GC/MF Guerilla Marketing Tactics

[Mossman]

A few weeks ago, I was getting what I can only described as harassed by a Guitar Center salesman with non-stop phone calls and emails. He usually called me during business hours, and I don't answer my phone if I don't recognize the caller, especially when I'm at work. I thought if I just ignored him, he'd eventually quit, but this went on every day (sometimes twice a day) for about 3 weeks! I finally lost it when I read one of his emails in which he informed me that if I don't answer him, he's going to keep on calling me every day! That sounded like a threat to me, and I wondered if Guitar Center had ever heard of phone harassment, and what the FCC and various consumer advocacy groups would think of their sales tactics. I responded with a scathing email, telling them if I ever received another unsolicited call or email from them again that I'd report them to every agency I could think of.

They fell silent.... And I largely forgot about it until about a week and a half ago when I started getting the same treatment from Musician's Friend! I don't get it... I understand that GC is on the skids, but how in the world do they think this aggressive approach is going to endear them to their customer base?? Do they know what a "dead lead" is??? Do they think if they keep grinding away at me, I'll eventually buy something?? Don't they know that EVERYBODY HATES TELEMARKETERS?? Just because you're selling music gear (instead of insurance for a house that I don't own), it doesn't mean that I'm going to be happy about you trying to sell me something every frickin' day.

Has anybody else been experiencing this?

I just responded to the latest email from Justin at MF, to put this nonsense to an end. I was a little less acerbic than I was in my response to GC:


Hi Justin,

Thanks, I've noticed your repeated phone calls while I'm at work, which is why I haven't answered.
I've also noticed your daily emails as well, but I don't need anything, which is why I haven't responded.
I have also gotten hassled by Guitar Center in this very same way a few weeks ago.

I understand you're just doing your job, and this wasn't your idea. Some idiot in upper management thought
this was a great way to drum up business, but harassing every customer you ever had with non-stop
phone calls and emails is a great way to make me want to shop somewhere else. And if they can't figure
out that they're shooting themselves in the foot, somebody's gotta tell them.

In the meantime, I'm not in the market for any gear right now, so please do not contact me further.


Thank you,

Ed

[Bullcat]

Same reason I'll avoid using Sweetwater ever again.

[uwmcscott]

Do they think if they keep grinding away at me, I'll eventually buy something??

The statistics prove that not only do they think this, but that is true. Telemarketing works and they would not spend the money on it if it didn't. Perhaps not with you specifically, but in general it's a proven and lucrative way to generate sales.

Interacting with them is actually one of the worst things you can do as it will redouble their efforts. Block their numbers and emails and don't respond if you want them to leave you alone.

[BatUtilityBelt]

I always tell them cold calling hurts the customer relationship. I am sure it is, as you said, a corporate decision to do it. I think Sweetwater reps keep a file on you that tells them whether you're ok with cold calls. Both SW and GC email me a lot, but don't call.

[honyock]

i always get a call when my gear advisor changes, then maybe once a quarter I get a call. I don't mind since it is at least a service I have used and taken advantage of.

[t100d]

Maybe you should try this …