Guitar shops : Intimidated?

[Razorback]

Just another disscussion/share thread.

Do you guys get intimidated when you go to guitar shops? i always get intimidated when i enter a certain shop ( wont name the shop ) because im Sec 2 kid and am short. I keep thinking that the people there will go like '' Aiyo, this boy ah, confirm dont even know how to play the guitar, or even if he can, he suck. No money also, come here see see nice guitar only'' lol. The best place for me is Ranking, the uncle there is really friendly.

Share your thoughts on this and please dont flame each other, thanks

 

[PatheinRaindropMoe]

1) What will we do when we feel intimidated

2) How can we overcome this fear

3) Why are we having such negative feeling

4) Is there a reason why shops make us feel this way

5) Can we approach the shop and let them know of such fear and hope service improve or rather seek help online and to realise nothing has changed much

 

[THOA]

When you're 14 and no money, such a feeling is kind of normal I think.

But if you can write this well on a forum, do consider writing a feedback regarding this to the shop itself.

 

[Razorback]

its not that i dont have the money to spend, just that i go to the shops to check whats new and stuff. Gears always never fail to amuse me. and anyway im saving up for some expensive gear thats why i try not to buy anything though i bring some cash along incase i see something i like. lol
i know i sound as if im making a complain.

 

[EugeneSmasher]

I get intimidated not only in guitar shops, but any small shop with outgoing service. But that's because of my soft-spoken nature. Most shops I go do make an effort to make customers feel welcome.

 

[teleplayer]

this topic was in the Gear - Guitar forum....

 

[mockingbird]

Intimidated? Haha. Don't be, my friend! Be confident!

As for myself, I don't dress up. When a shopkeeper sees me that way, they turn a blind eye. I usually spend like $50-$60 on strings alone everytime I shop for stuff. I get raised eyebrows when i request for 6 different sets of strings; cos I've got that many guitars that i use actively. I talk well and give them a hard time if i feel like it (i.e. keep asking to look at other brands/gauges) and when I pay, I take out my American Express card. Then I see the look on their faces. And i feel great. And at times when I feel I've been snubbed, I walk out with a smirk.

The trick is, be cool on the outside, be confident on the inside.

Cheers!

 

[optisailor2002]

haha its very intimidating to go into a small shop and then like one or two staff come to ask you "may i help you?" then when you wave them off (nicely, of course!) they just keep staring at you or following you to see what you were looking at, and then proceed to give comments at every piece of item you place your eyes on.

and im not referring to only guitar shops, but also other shops in general. its very intimidating and very put off. just a simple "may i help you" will do, no need to follow the customer all over the shop mah.

 

[Razorback]

I get intimidated not only in guitar shops, but any small shop with outgoing service. But that's because of my soft-spoken nature. Most shops I go do make an effort to make customers feel welcome.

Exact same thing with me, lol. when i buy clothes i take it off the rack to see the design on it and i get intimidated when people stare at me there go like ''wtf? this small guy want buy shirt ah? small kid buy cheap one lah why come here buy expensive shirts'' and Optisailor2002 , alot of shops do that. im just looking around and whatever i put my eyes on the go like ''this one is good'' then i go to another spot in the shop they go ''this one also good'' i keep on thinking what if i dont buy anything? how am i to face the shop attendant.

 

[SmFizz]

lol thats the exact feeling i get most of the time. When ppl ask ''may i help you'' i feel sorta pressurized

 

[mysterio123]

u starting go in flash 1 50 dollar note around then they wont think liddat alr

 

[PatheinRaindropMoe]

how come it seem like it has more to do with our own personality and the lack of confidence more then other factors

 

[losaris]

i do get intimidated as well... but its on another issue.

i'm... too shy to test guitar in shops that i'm interested in. cuz pple stare and like give the 'wah this guy so lousy wan to buy expensive guitar' make me very paiseh =\

 

[Zenzo]

^Same case.Everytime I wanna test a guitar always dun dare,scared the shop will look down on me.If not,scared ppl will stare at my playing..

 

[SmFizz]

exactly dude....
btw, can i steal ur blink182 sig

 

[Zenzo]

I dun mind lol,got it from some signature bar site but forgot where lol.

 

[SmFizz]

cool thanks

 

[superpotato_30]

To the ts and all who feel intimidated, do understand that just as the next guy, you are human and a potential customer to the shop.

Regardless of whichever shop, if they give you the cold shoulder/stare just ignore them and browse whatever you desire. If any inquiries, ask. Thats the main purpose of the assistants within the shop.

A good shop owner/keeper will know never to look down on anyone regardless of age/dressing.

 

[infekcion]

The store assistant will always be around you when you are in the store. Why? Customer Service. If they don't, what will happen if they receive any negative feedbacks? Who to blame? The customer who complains of no assistance from the store or the irritating assistant? Is this "service" more of a hindrant than help? So debatable! lol.

 

[optisailor2002]

actually its quite hard for them as well. if they dont come to talk to the customer, he/she might complain that customer service sucks. if they do approach and stick to the customer, end up kena complain that too intimidating.

Razorback: the solution to the problem is just to become more thick skin, if you dont want to buy just look through and walk out. like my friend, go to shoe shop try the shoes like hell, then walk off. its a bit of an ass, but it can be put into good use sometimes.