yet I wish they would clean up their brand. I had a similar experience when talking to an employee about what comes with a drum set. I think trust is easy to earn when someone is honest and will say "I don't know", lets look at this. And what a great opportunity this is, as well, yes? How many people get to work in an area where they are paid to help someone, which also allows them to study and learn at the same time? This is win, win, win, win. Thanks so much. :)

[@KeithronPowell]

"I don't know but I can get the answer" is the most powerful response and gives you credibility. Even though most sales people don't believe it.

[@rantingrobertshannon6953]

I shopped there about 3 times in fayetteville North Carolina ,, they were so rude I just quit going there ,, if I can't find what I need at a pawn shop I'l order it online now !!

[@KeithronPowell]

Wow!

[@expertisland]

Hello Keithron, 🌴I have read comments in my Videos where customers have been in-store after watching a video Looking for more details and a live demo, and taken away from the Harbinger brand, without qualifying the customer first. You are right on so many Points, I also have 30+ years of Sales, Managing, & Training in Electronic Retail. The Problem with Poor Sales Staff is it's never the Staff, Quality customer service always starts with Management, in-store, district, and regional levels. Fixing this will always drive more sales with Happier returning customers.😁

[@KeithronPowell]

First off, I am honored that you left a comment. I knew you'd have a review of the Harbinger products I don't understand why the employees don't see the job working in a GIGANTIC studio is a positive thing. I'd be trying to learn it all.

[@guitarbobification]

Great video! I’m a guitar and keyboard guy so hearing your perspective on how the house brand drums and audio gear compares (vs other non GC brands) is interesting. It kind of aligns with what I have found with Keyboards. The GC brand keyboards (Williams) are pretty good at every price point. On the other hand, the Mitchell and Rogue Guitar Center house brand guitars and amps are at such a low price point compared to other popular guitars and there are a lot of low priced products (available outside GC) that compete with them and offer much better value. So, if you walked into a GC and asked for an entry level student guitar they might show you a house brand - but maybe not. I don’t know about drums but with guitars, if they are literally unplayable on display compared against a non house brand (and that’s been my experience) the store rep might be embarrassed to show you the Mitchell and Rogue guitars if you could get a quality Yamaha for the same price. So, like I said - thanks for your perspective, and again Great Video!

[@KeithronPowell]

Thanks for watching

[@MMcgrane]

Last time I was at GC I was having issues with the DA2112 and brought the thing in. Hooked it and it worked but, when I had it hooked up at home it didn't. We talked about all of the ways to make this work and I even suggested looking at an Alesis Strike Amp 12 amp he said yes they will work but, directed me back to the DA2112. So each store is subjective on how they operate and Everyone knows this. Pick their brain and they'll learn.

[@KeithronPowell]

Gotta be the store… the ones here dog all house brands. They don’t even give them a chance.

[@94SexyStang]

I LOVE my Guitar Center!!....been going to my store for 10 years, Never had a problem. When I bought my first 4x12 Guitar Cab, the manager told me to buy the Cheapest Used one they had, then if I don't like it, bring it back and upgrade....if I don't like "That" one, upgrade to the Next tier. Even when I got an acoustic guitar, he told me to get a cheaper one first, if I don't like it, then spend more money. The employees can be pretty stupid sometimes, but that's what people get for trusting another person without doing Any research, Lol.....knowledge is often learned, not given out for free. But yeah I love the return policy at GC, I will never shop anywhere else.

[@KeithronPowell]

I had one manager that was awesome and she quit!

[@esericc70]

Likely they work on commission, so they will go to the brand that nets THEM the most, never shop the customer with your own wallet they always tell us in sales

[@KeithronPowell]

Everyone is missing that I said… the commission is the same no matter the brand. It’s really just they’re all brand snobs and don’t give the house brands a chance. Like not knowing the products abilities. I have seen that on multiple products when I enter the store.

[@stevenpipes1555]

I don't know electronic drums very well but i understand guitars thoroughly. I have a Laguna, which was a guitar center brand in the late 80s early 90s. It was given to me by someone who baught it to learn and never played it. Its an incredible instrument considering the original price. After a little customization it has a solid spot in my collection and its not going anywhere. I love it.

[@KeithronPowell]

Sounds great!

[@markcockerham646]

I went to both of my local GCs and had very similar experiences looking at Simmons drums. I bought an SD1250 from an online source for less. That said, I’m pretty happy with the drums after a month or so of playing them.

[@KeithronPowell]

Awesome

[@dilankarun9172]

The 1st guy clearly wasn't a drummer so here's my gut feeling on why GC employee's maybe gun shy about their products. Going with my experience with GC, I play quite a few instruments (started on drums when I was 8 ! then guitar around 15 ). Imho, you have to be a professional luthier to make those Rogue & Mitchell stuff playable😛 Watch LowEnd Lobsters reviews on Rogue Bass Guitars 🤣. The Harbinger (Might buy the MLS1000 when it goes on sale) & Simmons stuff are excellent. And the re-sale value isn't too bad. The problem with the Williams KB's is, their going up against excellent stuff from Casio, Alesis and even a Korg Liano ($300's) or a fun synth/piano/arranger like the Roland Go-Key3, Yamaha's etc. Good luck trying to sell a Williams used (Straight to Goodwill). Keith, what's the house brand for GC/MF on Acoustic kits ? SPL ? Those aren't too bad. But Kids aren't stupid these days. They know they brands, Tama, Mapex, PDP or the kit I recommend to anyone starting out, A Yamaha SC (If you lose interest, you'll still get most of your $$$, or keep it play it for the next 15 yrs !). I think the general GC staff reflect that. As for your experience, yeah, I don't know why he was recommending a Crimson ovr a Titan 70 or 1250. Maybe he should watch your reviews ! 😉 PS: Next time ask him what FRFR speakers are, if he say's they are for DJ's/PA, just walk-away (Full Range,Flat Response) 🤣😂🤣

[@KeithronPowell]

Exactly!

