The dream job falls in the lap!

[RandomHero]

I now work at Guitar Center. I wanted to post the news earlier, but it actually happened last Saturday when I went in with my tax cash to get a new amp. One of the sales reps was showing an elderly gentleman a PRS guitar (which was heavenly.) I jumped in with some tonewood specs and general tech-headedness, since I was waiting on the sales guy to do my amp thing for me. After he sold the two grand's worth of Paul Reed Smithy goodness, he asked me if I wanted a job.

Most people who work for Guitar Center start as a doorman or in the accessories department. They started me out right where I wanna be; in guitars! I've been slinging steel and mahogany ever since, and kicking butt at the job. Still working on my computer training for the stuff, but holy crap!

The best part is that this job will lessen the effects of my horrible G.A.S... how, you ask, if I'm surrounded by gear all the time? After a month of being there, I get gear AT COST. Meaning whatever it costs the store to acquire it for retail sale, is what I pay! Also, I'll have plenty of time to dink around the gear and try it out before I decide if I want it.

My life, +7!

[eljib]

That's pretty sweet! I don't know what GC is like where you live, but in my town they've got some of the biggest idiots I've ever seen, and they could definitely use someone with your know-how (and integrity). Now just make sure that you never turn into a salesman and use your knowledge (or lack of knowledge, in their case) to trick people into buying stuff they don't need. In fact, you could be a powerful instrument (haha) to dispel all these ridiculous rummors that have surrounded guitars for so many years. Congratulations! Now go out there and set 'em straight.

[UnklMickey]

admin said:

...The best part is that this job will lessen the effects of my horrible G.A.S... how, you ask, if I'm surrounded by gear all the time? After a month of being there, I get gear AT COST. Meaning whatever it costs the store to acquire it for retail sale, is what I pay! Also, I'll have plenty of time to dink around the gear and try it out before I decide if I want it....

don't kid yourself. you'll spend just as much on gear as if you didn't have that discount. you'll just have more gear.

being able to try before buy, in an extended fashion, will minimize buying and re-selling at a loss.

eljib had good advice regarding "ethics in sales" (it really doesn't have to be an oxymoron! ).

good luck

[Ripper]

Congrats Randomhero! Its like having a sweet tooth and working in a candy shop!
So between you and me....Whats cost on a malmsteen strat? shhhhhhh!

[dunkelfalke]

congratulations, nice job, especially if you like it so much!

[R]

congrats on the job !don't forget to drop the guitarnuts name every once in a while oh yeah and try not to drool too much on all the gear ;D

[ChrisK]

Congrats, glad to hear it!

A dream job is hard to find, I worked my way into my dream job by luck - when preparation (full technical understanding of microprocessors/potential back in the mid 70's) met opportunity (the birth of the automated building control system industry). After 30 years, I'm now a professional daydreamer (I think of things to think about, then I think about them, and write white papers about my thoughts). But, I digress....

While I've heard the myriad tales of horror about the GC lackeys, I have met the few amongst the local staffs that are in the know, the resident knowing/caring sales folk.

In the local GC (Monroeville PA), there were some great folk. Alas, while those that I knew have moved on (primarily due to the recent changes in management), they were great while there. I could have many conversation with them (my technical knowledge exceedeth) geared toward helping them in their understanding AND in their selling. I NEVER interrupted their deal-making w/ a customer. I respected them, even if they were lacking any technical understanding. When I see something incorrectly tagged, I tell them (ie the previous days deep sale price on a particular item).

As a result, I often was referred to mainline music groups that needed some technical wizardry. Oh, and BTW, I've usually always paid near cost for virtually everything (Stu Hamm Urge II bass - $875 new, Am Dlx 50th Strat $900 new, damaged Mesa Mark IV for $800 , G-DEC for $229 new). I suppose that it helps in buying about 6 to 10 guitars a year.

AND, I sent them a lot of business too (go see "Fred", give them my name, he'll take care of you [in a manner that he probably would have anyway, but now you feel special and will repeatedly return to see "Fred", who will then be even nicer to me]).

However, due the the exodus of the known (to me) competent staff (I'm in no way saying that the current staff are all incompetent, just that based on the deals now available, I see no pressing reason to rebuild my relationship base there). I visit many GC's (it's just another American fractal) and other stores in my travels while daydreaming, and never pay retail (street).


BUT, in the beginning and the end, since there's money involved, it's a business. The business' needs, policies, and procedures must rule. And, as in any business, the career making deals don't occur during normal business hours (hint, hint, stick around after closing and help [yourself too]).

Take on more than asked, go the extra mile, be exceedingly honest in your dealings, never badmouth a customer (they may be a true idiot, but they are the customer) or a fellow employee (management is already aware of the slackers and idiots).

There are two ways to run a race; block the others or go the fastest, I prefer the latter.

You may get screwed (occasionally), but then, you just may get (more) lucky.

Hmmm, and I might wonder if somehow this recent good fortune is related to your previous awakening (preparation+opportunity=......)

Some say that we make our own luck.... I wish you the absolute best thereof.

[RandomHero]

Both in this and my previous sales-related job, I was taught to (nearly) bend over backwards to help the customer, no matter what. This involved knowing my stuff, qualifying my customers to find their needs, and doing whatever it takes to best serve -them-. A policy of honesty and integrity I firmly believe in.

The guys at my GC are awesome. They're almost all active, gigging musicians, and they do a lot of material-sharing before and after hours. The resident shredder and PRS man, (We call 'im Teenwolf for reasons I've yet to discover,) is both a talented metalhead and beautifully gifted classical player. I'm getting lessons from him soon. =D

Our manager always goes the extra mile for the customer -and- his employees. I'm really glad to be there.

[UnklMickey]

RH,

i'm glad to hear the attitude at your GC is customer oriented.

i've seen a wide disparity in attitudes and product knowledge in the staff at various GCs.

the worst was a variation on the bend over backward theme.
they felt the the customer should bend over ... forward!

nearly as bad, were instances where a salesman would not have the product knowledge to answer a question, and try to "snow" me.

i think most other customers would agree with me, that a salesman will earn much more respect if they just admit it when they don't know. and even more, if they can then get the information from a colleague, or printed reference material.

if you're fortunate, that will also be part of the S.O.P. at your GC.

[night0wl]

Congratz RandomHero!!

I think you will find yourself, as unk said, spending the same amount but having more gear! I have been working in a music store here for about 3 months and getting things at cost but my wallet is still as empty as it was before, except I have hardly any room in our house left to put stuff! lol

It is a great feeling though, being able to work handling guitars during the week and then go gigging all weekend!

Once again, congratulations!

Cheers,
Shane

[Runewalker]

Congrats. It will be great to assess the differences between the high-end, mid-end and low end guitars. You certainly will become an even greater wealth of info for forum members.

Reading posts for months, I see many members seek values in guitar chassis -- solid, toneful, well made palattes for electronic customization. You will be able to help further identify the value chassis.

One question, and I hope this is not prying. I have been curious how the Guitar Center staff are compensated ---commission, salary or combination?