Bass Direct

[Jah Wibble]

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1377896304' post='2193469']


Yes, but my being right or wrong in your case is not the point. It's about the statistical value of a customer who asks to price match.
My point is to try and present one of the alternative ways of looking at these things - one that might be able to explain where he may come from.




I certainly did not try to express that you don't know what people can be like as a result of your not owning a shop. However, I fear I've already repeated myself too much, so I won't try to express again what I think I've already expressed.

This thread, btw, is about what we write in it.
Some customers complained. I tried to present a possible explanation of one of the cases, as well as an alternative way of looking at it.
You seem to not accept that way of looking, which is your perogative.
[/quote]

Man, you've got to be able to see, you can't do that to people and expect a positive response??
Really??

Edited August 30, 2013 by Jah Wibble

[risingson]

Only had one experience with him over the phone regarding a question about some TC gear he had in. Couldn't have been more enthusiastic, really helpful, seemed like he wanted to talk about TC stuff forever. Lovely guy, although the store is way too far away from me to drop in at the drop of a hat and I'm yet to meet the man in person.

[Jah Wibble]

You know what. This is ludicrous.
Spend your money wherever you want, I'm not gonna argue about whether someone's acted like a di*k when I spoke to them or not.

Edited August 30, 2013 by Jah Wibble

[Mr Bassman]

A couple of years ago I had serious gas for a Phil Jones Super Flightcase so I rang Bass Direct to enquire about one. I stated that I played double bass and wanted the upwards firing speakers so I could hear myself in the upper register. The other criteria was a lightweight combo. I was told that the PJB wasn't what I needed but to get a Bergantino 12!
I wouldn't waste another phone call on them.

[Zodiak]

Again, I'm sure if Mark ever reads this, his side of the argument would be that he helped me more than enough and did what he had to. And that's fair, I guess. The problem, though, is that as someone who does sales (he may be a bass enthusiast who just happens to own a shop, but nonetheless), he has to know a bit about people and psychology. If what I did was write long letters with many questions (be it reasonable or not), and if he did want to sell something, all he had to do for someone like me was take just 7 minutes out of his busy schedule and write a proper detailed response, even if in his opinion that would have been too much or outright bollocks. But that's what you do.

It's easy to give the impression that you're nice and helpful when the issues are minute, just as it's easy for me at work to be polite when there's simply a "Yes/No" answer. The real test of character, though, is when there's a tough issue, or a... person who doesn't quite understand stuff or is being slow, that's when you have to have patience and spell it all out. Most of the stuff I have to explain is already written on our website and the rest can be deduced easily with a bit of thinking. Furthermore, I'm not even in the service sector per se so I don't HAVE to explain anything or be nice. Yet I do, because is there any other way? And I apologise if expecting the same from a shop doing online sales of expensive gear is too much. It's easy to be nice with something like: "Hey Mark, what's up, I want this bass, can you send me the invoice?" or "Hey Mark, do you have La Bella flatwounds blah-blah-blah? You do? Cool, send me two packs". It's a lot harder when there's a stupid guy like me poking around and asking many questions, wanting to buy a brand you don't like (yes, I think he has a strong preference for the less well-known custom brands and it shows, the problem, though, is that I won't be able to sell it as easily in my country as a good custom shop Fender, if such need ever arises).

Anyway, in the end, I trust the majority in that he's a great guy and knows his stuff, has a great shop with really high-end stuff, and 99% of the feedback he gets is positive. Whatever I say doesn't matter one bit. But it's situations like these that show the true nature of someone. Of course it's pleasing to deal with someone you, let's say, get along with and are on the same page. But that doesn't always happen.

As for the pickups, again, I didn't see the need to bring this up because: a) I was swapping them anyway Didn't want to go deeper on this. It would have been way too much hassle for nothing, even if Mark would have agreed to... I don't know what, compensate, fix or whatever. Something tells me he would have asked to see the bass first, given his initial lack of trust in me. Furthermore, it's a second-hand bass which entails all sorts of dodgy conditions (legal, sales, warranty etc.). I never even bothered to ask about this, that would clearly have been too much :-)

The problem wasn't the pickups anyway. Who cares. The problem was that I have specifically asked about the bass, I have asked to check the bass, to set it up a certain way, to at least hold it on my behalf longer than five seconds and tell me something about it. Ok, he seems to hate Fenders and Music Mans and couldn't care less about them, but I wanted one for various reasons. The pickup issue simply illustrates that he never cared enough to double check it FOR ME before selling it, even though I asked, numerous times. By the way, I may come off as a jerk here, but I was VERY polite, VERY considerate and spent a looong time trying to get something out of him.

