Guitar Center Gear Buying

[klugster]

So Saturday I dropped off a guitar to GC for some warranty work (KH-V) bad toggle switch. Talking with the guy a bit, decided to ask about trading my Jackson RR3 in, just for the hell of it. I cant seem to sell shit at all on FB Marketplace or any groups, well he looked it over and he made the offer, exactly what I have had it for sale on FB for 6 months now, really surprised the hell out of me. Although I think its probably worth more in some alternate gear sales reality. I'll probably take them up on it, and maybe bring my EC1000 and see what it would bring there. Just a little rant about GC.

 

[griff10672]

So Saturday I dropped off a guitar to GC for some warranty work (KH-V) bad toggle switch. Talking with the guy a bit, decided to ask about trading my Jackson RR3 in, just for the hell of it. I cant seem to sell shit at all on FB Marketplace or any groups, well he looked it over and he made the offer, exactly what I have had it for sale on FB for 6 months now, really surprised the hell out of me. Although I think its probably worth more in some alternate gear sales reality. I'll probably take them up on it, and maybe bring my EC1000 and see what it would bring there. Just a little rant about GC.

I stopped getting decent offers from them back when they stopped letting you barter on used gear

 

[cardinal]

Really seems to depend. The GC by me I've heard just completely turning people away at any price unless it's a premium guitar.

 

[NeubyWanKaneuby]

They have a deal right now where you get 20% off if you trade in an American made guitar. Not sure if that 20% is capped or not (usually it's $500 max discount).

 

[klugster]

Really seems to depend. The GC by me I've heard just completely turning people away at any price unless it's a premium guitar.

Im in Kansas. The GC in Wichita. Kinda shocked me for sure. Trust me they have low balled me before, I didn't go back for 8 years.

 

[klugster]

They have a deal right now where you get 20% off if you trade in an American made guitar. Not sure if that 20% is capped or not (usually it's $500 max discount).

They said 10% off with trade in on new guitars. Pay tax only on the difference after trade.

 

[Corey James]

I don't get the 10% off thing. That always makes me smile.

Hell, last year I bought TWO new guitars, roasted alder and roasted ash. Both from a builder that I LOVE and supposedly does not do discounting.

28% off one, 34% off the other.

People just need to learn how to communicate imo and / or hold out for a better deal!

 

[fek]

The new GC CEO says that they are making changes. I don't know. Going to take a lot to compete in that market these days.

 

[BeZo]

I've only found good deals on used Behringer PA gear lately. I just got a digital snake for $250. I was looking for one for a while, and I just sold my pedalboard for $200 that day. An S16 for $250 is a pretty good deal, and it helps my setup alot, aside from just doubling my inputs.

 

[shar-vell Dan]

Ive tried in good faith for 25+ yrs to "feel the love" of the three GC's in my metro and experience the "majic" that forum folks talk about.
Its never happened and thats being kind.

 

[klugster]

Ive tried in good faith for 25+ yrs to "feel the love" of the three GC's in my metro and experience the "majic" that forum folks talk about.
Its never happened and thats being kind.

Man, they are normally super shitty on the trade in and buys. this time was just different. I'm sure they will try and screw me next time somehow.

 

[rsm]

I have a few things listed on local CL; I stopped selling on reverb this year. If I can't renew the CL ad, I delete it, and take it to CL.

when I factor in fees, shipping costs, risks of shipping damage, disappearances and difficulty with damage claims, shady buyers, etc. the price GC offers is only slightly less in many cases.

They did lowball me on one item recently, that is just too big and "delicate" to pack and ship even with the OEM box and packing materials, and I don't have one of those big copper staple guns. I kept the item.

I have a few more items I plan to try to sell GC once the CL posting renewals are done.

 

[fek]

I have a few things listed on local CL; I stopped selling on reverb this year. If I can't renew the CL ad, I delete it, and take it to CL.

when I factor in fees, shipping costs, risks of shipping damage, disappearances and difficulty with damage claims, shady buyers, etc. the price GC offers is only slightly less in many cases.

They did lowball me on one item recently, that is just too big and "delicate" to pack and ship even with the OEM box and packing materials, and I don't have one of those big copper staple guns. I kept the item.

I have a few more items I plan to try to sell GC once the CL posting renewals are done.

I had a few things that were not moving locally on CL and FB Marketplace for months. Posted them on Sweetwater's Gear Exchange and they sold within a week. Ended up with a $500+ credit with Sweetwater. I think they charge 7% if you choose to accept the cash instead of credit. Just my experience.

 

[shar-vell Dan]

7% of my money for free ? Nope.

 

[ToneZone6L6]

My guitar center started offering 50% if cash and 60% if trading in and then lowball’s the hell out of you
The last offer I got from them was $600.00 for a mesa boogie V90 combo

 

[shar-vell Dan]

My guitar center started offering 50% if cash and 60% if trading in and then lowball’s the hell out of you
The last offer I got from them was $600.00 for a mesa boogie V90 combo

yep worst than some pawn shops.