Are GC Used Guitar Prices Negotiable?

[chippygreen]

Just curious what your experience is - does it vary store to store, or is there a strategy to wait for the item to sit around a bit? There's a guitar I might like at an ok but not fantastic price and wondering what your experience has been?

[zephystar]

You can, and should, always ask. My local ones have been real stingy though. They used to be a little more willing to wheel and deal but lately they have been flat out refusing.

[pagedr]

It generally depends on the store, just like how some stores will negotiate on new guitars but others won't even listen. Probably doesn't hurt if they've been sitting around for a while either.

[hammer40]

It's been my experience that they will be more flexible only if the guitar has been there a while. Otherwise, it's as listed. Never hurts to ask though.

[Steadfastly]

After it has been for sale for a certain period (30 days?) it gets discounted but some members have successfully negotiated a better price before that.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Echoing the above.. they have guidelines in regards to how long they've had the item before they will reduce the price. If you're searching their website there is a 'price drop' box you can check.

[menhir]

Originally Posted by hammer40

It's been my experience that they will be more flexible only if the guitar has been there a while. Otherwise, it's as listed. Never hurts to ask though.

My experience, too.
The salesman was very helpful but couldn't budge on the price. He told me it was only on the floor a day or two. Well, it was a one-off, the asking price was still fair, and I didn't want to chance losing it to another buyer by waiting it out...

So I bought it.

[vw1300]

Originally Posted by menhir

My experience, too.
The salesman was very helpful but couldn't budge on the price. He told me it was only on the floor a day or two. Well, it was a one-off, the asking price was still fair, and I didn't want to chance losing it to another buyer by waiting it out...

So I bought it.

A one-off? what was it? pics?

[chippygreen]

Thanks all for the feedback! This is not a local store, so I'll have to see how over the phone works - and I'd rather play before paying - but I think their returns policy is pretty generous and I'll probably spend time with it in the store before taking it home...if I can negotiate a good price.

[personatech]

Smart move, going ahead and buying the guitar. For future reference, though, I've noticed that sometimes the same model guitar, in the exact same condition (as rated by GC), can go for different prices - sometimes significantly different. I wonder if you were to point out a lower price at another GC if they would play?...

[Steadfastly]

Originally Posted by personatech

Smart move, going ahead and buying the guitar. For future reference, though, I've noticed that sometimes the same model guitar, in the exact same condition (as rated by GC), can go for different prices - sometimes significantly different. I wonder if you were to point out a lower price at another GC if they would play?...

Yes, that happens and that is an excellent way to negotiate.

[EverettWilliams]

GC used to be pretty fun for haggling, but I think shortly after Bain took over they did a pretty dramatic 180 and now all vintage prices are set by Hollywood and they have no room whatsoever to move. Way back I used to find it to be pretty fun - they had occasionally got some good things and we’re willing to deal. But a lot has changed. If I’m by a GC, sometimes I stop in for old times’ sake, but I think they’ve become really compromised.

It’s worth a shot if it’s an interesting piece, but unless they’ve been sitting on it for a long time, my experience indicates that they likely won’t move. Let us know how it works out! Good luck!

[jimcaleca]

I have negotiated a price via email with a store in Texas. It was for a guitar I was looking for, and they did come down quite a bit on the advertised price..

[RustyAxe]

Of course they are. Just don't be sore if they don't accept your offer.

[muscmp]

you can always provide your price that you feel is proper. they will either accept it or not. just like any purchase.

play music!