incrementalg
Gold Member
After a 15+ year absence from drumming, I'm in the process of putting together a kit. I'm making a point to buy as much stuff as I can from local and even somewhat local, independent brick and mortar stores. I used to work in an incredible independent music store and even a small chain for a time after moving to Boston. I love the indy vibe and I'm compelled to support it as much as I can. I had the experience of working with and meeting some fantastic fellow musicians in my day.
I went yesterday to a local shop with the intent to buy some heads, boom stand and potentially a tune bot. As soon as I walk in I said hello to the guy at the counter. He didn't say a word and just continued looking at a computer screen. Before getting to my purchase I took a few minutes to check out some gear. Not a word was said by the guy at the counter. Finally, I made my way to the counter and inquired about some basic Evans heads and the guy was visibly annoyed about being asked anything. Without looking up or looking behind him to the wall of Evans and Remo he said they didn't have the heads. I then inquired about a tune bot and an Evans torque key. Again, he didn't look up and declared they didn't have either. (I saw the torque keys hanging in a display, btw). Finally, I asked about ordering a tune bot and was told they could be ordered, but there was no way of knowing how long something would take to arrive. (clearly he didn't want me to order it) I also needed a boom stand, but didn't bother asking.
I was the only person in the shop and this guy refused to sell me anything (passively). In fact, I think he refused to look at me. I was looking to spend maybe $300 between the heads, stand and tune bot, but ended up spending $0.
I'm less annoyed about how the guy working the counter treated me than about how he treated his boss' store. I've met the owner a couple of times and he's a guy who cares tremendously about his shop and customers. What a shame.
I went yesterday to a local shop with the intent to buy some heads, boom stand and potentially a tune bot. As soon as I walk in I said hello to the guy at the counter. He didn't say a word and just continued looking at a computer screen. Before getting to my purchase I took a few minutes to check out some gear. Not a word was said by the guy at the counter. Finally, I made my way to the counter and inquired about some basic Evans heads and the guy was visibly annoyed about being asked anything. Without looking up or looking behind him to the wall of Evans and Remo he said they didn't have the heads. I then inquired about a tune bot and an Evans torque key. Again, he didn't look up and declared they didn't have either. (I saw the torque keys hanging in a display, btw). Finally, I asked about ordering a tune bot and was told they could be ordered, but there was no way of knowing how long something would take to arrive. (clearly he didn't want me to order it) I also needed a boom stand, but didn't bother asking.
I was the only person in the shop and this guy refused to sell me anything (passively). In fact, I think he refused to look at me. I was looking to spend maybe $300 between the heads, stand and tune bot, but ended up spending $0.
I'm less annoyed about how the guy working the counter treated me than about how he treated his boss' store. I've met the owner a couple of times and he's a guy who cares tremendously about his shop and customers. What a shame.