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well, i think you got your helmets mixed up there. The sandbox helmet has a certified and non-certified version. The Burton Mutiny (and all the Red helmets only come in certified versions).
some of us forum geeks know our product better than shop guys…and we ride more than them too! 
Yep I will back up Gamblor all mutinys are certified!!
Yep I will back up Gamblor all people that wear mutinys are certified!!
Yeah, I’ll support that statement also!!!!!
I dont understand the love for STM, pretty far down the list for me based on my experience but maybe I just don’t get the Bondi thing being from the northern beaches?
Walk in, asked if I needed help, told the guy I was just having a look while my chick was getting her hair done. Looked at some boards then some bindings, walked over to the helmets to have a squiz as I’m pretty keen to get one. Asked the same guy if they had the Red Mutiny and if they had the certified version, was told there wasn’t one. I mentioned that I had read there was a difference on here and got some answer about what would forum geeks know. I forced a laugh and made my way out of the store a little perplexed at why they get such a good rap on here. This was early on a weekend morning and there was maybe one other person in the store, I would have bought a helmet if things had gone differently, as it was I left with a bad taste in my mouth.
That’s fair enough mate. To be honest, there are staff members in every shop who don’t know all the products. There’s so many new products coming in and unless the rep has taken time to educate the staff, or the staff member has a specific interest in the sport/product, there’s a good chance they might not have the information you need.
That’s no excuse though. What happened to you is unacceptable. It’s the staff member’s responsibility to tell you they aren’t sure; you will look up the information together in the catalogue or online. Or they should say, “sorry, I’m really not sure. Let me grab someone else who knows about this product.”
I have had to say that so many times in my time at STM. They sell skis there, and I have no interest in learning about skis or ski boots. I would greet the customer, ask them if they need help etc. If they do, “hold on a minute, let me grab CRACKERS, he is our ski expert.”
Not all staff members are like that though. It’s hard to ensure every single person you hire is going to treat customers the way you want them to. There have been staff members who needed to be taught and very occasionally even fired. I’m sure that happens in every store. I will say this though: there is a culture of very high customer service at STM. Nearly all staff members I have worked with upstairs have had a real passion for at least one board sport and the managers drill in customer service from day one. Usually, the managers make sure there are staff members working who can handle all enquiries properly between them. i.e. when CJ and I worked together, I would mostly handle snow and surf, and he would mostly handle skate. That’s not to say I don’t help with skate or he snow. But we both worked there for many years, and it takes time to learn about all the products, especially in new areas of interest. You should have seen the first time I gripped a skateboard haha. But we learn.
Anyway, I think what happened to you in unacceptable. These things should be pointed out to the manager so they can ensure the staff member is educated or disciplined for not treating you properly. It happens though; we have had poor staff members working there on occasion. 90% of the guys I’ve worked with upstairs are great though. I’m really sorry you had a bad experience there.
It was unfortunate and I’m sure that most stores would say something very similar to what you have Rider, the staff member in question may have had a big night or a bad start to the day and that sort of thing is hard to eliminate. Maybe I look like I don’t snowboard or I do look like I’m going to rob the place I don’t know, all different factors and overcoming first impression prejudice can be hard at times especially for younger staff.
It’s a strange thing the different responses you get from people depending upon your appearance at the time, you know you’re dealing with a professional when you walk in to a store looking like you just woke up with unkempt facial hair and comfort clothes and they still treat you as a valuable customer. On the flipside you know you’re dealing with either an idiot or someone whose just collecting a paycheck when you walk in dressed in a suit and tie and they could care less about you.
This sort of thing always amuses me, my ENT specialist first met me with 3 weeks worth of beard and dressed in shorts, tracky top and thongs, the second time I walked in straight after work, he almost didn’t recognise me but both times he was nothing but friendly and professional. What I’m getting at is regardless of how someone might appear they should all be treated the same when working in a service industry. The surf snow skate industry is notoriously too cool for school in that dept and could be taught a few lessons in book by it’s cover and the dangers of.
I have had to say that so many times in my time at STM. They sell skis there, and I have no interest in learning about skis or ski boots. I would greet the customer, ask them if they need help etc. If they do, “hold on a minute, let me grab CRACKERS, he is our ski expert.”
Ahhah that CRACKED me up >_>.
Great advise though rider, I suggest if you find a rep that really knows his stuff, remember his name and call the store to see if he/she’s working before you make a serious purchase. Mainly because if you purchase a lot of stuff from someone that is quite rude and doesn’t want to be there you might get the wrong thing or just regret your purchase. I know i have many a time.
well i’m a little biased…. but we do a darn good job being so far away from any snow 
I’m thinking about making a stop past STM on my way to the snow. Is it true that boredworld peoples get 20% off. Cause i wanna buy lots of stuff lol.
Yep I believe so. And if Jeremy is thre, you may even get a cuddle 
yeah i heard about that guy. My plug up my butt and lock away my wife just to be safe.
Who should i talk to?
Jez has put me onto a guy called Brad from there before. Usually Jez is there on a Thursday, I think..
Should I head to Sydney or Cherri Pow for my gear? I need to go to Cherri for my board, but the rest of my stuff… in total I will need:
2 Helmets
1 Goggles (+ extra lens)
2-3 Mens Jackets
2 Mens Pants
1 Womens Jacket
1 Mens Boots
1 Womens Boots
1 Mens Binding
1 Womens Binding
Many pairs of socks
1 Contour
Head to STM bondi. You will be looked after
get a gopro instead of the contour
get a gopro instead of the contour
They look stupid though! I won’t be using a polecam. Probably attached to my board most of the time.