Home Depot isn't a fair comparison to me. HD can sometimes be a professional Contractor's worst nightmare. At least it was back when I was in the business.

Sure, it's often cheaper than going to my local lumber yard or supply house, but for a small outfit like I was, the minutes that often turned into hours wasted trying to get exactly what I needed for job cost more in time than it was worth, not to mention sometimes less than superior building products in some facets of the business. As a pro, you want to get in, tell them what you need, and get out, prferably with top quality stuff. I wasn't trying to be the cheapest, but instead trying to satisfy my customers and keep my name clean. I never had to advertise. Word of mouth kept me busier than I needed to be almost all the time. In times when I had to bid for a job, I doubt that I was ever the cheapest either. You get what you pay for, and building material is no different.

Music stores.. that's maybe a little different story. Most, even a GC, are much smaller venues than a Home Depot, and you would expect a`salesperson to be trained, at least in the finer art of customer relations and general knowledge of his / her area. I don't expect the guy / gal to know every function on every piece of equipment. That's probably unrealistic. It is a good thing at least if you know how to turn it on, maybe get through a few menus and functions. Please have at least a working knowledge of the gear that is out there, even the competition that you don't carry. As was already stated, I too learned much of what I know about gear by reading up on it, and then when I could, messing with it a little.

Just as important to me, leave the condescending attitude about certain gear, like arrangers, at home. You're there to help sell your store's products and be helpful along the way. That describes Chris, the KB manager from Alto Music in Middletown, and that's why he will always have me as a customer, for as long as we are both around.

AJ

[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 05-31-2005).]