[quote]These gentlemen have been represented as curmudgeons and gobsh1tes. I think they're just bored.[/quote]
You'd be amazed at how common this affliction is, especially amongst the larger music stores - I wonder if it's somehow linked to the "don't play with the stock" policy so many seem to have? I remember my student days at Toys 'R' Us - all those lightsabers, and not a single Jedi to fight with! Kudos to the kid who eventually took me up on the offer
The quote about, to paraphrase, no business ever winning an argument with a customer is spot on. In retail you will live and die by your customer service, and the ability to generate and maintain that business - it doesn't take a genius to note that the value chain is largely dependent on you selling something!
Which is why this is so disappointing. I would be inclined to aim Bass Cellar at this thread. Someone there needs to see it.
I've worked in customer experience for a number of years, for a large insurance firm - and you will have instances where the experience doesn't work, for one reason or another; but you cannot tolerate people looking to sabotage the process. Whether he's bored, hates the company, stressed at home, or whatever.
If he turns out to own the place, more fool him. This is your brand value - see what it's worth!