Negotiating tips

stratovani · #1 01-24-2009, 10:40 AM

There's a music store nearby (won't name it!) that's selling a Squier bass on consignment that I'm interested in buying. They're asking $200 for it, but I want to pay less than that - after all, it's a used Squier. Trouble is, I'm not the greatest at negotiations. I'd sure appreciate it if anyone could give me a few pointers for negotiating gear prices at a music store. And no, it's not a Guitar Center!

IanStephenson · #2 01-24-2009, 12:30 PM

Start by asking how much they want for it. I know it's got a tag on, but they'll usually knock a bit off just for the asking. Then pull a "not sure about that" face, and make an offer a bit lower, and see if they'll meet you in the middle. If they pull the "have to check with the manager", just say "fine", and smile. They don't have to check, but let them play their game. When you think you've reached a good number, go for some "extras": "can you thow in a case/strap/strings/whatever", depending on the price range you're in. You're not going to get a hard case on a $200 bass, but you might get some thing - they cost them a lot less than you pay, so $20 of strings to you isn't really such a big thing to them.

Don't start the discussion until you've decided to go through with it. You want to pay less than $200 which if fine, but if you start negotiating you've got to be ready to buy. Ask them if they prefer cash, and be prepared to hand it over there and then. They won't be happy if you agree a price, and then say "I'll be back next week". When you agree a price, the deal is done.

stratovani · #3 01-24-2009, 02:21 PM

Thanks, Ian, those are great tips. Hope you don't mind if I "copy-and-paste" this and save it for further reference. Who knows, maybe I'll even get a free strap out of this!

Kimpini · #4 01-24-2009, 06:40 PM

Tell us how it goes!

Frank Tuesday · #5 01-25-2009, 07:28 PM

One thing to consider is that because it is on consignment, the shop may not be able to negotiate the price. Know what you are willing to pay, make an offer and let them call the owner of the bass. If the owner says yes, buy it. If not, walk away. Go back in a week and if it is still there, make the offer again. The owner may be anxious to sell, he may just want it out of his closet for a while.