I agree with all of these, especially the last one about people not pushing them back. I hate when I walk into my local record stores and people leave the records pushed forward!
It's also very annoying when the store clerk doesn't know what the store is even selling. I've been to some stores where albums are not alphabetized and categories are extremely broad like "rock", "jazz" and when I ask for a more specific genre they just don't know and tell me to flip through hundreds of random rock cds just to end up not finding anything from the genre I'm looking for.
I dont know your age but scanning your comment you seem at least 30 plus of age. You had something to say that was interesting to read. Point is remember back in the days 80s 90s you go to any store,music,tools and they were masters at what they were selling. They knew it all and music store specially instruments retail all salesmen were very good on at least one instrument. Nowadays most dont even play any. Not blaming the young generation but employers that dont pay so they get the eeuh eeh? type of employees.
@@stevedamien638 I'm 19 actually, so I haven't had that many years of experience to see any change. For me it's not even that they don't know or like music, they just don't know their stock. Sometimes I ask them about certain bands or if they have anything simmilar to them and they are like "oh yeah great stuff, maybe I have them or maybe not", and I have to browse through hundreds of unalphabetized records just to end up not finding anything. Don't get me wrong, sometimes the process of digging through random records can be fun, especially if you end up finding something interesting. Usually though, I don't feel like doing so and would much rather know roughly what the store has to offer.
I worked in a Sam Goody from 1994 to 2003 and we used to open albums play them, and we shrink wrap them all the time they had these bags that we would put them in.
When buying used, it’s buyer beware. I don’t care about album sleeve damage. I buy for the music. I’ve bought hard to find used vinyl with cut outs, names hand written on, labels stuck on and water damage. As long as the vinyl sound is fine, I’m happy.
Wow give me your info bro. You are one in a million i have tons of records from the 80s firsr print that records are mint. But like you mentioned sleeves....yikes. But hey welcome to my world$$
I have a few that drive me crazy: 1. Walking into a store that smells like cigarette smoke.Don't get these as often as you used to when many of the no smoking laws went into effect. Some were so bad that not only was the cigarette smell bad, but the entire store was full of hazy smoke lingering in the air, not to mention multiple ashtrays full of ashes up on the counters around the store. 2. Having the used and new records/CDs all grouped together. Some store do separate new and used, but many don't. 3. Only having sections marked by genre, yet not alphabetized within each genre section. So, you end up having to get through the entire section just to find what you are looking for since they are not alphabetized. Also, some stores not having a "New/Recent Releases" section bugs me. 3. Not keeping their stock in order at the end of the day prior to a new day. Sure, I get that customers will pull out a record or CD and not put them back in the same spot. But it really bugs me when I see a country or hip hop CD in the metal or rock section. LOL 4. Too much clutter in the used record stores. I think you covered that quite well. And some do indeed remind me that hoarders are running the place. 5. As for Walmart, Target and other chain department stores who still carry a limited section of Music CDs and vinyl, it pains me when they advertise limited exclusive editions of a new release that you can only get from that particular chain and then not have them on display on release day, despite saying they are in stock on their website at that location. On numerous occasions at both Walmart and Target, when I wanted to buy one of their exclusive releases on release day and they didn't have it on display yet in the middle of the day or evening, I had to track down an employee to go check in the back for it. Majority of time they were still in the back in the shipping boxes and none of the stock persons did their job of stocking the shelves. There have been a few times, though, that the shipment hadn't come in yet or they only got a couple copies in and were already sold, but didn't update their inventory numbers on the website. Also, many of the workers in the entertainment sections at Walmart and Target are young people (high school or college age) and they smirk when they ask what release you are looking for and from which artist. If it is an artist they do recognize, they usually make a smart ass comment about "Those guy are old." or "Those guys suck." and sometimes will say "Who?" and ask you to spell it for them. Kind of hard to believe some people never heard of Megadeth or Deep Purple before. When I bought both of their most recent releases at Target in the past couple years, blank stares from the employees that were helping me and they never heard of them before. Had a smart ass comment once regarding a Rolling Stones release I was looking for too (Vinyl Exclusive of Hackney Diamonds at Target.) The employee said "Those guys are geezers" and then tried to crack a joke about their ability to still make music. I felt like saying "Keep your opinions to yourself and go get what I'm looking for. You probably don't even know what good music is compared to the processed crap you probably listen to." But, I kept my mouth shut and waited for him to return from the back with my purple exclusive vinyl and immediately went to self-checkout and paid for my purchase and left.
Glad to hear there's someone else who's particular about condition. I hate it when CD jewel cases are cracked. I have a supply of new jewel cases for replacement purposes.
Lots of cds coming from overseas don't wrap the new cds in shrinkwrap at all. Have always kept my collection out of direct sunlight and some of my older (thirty yrs or more) spines are fading a bit. C'est la vie. Edit #1: 6:50 always reminds me of High Fidelity film with John Cusack and Jack Black being snarky working at record store.
I had the worst time with Musicland about 20 years ago. I was looking for a copy of Girls, Girls, Girls on CD, replacing my old cassette finally. They didn't have it in stock so I had them order it and waited about a month before they told me they couldn't get it. That same day, I went to a local department/superstore for another reason, and they had the CD prominently displayed. This is one of the reasons people hate brick and mortar retailers. I know Amazon gets a lot of blowback, but that kind of bullshit never happens when I order with them. They either have it or not. No runaround. Don't waste my time and energy.
Brendon, sometimes i envy you. To still have new record stores to go to is amazing.. Here in Texas most everything is used cds and vinyl. Not saying i havent found great stuff, but I would love to go to a store handling new cds, just for the nostalgia factor. Great video as always, Rock on!
One thing that really drives me crazy at record stores is when in the dollar bins you see CDs that either are missing the CD or the wrong CD is in the jewelbox happens a lot of times at thrift stores how many times have I come home and I didn't even get what I paid for.
Many stores keep their CDs behind the counter because of theft. I have learn to always check the condition of the disc, if the disc is in the case, or it's the right disc. Buying from a thrift store takes more effort to find what you are looking for.
