A Pox on you Sam Ash KB Salesman!

[tarkus]

Ordered my MEK on April 22nd.

 

Paid on credit card.

 

They said it would be shipped to my home b/w 8 and 10 business days.

 

10 business days go by without a call from Sam Ash.

 

I call the store where I made the purchase.

 

My salesman is not in. Another Salesman says: "oh the MEK, yeah it's here."

 

"When will it be shipped to my home?"

 

"Don't know, you'll have to ask your salesman."

 

I call the next day, and I get my salesman.

 

"Oh the MEK... yeah, uh it's here, um it'll be at your house in two or three days - sorry about the delay, we don't stock this item..."

 

"Yeah you told me that when I ordered it, that's why you said 8-10 business days; we're up to day 14 and no sign of it..."

 

Three days later, no MEK.

 

My wife contacts SA - : "oh the MEK... we had it in last week and sold it to another customer..."

 

WTF?!?!?!

 

I call back - "I want to speak to my salesman."

 

"He's not here today, sorry we can't help you..."

 

I call customer service.

 

Give all the details.

 

"Um sir, it seems that we have THREE RECEIPTS for this Item..."

 

"What does that mean? Did someone at the store make three transactions with my credit card? Get me a manager now!"

 

I get the manager on the phone. Lot's of apologies, lots of talk.

"What can I do to make this right?"

 

"Get me the MEK ASAP, make sure no one charged extra to my card, wave the delivery fee, throw in a hard case nd a midi cable, and I'll forget about the whole thing."

 

"Sir, I feel so bad, this doesn't happen, I'll buy you lunch."

 

"I gave you my terms - now get me my MEK! If I'm not satisfied with the service I'm coming down there and you are gonna either refund me or give me what I want at your cost."

 

He calls me back - "we ordered another one, it'll be at your home either Monday or Tuesday. No other transactions were made on your card, I apologize for the scew up."

 

(I contacted my credit card company - I verify No Additional charges. )

 

"If it doesn't arrive by Tuesday, I'm coming in Wednesday and you are gonna make things right according to my terms."

 

"Agreed."

 

... we'll see...

 

(to be continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Dave Bryce]

Nice...

 

As far as I know, MEKs are in stock and can be shipped the same day they're ordered. Shouldn't take 8-10 business days at all.

 

dB

DSI

[ITGITC]

 

 

Ahhh... "The ol' - We sold it to someone else. - trick."

 

I don't understand the three receipts statement. If it were me, I'd be looking online at my VISA statement, and/or calling the bank.

 

But yeah, it sounds like another salesman saw the box and sold it out from under your salesman when he wasn't there.

 

Bottom line - I think you're due some justification. Throwing in a hard case for free is probably not going to happen though.

 

Bastids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MidLifeCrisis]

Dealing with local Sam Ash people is a major hassle. I had a huge hassle with one of their stores a few years back. I wound up looking up the main office number in NYC and called them. After bitching someone out I actually got on of the Ash sons on the phone. He seemed genuinely concerned and stated that customer satisfaction was a priority with the company. He made some phone calls and my situation was resolved the next day.

When you deal with a local store you a basically at the whim of the sale person and local manager. If you do not receive satisfaction, escalating your concerns up the food chain always helps. Plus when corporate gets involved, the situation usually doesn't occur again with another gustomer. You are actually helping your fellow musicians out by letting corporate know that the local management is inept.

 

[MikeT156]

Tarkus:

 

I see you're from NYC. I've never had a positive expense with New York stores. I had a camera company try to pull a fast one on me when I called to order a camera package they had on their web site. The salesman said he could get me a "better" wide angle zoom lense for an additional 20 bucks. I said "OK". When the package arrived, I checked Canon's website to find that the "better" lense was a much cheaper lense than the one in the package I was ordering. so he changed me 20 bucks more for a lense worth about 200 bucks less. When I called the store, they tried to pull the bait and switch with me. They offered me a "Free" flash attachment. NO, I don't want a flash attachement, I want the lense in the package I tried to order, and YOU pay the shipping back and forth. To cut to the chase, they tried to throw me a fish to get me to keep the cheap lense they tried to pawn off on me, and I refused. I told them I wanted to return the package and wanted a full refund. I sent it back and then found a $100.00 "restocking" fee on my CC bill the following month. Finally, I called my credit card company and they called the bank that the camera store used. Problem solved. I got a full refund.

