Comments on: Would you work at Guitar Center?

By: Nanderson

Nanderson — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:03:33 +0000

Poster BN says “GC is what you make of it.” That’s a pretty bland statement. If GC is what you make of it, what isn’t what you make of it? Everything is what you make of it. My experience working at GC was that the manager of our store had no problem being an evil person toward the employees. He was a human bag of dirt. After I left this person was promoted to the next level of management. He was award for acting like a Nazi. GC is pure evil. If you can’t see that, you’re blind.

By: Arch K

Arch K — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:48:06 +0000

You know, I applied to work at GC, having been a musician my whole life I figured it would be fun. I was told to take the online test. I didn’t pass, strangely enough. I applied for their financing card, and was turned down cuz I guess I didn’t make enough for them. They are a corporate pariah, existing only to make money off musicians, yet they don’t really cater to the regular musician-on-the-street. I’m not giving them my business ever again.

By: BN

BN — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:05:10 +0000

i have worked ofr G.C. for about 6 years and i have seen alot of things. Many things were different before we were sold to Bain capitol almost a year ago i guess. But working for G.C. is whatever you make it. all of the people complaining about not making money at G.C. either dont have the knowledge of the gear to earn the clientel or just dont have the motivation to earn a paycheck from selling instruments to people. Its not the perfect job, its not easy, you dont get paid more than you rightfully earn, you dont get to show up late and leave early and there is a ton expected out of you. But it is whatever you make it. I disagree with G.C. on many many things now like our discount management policy, our warranty policy and a few other things but it is still better than working behind a desk welling insurance or something boring that you dont enjoy. Honestly all i do everyday is open guitars, arrange some boxes, print price tags, and talk about guitars and amps. Its not always easy but its not bad. Yes, working at guitar center is not for everyone but for those that are willing to make it work it can be great. Ive been there for 6 years and i hate it alot of days but on my worst day, i have to open a few guitars or listen to some suit ask why im not selling enough warranties. So what! What do you do for a living

By: Steve Swantek

Steve Swantek — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:35:12 +0000

Guitar Center is a cult. Period. Look up the hallmarks of a ‘cult’ in Webster’s Dictionary, then compare that to your experience as a GC employee – it’s astonishing, really. They invite you in, gushing with praise, and stories of how great GC is; then try to break you down and rebuild you in their image. They have their own ‘jargon;’ and you can’t accept as much as a free t-shirt from a vendor, without having to get a store manager to approve. They refer to themselves as being part of the ‘music industry’, which is disengenuous at best – it’s ‘auto parts’ as opposed to ‘auto racing.’ Beware…

By: Rob Robertson

Rob Robertson — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:37:52 +0000

You can always go work for Sweetwater. 20% gross commision, 13-week intensive training, equipment at COST! New facility with mall, restaurant, free arcade, free virtual golf, free video rentals, free gym, concierge service, huge theater. Yes, you still have to work your tail off, but beets GC.

By: Jimi Zappa

Jimi Zappa — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:29:27 +0000

I work at gc right now I have been there for almost an entire year where I have been nothing but lied to. I have been number one in my store for a long time and I still don’t make any real money. I have a family and I left a job that paid well to go to gc which did nothing but blow my life savings and leave me filing for government aide. My store manager has offered me an assistant manager job that I am unable to take until I “Get my Finance together Bro” because they have strict credit standards for management. You can’t take a job if you have bad credit, which in my case has been a bi-product of working for these jerks. I also scoff at the idea of an employee discount that is impossible to use when you make no money. I hate this place and I hope to open another retail chain that makes it’s money making fun of that shit hole. If you are thinking about working there don’t if you just started quit I am probably going to take any position anywhere just to get out.

By: Oliver Chesler

Oliver Chesler — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:56:59 +0000

Thanks for the reply mrcxxi. As a quick update. Dan who I interviewed above still works there and really loves it. He’s also purchased a boat load of equipment!

By: mrcvxxi

mrcvxxi — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:16:18 +0000

I’ve worked for GC for 10 months. I agree, it does get a bad rap sometimes and yes inventory can be a issue… that said, if you can tough it through the first 30 days of outsider initiation, the discounts are great and after 3 months you are eligible for GAIN membership which can help you get phenomenal deals (although, with the base pay, you may or may not be able to utilize either). I’ve gotten tons of great advice on production and gear. I’ve also been able to return the favor on several occasions. depending on the crew your working with, GC can be a very rewarding job with good opportunities. It’s definitely not the best paying job I’ve ever had but it has greatly impacted my life in a short period of time. I can’t lie, there are days where I seriously think about grabbing the classifieds but for the most part it has been a job that I don’t dread getting ready and sometimes look forward to in the morning. In my experience, this is something that is very hard to find.

By: Audiogeek

Audiogeek — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:01:36 +0000

I worked in a GC store for just over a month. It was my third music store job, and by far, the WORST job I’ve ever had. There was NO sales training, and if you asked a question, you were treated like a complete idiot. I heard the phrase “fired” used about 50 times a day. The inventory was completely a mess. If the system said we had 2 of a certain item in stock, it was about a 50% chance we even had one. After 2 weeks, I knew I had to get the hell out of there.

By: Oliver Chesler

Oliver Chesler — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:43:07 +0000

Hi T. Thanks for your comment. I agree with what you say. Sales- commision jobs are what you make of them. My mother sells plumbing supplies. Sounds lame maybe right? Well she sells them in a nice showroom in Westchester to rich people and she makes over six figures a year. In fact she is the leading sales woman in the North East. She absolutely loves her job. So go figure! As an update my friend who is interviewed above is still enjoying his time at GC.