These are all pet peeves of mine as well. Another pet peeve of mine is a disturbing trend I am noticing at record stores now is stores selling used records at collector prices. Look, I understand these are businesses and they need to make money, but you know what? Don’t be a greedy pig about it. These stores buy this used product off of people walking into the store who sell it or they’re buying up collections, but when they do they’re paying next to nothing for the stuff. Something you buy off someone for $5 or less, you shouldn’t be trying to sell it for $40 or $50. I’ve even seen used vinyl being sold for $100 or more. It’s absolutely ridiculous and it’s disgusting business practices. If stores continue to do this; They’re eventually going to drive customers away and without the customers, guess what? You have no business, and don’t go crying to everyone when you have to shut the doors. Another one that bothers me, and this is only happening at one store I go to, they will not special order stuff in for you. If they have it in stock they’ll hold it for you for 2 days and after that they put it back out on the shelf. I’ve also had instances where I order stuff from another store and it either takes forever to arrive or doesn’t arrive at all and when they offer to order the stuff for you it’s like you’re hassling them and they’re doing you a big favour by doing so. Listen, you want my business, great, if not, guess what? I’ll go somewhere else like Amazon where they ship the stuff to my door, or I’ll just stream my music off Spotify. Sorry for the long rant, but you know what? I am a music fan and want to support businesses but I won’t support them if I feel like I am being taken advantage of, the store is trying to rip me off, or I feel the store is not treating its customers right.
True also they dont even bother singling..them out when buying. They give you "bulk" price lol So you are not getting the usual 1$ for a good cd and 2$ for the great stuff the bulk bring it down to dimes and nickels price very often. Im in Canada a second cd mint!!10$ a cd near mint 5$. Thats how i sell cds online as an hobby.
@@stevedamien638 I’m in Canada also and yeah they give you a bulk price which comes to next to nothing which is why I no longer sell CDs to these stores. Those are good prices for used CDs. I’ve seen used CDs priced at $20-$50+. It’s ridiculous.
@@andrewmachado6988 Hi bro, yes true and also you'll notice that they are quick to put the cd in the case without showing it to you and if you look at it too much they give you attitude. Usually they keep the discs behind the counter in slide it/slide out..plastic sleeves?! Nowadays people who buy cds want mint or near mint +. I am in the rain city of Vancouver Audiopile are still fair enough. But Neptoon are bad the owner has been doing it for 40 years and he is sick of it-dealing with public I guess.
This may not be a record store thing, but I got "Hrdwired to Self Destruct" off of EBay from the Goodwill Colorado Springs store. I opened the packaging, and it was shrink-wrapped. I then put it into Discogs, and it's from the Denver show during their world tour for the album in 2017/2018. It's really cool when I found out because it had a dent (possibly from the shrink-wrap), but the discs were clean of scratches. I even bought Speedwagon's "Wheels are Turnin" album, and was super stoked to find that it's from the original issuings of the album. I got it in December, so this year the disc itself will be 40 years old. I'm gonna see how it is 10 years from now, and if I ever make it to 84 in 60 years, I'll want to find out if it'll still work after its 100 years old, since an Audio CD's supposed to last 50-100 years, and finding one that's 10 years from 50 and 60 years from being 100, it would be best to see if it works, even if I die before it turns 100, I'll make sure a kid of mine try it out then. When I first played it, it sounded like it was mastered and released today. The only notion that it's the 1984 issue is the "Made in the USA" around the moulding.
ok Brenden i've watched many of your videos and i just have to ask ...what is that white and silver triangular unit behind you're left shoulder? a lamp ,a speaker an air purifier? you got me guessing .keep up the great work.very informative stuff! thanks
I once went into an indie record store in Detroit. My friends and I were chill. Not being obnoxious, not being needy, not hurting anything or being stupid. Just quietly browsing. The dude was such a snob he purposefully took off a music album and put on a record of industrial sound effects (pipes clanging, factory machines humming, alarms blaring, etc) just to annoy us into leaving. THAT was pathetic.
Damage to cases/discs drives me up the wall too. So many times when browsing used discs at say, Value Village you check the disc and it looks like someone tried to polish it with a mixture of gravel and broken glass. Like...WTF!?! I just can't stand careless people who don't look after things.
I had to ask people in target may be over 100 times to go in the back and pick up new titles for me when Target had CDs on a regular basis. My friend even called headquarters of Target a few times to report them for not having the stuff out on time. I wouldn't go that far but he did.
Hi Brendon -snap with all that lol. I rummage through a lot of charity shops for my records and CD's and they really dont give a shit lol. So - am use to seeing all that you mention. At the end of the day - I guess you have to make your mind up whether you really want the CD or record, despite the issues with it. As far as stickers on the covers go - I use a remover called "un-du", it works really well on the majority of stickers (not all) and doesn't leave any residue or discolouration on the sleeves, or plastic. Cya Doug
This is like your best video. I love your presentation and you help me gain knowledge of rock music. We're definitely not into the same stuff which is what makes the world go round. If you don't see a folded over shrink rap, look for cd-r's. It's a cancer that is ruining the copy like styrene and dynaflex ruined vinyl but to a greater extent. There should be a generous discount if there's sun bleaching, scratches, partial box sets, notches on spin, promo stamps, or crinkled booklets especially from the case being closed and the booklet not being placed properly. If you buy collections this is no doubt a part of it. I can't tell you how many times I've seen expensive Mosaic jazz box sets and the box is gone and so is the 12X12 booklet. How criminal! But instead of being worth $20 a disc; it's worth $5 but allows you the option especially if one of your discs got ruined. My biggest pet peeves are: 1) cd-r's being sold like they are cds including by Universal. 2)Disc is dirty and case has goo on it especially when buying online. It's something as a seller should never happen because a skip means a return and it usually is because of dirt on the underside 3)no organization- literally a Salvation army but on a grander scale. 4)This was more BITD but cut-out bins that are very deep. There's a local store that has cds vertically piled and rows deep with no physical access. 5)Employees following customer around store. 6)Nothing priced yet on the floor! PS: I prefer my copies just a tad tattered. I'm weird like that! Some writing on booklet is okay if rare but their better be a booklet. One guy sold me a rare Rascals box set and didn't disclose that there was no booklet. The next one that I got had a small amount of writing on booklet. I actually do have NY radio play copies from DJ Felix Hernandez and sometimes he highlighted on the back and that to me is precious. Knowing the copy I have was the one I heard on a now defunked radio station brings a tear to my eye. Any DJ copies with markings I find insightful. I'm thinking of paying Sound Exchange a visit as I live in the Hudson Valley, NY and will becoming from the Warwick area. Is there free parking?
Re: damaged covers. As long as they are priced as budget discs like a dollar, I'm fine with that . If the disc itself is playable I buy it, rip it to FLAC at home and put the damaged disk in a drawer or chuck it. Full album for a buck as far as I'm concerned. Re Record store snobs. These places that look down on a favorite genre of mine or don't care or aren't hip to it? Paydirt! They underprice my favorite jams because they don't know about it and I scoop em up. This is how I got so much 80s metal and hard rock records in the 90s for pennies when it was "uncool" to be into 80s metal. Now I see those same records on their walls for 40-100 bucks!
