Not so sweet - Distribution Center Sweetwater Employee Review

1.0
Dec 5, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good Discounts on gear.... that's it.

Cons

The distribution center pays very poorly. There are some who have work their buts off for years and still make only $8.50 an hour. Managers work 60hr weeks and make less than $30k a year. Compared to sales the distribution employees are treated like second class citizens. There are no opportunities for pay increases or any encouragement for being an outstanding employee. The Distribution center also severely lacks safety. People use old broker pallets as platforms to get items down, many times heavy items break through. There is no training for forklifts or any equipment, management doesn't care who operates equipment. Management does seem to care about anything. As for Chuck Surack he flaunts his money with his expensive cars and even one took out a $100 bill and ripped it in two as her argued with a employee about pay raises. The company has poor values and business ethics. Even with the discounts they are paid so little that employees can't afford anything. Also they sell people demos all the time as "new" items. And odds are your next order will be wrong or broken.

Explore other reviews about Sweetwater

5.0
Jun 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The job requires a versatile mindset. It is not just one job, it is multiple jobs. For me I like switching it up and staying on my feet. This job is not only customer facing but also warehouse. So it is the best of both worlds.

Cons

Sometimes you are required to lift heavier boxes but you usually get help if needed.

4.0
Jun 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If sales and music are your drives, Sweetwater is as good as it gets. Management in my experience has been very supportive and development-oriented, creating a positive culture around the company. They have a fantastic training program (albeit intense) that trains on both products and sales methods, so even if you're lacking experience in a given category there's plenty of coaching and training to get you ready for the role. Over time, the position can also be quite lucrative which compliments Fort Wayne's low cost of living well. They also offer relocation assistance since all positions are on-site, and a great benefits package. I've been fortunate to become great friends with many of my coworkers and honestly some days don't even feel like work. Ultimately, with this job you get what you put in, and making a solid living to geek out over music gear all day is a pretty sweet gig.

Cons

The job is very demanding - it's a fully commission sales job that revolves around constant customer outreach via call, text, and email. This means starting out is tough financially, and days are usually long. Try to have a savings cushion before you start, especially if you're moving from another city/state. You also work nights, holidays, and rotate through weekend shifts which won't be new for those who have worked retail before, but it's still a tough adjustment. Starting out I struggled from a social aspect as well. Fort Wayne is a cool city, but it's no LA, NY, or Chicago. Long hours at work make going out and making friends or getting involved in community groups/organizations difficult.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All