[@joshguthriemusic8090]

Totally on point ✊🏻

[@leftofcenter4]

I use to buy high price gear from GC 10-15 years ago but they burned me on some simple stuff as a long time customer who at that time had spent 10’s of thousands over the years but they disrespected me after buying a $2200 Apogee converter from them, they would not give me the correct Dsub connector, they had it in stock but refuse to open a package cable, they sad I had to spend over $200. That’s when I went with sweet water sound. And never looked back, the only thing I buy from GC is guitar picks, strings, audio cables and maybe a mic stand. My Pro tools HD system cost me $11k and many high end stuff.. so GC to me is crap.

[@KeithronPowell]

Wow… that’s crazy

[@leftofcenter4]

I also will be driving to the sweetwater headquarters to. Trade in a compressor and buy a Neve style preamp. And that drive is from Michigan to Indiana. I would Never do that for GC.

[@KeithronPowell]

Wow!

[@Djtonystewart]

I worked at for Guitar Center for 11yrs.. GC house products are terrible bro. We see all the broken shit that comes back.

[@KeithronPowell]

Well, I think the new stuff isn’t

[@GonnaGetYouBoi]

I went to the guitar center in canton, MI. I asked them why they didnt have any 8 string guitars.. I was hoping to play some higher end models, to see if they're vastly better than my legator. And the guy told me "You have to go to our other store in (i cant remember where he said), they have all the cool stuff there".. I'm like what? LOL. Amateur hour up there now.

[@KeithronPowell]

Sad

[@ERIC-65]

Well good , but if they would push their own products only just you might call it fishy aswell ! 😂 And I'm a proud owner of a SIMMONS SD1200 !!!

[@KeithronPowell]

I wouldn’t call it fishy… I would call it good for the company and I’d be more impressed if they compared them and let the customer decide.

[@ERIC-65]

@@KeithronPowell It's amongst us , it's for those that know . May we feel blessed for knowing SIMMONS! I'm in Europe and they aren't even selling it here anymore ! How about that ? Keep it up Keithron !

[@BaktaBak3]

GC needs to clean up their act at their stores and get a better website. The website has poor info on products & poor pictures (mostly only one generic pix of a product) Most time there are NO customer reviews. 🎸🎸🎸 Maybe they don't care about their employees , hence employees don't care ?????

[@user-jw1ld8tn2l]

Im not trying to knock anyone but my GC, even the guy that supposedly works in percussion didn't even know the different sizes in sticks. Just saying.

[@KeithronPowell]

😂😂😂😂

[@alexraia1377]

As someone who has worked there before… these people get paid minimum wage plus commission… the commission is not very much. The associate you spoke with just wasn’t super knowledgeable, that’s all. I think GC’s brands are actually really good for the most part. If someone wanted to buy a Mitchell guitar or a livewire cable I would support them 100%.

[@KeithronPowell]

I’m all Livewire… except for today. Had to go to a competitor because my local GC didn’t have the cable I needed

[@mdemartile]

Amd here I thought it was the guy who plugs the five string bass into the Mark 8 and goes wild, or the entire worship team using the acoustic guitar room to record their secular versions. Or maybe it's the kid who plugs in the Santana strategy from the top of the wall, and plugs in to the 100w tube screamer and starts shredding. Lol..guita center is always a mixed bag.

[@KeithronPowell]

😂

[@rustyshackleford9557]

Well....lol, most of their employees are simply not knowledgeable. If you look at the single cut Mitchell electric, you will notice that it is about half the cost of the single cut ESP single cut and both are contracted OEM built guitars that Inyen Vina in Vietnam builds for each company. I have never met a GC employee that knew that!!! And if you pick up the Mitchell to test, most likely the employee will look at you like you picked up some horrid beginner guitar but if you pick up the ESP, well then you are looked up on as though you are cool. It is sad and funny.

[@KeithronPowell]

Yep

[@jeffmoore6603]

I would say that young man did not help his store earn your business. If you have regular interactions at guitar center similar to this I wonder why your loyalty sticks with guitar Center?

[@KeithronPowell]

We only have them… also, a bad employee don’t mean the store is messed up. Notice I went to multiple stores.

[@HonestBiden]

Idk, man.

[@AmazingWorldAmazingVideos]

Do you think the Simmons Sd1250 Electric Drum Set Used for 599 is a good deal I was gonna get the Simmons 70 but they have right now the 1250 for 599 used. Should I grab this ??? I need your advice. I know nothing about it as of now. But it is being sold by the store and I am sure it will have some days I can try it .if it's messed up take it back maybe.

[@KeithronPowell]

It is possible it’s a great buy as long as the condition is great. I’d try it out before buying it. Usually, open box are all sales final so check. If it is in good condition it’s a steal!

[@puipui7382]

Guitar center treats their employees like garbage. Also, if a customer was recording me, I would just walk away.

[@KeithronPowell]

No one ever knows I’m recording.

[@jeffmoore6603]

I’ve never been impressed with Alesis brands or Simmons. Both have proven to be very breakable.

[@phineashenshaw]

Reference.....LOL

[@trustworthydan]

Probably because theyre salemen and make commission. 😂😂😂

[@KeithronPowell]

I think you didn’t watch the entire video. 😂

[@lipptech1]

Guitar Center has been nothing but a used car lot for the past 20 years !!!