2 things that drive me nuts in a record store. 1. In my record store, used CDs have a yellow sticker on the corner so it's typically $10 or less. It drives me nuts when's not. I've seen CDs for over $20 and they have a yellow sticker. 2. Buying a CD and the disc is cracked or sometimes has the wrong disc. Did nobody check these before putting it on the shelf?
I remember Camalot Records in the 90s here in Florida had everything new out on display on Tuesday mornings and I would get there right before opening. When they turned into FYE in the 2000s, I would get a LOT of blank looks on Friday when I dropped in to get new CDs. Sadly this has to be at least one reason (besides streaming ) that people don't go to corporate record stores anymore.
...another one is where they put records and cd's on shelfs or in bins that are way too low or way too high. You spend the time shopping with a crooked neck or an aching back.
You ever see a store owner clean a record with Windex and a Cloth Diaper? Then grab it with oily fingers? That kinda stuff drives me nuts.. I have no tolerance for a reseal... Ive bought Cds assuming they were new and it has fingerprints all over the disc.. OMGOODNESS!
With physical media sales plummeting, I would imagine the least these stores could do is to make the buying experience as stress-free as possible to have the shrinking consumers NOT abandon your store and the hobby itself. If they can't then their demise is their own doing.
It drives me bananas when I go to a store like you showed in the video where there's no organization whatsoever. They've got crap all over the place and you can barely even walk through the aisles. I once went to a store in Dallas like that and I actually managed to find a couple of albums I liked, but nothing in the store had a price on it! I walked to the counter and the guy looked up the prices and both items were priced 2-3 times what I was expecting. You'd think they'd at least give you some kind of discount for having to weed through so much crap and doing their job for them. I walked out and never returned to that pig sty. I'm usually ok buying used CD's, as long as they're in mostly decent shape, priced accordingly and not trying to pass them off as new at new CD prices.
I love the stores that you describe. Sounds more like a old school thrift store. You may find gold here, because the owners are usually unknowledgeable. And YOU should know the prices. The price is what the customer is willing to pay for it (at a rational view). Use Discogs, and look things up. If they do not agree, and they just overcharge, tell them to f#!k off.
Back in the 70s i donyt think parents wanted there kids going to records stores here marijuana was and still is illegal wed goin in the record stores they also had rock tees ang roll up papapers and bongs but iv alwalays ran into record store people dont know even how to turn on a player even cd or the snobs thats roll there eyes.cause you have so many records great show
Sadly employees that have no clue about the products the store they work for sells is a regular occurrence and not only in record stores. Businesses seem not to care about hiring experienced employees or at least train them a little bit and inform them about the stuff they sell.
I lived in Memphis 8 years ago for 2 years. I had access to Shangri-La and Goner Records. What a joy. Then I moved to Eastern TN (not my choice). I'm not going to mention names, but I just have no incentive to go back to the record store here in Johnson City. If I find a defect in a record while going through the bins that I suspect might not have been discovered on in-take and ask if the price can be adjusted and they won't even budge $1 (and I'm talking to the owner), I'm gone, not to return. I guess they don't understand that I have 4,000 LP's and have been collecting for 45 years. Now, as far as the tape on that Grateful Dead LP. The price should be adjusted accordingly but I don't see a reason why they shouldn't put the LP out for sale if, for example, the vinyl is NM.
Just like being obsessive of having to make comment about it on a random internet video. And that you even admit it drives you nuts. You are not that clever. Maybe you are nuts? 😂
100%. The reissues of Lush CDs almost look like they simply photocopied the original cover in the back office and used that. Also they cropped it so it could fit on one of those smaller square digi wallets. Looks homemade
soi i was in a store flipping through used CD,s. i picked out one when i opened it a familiar smell emanated from it the booklet looked slightly water damaged. when i went to flip through it the pages were stuck together. it wasn't water it was cat pee! i went up front to sanitize my hands and show the clerk. they were good about it and tossed it into the trash...
There is a store that is about an hour away from home. I don't get there often. I enjoy the store because of their selection. They are only open 3 days a week. I went one Saturday after work. The store's posted close time wa 7 pm. I got there at 5:45 and the doors were locked. I could see the clerk counting the register. He just stared at me then ignored me. Hate stores that are not opened their posted hours. Took me a year and a half for me to go back.
All recognisable to me.. So I know exactly how you feel. Also price tags straight unto the recordcovers. Why not on the plastic outer sleeves? Very frustrating and could damage the cover when removing those price tags.
Pushing the CDs or Vinyl back. I hate that I have to push it back because the person before me never does. It's like really it's not that hard to push it back. I always make sure when I'm doing looking. Everything is push back it's not hard. If I see that even in a section I'm not looking at I push them back. It should be a Crime leaving CDs or Vinyl that way.
have you ever been to Wax Trax in Las Vegas? It is the most cluttered store I've ever been in, and is poorly ventilated..it's hard to breathe in there. And when I was there the owner let his dog sit unleashed in the front of the store and the dog nipped at my feet. No price tags on the records either.
I agree on all, some of the things I noticed here in NYC, at one particular is if there is a multiple cd set of something and its missing a disc they still sell it, but with a note that its missing a disc etc.. Having worked in a record store when I was younger for awhile, we only sold new stuff but seeing how some of these places sell used stuff is pretty crazy, scratched up, one place here in NYC sells used vinyl pretty expensive too that looks like it was in a flood, I mean its on the buyer to make that decision obviously but seeing that stuff out for people to buy leaves me with a bad impression of the store. NYC obviously its spacing issues galore, especially now because they also take in everyones used stuff, there are boxes on boxes, many times not much order to it, but in their defense a lot of these indie NYC shops pay $$$ outrageous rents, and if they can even afford a few employees it is rare, to help them keep order, alot of times its the owner and maybe one person in the shop all day working. NYC rents are a whole other issue, and what they endured during COVID many not being able to allow more than three in a store at once which you might as well close them down.
At 12:43, we see a Walmart exclusive record at an independent record store, I don't particularly like when they resell Walmart records, especially higher than Walmart themselves, I have seen this at my local record shop, it's like why? I don''t have a beef with Walmart records, even have bought them, but what is the logic?
In my area we have one used record store and the owner and it’s workers are not helpful and act annoyed you interrupted them playing on their phones. I have to drive 40 min away in 3 different areas to get quality service. I do it because I rather have new products but more importantly I get great service.
