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Guitar Center used site

#303
Kinda thinking about starting a "don't buy this" thread for GC, just sent back a Prophecy II MIJ Fender $249 with case that I'm sure they will put back up for sale, despite the truss being maxed out with high action and more problems aside than I have time to mention
 
#305
A-Step-Towards said:
They really need to up their rating system, just listing condition as 3 out of 5 stars , etc. , doesn't really give anyone good info on the condition. I bought a 3 out of 5 star japan fender and the neck had a hairline crack 4 inches long, that's a 1 out of 5 IMO.
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No kidding. I had a similar issue when I bought an older P Deluxe that was in immediate need of a re-fret. That bass was worth the work, but not at the price I paid, so back it went.

I've had reasonably decent luck with their used site, but some of the folks putting up the listings don't seem to know the difference between "pretty good shape" and "ready for the dumpster".
 
#308
I've gotten a few good deals off the GC used site and at least one steal, but I always call with a heavy amount of skepticism. I've passed on items I really wanted just because the guy on the other end of the phone was a doofus who couldn't seem to provide me the simple info I wanted. One of my favorite examples was the guy who said he had no way to get me the weight on a bass and that I should check the manufacturer's specs for that info. Right, 'cause they're all the same, and clearly your Zen shipping department works without the benefit of a scale. Sayonara, idiot.
 
#310
Brad Johnson said:
I don't put much stock in their rating system or even the conversations I have when I call. That's where the return policy comes in handy. So far a couple of issues spread over several successful transactions.
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Me too. It's pretty sad what some people think is "great condition" or whatever.

I bought a 4 star guitar. I called and spoke to the manager about it and he said it was perfect, really good shape, etc, etc, etc. Once it arrived I was able to look at it myself. Multiple large chips all the way through the finish, scratches, very tarnished hardware, and it smelled like somebody peed on it. It was awful. 1 or 2 stars at best. I returned it. It's been sold at least 3 or 4 times since then, most recently last week. It's back in their inventory again!
 
#314
Madcity Fats said:
I've gotten a few good deals off the GC used site and at least one steal, but I always call with a heavy amount of skepticism. I've passed on items I really wanted just because the guy on the other end of the phone was a doofus who couldn't seem to provide me the simple info I wanted. One of my favorite examples was the guy who said he had no way to get me the weight on a bass and that I should check the manufacturer's specs for that info. Right, 'cause they're all the same, and clearly your Zen shipping department works without the benefit of a scale. Sayonara, idiot.
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In situations like that I'd speaker to a manager. Here's why:

I called a local store about a bass I knew they had. The salesman had no idea what I was talking about. It was a bass I had sold to a friend that he then sold to them for peanuts. I found out the salesman didn't know anything about it because he was trying to buy it.

So... while some may seem dumb, others can also play dumb.
 
#315
Brad Johnson said:
In situations like that I'd speaker to a manager. Here's why:

I called a local store about a bass I knew they had. The salesman had no idea what I was talking about. It was a bass I had sold to a friend that he then sold to them for peanuts. I found out the salesman didn't know anything about it because he was trying to buy it.

So... while some may seem dumb, others can also play dumb.
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Nice detective work. I always try to ask for the manager just because they're the ones that apparently can do anything besides ask themselves questions, put me on hold, and take my cc info over the phone.

Scored a REDDI last night, hope it arrives in good shape!
 
#316
Always ask for the manager and be brutal with them. If they are asking $500 offer $300 and see what they do. Normally they will go straight to a bottom dollar amount, but you could usually squeeze an extra bit out with another counter offer. Hit them for shipping and tax as well. They can say no, but will never lower the price unless you ask
 

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