How is Guitar Center with trades?

Lefty Geek · #1 12-08-2006, 08:52 AM

I know that GC is terrible at offering decent prices when buying gear. Not surprising, since they are a for-profit company. Not a problem for me either since I can always sell on Ebay or Craigslist. I am wondering about how they are with trades.

A few months ago I purchased a bass-head-cab combo from someone getting rid of everything. I only wanted the head, so I sold the cab and now I still have the bass. It is right-handed, therefore useless to me, but I need to fix it up before selling it. The neck needs a good polishing, so I went to Guitar Center yesterday for some neck polish.

What did I notice when I got there? The exact same bass I want to sell, except as a lefty. I didn't plug it in, but it felt very nice and was light. I couldn't find someone to help me, but I wanted to offer my righty bass for their lefty bass. The only incentive I have to give them is that my right bass was the original hard shell case. Do you think they will go for it? The used price on the bass was actually pretty good.

Tony G · #2 12-08-2006, 09:07 AM

They won't do a direct trade if that is what you mean. They are a business, and their prime function is making money. They will give you a trade value on your bass, but you will have to pay money on top of that trade value to buy the bass you want, even if it is the same exact instrument, just left handed.

tplyons · #3 12-08-2006, 09:13 AM

Yep, yours is used, theirs is new. They can sell theirs as new, and yours as used. They won't go for it, I can almost guaruntee it.

Tony G · #4 12-08-2006, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tplyons

Yep, yours is used, theirs is new. They can sell theirs as new, and yours as used. They won't go for it, I can almost guaruntee it.

According to the original post, the one at GC is used as well. But they still won't do an even trade.

Alexander · #5 12-08-2006, 09:26 AM

Though I've only done it once, I've found they give a decent trade value compared to other retailers (you'll still make out better selling it yourself, but the convenience of a trade is nice). I traded my Nemesis 4x10 for a new SWR SM-500 head and almost came out even (which I also traded later for close to what I paid for it...)

Skel · #6 12-08-2006, 09:28 AM

Wholesale. That's what they'll give you, just like trading in a car or anything else. I don't know why anybody would do this, but I have before. It'll be convenient but you'll pay for that.

Lefty Geek · #7 12-08-2006, 10:06 AM

Yes, the bass they have is used.

What I have to offer on top of the even trade is a hard shell case plus an instrument that is probably easier to sell. From what I understand, lefty instruments are harder to sell, but then again, this bass is not your standard Fender MIM. I rarely go to GC, so I don't know how long that bass has been there. I don't need another bass, personally I prefer to have one less instrument (ha!) but I thought I might as well try.

invader3k · #8 12-08-2006, 10:54 AM

Well, no harm in trying, either way.

lookjojoisplaid · #9 12-08-2006, 11:25 AM

I really doubt they will go for it. My friend works at one and I was thinking about trading in a bass amp I had to them. My friend told me never to sell your gear to Guitar center because they will only give on average a quarter of what its worth. They typically take whatever the amp is worth cut that in half and then cut it in half again so they can screw you and make a good profit. Same goes with trades. If you make a trade with them they basically will give you a quarter of what the amp is worth and put that as credit toward whatever you purchase. If you are desperate to sell your stuff fast even your local pawn shop will give you a better deal.

ogrossman · #10 12-08-2006, 11:25 AM

I while back I was trying to trade in my Guild 12 string guitar. I brought it into one GC in the area and the guy said he wouldn't touch it because the bridge was lifting a little. Then I got a tip that a manager at a different GC would give me a good deal. Sure enough he made me a really good offer. Apparently it just depends on who you deal with.

invader3k · #11 12-08-2006, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lookjojoisplaid

I really doubt they will go for it. My friend works at one and I was thinking about trading in a bass amp I had to them. My friend told me never to sell your gear to Guitar center because they will only give on average a quarter of what its worth. They typically take whatever the amp is worth cut that in half and then cut it in half again so they can screw you and make a good profit. Same goes with trades. If you make a trade with them they basically will give you a quarter of what the amp is worth and put that as credit toward whatever you purchase. If you are desperate to sell your stuff fast even your local pawn shop will give you a better deal.

It's not "screwing you" if you agree to the price they offer.

Mojo-Man · #12 12-08-2006, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ogrossman

I while back I was trying to trade in my Guild 12 string guitar. I brought it into one GC in the area and the guy said he wouldn't touch it because the bridge was lifting a little. Then I got a tip that a manager at a different GC would give me a good deal. Sure enough he made me a really good offer. Apparently it just depends on who you deal with.

It does depend who you deal with.

General GC trade rules.
They will give you 30% to 40% what they will sell your trade in for.
If you trading in a 70's P-bass, that the mark at say. $1900.00.
You might get $800.00 to $900,00 for it.

It also depends on make of your bass.
GC loves old fenders.

bassbully43 · #13 12-08-2006, 06:55 PM

I had a active Carvin5 a real bute trans blue flame maple the whole nine yards..case everything paid 400.00 new. GC gave me 400.00 6months after i bought it and it sold for around $580.00. i then got the MIM jazz i wanted for 120.00 off and walked out with it new and HSC and paid for a few odds and ends and tax...i felt i got a good deal since Carvins dont resale well i got back what i paid for it and walked out with what i wanted.

Dash Rantic · #14 12-09-2006, 02:41 PM

I bought a Boss BF-3 flanger new from GC for $120. about 8 months later I find a used BF-2 flanger I like better, so I try and sell the BF-3 back to GC. My BF-3 is in perfect condition, no scratches or anything, I had all the original packaging/box/manuals etc... They offered me $20 for it.

I'm pretty sure I can do better than that myself, so I'm just going to try selling it myself. I know I've seen used BF-3s going for a lot more than that. GC is cheap, I'm never going to bother trying to sell something back there again.

-Dash

lavaxtris · #15 05-05-2012, 05:45 PM

expect less than 1/3 of what you paid for it new.
not worth it.
better alternative: craigslist