 

I will NEVER buy anything from a NYC store again.

 

Tarkus, if I were you, I would never have paid anything other than a deposit on the unit, and with the amount of time they have held you up, I would go to the store and DEMAND a full refund if the MEK isn't there next time. What a bunch of crap.

 

Mike T.

[Botch]

NYC camera stores are really bad, although I've had good luck with Adorama and B&H. I agree with Mike, Tarkus, I think you should find a different store to get your MEK from.

[Mr. Nightime]

I agree that you'll probably never see the hard case, but they should at least waive the delivery fee.

 

When I bought my Sp200 I ordered it through a local music store, and got it through layaway. I went to the store prior to receipt, and there was one on the sales floor. Later when I went to pick up my new piano, the owner went to the back room, got the box, and put the display in there. He had taken my special order piano and put it on the floor. I did not go back in that store again until the owner was bought out and had absolutely nothing to do with the store. Fargin Bastiges

[RABid]

The online store does not even list the MEK.

[RABid]

Oh, and Dave. If you contact Sam Ash as to why they don't list the MEK online, you might also check on the Adam A7. That is also missing from the online store.

[Mr. Nightime]

Come to think of it, I had a problem with Sam Ash in Orlando. I called up the Lee Rd store, and the salesman confirmed that they had a Motion Sound Pro3TM in stock, in the box. I made the hour-long drive to the store, only to find that what was described as new in the box was a non-working display. I walked out of the store extremely angry, and immediately called MF. I've never gone back into that store, and will probably never buy anything from SA.

 

 

[tarkus]

I walked into Sam Ash in NYC and tested several boards.

 

I wanted the MEK - since it was in my price range. I already had a few quotes from other retailers, both on-line and physical.

 

I played the game with Sam Ash, they beat all prices.

 

Now that they screwed up, and I've talked with the manager, he assures me "satisfaction guaranteed".

 

I'm in the customer service business too, and for once I get to complain.

 

After two converstaions with him, he seems like he will do "right by me".

 

 

 

 

[Legatoboy]

This is why I call it Sam's Arse.... I grew up with that store being a native Queens,NY and Long Island-er. I bought my 1st instrument there as a kid in 1967, I grew up seeing Richie Ash (my age) as a kid and watched them get bigger and bigger and expand nationwide. Their flagship store used to be in downtown Hempstead, LI. Unfortunately the attitude of the sales staff is very dog-eat-dog amongst themselves and to the customers too and I think the management likes it that way.

 

Also, being a 'systems guy' I know they are in dire need of a re-write or upgrade to their sales, distribution and inventory system software besides their attitudes! They pissed me off with transactions, repairs and just browsing many times in 35+ years.

 

GC is a better store in general attitude and the deals they are willing to make. They are more professional IMO..

 

Ash (or Arse) has this unjustified elitist bent to it for some reason! Like you should be honored there taking your money! Somehow, someway, I feel it is related to Broadway, Tin Pan Alley and Brooklyn somehow, though I have nothing to back this up with. It's just some bred in the bone NY feeling that all NY-ers just 'intuit'! Somehow that got translated nationwide like some form of bad capitalism!

 

Be Very Afraid if they go multinational!

 

lb

[RABid]

I've been to three Sam Ash stores; Nashville, Clearwater and one close to Broadway. Not sure how competent their staff is as I was ignored in all three stores.

[ITGITC]

I've been to three Sam Ash stores; Nashville, Clearwater and one close to Broadway. Not sure how competent their staff is as I was ignored in all three stores.

 

Y'know?

 

In a thread last week I was trying to convince CJ that Kurzweil should renegotiate and start selling their products in local stores where I can put my hands on them.

 

But on the other hand, I can see why a MI manufacturer may not want to deal with these guys.

 

Sweetwater Sound has a good reputation. It's too bad they're not considering buying a few bricks and some mortar for some local stores.

 

But on the other hand, why would they? They've got a good thing going with their current business model. Why take the chance?

 

Of course, DELL is considering dipping a toe in these waters. Right now you can see and order a Dell machine from their kiosks in the malls, but you can't go home with one.

 

I dunno. It's interesting to speculate what the landscape will look like 10 years from now regarding MI retail places.

 

On the other hand, the gov'mnt is thinking hard about taxing internet sales. That could make a difference somehow. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

I still would like to see Kuzweil represented at my local Guitar Center.