There was a store in Manhattan called rainbow music. I thought the Better Business Bureau was gonna shut them down. It was so tight in there too much stuff no easy way to get to any of it.
Speaking about New Releases: Walmart had the Genesis new release When in Rome when that first came out back in 2007/8 can’t remember which year it was but I actually have a Store Employee go and search the back for it. It release day Tuesday back then. That drives me insane yes they have all the “new” Taylor stuff out that’s fine but put it all out for the individual fan who wants to give your store the business even if it is just with tax $10.60 (random number).
I am with you Brandon on your beef about albums being jammed so tight that you can't flip through them. Also the one about putting the music back where it belongs if you change your mind! Both very annoying!!!
I hate when you get a used cd and they use huge price stickers on the case. There are plenty of small labels to be had. Also don't shrink wrap a used item and sell as new....you can pick out a rewrap 9 times out of ten. I do remember release day being Tuesday....I would go early to get my list and the stuff was in the back. If you got the right person sometimes they would get it for you but most of the time you'd have to go back ugh. Brendon I would love to hear your take on the inductees for the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame .
someone on Discogs sold me 2 cds with no jeweled cd cases...only plastic paper thin slip covers...after receiving and looking further I did see they had no cases after looking closely...but who wants to buy cds with no cases...you can't add to your library with these paper thin sleeves...you'll never find them in your library without seeing the spine of the cd
Yeah you touched on something that annoys me as well they pack the records so tight you can't see what's in there and also it can ruin the records why they do that is beyond me
At a particular store I go to sometimes, I’ve seen CDs in paper sleeves bent in the corner. I also have seen CDs put out by a store that had the name of the album being the band name. Like do these people work at a record store and not know that the name of the band is the first name at the side of the album. Plus; I don’t get why with the thousands of albums a store has access to, why does the store clerk decide to play something we heard before? Shouldn’t they try to lure the customers by playing newer or lesser known albums over the PA?
Great episode Brendon. My only real pet peeve is digipacks. I hate , loathe , detest them. Im at the point where I’m boycotting them. I will happily pay more for an English, Japanese or even a South African print of a cd if it’s in a jewel case. Of course my convictions are going to be tested when the new Judas Priest comes out……. Looks like its in a digi 🥵
In a little shop in Stockholm the owner go after you to control thar you dont steal. Like hardrock but dont understand Def Leopard..... No music no life..... ownw
The employees get all the good stuff anyway. Thats why I stopped collecting hot wheels, becuase the employees get to open the box and pick out the good stuff and you have no chance at all of finding a tresure hunt. Its the same with records. cds music equipment etc...
Why should selling used items be against the law? That’s long been an acceptable practice. Plus it’s a great way to get out of print albums and to pay less than what it costs for new. Used is my favorite way to go.
@@BrendonSnyder I was referring to re-sealing used CDs and passing them off as new. I have nothing against buying used as long as I know they're used.
To be fair, some people just work in a particular store as it provides them with a job. Similarly someone working in a fast food place might not necessarily be an avid fan of fast food. Providing they are courteous and can proceed an order, I’m happy enough. There is a particular store where I am that has everything in boxes or behind glass counters. You can’t browse, you have to ask if he has such in such in stock. He has no system other than in his head , so his answer might not reflect too accurately. That does my head in 🤦♂️🤣
With fast food and just specific menu items you don’t need to know anything about food. But with music you have to know who bands are, the genres they’re part of, be able to recommend stuff, and have a pleasant attitude. Music store employees are different than fast food or retail sales jobs.
Agree to disagree, respectfully Ultimately the buyer should know his stuff Retailer just needs to know if it’s in stock etc Maybe I’m missing something here ?
@@Dm-ui1fi You misunderstand or you just want to quarrel for the sake of it. If you go in a music store and ask if they got any new prog rock stuff or any genre? They should know about the most basic bands at least it that genre. If I go to McDonalds and just want a BigMac, it is a BigMac. Not much you need to know. It is not like there is a hundred different BigMacs.
I believe that the “too cool for school” clerks contributed to the downfall of the record store industry. I actually boycotted my favorite store in the 1990’s because one of the clerks was so obnoxious, he’d heckle me when I’d try to buy anything that wasn’t an obscure local band. Even if a particular store didn’t have those type of bozos working there, the reputation was prevalent.
Some people who work at Princeton record exchange I find can be very rude especially those Princeton college kids some of them are very stuck up and they don't want to help you that's the one thing about Princeton record exchange that I don't like
From what I’ve seen The majority of problem is the lack of understanding the importance of what role the personality aka vibe the store projects out to us the music community….. attitude is everything… Be cool…Don’t be a dick… or judgmental….
For me the most common disappointment is when I just bought the most sold album and it sounds like crap. For example this month's album "Wall of eyes" The Smile.
That’s not an issue with the record store that’s poor recording from the artist or poor manufacturing from the label. Whole different issue. Could also just be you don’t like it and need is nothing wrong at all. Better start listening to things before you buy them.
I agree with all of these, especially the last one about people not pushing them back. I hate when I walk into my local record stores and people leave the records pushed forward!
It's also very annoying when the store clerk doesn't know what the store is even selling. I've been to some stores where albums are not alphabetized and categories are extremely broad like "rock", "jazz" and when I ask for a more specific genre they just don't know and tell me to flip through hundreds of random rock cds just to end up not finding anything from the genre I'm looking for.
I dont know your age but scanning your comment you seem at least 30 plus of age.
You had something to say that was interesting to read.
Point is remember back in the days 80s 90s you go to any store,music,tools and they were masters at what they were selling.
They knew it all and music store specially instruments retail all salesmen were very good on at least one instrument.
Nowadays most dont even play any.
Not blaming the young generation but employers that dont pay so they get the eeuh eeh? type of employees.
@@stevedamien638 I'm 19 actually, so I haven't had that many years of experience to see any change. For me it's not even that they don't know or like music, they just don't know their stock. Sometimes I ask them about certain bands or if they have anything simmilar to them and they are like "oh yeah great stuff, maybe I have them or maybe not", and I have to browse through hundreds of unalphabetized records just to end up not finding anything. Don't get me wrong, sometimes the process of digging through random records can be fun, especially if you end up finding something interesting. Usually though, I don't feel like doing so and would much rather know roughly what the store has to offer.
I worked in a Sam Goody from 1994 to 2003 and we used to open albums play them, and we shrink wrap them all the time they had these bags that we would put them in.
