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Fender going up again? Or just a sales gimmick?

petrus61

petrus61

Dec 18, 2011
11,762
14,931
Hudson Valley, New York
#1
Any particular reason why Bass Central would tell me over the phone that all Fenders will be going up in price in a couple of days? I called regarding a 57RI Fender P and a fellow named "Grasshopper" made me a "one time only offer" of $1349, down from the $1499 they have it posted it at. He said he was offering the deal because "in a few days Fenders are going up." I stated how I knew the AVRI line was being revamped with a higher price tag of $1999, which he didn't seem to know about. I asked if he was sure that it was 'all' Fenders, as most had already recently taken a price hike and he said yes, ALL Fenders. If this is true, that stinks, but if its not, wouldn't that be a bit of a sleazy sales tactic? (most 57'RI's were being blown out at pretty much every other retailer for close to $1100). Either one of the nations most respected, premier bass retailers is hitting me with real good offer, is misinformed or is giving me a deal under the pretense that a price hike is going to happen. I like to think that they are just misinformed, but after speaking with my Sweetwater rep immediately after, he told me that as far as he knew, aside from the new AVRIs, Fenders prices had already gone up and they don't anticipate any more hikes in the immediate future? Anyone know the real story?
 
#4
Well it is of course a sales tactic in one way or another. The shop by me will sell any Fender for at least 45% off and more off if there was a hike and he already has it. Example there is an american p bass deluxe he has that is like $1100. He does Gibson/Epiphone as well.
 
#8
Companies in general usually mark up prices each year. I haven't shopped at Bass Central yet, but read plenty of information. I've read only complimentary comments about Grasshopper. If you have any doubts, you could ask a question directly to Beaver. He usually replies to emails quite quickly.
 
#10
TolerancEJ said:
Companies in general usually mark up prices each year. I haven't shopped at Bass Central yet, but read plenty of information. I've read only complimentary comments about Grasshopper. If you have any doubts, you could ask a question directly to Beaver. He usually replies to emails quite quickly.
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I think I'll do that. I think it was a fair offer, but unless the price increase were true, it comes off as a little insulting. I understand retail and pricing structure so I can see it from both angles. If there is no across the board increase pending, it seems like they are more interested in making one sale to an uneducated customer than being up front with what could potentially be a life long customer. More surprising is the fact that they are a specialty store where many of their customers are well informed of the current market, so a tactic like that doesn't seem too wise. Again, Grashopper could be misinformed and I hope that is the case because AVRIs aside, Fender just had a price jump for the 2012 US Standards.
 
#13
I feel the Bull$hit in this one grasshopper.
images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTQkWkFJEX88siSvZnkUB3-LREVHuinpcUvTylKctLszOSGNvLhvuDUj7QogQ.jpg
 
#15
Spinal Tapper said:
Just go on Ebay. I've seen brand new 2012's going for around $1100-1300. Or are you talking about 2013's? (is there a difference?)
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I prefer to buy new and from authorized dealers. I have no problem with the quote I was given and by most accounts, Bass Central is great. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt concerning this price increase thing, but if it turns out not to be true, I don't want to do business with someone that treats me like a 16 yr old with disposable income buying my first used car. That's just sleazy (IMO) and disheartening because there aren't many places like Bass Central that offer such great choices on bass specific merchandise.
I am in the market for either a pre '13 AVRI or 2012 US Std and really hope there isn't another increase looming. Also, because the new AVRI's are coming in at $1999, does that dictate that all prior AVRI's will increase in a retail sense? Because that is what Grasshopper implied.
 
#16
Thing about price match is usually advertised prices. Like I said about the shop (authorized dealer) by me. He always has his prices at least 45% off, but they are not advertised. So you couldn't call him to get a price and ask another place to match it.
 

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