Guitar Center not negotiating used prices anymore?

[fenderhutz]

I just called two seperate locations and they must have gotten an update in their retail weekly or something that used prices aren't negotiable??????

They give PENNIES on the dollar for trade ins.

They have usually been flexible by about 10-15% every time I call and that's why I picked them to buy certain things.

Oh well. Their loss.

[The BurgerMeister]

private companies reallyREALLY like profit.

[fenderhutz]

Originally Posted by jetpackbassist

private companies reallyREALLY like profit.

Making it a nightmare for you guys? I feel sorry for those on commission, I mean the prices are ok, not great on many things but that extra 10-15% usually got it in EBAY or Talkbass range for pricing and I at least I got a return policy.

I went into the Rockville MD store and walked right back out the other week. It's been like 3 months since I had been there and they hadn't moved any basses and all of the used stuff was the same.

Everyone knows retail businesses are hurting right now due to internet sales, I would expect a more business-like approach, private or not to get my money.

10-15% always made me happy.

[The BurgerMeister]

i'd talk to one of the managers (Sales Manager or Store Manager, probably) about the deal you usually get. i think that they'll honor it to keep you as a customer (at least, that's what i'd do). 10-15% off isn't going to suck up all the profit on a used piece usually (it varies from piece to piece) and i think exceptions could easily be made to the rule.

[mike_v_s]

Maybe they just don't like me, but the GC near me was pretty stiff and stupid about it that last time I tried (over 2 years ago). How's about a 1993 StingRay5 for a Walkabout head marked at $550? They offered me 5 bills for the Ray and refused to move. I walked and promptly traded it to LDS for an Accugroove Mini-Whappo they were selling for $750. LDS later sold my bass for $900.

You're right. They need to recognize the impending/present threat of online sales. I emailed a GC about a used bass 2 weeks ago. I requested more detailed pictures. I got 4 more crappy pictures of a 26 year old bass. Not exactly encouraging. I found another online and bought it for nearly half the price of the other.

Mike

[fenderhutz]

It's really hit and miss.

[Spector_Ray]

I'm wondering if it's because of the recent business moves the company's made.

[fenderhutz]

Originally Posted by Spector_Ray

I'm wondering if it's because of the recent business moves the company's made.

Since the profit margin is really high on used gear I would say so.

[Mojo-Man]

I went into GC two week ago.
I had two bass for trade, worth over $4200.00. retail.
The offered me $950.00. in trade.

I had a big laugh.
Asked them how the came up with there total.
They said nothing.

I walked out of the store.
Sold my basses on the net, for $3500.00.
And GC wonders why sales are bad?

[mike_v_s]

Originally Posted by Mojo-Man

I went into GC two week ago.
I had two bass for trade, worth over $4200.00. retail.
The offered me $950.00. in trade.

I had a big laugh.
Asked them how the came up with there total.
They said nothing.

I walked out of the store.
Sold my basses on the net, for $3500.00.
And GC wonders why sales are bad?

That was my beef, on a smaller scale. I know they need their cut. I do not expect to be given full value on a trade. But come on. Make it at least worth my drive over there.

Mike

[Mojo-Man]

Originally Posted by mike_v_s

That was my beef, on a smaller scale. I know they need their cut. I do not expect to be given full value on a trade. But come on. Make it at least worth my drive over there.

Mike

I hear you.
Had a friend who use to work at GC.
They use to give 40% to 50% in trade if it was good.
Now, they don't offer more than 20%.
It's a Joke.

[BellBottomBlues]

Originally Posted by Mojo-Man

I went into GC two week ago.
I had two bass for trade, worth over $4200.00. retail.
The offered me $950.00. in trade.

I had a big laugh.
Asked them how the came up with there total.
They said nothing.

I walked out of the store.
Sold my basses on the net, for $3500.00.
And GC wonders why sales are bad?

Whats funny is that they'd probably sell them for 3x what they were going to offer you.

I tend not to buy used gear at GC, its overpriced. I go online or through a small local network of dealers who know what I'm looking for.

[P. Aaron]

If you're phoning in a negotiation, I wouldn't bid against that 'air' either.

Where you face to face, cash in hand?

Most retailers will work with that scenario. I wouldn't blame 'em for being stand-offish over the phone with a stranger.

[Lorenzini]

I've negotiated on prices before with them.

[jomahu]

i don't even try with GC anymore. last time i tried to trade in a bass, they told me that they only accept certain brands (of which my bass was not included) for used gear.

nice place, i just know not to deal with their used gear.

[CrashClint]

When I buy from Guitar Center, I only every buy from one guy. Since I only buy from him, he cuts me great deals on new or used. Plus I have sent him some pretty good business.

[jive1]

Originally Posted by P. Aaron

If you're phoning in a negotiation, I wouldn't bid against that 'air' either.

Where you face to face, cash in hand?

Most retailers will work with that scenario. I wouldn't blame 'em for being stand-offish over the phone with a stranger.

The issue is that not all sales can be done face-to-face with cash in hand. With internet sales, pricing is often done through the phone or e-mail.

But I agree, that if a guy isn't ready to buy, the negotiation goes nowhere. It's like playing basketball without baskets. That's why over the phone, I let them know I have a credit card in hand and ready to buy when I negotiate.