 

 

[SilverDragonSoun]

Well most angles have been covered here. First off it sucks you have to go through this and I'm sorry you have to deal with it.

 

If things do not go satisfactorily for you, I have this friend I know named Guido. He is a professional problem solver. He gets amazing results and I'm always amazed at how I never ever have problems with those people ever again. Let me know if you want to employ him. His rates are somewhat high, but he guarantees successful results. :grin:

 

 

Just trying to cheer you up a bit.

[ProfD]

It is unfortunate that merchants would treat customers in such a way.

 

Here is another opportunity to plug my hometown music store, Washington Music Center aka Chuck Levins!

 

I really wish those of you outside the area had such a musician friendly place to hang out and do business.

 

 

[Joe Muscara]

Wow - LB, to say GC is better than Sam Trash is a real indictment of Sam Trash. And it's not saying much about GC either.

 

Last time I stopped at the Sam Trash in Huntington (a few years ago now), I was stunned that I actually had a salesman approach me almost immediately. For years I didn't know better (and didn't have any other options) and was ignored by them constantly. But I think it was a weekday AM and it was slow so he was bored.

[kanker.]

Ordered my MEK on April 22nd.

I nearly had a similar debacle happen to me at our local GC - ordered an Electro Rack, after a couple of weeks, I decide to go in a check to see if they have it, and when I get there it's in a rack on the sales floor with a guy I know trying it out and seriously considering buying it. I have to admit I was a little bit dark,

[cnegrad]

Here is another opportunity to plug my hometown music store, Washington Music Center aka Chuck Levins!

 

I really wish those of you outside the area had such a musician friendly place to hang out and do business.

 

Prof,

 

You're very fortunate to have them; as are folks who live close to Music Center of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Of course, the trade off is all that snow...

[ProfD]

You're very fortunate to have them; as are folks who live close to Music Center of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Of course, the trade off is all that snow...

 

Take snow into Sam Ash!

 

It might help when it comes to purchasing, er, getting a good deal on gear.

 

I'm kidding. Back to the program.

 

 

[Legatoboy]

Joe,

 

I know I was alittle severe and I do still shop at SA. First off their sheet music departments are the best for a 20 mile radius in my area. GC SM dept is almost Nil with no staff. About a year or so ago I refused to go there anymore but I loosened up.

 

Actually I was buying some sheet music in December 06' and I walked right out of the Huntington Station store. The staff was just so generally obnoxious for no distinct reason early on a Sat. morning (maybe that was the reason in itself). I was going to call the main office and complain but couldn't bring myself to do it and be a 'wacko complaining snitch'. . . .So I wrote it off but I was pissed, there was absolutely no reason for that!

I took it personally.

 

I'm sure it varies from store to store, state to state for both GC and SA. But there is I think a distinct attitude about the Sam Ash's in the NY tristate area.

 

The common consensus on LI here (maybe since you left) by most of the players in the scene is that the GC's deals, store and service is better, even if the staff is less

'en-vogue'....Their trade-in levels were considerably and consistently better before my Ebay days. Ash always tried to take advantage and low-balled "All" trade-in prices to the point of extreme pain. The Ash vibe is like we're 'en-vogue' and your not or something, now I know that doesn't mean a hill of beans really, it's like background noise! It's actually a cover up for cut-throat tactics of their management and alot of the sales staff under the guise a peer pressure and preying on the low-musical self esteem of their patrons espically the younger ones and their parents. The GAME! It's so fn obvious! And their aggressive about it too! balls! F them! Now that can go on anywhere but their brand of it is singularly unique! They do have good people in their sheet music and windinstrument depts I think though, but Guitar, PA, Keys..... I can't speak for Drums!

 

 

If it's a good deal or they have sheetmusic I need or I want to check something out, I go in there, It's very close to my home. But if they start to f with me I'm very straight with them the Lil bastards!

 

I think it's been that way for sometime. If piercings are in, or black 'male' lipstick, chances are most of those "dudes" and "dudesses" are going to be in Sam Ash as opposed to a guy in a Lacoste sport shirt working in GC! It's a petty observation and I don't generally care what people are into one way or another but my comfort zone is better in GC, I'm usually on guard at the ARSE!

 

lb (Am I beating a dead Arse)

[RABid]

I think the problem with these stores is the workers have no investment and there is no owner in the back keeping an eye on the employees.