Really like that you brought up all these points. Im just amazed at how many simple mistakes retailers make that hurt their own business.
When buying used, it’s buyer beware. I don’t care about album sleeve damage. I buy for the music. I’ve bought hard to find used vinyl with cut outs, names hand written on, labels stuck on and water damage. As long as the vinyl sound is fine, I’m happy.
Wow give me your info bro.
You are one in a million i have tons of records from the 80s firsr print that records are mint.
But like you mentioned sleeves....yikes.
But hey welcome to my world$$
I have a few that drive me crazy:
1. Walking into a store that smells like cigarette smoke.Don't get these as often as you used to when many of the no smoking laws went into effect. Some were so bad that not only was the cigarette smell bad, but the entire store was full of hazy smoke lingering in the air, not to mention multiple ashtrays full of ashes up on the counters around the store.
2. Having the used and new records/CDs all grouped together. Some store do separate new and used, but many don't.
3. Only having sections marked by genre, yet not alphabetized within each genre section. So, you end up having to get through the entire section just to find what you are looking for since they are not alphabetized. Also, some stores not having a "New/Recent Releases" section bugs me.
3. Not keeping their stock in order at the end of the day prior to a new day. Sure, I get that customers will pull out a record or CD and not put them back in the same spot. But it really bugs me when I see a country or hip hop CD in the metal or rock section. LOL
4. Too much clutter in the used record stores. I think you covered that quite well. And some do indeed remind me that hoarders are running the place.
5. As for Walmart, Target and other chain department stores who still carry a limited section of Music CDs and vinyl, it pains me when they advertise limited exclusive editions of a new release that you can only get from that particular chain and then not have them on display on release day, despite saying they are in stock on their website at that location. On numerous occasions at both Walmart and Target, when I wanted to buy one of their exclusive releases on release day and they didn't have it on display yet in the middle of the day or evening, I had to track down an employee to go check in the back for it. Majority of time they were still in the back in the shipping boxes and none of the stock persons did their job of stocking the shelves. There have been a few times, though, that the shipment hadn't come in yet or they only got a couple copies in and were already sold, but didn't update their inventory numbers on the website. Also, many of the workers in the entertainment sections at Walmart and Target are young people (high school or college age) and they smirk when they ask what release you are looking for and from which artist. If it is an artist they do recognize, they usually make a smart ass comment about "Those guy are old." or "Those guys suck." and sometimes will say "Who?" and ask you to spell it for them. Kind of hard to believe some people never heard of Megadeth or Deep Purple before. When I bought both of their most recent releases at Target in the past couple years, blank stares from the employees that were helping me and they never heard of them before. Had a smart ass comment once regarding a Rolling Stones release I was looking for too (Vinyl Exclusive of Hackney Diamonds at Target.) The employee said "Those guys are geezers" and then tried to crack a joke about their ability to still make music. I felt like saying "Keep your opinions to yourself and go get what I'm looking for. You probably don't even know what good music is compared to the processed crap you probably listen to." But, I kept my mouth shut and waited for him to return from the back with my purple exclusive vinyl and immediately went to self-checkout and paid for my purchase and left.
Glad to hear there's someone else who's particular about condition. I hate it when CD jewel cases are cracked. I have a supply of new jewel cases for replacement purposes.
Lots of cds coming from overseas don't wrap the new cds in shrinkwrap at all.
Have always kept my collection out of direct sunlight and some of my older (thirty yrs or more) spines are fading a bit. C'est la vie.
Edit #1: 6:50 always reminds me of High Fidelity film with John Cusack and Jack Black being snarky working at record store.
I appreciate your honesty!!!
I hate it when the store puts their price tags on the sleeve itself.
I hate it when thieves switch tags and bags…
Especially if it's one of those price stickers that's really hard to remove.
I had the worst time with Musicland about 20 years ago. I was looking for a copy of Girls, Girls, Girls on CD, replacing my old cassette finally. They didn't have it in stock so I had them order it and waited about a month before they told me they couldn't get it. That same day, I went to a local department/superstore for another reason, and they had the CD prominently displayed. This is one of the reasons people hate brick and mortar retailers. I know Amazon gets a lot of blowback, but that kind of bullshit never happens when I order with them. They either have it or not. No runaround. Don't waste my time and energy.
Brendon, sometimes i envy you. To still have new record stores to go to is amazing.. Here in Texas most everything is used cds and vinyl. Not saying i havent found great stuff, but I would love to go to a store handling new cds, just for the nostalgia factor. Great video as always, Rock on!
One thing that really drives me crazy at record stores is when in the dollar bins you see CDs that either are missing the CD or the wrong CD is in the jewelbox happens a lot of times at thrift stores how many times have I come home and I didn't even get what I paid for.
Many stores keep their CDs behind the counter because of theft. I have learn to always check the condition of the disc, if the disc is in the case, or it's the right disc. Buying from a thrift store takes more effort to find what you are looking for.
These are all pet peeves of mine as well.
Another pet peeve of mine is a disturbing trend I am noticing at record stores now is stores selling used records at collector prices. Look, I understand these are businesses and they need to make money, but you know what? Don’t be a greedy pig about it. These stores buy this used product off of people walking into the store who sell it or they’re buying up collections, but when they do they’re paying next to nothing for the stuff. Something you buy off someone for $5 or less, you shouldn’t be trying to sell it for $40 or $50. I’ve even seen used vinyl being sold for $100 or more. It’s absolutely ridiculous and it’s disgusting business practices. If stores continue to do this; They’re eventually going to drive customers away and without the customers, guess what? You have no business, and don’t go crying to everyone when you have to shut the doors.
Another one that bothers me, and this is only happening at one store I go to, they will not special order stuff in for you. If they have it in stock they’ll hold it for you for 2 days and after that they put it back out on the shelf. I’ve also had instances where I order stuff from another store and it either takes forever to arrive or doesn’t arrive at all and when they offer to order the stuff for you it’s like you’re hassling them and they’re doing you a big favour by doing so. Listen, you want my business, great, if not, guess what? I’ll go somewhere else like Amazon where they ship the stuff to my door, or I’ll just stream my music off Spotify.
Sorry for the long rant, but you know what? I am a music fan and want to support businesses but I won’t support them if I feel like I am being taken advantage of, the store is trying to rip me off, or I feel the store is not treating its customers right.
True also they dont even bother singling..them out when buying.
They give you "bulk" price lol
So you are not getting the usual 1$ for a good cd and 2$ for the great stuff the bulk bring it down to dimes and nickels price very often.
