Black Friday Deals bad this year?

ksandvik · #1 11-24-2011, 03:08 AM

Is it just me but checking out GC, Musiciansfriend, Sweetwater et rest, the black friday online deals are pretty lame? For example Fender is not part of the 15% GC discount on Friday, same with many other brands.

Really nothing interesting. Maybe that's good so I could save my money for something else, then...

scottm · #2 11-24-2011, 05:05 AM

I was thinking the same thing. I was going to buy some new bass cabs, but I think I'll hold off now or maybe buy used.

-ScottM

Jinro · #3 11-24-2011, 09:53 AM

I've found coupons and sales to be crap since the economy went under. Buy 1 get one free coupons for restaurants now have price limits on the meal, and aren't valid on Fridays or Weekends, and/or only valid during lunch.

Then at GC you have "coupons" and "sales" that do not apply to certain brands: <insert every brand GC carriers here> which then means you can't use them at all.

bongomania · #4 11-24-2011, 10:14 AM

Yep, even if you "know the tricks" such as getting around the brand restrictions, or talking to somebody inside who has cut you sweet deals in the past, this year that won't do much good. Every company large and small is trying to save every penny they can, and cutting their "deals" down as tight as possible.

MJ5150 · #5 11-24-2011, 10:17 AM

I guess it depends on what you're shopping for. I've found a few good deals already, and a couple others I am waiting on till midnight to get.

I don't live near any shopping malls now, so my Black Friday shopping will be all online this year. Kind of bummed about that since I liked mixing it up with all the frantic shoppers.

-Mike

frianbisher · #6 11-24-2011, 10:35 AM

I'm not too aware of what we actually have on sale tomorrow but I think most of it is entry level starter packs with a squire and an amp so little johnny can learn to play guitar....I'm gonna be doing tons of setups on shoddy gear arggg.

tplyons · #7 11-24-2011, 02:48 PM

Some good deals on electronics this year, but nothing amazing musical from what I've seen.

DigMe · #8 11-24-2011, 04:40 PM

Kiplinger's said the deals wouldn't be as good this year over all.

I've been taking advantage of newegg's deals to score 16GB of DDR3 1600 RAM for $60 and a new mobo.
Thinking about pullin the trigger on a new processor too.

bc

GeoffT · #9 11-24-2011, 05:17 PM

It is called Black Friday because it is the day that the retailiers go into the black (profit). They don't make profit because they are giving you great deals, it's because they've convinced so many people that what they are offering on this day is such a great deal and everyone buys into it.

"Vote for me, I'll look out for your best interest, really, I promise."

DigMe · #10 11-24-2011, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeoffT

It is called Black Friday because it is the day that the retailiers go into the black (profit). They don't make profit because they are giving you great deals, it's because they've convinced so many people that what they are offering on this day is such a great deal and everyone buys into it.

Maybe you haven't looked into it too much but they actually do give you good deals sometimes - like when I got my Markbass head for 20% (-$120) off a few years back or the 42" Sharp LCD that BB is selling for $199 this year The idea is that they actually do offer good deals but they bank on the loss-leaders bringing in people who will buy other stuff too and push the whole purchase into profitability. Honestly I've never been one who runs out and lines up for Black Friday but there have undeniably been many good deals had by those who do and online etc..
bc

jp58 · #11 11-24-2011, 07:20 PM

I've seen a few good deals on pedals, but I'm not really in the market for one, so it isn't much help at all. Now if there was a sweet head and cab set on sale, that would be a whole 'nother ballgame.

Jay Ralston · #12 11-24-2011, 07:43 PM

Many of those manufacturers say they don't take part but if you call in with what you want, I have never once had MF or GC decline the 15% off of anything. I actually just bought a Taylor acoustic guitar a little less than a year ago doing this.

invader3k · #13 11-25-2011, 07:44 AM

I had to chuckle yesterday when I saw a Guitar Center TV commercial advertising some super el-cheapo tuner and a $29 ukulele (seriously). Nope, not going to bother going out for any of those, myself.

Bongolation · #14 11-26-2011, 10:39 AM

How bad was it?

It was so bad that the classical guitar I bought from MF had a better discount promotion on Thanksgiving than it did the next day on Black Friday.

I made my move on Thanksgiving, so I didn't have to mess with chiseling a lower price refund.

ksandvik · #15 11-26-2011, 10:53 AM

I went to GC yesterday just for fun as it's close and I had a day off. Big piles of Squier entry guitar kits. That is their focus.

Bongolation · #16 11-26-2011, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksandvik

Big piles of Squier entry guitar kits. That is their focus.

Yep, plus a bunch of Brand X junk and failed entry-level merch.

That's the new emphasis of all the Bain proprietaries.

dls59 · #17 11-26-2011, 09:16 PM

I noticed that Ampeg was excluded from the 15% off coupon, so I called a number on the GC website, and asked if Ampeg was included in the Black Friday sale.

Bottom, line is that I was able to get the SVT210AV cab I wanted, at the 15% discount, only if I ordered it online. It had to come from their warehouse, and not a store, for some reason. I also got free shipping, so I scored a decent deal, even with the "Ampeg exclusion".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay Ralston

Many of those manufacturers say they don't take part but if you call in with what you want, I have never once had MF or GC decline the 15% off of anything. I actually just bought a Taylor acoustic guitar a little less than a year ago doing this.