My first time at guitar central, thanks to markv for encouraging me to hang out here, I'm always at the classifieds.
This was a very interesting post, I've learned a lot just reading through, and yes I've had my frustrations.
Being in any business, a music store as such will have risks, and I guess as customers, we just demand a little respect for the well earned money we are willing to invest. Whatever product we are buying may it be a guitar, an amp or a pick, we are still patronizing their products. In my point of view the only way we will know that a product suits us is if it grows on you when you test it. Trying out products in a music store is a risk which the store must expect to take. It is also risk for us customers by shelling out those big bucks.
It's proper training on customer service and customer care which the store needs to take into consideration with their staff. A big part of it is our culture which is now slowly deteriorating that we need to change, it is how we judge our own based on appearance, how some are just lazy and unenthusiastic to demonstrate what the product really is mainly due to their very minimal salaries. The hard part for them is cleaning it up and placing it back on the stand if a customer doesnt buy. Well it's all part of their responsibility working as a sales person. Back in the 90's when you pay for something did we ever encounter a cashier asking..."maam or sir...meron po ba kayong piso?" for them to give exact change? rarely, now it's everywhere...for me this is a sign of laziness. Yes we are far off in customer service compared to the stores abroad.
As for prices, it's our government. I work for an international coureir company and yes, customs taxes everything not considerd as a document these days.
A tip:
Know the mall's admin office...we have every right to complain of rude employees, at least the owner of the store will be aware, and do it in writing.
Stores in Makati with friendly customer service at least are:
Audiophile MCS
Perfect Pitch Park Square - I was not happy with the SD-1 I bought and they replaced it with a TR-2, just had to add a little, but off course I was in my barong uniform.