Im in Canada a second cd mint!!10$ a cd near mint 5$.
Thats how i sell cds online as an hobby.
@@stevedamien638
I’m in Canada also and yeah they give you a bulk price which comes to next to nothing which is why I no longer sell CDs to these stores.
Those are good prices for used CDs. I’ve seen used CDs priced at $20-$50+. It’s ridiculous.
@@andrewmachado6988 Hi bro,
yes true and also you'll notice that they are quick to put the cd in the case without showing it to you and if
you look at it too much they give you attitude.
Usually they keep the discs behind the counter in slide it/slide out..plastic sleeves?!
Nowadays people who buy cds want mint or near mint +.
I am in the rain city of Vancouver Audiopile are still fair enough.
But Neptoon are bad the owner has been doing it for 40 years and he is sick of it-dealing with public I guess.
This may not be a record store thing, but I got "Hrdwired to Self Destruct" off of EBay from the Goodwill Colorado Springs store. I opened the packaging, and it was shrink-wrapped. I then put it into Discogs, and it's from the Denver show during their world tour for the album in 2017/2018. It's really cool when I found out because it had a dent (possibly from the shrink-wrap), but the discs were clean of scratches. I even bought Speedwagon's "Wheels are Turnin" album, and was super stoked to find that it's from the original issuings of the album. I got it in December, so this year the disc itself will be 40 years old. I'm gonna see how it is 10 years from now, and if I ever make it to 84 in 60 years, I'll want to find out if it'll still work after its 100 years old, since an Audio CD's supposed to last 50-100 years, and finding one that's 10 years from 50 and 60 years from being 100, it would be best to see if it works, even if I die before it turns 100, I'll make sure a kid of mine try it out then. When I first played it, it sounded like it was mastered and released today. The only notion that it's the 1984 issue is the "Made in the USA" around the moulding.
ok Brenden i've watched many of your videos and i just have to ask ...what is that white and silver triangular unit behind you're left shoulder? a lamp ,a speaker an air purifier? you got me guessing .keep up the great work.very informative stuff! thanks
It’s a speaker 👍
Brendon, great video. The smug attitude always kills me at record stores. Thanks for the video
I once went into an indie record store in Detroit. My friends and I were chill. Not being obnoxious, not being needy, not hurting anything or being stupid. Just quietly browsing. The dude was such a snob he purposefully took off a music album and put on a record of industrial sound effects (pipes clanging, factory machines humming, alarms blaring, etc) just to annoy us into leaving. THAT was pathetic.
Damage to cases/discs drives me up the wall too. So many times when browsing used discs at say, Value Village you check the disc and it looks like someone tried to polish it with a mixture of gravel and broken glass. Like...WTF!?! I just can't stand careless people who don't look after things.
I had to ask people in target may be over 100 times to go in the back and pick up new titles for me when Target had CDs on a regular basis. My friend even called headquarters of Target a few times to report them for not having the stuff out on time. I wouldn't go that far but he did.
You are very eloquent with enjoyable, relatable dialogue.
Hi Brendon -snap with all that lol. I rummage through a lot of charity shops for my records and CD's and they really dont give a shit lol. So - am use to seeing all that you mention. At the end of the day - I guess you have to make your mind up whether you really want the CD or record, despite the issues with it. As far as stickers on the covers go - I use a remover called "un-du", it works really well on the majority of stickers (not all) and doesn't leave any residue or discolouration on the sleeves, or plastic. Cya Doug
This is like your best video. I love your presentation and you help me gain knowledge of rock music. We're definitely not into the same stuff which is what makes the world go round.
If you don't see a folded over shrink rap, look for cd-r's. It's a cancer that is ruining the copy like styrene and dynaflex ruined vinyl but to a greater extent.
There should be a generous discount if there's sun bleaching, scratches, partial box sets, notches on spin, promo stamps, or crinkled booklets especially from the case being closed and the booklet not being placed properly. If you buy collections this is no doubt a part of it. I can't tell you how many times I've seen expensive Mosaic jazz box sets and the box is gone and so is the 12X12 booklet. How criminal! But instead of being worth $20 a disc; it's worth $5 but allows you the option especially if one of your discs got ruined.
My biggest pet peeves are:
1) cd-r's being sold like they are cds including by Universal.
2)Disc is dirty and case has goo on it especially when buying online. It's something as a seller should never happen because a skip means a return and it usually is because of dirt on the underside
3)no organization- literally a Salvation army but on a grander scale.
4)This was more BITD but cut-out bins that are very deep. There's a local store that has cds vertically piled and rows deep with no physical access.
5)Employees following customer around store.
6)Nothing priced yet on the floor!
PS: I prefer my copies just a tad tattered. I'm weird like that! Some writing on booklet is okay if rare but their better be a booklet. One guy sold me a rare Rascals box set and didn't disclose that there was no booklet. The next one that I got had a small amount of writing on booklet. I actually do have NY radio play copies from DJ Felix Hernandez and sometimes he highlighted on the back and that to me is precious. Knowing the copy I have was the one I heard on a now defunked radio station brings a tear to my eye. Any DJ copies with markings I find insightful.
I'm thinking of paying Sound Exchange a visit as I live in the Hudson Valley, NY and will becoming from the Warwick area. Is there free parking?
All good points! We feel the pain also😂.
Re: damaged covers. As long as they are priced as budget discs like a dollar, I'm fine with that . If the disc itself is playable I buy it, rip it to FLAC at home and put the damaged disk in a drawer or chuck it. Full album for a buck as far as I'm concerned.
Re Record store snobs. These places that look down on a favorite genre of mine or don't care or aren't hip to it? Paydirt! They underprice my favorite jams because they don't know about it and I scoop em up. This is how I got so much 80s metal and hard rock records in the 90s for pennies when it was
"uncool" to be into 80s metal. Now I see those same records on their walls for 40-100 bucks!
I'm surprised you can even _find_ a record store.
I’ve got 10 plus record stores around me…so lots to complain about 😂
2 things that drive me nuts in a record store.
1. In my record store, used CDs have a yellow sticker on the corner so it's typically $10 or less. It drives me nuts when's not. I've seen CDs for over $20 and they have a yellow sticker.
2. Buying a CD and the disc is cracked or sometimes has the wrong disc. Did nobody check these before putting it on the shelf?
Hello from France, oh my poor little brendon 😂😂😂😂
See you later mister brendon 😊😊.
I remember Camalot Records in the 90s here in Florida had everything new out on display on Tuesday mornings and I would get there right before opening. When they turned into FYE in the 2000s, I would get a LOT of blank looks on Friday when I dropped in to get new CDs. Sadly this has to be at least one reason (besides streaming ) that people don't go to corporate record stores anymore.
