Guitar Center haggling

[tjon]

Can you still haggle at GC? I remember back in the day if your guitar wasnt 20 dollars off or didnt come with a free gigbag or something you were a failure.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

A year or go or so they instituted a no-haggling policy....of course the art of haggling just changed, you can most likely go on line with your iphone at the location and show them better prices that they will have to match; it will actually have to be lower to truly match because of the no-tax online. Still may not work, I had one guy tell me they couldn't match, "online stores don't have the same overhaed as GC" and he told me (with strange entusiasm) "That is a great deal! I would go for that!"

I looked around at a [acked store of mom and pops buying starter gear for their kids and realized I am no longer the target market for GC

 

[boost]

A mom and her 12 year old son looking to buy a guitar is GC's target audience. Seems there doing a good job at getting to the point where that's all that is in the store.

I can't remember the last time I was in a GC and had a conversation with a salesman that knew more about gear than I did. Wasn't like that 'back in the day'. More Wal Mart now than cool guitar store.

The smaller guitar stores are where you find the cool stuff anyway.

 

[stratotone]

Always work with the same salesguy, and spend a lot of money. You will still get deals then. Otherwise, good luck.

 

[MARK1970]

I have tried to bargain on prices, but never had any luck. I ask for freebies like cables and strings when I buy. I think you have a better chance with the used gear. I live by 3 GC and they always have old Marshall heads. When I get some cash I am going to make a low ball offer. I have in the pass tried to sell gear and shit, they want to give you practically nothing. Something like 30% and a little higher for store credit.
GC hires more by looks it seems. In my experience over the last 26 years, any item you are willing to buy, the sales guy will let you know what you are buying is the best. I once asked about the Zakk Wylde overdrive when it first came out. The salesman told me it was the best overdrive out there and if I purchase one, I would not regret it. Well I did and I did.

 

[sinfish]

Is it me or has their stock changed. i remember when GC first opened in MN they had gear you really wanted to buy. Now the only thing worth a damn in these stores are on the used wall.

 

[mrhiwatt]

That is so true Sinfish, If you like store with interesting stuff like
USA jackson, Engl amps Even some ESP try Capitol Guitars in St Paul. I have been buying all my gear there 2 RR1 and Dinky. I looked RR1 at GC went home decided i would buy it told them I would be there in 20 mins do you want my CC info nope. Got their in 15 oh we sold it but forgot about it. That was it no more GC for me go to the little guys with interesting stuff.

MrHiwatt

 

[Les Zombie]

i still get deals, i bought a brand new taylor 714ce for 2k out the door.

 

[fredster]

You can get the tax off if you ask, which just about matches the online prices. You're not gonna get much lower than that. They are insane about used gear, way too high and they don't budge at all. And we all know they pay absolute shit for the stuff...

 

[droptrd]

yeah not only do the sales staff know less about what they are selling, now you cant even get the super cool deals anymore. GC's going down hill fast

 

[blastcap]

I havent purchased any new gear in a retail store in sooooo long. Why buy new when you can get great deals on ebay and forums like this one.