Haggling over guitar prices

[sinistral]

Originally Posted by Tony Burns

I doubt a builder would give you the time of day -
maybe figure out a way to cut a price on a build but leaving
out smething frilly like inlay etc. But to ask a builder for a deal
on a new existing built guitar - He/she should show you the door !


.

I haven’t seen Kevin Kopp at any of the guitar shows I’ve attended over the last several years (Artisan, Fretboard Summit and Woodstock), but it’s very common for luthiers to post discounted prices on guitars that they built for display at the shows. I suppose there are those who might ask for an even bigger discount, but I’ve found the discounts offered to be pretty generous. Not all luthiers offer them, but those who do realize that the show guitars are there to entice attendees to place custom orders, and that the choices made for the show guitars (woods, appointments, etc.) may or may not be exactly what a customer might select (and it’s one less thing to carry home with them).

If the luthier has a “stock” guitar, I wouldn’t expect much if any discount.

[CharlieBman]

Personally, I wouldn't "haggle" anyone, but it making a reasonable offer is fine.

[Silly Moustache]

What is your priority ?
To acquire "that" instrument, or to save some money ?

If I can't afford the asking price, I pass. If I can, maybe a few dollars/pounds might be lost but I get the "thing" how are those (select currency of choice) gong to matter in a few years in the future?

[TheGITM]

I prefer to ask for a discount up front. A lot of retailers set a price that allows for a discount, so why pay retail without at least asking?

If there is no discount, that's fine, too. If I want something bad enough I have no issue paying full retail. Most of the time (in my personal experience), the seller has a bit of wiggle room.

[RP]

Originally Posted by TheGITM

I prefer to ask for a discount up front. A lot of retailers set a price that allows for a discount, so why pay retail without at least asking?

Exactly.........

[Jwills57]

I would never, ever try to "haggle" with a luthier building, maybe, 10-12 guitars a years over the price listed on his/her website. Just doesn't strike me as too cool. These people are craftsman, have spent years and years learning and perfectly their craft. If the listed price is too high for my budget, I'll try to track down a different luthier to fulfill my needs. But if want a guitar from Slobod or Kukich or Bashkin, to name just a few, I've got to be willing to pay.

[jim1960]

If he has a fairly long wait list, there's little incentive for him to drop his price for you.

[Br1ck]

It's like going to a dentist and saying, I hear you are the best crown man around, but I'd like 10% off your regular price.

[drtedtan]

Originally Posted by Br1ck

It's like going to a dentist and saying, I hear you are the best crown man around, but I'd like 10% off your regular price.

If you use dental insurance, that’s pretty much what you’re doing. And if you don’t have dental insurance, you should be asking for a discount.

[Myopic Squirrel]

I’m not a particularly effective negotiator, but depending on the situation, have attempted to “haggle” asking the basically the same question 2 ways:

In a situation the OP’s , “ is there any wiggle room?

In all the others “how much wiggle room is there?