Musical Instruments

[izo79]

So I went in toady to pick some music sheets at the store in Muncie, IN. which of course they did not have a single one. That was okay I didn’t expect them to have exactly what I wanted at the store, but the thing that really bothered me was that had very few supplies at all in the store. For instance there were about two to three guitar string packs, which for the price was okay, but because of the limited supply of things they did not have what I use of course.  Then the music software in store was like one thing for guitar, and a few things for piano. Also, there were starter packs of guitar, piano, and some other type cheap instrument.  Which is okay, but I could not even try them out which is sad because they were in boxes. I mean even the local music store lets you try out the cheap instruments. That is part of the experience, but that was taken away from you. I mean you can play an xbox, but you can not try out the instruments.  I also noticed that usually when you are in a different department of the store the sales people well stalk you to see if you need any help, but as soon as you step foot in the instrument department it is a ghost town. I think I was there for maybe twenty five minutes glancing over how barren the selection was, and one other customer passed over that section because there was some other type of electronic opposite of shelf which had the musical instruments. I really doubt that they had noticed there were guitars in boxes on the other side of them.  I just think that you guys are missing out on a good opportunity here in Muncie, In. There is a college in town which is Ball State University that has a big music program, and there are at least two place that sell musical instruments. Also, those stores plus one other place, and even some students teach music out here. I really believe if you were to take away the instruments tomorrow maybe five people would notice at all that they were missing from the store, and others would not even believe that there were instruments for sale at all in your store.

[CrystalWoW Community Veteran]

Does your location actually have a musical instruments big separate section, or does it just have the little section of just a couple things? Usually the actual musical instrument ones have a separate area that has drums and things set up. Not all locations have it. It is something that is branching out to more and more best buy's though.

[izo79]

No, it has a very small section if you can even call it a section. You can find more at the local pawn shop than at this store.

[CrystalWoW Community Veteran]

Yeah sounds like yours doesn't have it. Use this link to find the closest store that does: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Audio/Musical-Instruments/abcat0207000.c?id=abcat0207000

[izo79]

If I were to go any which I can't because I can not afford the gas because I'm a college student I would go to some where like Guitar Center, or Sam Ash. My point was that they put a little bit of time in to this section which is sad because there is a bigger music scene here then they realize. For example there is an annual Rock and Roll summer camp, and there some real musicians here. For example the Ataris that did the cover of the Eagles’ Boys of Summer back in the 90’s  live here. I even take lessons from a guy that has the same manger as Metallica, and that has also been the guitar tech for Alice in Chains back in the day.

[Kyle-BBY Retired: Senior Social Media Specialist]

Yeah, izo79, what Crystallee is saying is that you might not actually have a Musical Instrument department in your local store; just a section with a few entry level instruments.  Only some select stores actually carry the professional level gear in a separate, clearly noted section.  If you are ever in the area of one of those stores, I would recommend checking them out because we do carry a lot of the great gear that you might find in the other instrument retailers you mentioned.

[izo79]

Well the nearest place is out of state so that’s not feasible. Even if you guys just have entry level instruments people should still be able to test them out.  Even though the there is a small section of instruments at my store the section could be better than what it is right now. There are a lot of potential customers here in Indiana that your company has just passed over. As I have stated before is just sad.

[Kyle-BBY Retired: Senior Social Media Specialist]

Well, we do appreciate you letting us know how you feel about the selection there and I will directly pass your feedback along to the Store Manager at that Muncie location so they can be aware of it as well.  Thank you for expressing your interest.  Who knows, you may be the spark that gets more musical instruments in your area!

[izo79]

Well, I hope so.  Anyways on to another subject this one is about your website. Why would you guys have Instruments under two separate tabs the Audio, and the Movies/Music? Why wouldn’t instruments have their own tab which then could list things like guitars, basses, keyboards, and accessories? Another things as well there are some items that are scattered around in the wrong places such  as the Wow Wee- paper Jamz Series Series II Style 5 Guitar that is under the Electric Guitar Amps section under page 5, and then you have the VocoPro- Semi-Pro Karaoke System under the Effects tab page 1 when it should be under the Karaoke section. It is like the attention to detail is just off in this department.  Also, your company really doesn’t advertise the instrument section on the front of your website at all. I mean good gravy guys. Plus you guys could do lots more with this section as a whole such as holding Rock and Roll camp which even the one that is held here kids pay two hundred dollars to sign up. Then you guys could also do a national drum off, or something. I mean common why open up a new section, and not put your full weight behind it?

[Kyle-BBY Retired: Senior Social Media Specialist]

For the BestBuy.com product locations and links, I'm not sure what the thought process was behind them but our Web Designers and Site Managers do consider all kinds of factors when implementing them such as how visitors click through the site and where they come from.  Thanks for calling out some of your concerns in detail for us though.

Also, the Rock and Roll camp is a great idea, and, as our Musical Instruments market evolves that may certainly be a possibility.  Especially given that so much of our community involvement is focused on teenagers.