Question about Bass Northwest

[mikeswals]

They've always been great for me.
The used gear is on consignment, that means it is owned by the current seller, not Bass NW. That also means the advertised price is set by the seller, not the store.
As someone already said if you want to make a realistic offer on a used item, they have to contact the seller to see if it's okay. Remember, people list basses there because of the world-wide visibility.

New gear prices have always been great, same as any other shop selling at MAP prices.

 

[Munjibunga]

I was working on a project a few years ago in Seattle and wandered in, almost by accident. I'd known about the place for several years but wanted to check it out. I had a great experience there, and ended up buying a Roscoe SKB3005.

They were unable to haggle on price on this bass because of MAP. Dealers tend to be wary of selling below MAP, as it can cost them the entire product line if the luthier / distributor gets wind of it.

Bull. MAP is minimum advertised price. There are dealers all over the place who sell below MAP. They manufacturers get in a snit if you advertise lower prices than other vendors. What happened is they used that line on you, and you bit.

 

[Surly]

I find it rather impossible to haggle much with guitar stores. I usually end up walking...even by phone. I spoke to these guys about some used gear, including some custom shops which are probably still on the site. I really didn't get any answers to my questions. I'm not sure how to verify a custom shop, even with a certificate, and difference in feel is an important question when buying online IMO. This doesn't mean the products aren't any good, however.

 

[rob2966]

I bought my Dingwall AB-II from them. Was a great experience, staff was very friendly, pretty much paid the sticker price.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.

Later
Rob

 

[Mark_L]

I can tell you from personal experience that when I called and asked them if they could go a little lower on a couple of different basses, the guy got a bit miffed. I wasn't asking for much, but I thought the price they had on the instruments I was looking at was a little high.

Well, they have to make a profit to keep the doors open. I think every bass is priced a little too high, but if I bust a retailers chops and demand they cut their profit to near-nothing, what favor am I doing them, or other buyers? The BassNW guys are the best.

 

[acid bass]

I bought a 5-string fretless Cort from them many, many years ago and I had a great experience. I don't remember which guy I talked to, but details are below:

1) It was listed under their "New Standard Basses" section.

2) I had seen a similar bass on another website for slightly less ($20-30 less), but I was absolutely wild about the finish on the one at BassNW so I asked if they'd match the price and they did. Nobody was miffed or butt-hurt about it, they were more than willing to accommodate, but I also made it pretty clear that if they could match the price I'd buy it right then and there (usually good motivation for them to shave a little $)

3) No tax, but they did charge shipping, and it wasn't cheap, even to CA. However, it was exceptionally well packed and the bass was in flawless condition. I still have it and get lots of compliments on it (unlike my playing).

 

[nic salsus]

You have money. They want your money. They are in the business of selling. They expect negotiating will transpire. Give them a call & get used to people's reactions. It's not something you can control. What you can control is how much you spend. It's your money. You are entitled to try and get the best price.

And then whip out the credit card to pay where they get dinged for another couple of percent? Nice.
As long as the price is in the ballpark I don't mind paying what a great niche store like Bass NW is asking. The $50 I save today getting 'em to drop their pants on something ain't worth it to me if tomorrow I have to deal with GC because the cool store went under. Price is important but it sure ain't ALL about price. How much is the knowledge and service worth that you get from people who only deal in basses vs. some faceless chain store?

 

[gregbackstrom]

I've also had lots of great experiences with Evan and Co. And, yes, they will negotiate if you can give them a reason to (i.e. better prices at other stores, shipping / sales tax makes them noncompetitive, etc.). It never hurts to try.

But also remember -- they've either got to meet your price or "upsell" you on the importance of local service and support. If they can't compete with lower-price retailers in a way that make sense to you, they haven't earned your business.

And Cameron -- I'm right with you on your rotten Eden WT 1205 experience. (Mine was very similar.) But you seem to have had a disproportionate share of bad luck in your bass dealings! I'm starting to wonder if there's anyone you've gotten good service from!

Cordially,
Greg

I've dealt with them many times in person, Evan Sheely the owner is a great guy, he and his staff have always treated me right. I've purchased several basses and many smaller items over the years, they along with Mike Lull are my primary resources for bass gear.

 

[Alexander]

To me, Evan is a real stand up guy as was Chad (I guess is gone now) - also got to know Eddy a little bit and he was super nice. Dealing with them was a level above the rest of the crew that has come and gone in there. They haven't negotiated much with me at all - saying they don't artificially jack up their pricing to negotiate back down again. I respect that. They have price matched, though on one occasion with me. I've traded gear and they pretty much stuck to their store policy, which was fair enough.

They have had really good service. Evan spent a full hour ripping apart a cab I was struggling with to help me troubleshoot it (even though ultimately it was the responsibility of the manufacturer) - at no cost. I went in there to buy a G&L Tribute bass years ago when the QC wasn't great on them. All of the ones on the floor had some obvious defect of one kind or another. They fished one out of the back and Chad set it up for me while I watched. He asked me about that bass every time I came in the store, even a couple of years later. Evan is a wealth of knowedge and good guy to talk to. I got to sit in with Eddy's house band during an open jam that Chad was at as well - all great guys...

Anyway, best selection of bass gear I've ever seen at reasonable prices with good service. Hard to find these days!

 

[Gard]

Bull. MAP is minimum advertised price. There are dealers all over the place who sell below MAP. They manufacturers get in a snit if you advertise lower prices than other vendors. What happened is they used that line on you, and you bit.

Hey Mike, how's things in Groom Lake...ground stop shakin' yet?

As the rep of the manufacturer in question, I want to straighten something out: we have an MSP - Minimum SALE price. We also have an MAP, but dealers can sell lower than that price.

Yes, they can get in trouble for selling below MSP, and I have had to end a dealer's relationship with us over it.



BNW is a great shop, we are happy to have a great working relationship with them. Even before I came to my present position at Roscoe, and was at a "competitor" (Bass Central), I considered them to be a great group of guys that did a fantastic job and were completely trustworthy. I still feel exactly the same about them today.

 

[NOLA Bass]

I bought a Hamer 12 string (used) sight unseen over the phone. The service was top notch, and the salesperson gave me details down to the tiniest nick you would never notice. I was really impressed.

I then got to visit the store on two seperate trips. Awesome service in the store as well. I was in the market for cabs and tried all types of stuff. The owner, Evan, made it a great shopping experience. I got home and had the Bergantinos shipped to me.

I honestly don't recall if shipping was extra at the time. However, I think you'll be really happy if you deal with them.

 

[jerry]

Buying from them has always been a positive experience for me.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

price ain't everything.