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When new becomes used!

Any time I have purchased something new from my GC, I do not accept the floor model. If they don’t have a new unmolested one in back, I have them order a new one. They have never once given me a problem about that. I did ask for a discount on a floor model once, and they refused, but did order me a new one. I also, however, rarely buy anything new.
 
You might apply a 'new car' / used car rationale: a new car costs what it does as it still comes with the full new car warranty. Obviously a used car (even with very low miles) lacks that, thus the price is lower as you aren't paying up front for the warranty, and depreciation has begun as well.

They may be thinking this Breedlove still comes with a warranty card, etc., so that's where they're at on it.

Up to you; if they have no intention of cutting their price a bit to finally move it, I'd keep shopping. I can tell you that probably nit-picking it to death probably won't advance your cause. I'd walk in with cash, low-ball them, be clear you're ready to buy right now for the right deal, and work 'em. If they just won't budge to your satisfaction, you have LOTS of other options.
 
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My local gc has a nice breedlove acoustic bass in stock, i have played it several times. This bass has been hanging on the wall for 5 years! Every tom dick & harry have played it. It now has plenty of scatches a few dings & the strings look like something out of a john carpenter film! The price is $799.00 listed as new stock! This bass is not new stock in my world, am i missing something here.
Nope. I feel the same way. It's a "floor model" or "demo" and should be sold as such. If you brought it up to the manager, most likely he'd feel the same way and you could work out a deal for the guitar that is no longer in a "new" condition.
 
Selling demo stock at a discount means you have to put more new stock out on the floor to get beat up. It's not considered a great idea by management unless the item is discontinued and you're trying to get rid of the last one you have. They should be able to sell you a new one for that "new" price, but they usually have little incentive to discount that demo version for you.
 
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I would certainly try to negotiate a better price than what's listed in the catalogue. But, it must also be said that by having actual instruments on the floor, for us to try out, shops are doing us a great service. I guess I would not expect the same discount which I feel is in order for actively used, worn, far less than mint gear.
 
That’ll buff out.
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A local music store (chain) has had a Fender Custom Shop from 2013 on the wall since ....well, 2013 and have already discounted the price by 10% (but it still has not sold.....it's a 2013 Closet Classic Precision Pro from the custom shop)

If you like the instrument, ask for a discount cause of the floor abuse. If it has been there that long, they may want to move it. Worse they say is no.
 
No, you're not missing a thing.
My local gc has a nice breedlove acoustic bass in stock, i have played it several times. This bass has been hanging on the wall for 5 years! Every tom dick & harry have played it. It now has plenty of scatches a few dings & the strings look like something out of a john carpenter film! The price is $799.00 listed as new stock! This bass is not new stock in my world, am i missing something here.
 
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My local gc has a nice breedlove acoustic bass in stock, i have played it several times. This bass has been hanging on the wall for 5 years! Every tom dick & harry have played it. It now has plenty of scatches a few dings & the strings look like something out of a john carpenter film! The price is $799.00 listed as new stock! This bass is not new stock in my world, am i missing something here.
In the Australian retail world it would be a “demonstration model” and discounted accordingly.
 
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My local gc has a nice breedlove acoustic bass in stock, i have played it several times. This bass has been hanging on the wall for 5 years! Every tom dick & harry have played it. It now has plenty of scatches a few dings & the strings look like something out of a john carpenter film! The price is $799.00 listed as new stock! This bass is not new stock in my world, am i missing something here.
Demo basses at any store or seller are used. Period. New basses are untouched except for the quality service that sellers bring over and above receiving the items from manufacturers. Like Pleking them or doing a proper set-up during individual item selection.
 
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I always buy used. That's how I buy better basses for less money. The more battered the less I want to pay.

If this bass has been on the wall for 5 years, it's a floor model. If it's been damaged during that time it's used. If you really want it, I'd offer 25% less.
 
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I believe and item is "new" until it is sold then it becomes "used". If it is returned within the guarantee period (if there is one) then the item becomes "B" stock. Either way if the item has wear and damage you can negotiate for a better price.

I knew a music store (no longer in existence) that use to do the opposite. If someone from Canada bought an item and wanted it shipped to them they would mark the customs form as "used" to avoid fees.
 
My local gc has a nice breedlove acoustic bass in stock, i have played it several times. This bass has been hanging on the wall for 5 years! Every tom dick & harry have played it. It now has plenty of scatches a few dings & the strings look like something out of a john carpenter film! The price is $799.00 listed as new stock! This bass is not new stock in my world, am i missing something here.

Often known as a "floor model". You can always make them an offer for it. According to rumor, GC is on their last legs so it would likely behoove them to get what they can for in stock items. The worst that can happen is that they say "NO" and you'll still have a million options available to you of what to buy, from where and for how much given that it's largely a buyer's market these days.
 
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A five year old 'demo' bass is not new unless it is in new condition.
Regardless of if was ever sold. Scratches, nicks, dings, ring scars ect in no way denotes NEW....
Sounds like a well used demo.
 
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My local gc has a nice breedlove acoustic bass in stock, i have played it several times. This bass has been hanging on the wall for 5 years! Every tom dick & harry have played it. It now has plenty of scatches a few dings & the strings look like something out of a john carpenter film! The price is $799.00 listed as new stock! This bass is not new stock in my world, am i missing something here.

Make them an offer. After 5 years they may want to actually sell it damn the price.
 
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