I remember Camelot well, but I did not know that vitamin morphed into Fye. Thanks for enlightening me!
...another one is where they put records and cd's on shelfs or in bins that are way too low or way too high. You spend the time shopping with a crooked neck or an aching back.
Price stickers on digipacks are inexcusable.
I’ve come to terms with this
I like when meet people at the record store that likes the same music as you are they are wearing your favorite bands.
You ever see a store owner clean a record with Windex and a Cloth Diaper? Then grab it with oily fingers? That kinda stuff drives me nuts..
I have no tolerance for a reseal... Ive bought Cds assuming they were new and it has fingerprints all over the disc.. OMGOODNESS!
With physical media sales plummeting, I would imagine the least these stores could do is to make the buying experience as stress-free as possible to have the shrinking consumers NOT abandon your store and the hobby itself. If they can't then their demise is their own doing.
It drives me bananas when I go to a store like you showed in the video where there's no organization whatsoever. They've got crap all over the place and you can barely even walk through the aisles. I once went to a store in Dallas like that and I actually managed to find a couple of albums I liked, but nothing in the store had a price on it! I walked to the counter and the guy looked up the prices and both items were priced 2-3 times what I was expecting. You'd think they'd at least give you some kind of discount for having to weed through so much crap and doing their job for them. I walked out and never returned to that pig sty.
I'm usually ok buying used CD's, as long as they're in mostly decent shape, priced accordingly and not trying to pass them off as new at new CD prices.
I love the stores that you describe. Sounds more like a old school thrift store. You may find gold here, because the owners are usually unknowledgeable. And YOU should know the prices. The price is what the customer is willing to pay for it (at a rational view). Use Discogs, and look things up. If they do not agree, and they just overcharge, tell them to f#!k off.
@@rabarebra That is exactly what I did!
I think you covered everything ... I can't think of more things to say
yes a pet peeve of mine is the albums that are stacked full and can't flip through ,good video ,Thanks
Back in the 70s i donyt think parents wanted there kids going to records stores here marijuana was and still is illegal wed goin in the record stores they also had rock tees ang roll up papapers and bongs but iv alwalays ran into record store people dont know even how to turn on a player even cd or the snobs thats roll there eyes.cause you have so many records great show
Sadly employees that have no clue about the products the store they work for sells is a regular occurrence and not only in record stores.
Businesses seem not to care about hiring experienced employees or at least train them a little bit and inform them about the stuff they sell.
Cool topic. 😎👍
I lived in Memphis 8 years ago for 2 years. I had access to Shangri-La and Goner Records. What a joy. Then I moved to Eastern TN (not my choice). I'm not going to mention names, but I just have no incentive to go back to the record store here in Johnson City. If I find a defect in a record while going through the bins that I suspect might not have been discovered on in-take and ask if the price can be adjusted and they won't even budge $1 (and I'm talking to the owner), I'm gone, not to return. I guess they don't understand that I have 4,000 LP's and have been collecting for 45 years. Now, as far as the tape on that Grateful Dead LP. The price should be adjusted accordingly but I don't see a reason why they shouldn't put the LP out for sale if, for example, the vinyl is NM.
What drives me nuts? Obsessives obsessing over nothing ^^^
Just like being obsessive of having to make comment about it on a random internet video. And that you even admit it drives you nuts. You are not that clever. Maybe you are nuts? 😂
Where can I get that Def Leppard T?
IDK it was given to me from a subscriber
What’s your opinion on latter repressings of CDs and cd covers that appear to be blurry in text and picture quality.
100%. The reissues of Lush CDs almost look like they simply photocopied the original cover in the back office and used that. Also they cropped it so it could fit on one of those smaller square digi wallets. Looks homemade
soi i was in a store flipping through used CD,s. i picked out one when i opened it a familiar smell emanated from it the booklet looked slightly water damaged. when i went to flip through it the pages were stuck together. it wasn't water it was cat pee! i went up front to sanitize my hands and show the clerk. they were good about it and tossed it into the trash...
thank u sir
There is a store that is about an hour away from home. I don't get there often. I enjoy the store because of their selection. They are only open 3 days a week. I went one Saturday after work. The store's posted close time wa 7 pm. I got there at 5:45 and the doors were locked. I could see the clerk counting the register. He just stared at me then ignored me. Hate stores that are not opened their posted hours. Took me a year and a half for me to go back.
If you're gonna sell damaged product, at least make a discount price and knock a few dollars off and list of the items are damaged.
All recognisable to me.. So I know exactly how you feel. Also price tags straight unto the recordcovers. Why not on the plastic outer sleeves? Very frustrating and could damage the cover when removing those price tags.
If they do that, they have to put title on the sticker because you could have "ticket switching."
Pushing the CDs or Vinyl back. I hate that I have to push it back because the person before me never does. It's like really it's not that hard to push it back. I always make sure when I'm doing looking. Everything is push back it's not hard. If I see that even in a section I'm not looking at I push them back. It should be a Crime leaving CDs or Vinyl that way.
have you ever been to Wax Trax in Las Vegas? It is the most cluttered store I've ever been in, and is poorly ventilated..it's hard to breathe in there. And when I was there the owner let his dog sit unleashed in the front of the store and the dog nipped at my feet. No price tags on the records either.
I agree on all, some of the things I noticed here in NYC, at one particular is if there is a multiple cd set of something and its missing a disc they still sell it, but with a note that its missing a disc etc.. Having worked in a record store when I was younger for awhile, we only sold new stuff but seeing how some of these places sell used stuff is pretty crazy, scratched up, one place here in NYC sells used vinyl pretty expensive too that looks like it was in a flood, I mean its on the buyer to make that decision obviously but seeing that stuff out for people to buy leaves me with a bad impression of the store. NYC obviously its spacing issues galore, especially now because they also take in everyones used stuff, there are boxes on boxes, many times not much order to it, but in their defense a lot of these indie NYC shops pay $$$ outrageous rents, and if they can even afford a few employees it is rare, to help them keep order, alot of times its the owner and maybe one person in the shop all day working. NYC rents are a whole other issue, and what they endured during COVID many not being able to allow more than three in a store at once which you might as well close them down.
More Death Metal please🤘
At 12:43, we see a Walmart exclusive record at an independent record store, I don't particularly like when they resell Walmart records, especially higher than Walmart themselves, I have seen this at my local record shop, it's like why? I don''t have a beef with Walmart records, even have bought them, but what is the logic?
