Question on how to negotiate the best discounts

[TK LP]

I was able to purchase an HD28 and a D18 at 21% and 18% respectively off MAP in early December and early January at Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center. I made an offer on the HD28, and was quoted over the phone on the D18. I had to pay state sales tax, but being able to actually play my guitars before purchase was worth it, and they will set them up any how I want. I've been buying from them for close to 50 years, they're great to deal with.

[boneuphtoner]

Originally Posted by TK LP

I was able to purchase an HD28 and a D18 at 21% and 18% respectively off MAP in early December and early January at Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center. I made an offer on the HD28, and was quoted over the phone on the D18. I had to pay state sales tax, but being able to actually play my guitars before purchase was worth it, and they will set them up any how I want. I've been buying from them for close to 50 years, they're great to deal with.

Totally agree - they are by far my favorite music store - they are a bit of a throwback in these days of specialization- they are a general music megastore- and in addition to guitars, they have a huge selection of synthesizers, drums, oboes, French horns, to high end tubas. And the store is still owned and operated by second and third generation family.

I was recently contemplating something to try and I contacted a well regarded forum sponsor for a quote and was told that I had to pay MAP pricing but they would match a competitors price. Chuck’s didn’t have it in stock but they told me they could order it and I was offered a sizable discount on the spot without asking for it. Guess which store is guaranteed to earn more business from me in the future?

[tbirdman]

Originally Posted by TK LP

I was able to purchase an HD28 and a D18 at 21% and 18% respectively off MAP in early December and early January at Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center. I made an offer on the HD28, and was quoted over the phone on the D18. I had to pay state sales tax, but being able to actually play my guitars before purchase was worth it, and they will set them up any how I want. I've been buying from them for close to 50 years, they're great to deal with.

You should had them sent to me in Oregon and saved you the sales tax.

[TK LP]

Originally Posted by tbirdman

You should had them sent to me in Oregon and saved you the sales tax.

Maybe next time.

[gfspencer]

Originally Posted by buddyhu

When i look at prices of used guitars, they seem quite high compared to a year ago, and there aren’t many available (of the models I follow).

I think the pandemic is still affecting supply chains, and the amount of stock that is available.I And i have read reports that demand for guitars is up.

Definitely call Maury if you haven’t already done so. But I wouldn’t be too surprised if the old guidelines about getting discounts is not applicable right now.

One of my favorite music stores normally has a large supply of Martin guitars. I checked today and they only had a few. Some of those were way out of my price range and some of the others were really inexpensive. Not many mid-range guitars were offered.

Another music store that I like is selling quite a few Custom Martins but they are several years old. They must have been sitting in Martin's warehouse.

I'll just play what I have.

[Jim Comeaux]

I don’t really have an answer to your question, but I have always remembered my Fathers advice about buying cars. As long as they are saying “yes”, you haven’t found their lowest price.

[UncleJesse]

Originally Posted by Jim Comeaux

I don’t really have an answer to your question, but I have always remembered my Fathers advice about buying cars. As long as they are saying “yes”, you haven’t found their lowest price.

Ha! I like that.