Will stores haggle over used guitars?

Subject: RE: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: Nick
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 09:31 AM

Again UK experience not US an on new rather than used instruments.

I helped my son go out and buy the Ibanez JEM7VWH that he wanted about 3 years ago. In the shop in Leeds we went into they quoted a price of c£1800 if I remember (a quick look on google today in UK show a list price of £1950 to £2200). I did explain that this was a real purchase and that we would buy the guitar somewhere. At which the guy said "well if you find it cheaper elsewhere, come back and we'll see what we can do".

A while later I found a new one on the internet from a site in Paris with a price of £1350. With a certain wariness of buying something at that distance and that price I phoned the shop on a Saturday afternoon and bought the guitar from them at the same price as the internet price about 15 minutes later.

After a week there was a problem with the guitar and we were pleased of being able to drive back to the shop and get it replaced very easily rather than dealing with an anonymous site miles away. Best of both worlds - internet price and local service.

Subject: RE: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: GUEST,Marc Bernier
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 09:07 AM

I'v never paid sticker price for a musical instrument I'v bought. New or used. Then again I don't shop at department stores, or chain stores.

Subject: RE: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 03:22 PM

OK, I'm in the UK, not the USA, but in general, I haggle at most stores.

There are 3 music shops in town here. One is an "old fashioned" type: pianos, brass, violins, a few guitars etc and caters mainly to the schools market.

The other 2 are mainly guitars/ amps/ drums etc. The larger one won't discount much, if at all, but the smaller one (with more knowledgeable, and definitely much more friendly, staff) is always willing to discuss prices. The guys there know what the web prices are for most kit and will try to match that if you haggle...and they're also very accommodating if you buy multiple items. Even small things like strings and picks will get a discount if you buy multiples. And the more you spend there, the more accommodating they become. I buy all my stuff from them now, and never go into the other one.

One thing they do with second hand instruments sometimes, if a particular item isn't moving, it to "reverse auction" it: they put it in the window with a sign saying the price will drop by, eg, £10 per day until someone buys it. Generates a lot of interest from the town "musos" who try to finesse their way to a bargain. I've even heard of people opening a "book" on what price an item will go for, so even if your game of "chicken" with other interested parties fails, you're in with a chance of a modest cash bonus :-)

Subject: RE: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: MikeL2
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 05:35 AM

hi

In this day & age most shops and stores will listen to offers.

Some make it obvious that they do and haggling is relatively simple. Others are less accomodating but when pushed they may listen.

I have been able to secure good discounts on instruments and accessories.

My ploy is to take my time examining the object carefully and showing interest. Ask lots of questions about what you are buying and then having got the salesperson's interest look at the price and shake you head and say it is too expensive for you....and haggle from there.

Works for me.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: s&r
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 04:53 AM

Dealers will often do a better deal in kind - including in the price items on which they have a good profit margin at cost. So you may get a £20 case thrown in which is worth half that to the dealer, but the full price to you.

Stu

Subject: RE: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: Tyke
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 02:46 AM

Years ago I went into one of the two music shops in my home town, Leeds, to buy a hard case for my wife's Guitar which I was borrowing to learn to play a Guitar on. I noticed a second hand version of her Yamaha FG160 on asking to try out this Guitar and then asking about a hard case for it. I was told that if I bought it and a hard case I would get a 10 % discount. My reply was that I already got a 10% discount at their rivals. The salesman then asked me why I was able to get a 10% discount from their rivals. Because I said with a smile that I have told them that your store gives me a 10% discount. Result! They did not have a hard case to fit the FG 160 but I still got 10% off my first Guitar.

Subject: RE: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: GUEST,TomC
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 12:49 AM

Depends on if the guitar is on consignment or owned by the store. If owned by the store, then the price is negotiable. If it's on consignment then the owner of the instrument may have given the store the rock botton price they would accept or, if not, the store would have to contact the guitar owner to see if s/he would accept what you offered. As was said before, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Subject: RE: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 09:42 PM

My experience is yes - especially in the smaller shops.

Subject: RE: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: Bugsy
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 08:46 PM

Over here in Australia, I've always haggled over prices of guitars, both used and new and never payed the ticket price.

I always work on the premise that the ticket price is what they "want" for the item, not what they'll "accept".


Good luck and don't forget if they won't bargain, there's always another store that most probably will.


CHeers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 07:26 PM

Always worth asking them I suppose.
A friend said that she was going to get an IMT500 tuner. I had a look at the price on the local guitar shop's website but wasn't sure if the page was current or not. As was visiting the shop anyway I asked the manager what price he had on them.
"what does it need to be?" was his reply.

Subject: RE: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 06:26 PM

I think it was much easier back in the fifties and sixties, when a lot of us picked up great deals on used instruments. The store owners often had little knowledge of them and just wanted to turn a quick buck. They are much more aware of values today, I believe - at least in larger cities. You may find the odd out-of-the-way spot where deals can be made. I'm always on the lookout.

Subject: RE: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: Zen
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 10:31 AM

Don't know about the USA but I've always succeeded in haggling the price a little in stores here in Europe.

Subject: RE: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: MMario
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 10:15 AM

That probably depends on the store, and could well even depend on who is working.

Subject: Will stores haggle over used guitars?
From: Cool Beans
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 10:14 AM

Will dealers negotiate over the prices of used instruments or do the posted prices tend to be firm? What's been your experience? I'm talking about stores in the USA.