In my area we have one used record store and the owner and it’s workers are not helpful and act annoyed you interrupted them playing on their phones. I have to drive 40 min away in 3 different areas to get quality service. I do it because I rather have new products but more importantly I get great service.
Crikey I agree with everyone of your points !!! I am Brendon Snyder !!!!
There was a store in Manhattan called rainbow music. I thought the Better Business Bureau was gonna shut them down. It was so tight in there too much stuff no easy way to get to any of it.
Hah! Flipside is a mess. I walked in and looked for 10 minutes and got a headache and left. There’s a few other culprits, but that one is badddddd.
Speaking about New Releases: Walmart had the Genesis new release When in Rome when that first came out back in 2007/8 can’t remember which year it was but I actually have a Store Employee go and search the back for it. It release day Tuesday back then. That drives me insane yes they have all the “new” Taylor stuff out that’s fine but put it all out for the individual fan who wants to give your store the business even if it is just with tax $10.60 (random number).
I am with you Brandon on your beef about albums being jammed so tight that you can't flip through them. Also the one about putting the music back where it belongs if you change your mind! Both very annoying!!!
And why do all the vinyl in stores have to have bent corners?
This is why I buy from places like Revolver or Nuclear Blast. other online stores.
If i went into a record store that sold mainly new cds and seen that Hysteria cd wrapped like that id be like wtf is this?lol
I hate when you get a used cd and they use huge price stickers on the case. There are plenty of small labels to be had. Also don't shrink wrap a used item and sell as new....you can pick out a rewrap 9 times out of ten. I do remember release day being Tuesday....I would go early to get my list and the stuff was in the back. If you got the right person sometimes they would get it for you but most of the time you'd have to go back ugh. Brendon I would love to hear your take on the inductees for the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame .
as far as tape, if its not done with duct tape in some cases it can be okay, sure, you prefer it without, but it depends on how its done.
someone on Discogs sold me 2 cds with no jeweled cd cases...only plastic paper thin slip covers...after receiving and looking further I did see they had no cases after looking closely...but who wants to buy cds with no cases...you can't add to your library with these paper thin sleeves...you'll never find them in your library without seeing the spine of the cd
Sending cds without jewel cases saves on shipping. Jewel cases can be bought for pennies.
@@kevinm5957 some jewel cases are customised, though
Yeah you touched on something that annoys me as well they pack the records so tight you can't see what's in there and also it can ruin the records why they do that is beyond me
Nice shirt.
Thank! 👍
We want more cds and vinyl stores around us
At a particular store I go to sometimes, I’ve seen CDs in paper sleeves bent in the corner. I also have seen CDs put out by a store that had the name of the album being the band name. Like do these people work at a record store and not know that the name of the band is the first name at the side of the album.
Plus; I don’t get why with the thousands of albums a store has access to, why does the store clerk decide to play something we heard before? Shouldn’t they try to lure the customers by playing newer or lesser known albums over the PA?
I've had a back order cd sent back to the record company or purchased by someone else.
Great episode Brendon. My only real pet peeve is digipacks. I hate , loathe , detest them. Im at the point where I’m boycotting them. I will happily pay more for an English, Japanese or even a South African print of a cd if it’s in a jewel case. Of course my convictions are going to be tested when the new Judas Priest comes out……. Looks like its in a digi 🥵
In a little shop in Stockholm the owner go after you to control thar you dont steal.
Like hardrock but dont understand Def Leopard.....
No music no life.....
ownw
Seam splits on record covers irritate me to.. Super Especially on New Vinyl
The employees get all the good stuff anyway.
Thats why I stopped collecting hot wheels, becuase the employees get to open the box and pick out the good stuff and you have no chance at all of finding a tresure hunt.
Its the same with records. cds music equipment etc...
Re-sealing used CDs should be against the law. And none of the record stores around me will take returns on items sold as new.
Why should selling used items be against the law? That’s long been an acceptable practice. Plus it’s a great way to get out of print albums and to pay less than what it costs for new. Used is my favorite way to go.
@@BrendonSnyder I was referring to re-sealing used CDs and passing them off as new. I have nothing against buying used as long as I know they're used.
I seldom go to record stores anymore because the employees cherry pick and that prevents their customers from making their own choices.
I miss Mine
To be fair, some people just work in a particular store as it provides them with a job. Similarly someone working in a fast food place might not necessarily be an avid fan of fast food.
Providing they are courteous and can proceed an order, I’m happy enough.
There is a particular store where I am that has everything in boxes or behind glass counters. You can’t browse, you have to ask if he has such in such in stock.
He has no system other than in his head , so his answer might not reflect too accurately. That does my head in 🤦♂️🤣
With fast food and just specific menu items you don’t need to know anything about food. But with music you have to know who bands are, the genres they’re part of, be able to recommend stuff, and have a pleasant attitude. Music store employees are different than fast food or retail sales jobs.
Agree to disagree, respectfully
Ultimately the buyer should know his stuff
Retailer just needs to know if it’s in stock etc
Maybe I’m missing something here ?
@@Dm-ui1fi You misunderstand or you just want to quarrel for the sake of it. If you go in a music store and ask if they got any new prog rock stuff or any genre? They should know about the most basic bands at least it that genre.
If I go to McDonalds and just want a BigMac, it is a BigMac. Not much you need to know. It is not like there is a hundred different BigMacs.
I believe that the “too cool for school” clerks contributed to the downfall of the record store industry. I actually boycotted my favorite store in the 1990’s because one of the clerks was so obnoxious, he’d heckle me when I’d try to buy anything that wasn’t an obscure local band. Even if a particular store didn’t have those type of bozos working there, the reputation was prevalent.
Some people who work at Princeton record exchange I find can be very rude especially those Princeton college kids some of them are very stuck up and they don't want to help you that's the one thing about Princeton record exchange that I don't like
From what I’ve seen The majority of problem is the lack of understanding the importance of what role the personality aka vibe the store projects out to us the music community….. attitude is everything… Be cool…Don’t be a dick… or judgmental….
Seems like a short drive.
Maybe you don’t care enough.
For me the most common disappointment is when I just bought the most sold album and it sounds like crap. For example this month's album "Wall of eyes" The Smile.
That’s not an issue with the record store that’s poor recording from the artist or poor manufacturing from the label. Whole different issue. Could also just be you don’t like it and need is nothing wrong at all. Better start listening to things before you buy them.
The record store I frequent have very nice employees...but they play the shittiest music I have ever heard. Very indie, very shitty.