[rk7]

I think Mark is a good guy. I'll still shop at BassDirect.

I don't think this kind of thread is the best use of Basschat.

Off to find a positive thread now.

bye

RK

[Machines]

Hard for me to comment without bias as I've known Mark since BassDirect was running from an old lockup on a farm, but he's always been very attentive and patient with me. His business has grown exponentially since then and he may not always have the time to provide a personal service everytime . I've spent about £1500 in 5 years but only in a couple of transactions, but I know when I do want to spend big I'll be going to him.

[timmo]

First impressions are always important. I can see why people are put off if they have a bad experience. I sort of know why people could get the wrong impression with him though. When he was telling me about his stock and got to Roscoes, I said I would like one but too expensive for me, he did say that it was cheap, and he looked as if i was wasting his time as I didn`t have that kind of money. I guess he has a lot of people just trying out his basses and walking out and buying from the internet.However, I knew which basses I wanted to try so I told him , and he was very helpful after that. £1200 is a lot of money for me to be spending on a bass when I am only learning. I know he isn't a charity, but I think specialised shops should be supported as much as possible as there are not many, and would be a shame to lose them. But I can also respect people for going elsewhere if they have had a bad experience

[seashell]

Good post, timmo. Glad you had a good experience.

[Grand Wazoo]

Please guys hear me out. I stand on the fence here because I happen to know Mark and the way he works. I also know Alex from the Bass Gallery quite a bit back from the days when he worked at the Bass Centre. Both of them get a lot of stick on this forum from time to time, I suppose they might also get it in other forums but I only read this one so I am not aware.

Alex usually gets a bad rap because he looks like he has the constant hump and that maybe people are put off by that without getting to know him, before making judgement.

I declare that if you forget internet troll talk, and you get to know them, both of these guys are great dudes but don't forget that they are exposed to a lot of tire kickers, people who just call for a quote, and ending up buying online from Thomann or other competitors, or from those pain in the ass kids that walk in the shop pick up a £2'000 bass and slap notes at 220bpm day in day out. leaving marks all over it. I couldn't deal with retail, if I worked in a bass shop I would be sacked on the first day, because I know that I would end up headbutting Slap Joe 40 seconds into his rendition of Country Music by Stuart Hamm. Seriously.

Now there is a difference between Mark Stickley and Alex Carter, Alex is an employee of the Bass Gallery, whereas Mark is the owner as well as the seller, in his own shop. Alex at the end of his shift would leave the store having earned the same wage, regardless of how many he sold, whereas Mark has to worry about rent and rates, insurance, stock level, customer orders and all that comes with owning that type of business. Put yourself in his shoes first and then try to sum him up. For what I know there are 100s of people who speak highly of him, myself included, but it is obvious he can't please them all, and if any of you has had a bad experience with him, I think its down to bad luck but I can assure you that I agree with all the positive comments about Bass Direct and I am prone to ignore the negative ones because I tend to look at the wider picture rather than listen to the few who didn't get on with their experience with Mark.

[timmo]

[quote name='rk7' timestamp='1377930997' post='2193656']
I think Mark is a good guy. I'll still shop at BassDirect.

I don't think this kind of thread is the best use of Basschat.

Off to find a positive thread now.

bye

RK
[/quote]I think this is a positive thread. If you look at Tripadvisor and see 50 excellent stars down to 2 terrible, you would look at the negatives and think they are unlucky and go with the positives which would probably give Bass Direct 4 and a half stars. I think that is very positive as most people would go there. It is the same here, I look at the negatives, weigh it up, think they have been unlucky, and use the shop as the positives outweigh the negatives.

[rk7]

Hmmm.

Can't say I've ever bought bass bits from Tripadvisor, but I'll surely check them out.

In the meantime, its BassDirect for me.

RK

(only kidding, no reply needed)

[BassTractor]

[quote name='Jah Wibble' timestamp='1377903923' post='2193589']
You know what. This is ludicrous.
Spend your money wherever you want, I'm not gonna argue about whether someone's acted like a di*k when I spoke to them or not.
[/quote]

I'm sorry to see your taking it this way. We may have been talking past each other all the time then.

[BassTractor]

[quote name='Jah Wibble' timestamp='1377903240' post='2193579']
Man, you've got to be able to see, you can't do that to people and expect a positive response??
Really??
[/quote]

Must admit I'm not sure whether you refer to Mark's treating you or my treating you.

If it's Mark, then I agree, and have always agreed that his laughing is not to be wished for, and I don't expect you to give him a positive response after having been laughed at.
It's just that, in the case I do get where he's coming from, I do see that laughing can be liberating, and may be the response that saves the day for him.

