Music Store Live

[guitarslinger]

I've always enjoyed doing business with these guys. Knowledgeable staff, reasonable prices, outstanding customer service has been my consistent experience. I only recently bought my new NS Guild Bluesbird through them. Great experience. I suffer from chronic GAS so I'm always looking for something more. I contacted them about an amp in which I'm interested and some guitars. I received both a disappointing and next a surprising response.
Regarding the amp, I was told they aren't really doing amps anymore. Too much shipping damage and problems. OK. Business decision, disappointing (I bought my Fender '65 PRRI there.), but, if that's been their experience...OK. So, I inquired about a Guild NS S100 or S200 or even a Mexican Strat. I received an apologetic reply saying that all special orders are on hold. Maybe they could order one closer to Christmas.

Not sure what to make of that.

 

[adorshki]

Hate to sound an alarm but those are signs of a business trying to stay afloat in rough waters.
It sounds like the classic problem of not being able to charge enough for the level of service you describe so 2 methods of making up for it are focusing on cutting losses (shipping damage) and moving the inventory they already have (moratorium on special orders).
There's just too many people who only consider price above all else, it's a constant frustration for me as a sales professional.
But a huge number of people, especially retail buyers, don't see that at all, and force the real pros like Music Store Live to cut back to survive.

 

[guitarslinger]

If that's the case they certainly have my best wishes. I'm a penny wise shopper, but, I am willing to pay more for good service. How much more? Every deal has a tipping point I guess. Nevertheless, I hope to be doing business with them for a long time to come.

 

[adorshki]

If that's the case they certainly have my best wishes. I'm a penny wise shopper, but, I am willing to pay more for good service.

Right, your praise of their standards made that clear.. just realized I might have sounded as if I was implying you were one of those "clueless" price-only types, apologies.
Only meant to share some insight from the seller's side, having been there, in fact, still am....and let me tell you, we recognize customers who "get it" and go out of our way to make sure they get every break we can give 'em.
I hope you'll be able to keep doing business with 'em too. It's good for both of you.