Money, money, money! - Anonymous employee Sweetwater Employee Review

2.0
Feb 1, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There are some fun perks that most places don't have. On site gym (free, with a free personal trainer), free movie rentals, on site hair and massage parlor (overpriced), free arcade. That's where it ends.

Cons

Training is a complete fail. NO ONE is trained adequately, leaving everyone who knows how to do their jobs stuck with teaching every single noob what to do. All the managers claim to have an "open door policy." But as soon as you recommend an idea, you're shot down. Every actual change is made by morons who aren't involved and don't understand the process. Pay SUCKS unless you're in sales. I started at like $8 something an hour and five plus years later, I haven't reached $12 yet. And there was a pay freeze a few years ago, but now there is a multi million dollar expansion happening? Hmm.... Management is psychotic. Raises happen once a year and they fire a ton of people right before they have to give them raises. They hire "part time" employees so they don't have to pay benefits, then force them to work more than full time hours. You're not allowed to have a life outside work because you never know how many hours you will be held for. You're black listed if you quit and are pretty much forced to move because you can't get any other jobs in the area. This place has become WAY too corporate and it's all about money. The employees DO NOT MATTER. And this is only the tip of the ice berg.

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.

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