If it's me, then I'm sorry.
From experience I know that when I try to be precise, and try to put stuff to words in a good way, that I can come across like a dick. I don't mean to, and don't feel like a dick - but then again maybe all dicks don't feel like dicks, and I'm just one of them. I don't know.

[Jah Wibble]

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1377947437' post='2193917']


Must admit I'm not sure whether you refer to Mark's treating you or my treating you.

If it's Mark, then I agree, and have always agreed that his laughing is not to be wished for, and I don't expect you to give him a positive response after having been laughed at.
It's just that, in the case I do get where he's coming from, I do see that laughing can be liberating, and may be the response that saves the day for him.

If it's me, then I'm sorry.
From experience I know that when I try to be precise, and try to put stuff to words in a good way, that I can come across like a dick. I don't mean to, and don't feel like a dick - but then again maybe all dicks don't feel like dicks, and I'm just one of them. I don't know.
[/quote]

Hi

No it wasn't aimed at you, it was aimed at Bass Direct, but thank you for your reply, sorry for any confusion!

[Jah Wibble]

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1377946402' post='2193893']


I'm sorry to see your taking it this way. We may have been talking past each other all the time then.
[/quote]

Think I'm just suffering from forum fatigue. I didn't really partake in an forums before this one and I'm realising its a pretty tedious business. (Not this thread specifically but forums in general)

Edited August 31, 2013 by Jah Wibble

[seashell]

[quote name='Jah Wibble' timestamp='1377948418' post='2193940']


Think I'm just suffering from forum fatigue. I didn't really partake in an forums before this one and I'm realising its a pretty tedious business. (Not this thread specifically but forums in general)
[/quote]

Just take a bit of a break and have a cuppa, Jah.
Don't leave us completely, we're mostly quite nice.

I know what you mean though, sometimes you can feel like you're walking on eggshells in order to come across the way you want to.

I'd say it's worth sticking around. Just ignore topics that give you grief.

[Jah Wibble]

[quote name='seashell' timestamp='1377950677' post='2193977']


Just take a bit of a break and have a cuppa, Jah.
Don't leave us completely, we're mostly quite nice.

I know what you mean though, sometimes you can feel like you're walking on eggshells in order to come across the way you want to.

I'd say it's worth sticking around. Just ignore topics that give you grief.
[/quote]

Jah Bless

[Raggy]

[quote name='Machines' timestamp='1377935102' post='2193693']
Hard for me to comment without bias as I've known Mark since BassDirect was running from an old lockup on a farm, but he's always been very attentive and patient with me. His business has grown exponentially since then and he may not always have the time to provide a personal service everytime . I've spent about £1500 in 5 years but only in a couple of transactions, but I know when I do want to spend big I'll be going to him.
[/quote]

Same here, I have never had anything but great service from Mark, it's a hour and a half trip for me to get there, If im the only one there I get his full attention, if others are there I'm more than happy to wait.

I have noticed if you ask a question you don't usually get the one liner you do in other music shops, you get a full conversation from someone who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It's quite refreshing.

[BassTractor]

[quote name='Jah Wibble' timestamp='1377947729' post='2193924']
sorry for any confusion!
[/quote]

No problem, mate. I may be at least as guilty as you. Happily, this stuff is easily found out about.
I understand forum fatigue. It's human, and it's all good. (Then again, I'm on webfora way too much, inbetween work tasks, so I could remedy it by just working with my bizniz a bit more.)


[quote name='Raggy' timestamp='1377957109' post='2194070']
I have noticed if you ask a question you don't usually get the one liner you do in other music shops, you get a full conversation from someone who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It's quite refreshing.
[/quote]

Hahaha! He IS quite like me then, as assumed. Teachin' 'n' preachin'.
It might even be that he too would earn on having some staff to administer his time with customers. Here, we work like that, and it takes away a lot of stress and annoyance for both parties. It also guarantees that every customer gets his coffee and all the standard answers before being channeled to the second line - either before or after a trial run with the gear, depending on needs and circumstances.

Edited August 31, 2013 by BassTractor

[4000]

[quote name='Mr Bassman' timestamp='1377904398' post='2193591']
A couple of years ago I had serious gas for a Phil Jones Super Flightcase so I rang Bass Direct to enquire about one. I stated that I played double bass and wanted the upwards firing speakers so I could hear myself in the upper register. The other criteria was a lightweight combo. I was told that the PJB wasn't what I needed but to get a Bergantino 12!
I wouldn't waste another phone call on them.
[/quote]

My first experience with him was when I enquired about a W&T custom build. I said I wanted a Zoid 4 with 16.5mm spacing. He told me I didn't, I wanted a 5 with 18mm spacing 'cause that's what everyone plays these days. I told him I wasn't everybody, I've been playing over 30 years and know what I want. I didn't order. I later had a similar experience regarding something else. A friend who went to try some kit was told his Stingray (his main, although not only, bass) was outdated. He still bought the amps but was less than enthusiastic about the experience.

