Flute Shop Etiquette

[flutego12]

Can my learned moderators/ friends share your thoughts. What is the prevailing etiquette when visiting a Flute Shop - to do the right thing and balance the fine line between browsing/ trialling (to educate oneself what's available) without being pressured to make a decision each time plus being followed up sstraightafter.

We have two great specialist Flute Shops here in my city. And I truly appreciate their presence.

One of them I've visited and was blessed enough to meet the extremely knowledgeable and pleasure to deal with proprietor who personally attended to me for over an hour or so. A thoroughly educational enriching experience. But then he also had an assistant - not as knowledgeable but an instinctive "closer". I was unable to make a decision on that ocassion as I was a newbie and it was my first browse.

In the upshot, what i've found in my dealings (subsequently with assistant) was that there is always inevitably a gentle or not so gentle nudge toward a decision.

To me when I browse at at Flute Shop, I'd like the liberty of taking my time to try/ educate myself before even getting to a point of deciding for future upgrade.

Is it acceptable to walk in and test trial various headjoints (I am aware there is a lot of polishing afterwards) without buying yet - where is the fine line between the freedom to walk in to try out new parts, for the possiblilty of a future upgrade without being pressure always to make a decision?

Why do I feel bad when I do not buy? I admit I do feel the pressure. However I've also spoken to a uni student who've had very LT relationship with the establishment and she is allowed to try them without obviously being hassled to buy anything.

Because of this I have avoided going back altogether. And there is also this other thing...I used to be registered on their website and had on one occassion been able to access their Instrument Listing including special prices. However that was the only time I got in, the next time I found I was blocked. Im not engaged in any competitive behaviour nor posed any threat to their business. Bit of a slap in the face, that was.

[pied_piper]

I would say take the time you need and don't feel bad if you are not ready to decide. Yes, the shops are in business to sell flutes, etc., but there are also there to provide a service and assist (not force) the buyer to make the right choice. Now obviously, the shops don't want someone to waste their time, but if you are a serious shopper, they should help guide you and allow you time to feel that you are making the right choice.

When I upgraded from an intermediate flute to a pro model, I made the decision in one day. However, years later, when I wanted a different headjoint, I went shopping and tried literally dozens of headjoints. By the end of that day, I had eliminated a number of headjoints, but was not yet ready to make a choice. Several months later, I got 4 headjoints that I liked and took them home for a one-week trial. At the end of the trial, I decided to buy one of them. Throughout the process, the store and personnel that I dealt with were eager to help, but not pushy.

So, bottom line - If you are seriously looking, don't feel bad about taking their time and don't allow them to press you into a quick (and possibly wrong decision) - they should be focused on helping you, not selling you. However, if you are taking a while to try to make a decision, don't be upset if they go and help someone else. There has to be give and take from both the seller and the buyer.

[flutego12]

I would say take the time you need and don't feel bad if you are not ready to decide. Yes, the shops are in business to sell flutes, etc., but there are also there to provide a service and assist (not force) the buyer to make the right choice. Now obviously, the shops don't want someone to waste their time, but if you are a serious shopper, they should help guide you and allow you time to feel that you are making the right choice.

When I upgraded from an intermediate flute to a pro model, I made the decision in one day. However, years later, when I wanted a different headjoint, I went shopping and tried literally dozens of headjoints. By the end of that day, I had eliminated a number of headjoints, but was not yet ready to make a choice. Several months later, I got 4 headjoints that I liked and took them home for a one-week trial. At the end of the trial, I decided to buy one of them. Throughout the process, the store and personnel that I dealt with were eager to help, but not pushy.

So, bottom line - If you are seriously looking, don't feel bad about taking their time and don't allow them to press you into a quick (and possibly wrong decision) - they should be focused on helping you, not selling you. However, if you are taking a while to try to make a decision, don't be upset if they go and help someone else. There has to be give and take from both the seller and the buyer.

That's good to hear. I agree. The last time I was there I had total attention and there was no one around. The proprietor was great, love their shop, but the sales guy was a natural "closer" and can't help himself - doing his job I guess. I've found myself blocked from their website as well where registered users get to see special sale prices. I do stand guilty of the occassional GAS attack (gear acquisition syndrome). Simply love the flute!