Tale of two shops
Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2023 12:22 pm
I had two shopping experiences yesterday----one good, one appalling.
I needed piston valve oil and went to my regular store here in Berkeley CA. When I arrived, the place was shuttered. Gone out of business. I went down the avenue about two miles and found another music store which had changed hands, now being called "Rockin' Robbie's". That should have been my signal. When I walked in, the place was filled with guitars and surly customers. The rock star people on duty did not greet me. When I spoke up, they asked what was "piston oil". One rocker guy about 70 years old walked over to a dusty shelf and produced some Al Cass oil and charged me $8.81 for the two ounce bottle. Gave me a receipt but no "Thank you" for my purchase. I wont go there again.
In contrast, I enjoyed my trip to Ifshin's Violins, a high class strings shop where I went to get some stuff for my viola; i.e., shoulder rest with extra long screw; D'Addario dark rosin; hard rubber practice mute. $39.58 with a warm "Thank you for your purchase". Since I am a thirty years' customer they even added, "Good to see you again!" Needless to say, they will continue to be my pleasant and preferred destination when I need all things string-related.
Ace
I needed piston valve oil and went to my regular store here in Berkeley CA. When I arrived, the place was shuttered. Gone out of business. I went down the avenue about two miles and found another music store which had changed hands, now being called "Rockin' Robbie's". That should have been my signal. When I walked in, the place was filled with guitars and surly customers. The rock star people on duty did not greet me. When I spoke up, they asked what was "piston oil". One rocker guy about 70 years old walked over to a dusty shelf and produced some Al Cass oil and charged me $8.81 for the two ounce bottle. Gave me a receipt but no "Thank you" for my purchase. I wont go there again.
In contrast, I enjoyed my trip to Ifshin's Violins, a high class strings shop where I went to get some stuff for my viola; i.e., shoulder rest with extra long screw; D'Addario dark rosin; hard rubber practice mute. $39.58 with a warm "Thank you for your purchase". Since I am a thirty years' customer they even added, "Good to see you again!" Needless to say, they will continue to be my pleasant and preferred destination when I need all things string-related.
Ace