I wouldn't completely write off buying from there but it'd have to be a very nice bit of gear before I'd consider it. Give me the Gallery anyday.

[maldy]

I had a very lengthy ongoing email conversation with Mark before purchasing a classic stingray from him. I could have been perceived as a time waster, but every step of the way he answer all my questions and was very helpful.

I must admit when I first spoke to him (before emailing) he kind of scared me! He was a bit unimpressed about me buying a stingray! And when I asked him what it sounded liked (I live hours from his shop), he replied, 'like a stingray'! I see what people mean about asking the wrong question now!! I was kind of interested how it compared to other stingrays, but I came across as asking a dull question! To be fair he told me how it was and that stingrays were not his thing. I kind of liked this honesty, even though it is contrary to the usual sycophantic sales assistant. It threw me to be honest. But then he was superb with everything else that followed. And I was totally pleased in the end.

I get the impression I would have really enjoyed a visit to his shop. I think he would have been intersting to talk to in person.

[martin8708]

I was in the market for a new cab to compete with a two ( loud ) guitarist's band as the Markbass cabs were wiped out by the Marshall's and Mesa Boogies .

I did phone Mark a few times with some enquiries about some cabs , all questions were answered in direct ,matter -of - fact manner which is fine by me , as I'd rather someone cut out the bullsh#t and cut to the chase .
I did make the journey to the shop which is a good few miles and a very expensive ferry journey for me , Mark set me up with a few different cabs ( took my own bass + amp ) and left me to twiddle around while he went to his office to probably answer the mass of e-mails that had built up over the week- end .
Mark then came out , taught me how to set-up my Markbass EQ, did not laugh at my bad playing and managed a wry smile at at me using a Fender P - bass as my main bass .
BUT - he did sell me a cab which was a killer cab that absolutely slayed the guitarists , we also chatted about the Isle of Wight and Mark seemed to appreciate the effort I made to visit his establishment.

I would rather have expertise and knowledge than plastic smiles and shiny Armani suits ( and I deal with those sorts of t*ssers on a regular basis ) , so I will happily use Bassdirect with no hesitation at all.

[Zodiak]

Well, I guess it's just harder for beginners to get through to him, if you know what I mean. Which is fine, since his area of expertise is high end gear anyway. Don't get me wrong, I didn't and still don't want to bad mouth BassDirect. But I still feel I'm not being unreasonable in what I have previously stated. For instance, Mark's cold attitude towards Fenders and MMs manifested in a (one-liner...) response to my question about the characteristics of the basses I was looking at: "You know, there are other basses than Fenders and Stingrays out there". And that's it! Fine, I mean, the man knows his stuff better than I do, so I should trust that there are other basses. But which? You see my point here, I did ask (many times) for recommendations and he did go far enough to say something like this, but stopped right there. He didn't say "...there are other basses... Have a look at a beautiful Mike Lull TC4 we have in stock, it seems to fit the kind of instrument you're looking for" (by the way, had he actually said that, I would have seriously considered that very bass, even though I probably wouldn't be able to sell it as easily if need be). You see, that's all I ever wanted, essentially. I was honest and open right from the get go that I knew very little compared to him, I wasn't arrogant and didn't try to hide my lack of knowledge. Besides, it's more than fine to have strong personal preferences and opinions about basses, which Mark does, but for a knowledgeble person it should still be easy to say whether a given guitar, favourite brand or not, is a good guitar or isn't one. I might hate many things, but I can still tell quality from lack thereof. I guess all his basses are quality, though, since that's kind of the point :-)

P.S. Ironically, I am, at this very moment, looking at some stuff I'll be ordering from him. As I said, the shop is great and everything, in the end, is done in a highly professional manner. The rest is, or rather should be, just the icing on the cake anyway.

Edited August 31, 2013 by Zodiak

[molan]

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' timestamp='1377939356' post='2193745']

Alex usually gets a bad rap because he looks like he has the constant hump and that maybe people are put off by that without getting to know him, before making judgement.

[/quote]

Alex has always been really friendly and helpful with me - always gives me a smile when I pop in (which is a lot less these days as I no longer work in London).

The thing I really like is that he's never tried to really 'sell' to me. He's listened to what I'm looking for and recommended things that he thinks would work for me

I think he's only there 2-3 days a week now. Not sure how Martin will replace him when he completes the 'knowledge' if he takes up cabbing full time