[Legatoboy]

Rabid,

 

I think the problem with these stores is the workers have no investment and there is no owner in the back keeping an eye on the employees

 

I've heard that the competition and drive to sell at ARSE is very intense for their sales people. After you leave, if you don't come back, they don't care. It stops at the Sale. They really were the biggest and only store in the Tristate area for many many years and they are alittle spoiled with that! But I had a great experience with the Sam Ash sales guy last Sunday checking out the FP-4 so, bad apples form, bad apples dissipate. . . . but I think your right many times it seems nobody is minding the store!

lb

 

[cryptojunkie]

I just ordered a Desktop Evolver direct from Dave Smith Instruments using their website.

 

It was only ~$50 more, and it allows the manufacturer to make more on the deal instead of giving up the margin to a middleman. As a plus, I like the idea of supporting the small company actually building the instrument.

 

 

[JohnH]

This is why I call it Sam's Arse.... I grew up with that store being a native Queens,NY and Long Island-er. I bought my 1st instrument there as a kid in 1967, I grew up seeing Richie Ash (my age) as a kid and watched them get bigger and bigger and expand nationwide. Their flagship store used to be in downtown Hempstead, LI. Unfortunately the attitude of the sales staff is very dog-eat-dog amongst themselves and to the customers too and I think the management likes it that way.

 

Also, being a 'systems guy' I know they are in dire need of a re-write or upgrade to their sales, distribution and inventory system software besides their attitudes! They pissed me off with transactions, repairs and just browsing many times in 35+ years.

 

GC is a better store in general attitude and the deals they are willing to make. They are more professional IMO.

 

Ash (or Arse) has this unjustified elitist bent to it for some reason! Like you should be honored there taking your money! Somehow, someway, I feel it is related to Broadway, Tin Pan Alley and Brooklyn somehow, though I have nothing to back this up with. It's just some bred in the bone NY feeling that all NY-ers just 'intuit'! Somehow that got translated nationwide like some form of bad capitalism!

 

Be Very Afraid if they go multinational!

 

lb

 

 

Hmm you do have a point. These stores all close at 9PM weekdays. At the Cerritos Guitar Center, I can walk in at 858 and not get kicked out. At the Sam Ash nearby a couple of miles away, they put one of their bad attitude, cigarrette smoking, New York palooka employees at the door at 850 and he won't let you in. Guess which store I'm going to head to if I'm running late? (And I am 99percent of the time going there to buy something I need, like cables, strings, picks, etc.)

 

John

[Legatoboy]

John,

 

I think my point is they need to update their Sales approach (business attitudes toward customers) to be competitive with other retailers and update their computer systems. I noticed their computer systems causes alot of problems for their sales staff! A few of their sales people have mentioned it to me! It's pretty old as is 'some' of their staff's attitude to their clientele. Those are my points!

 

lb

[Dave Bryce]

Now that they screwed up, and I've talked with the manager, he assures me "satisfaction guaranteed".

 

I'm in the customer service business too, and for once I get to complain.

 

After two converstaions with him, he seems like he will do "right by me".

I just talked to Dave Smith. He says that the sales guys have in fact called him telling him they need another unit, but no one from Ash Corporate has sent a purchase order. We can't ship a unit without a purchase order...

 

dB

DSI

 

 

[kanker.]

Now that they screwed up, and I've talked with the manager, he assures me "satisfaction guaranteed".

 

I'm in the customer service business too, and for once I get to complain.

 

After two converstaions with him, he seems like he will do "right by me".

I just talked to Dave Smith. He says that the sales guys have in fact called him telling him they need another unit, but no one from Ash Corporate has sent a purchase order. We can't ship a unit without a purchase order...

 

dB

DSI

 

DOH!

 

Welcome to the internet age, Sam Ash.

[Climber]

This thread does it for me! I've boughten several thousand dollars worth of gear from both MF and ZZ. I'll never now consider Sam As_ for future purchases. I love the internet!!!

[SuperAce25]

Here is another opportunity to plug my hometown music store, Washington Music Center aka Chuck Levins!

 

I am really excited about checking this place out once I arrive in DC for the summer! Finally, a place to test drive stuff they don't carry at my local GC. Thanks for the tip - I didn't know the place existed until I read about it in one of your posts a while back. :grin: