lame GC experience today...

[maddnotez]

haha that kid outwitted you! who the hell would ask some little emo turd for a price break...go straight to the manager hes the only one with that kind of power...live and learn

Oh I knew I could have went to the manager. I was just so completely disgusted by the kids attitude I didn't even want to spend any money in there anymore, it was a total impulse buy and he just made it sour.

With Reza as well and I have been in the same shoes before. I knew they could have came down a little. Not even $1. The sales dude was just an asshole IMO.

I also have heard times have changed at GC. My buddy was a manager there about 8-9 years ago and it was great.

Brand new 6505+ - $840 out the door
$1,000 Drum set - $440
Got a 7321 for $200 new

Anything I wanted 5% over cost. Those times have definitely changed.

With that said I no longer go to GC and try to haggle however I frequent the used website because even to this day some dumbass will post something absurdly cheap on there. AND the 90 day rule does still apply Reza was not wrong about that.

It may have changed from 45 to 90 but if a used item sits for 90+ it is definitely due for a price drop and they all know it.

Guess that'll teach you for coming in and playing "Enter Sandman".












Poorly.

 

[mudf00t]

A couple of people are saying GC doesn't do deals anymore. This is not entirely true. If you want a deal, you have to build a relationship with the store manager or asst store manager... flat out. They are the only ones authorized to do shit. The other thing you need is patience. At my local GC's, I will make an offer to the sales person, they will tell me they can't do it, I ask for the manager and give him the offer. If he says no, I will say "Thanks for your time, Tony. I'll check back in a couple of weeks. I look forward to doing business with you.". I come back in 2 weeks and if the item is still there, I will ask to speak to the manager. When he comes out, I will say "Hey, Tony, thanks for taking the time to talk to me for a minute. Do you remember that I made an offer on that guitar last time I was in here? I just thought it might be worthwhile for me to check back with you and see if you might reconsider.".

Here is what happens for me. Either the item sells before I come back OR they will eventually give me a deal. Sometimes, I will revise my offer up a little by like $25 if I kinda lowballed them.

These are the deals I got this year

2009 Mesa Boogie Mark V Head $1650 - for $1500 out the door.
1988-89? Zion Bent T $1499 - $1050 + tax that I later sold via consignment (same month) for $1800
EBMM Silhouette $1099 w/OHSC - $700 + tax
NEW Line 6 James Tyler Variax $899 - $650 out the door (the sales kid told me they weren't going to carry them anymore)
Marshall 1987x Plexi Head $1199 - $1100 out the door

There are a few more but I have bought and sold so much shit this year I can't remember them all. When I walk in to GC, they greet me by name lol. Some deals are not that great but I usually save on what the asking price is. I have also purchased some items for retail minus sales price when I got a chance. I always make sure "Tony" the manager knows that I bought that stuff. The more I buy the more he is willing to talk to me.

An example of "retail" items are 2 PRS S2 Standard 24 guitars. One I got at 20% off for their anniversary ($799 + tax). The other i got in October and FOR ONE DAY they had them for $649 + tax.

 

[LanierP]

The GC in my area is teaming with young dudes just like this guy, that have the 'tude' pumpin every time I walk in the door. It's sad. This store has had the same crap hanging on its walls for years man. I have caught a few guys up at the counter, about ready to sell their LP Standard back to GC for 600$, and offered them a price that makes both happy. On guitars that GC buys used, they should have a good bit of wiggle room based on what they have in the piece.
There is a Sam Ash that is 2 miles from my local GC, and the used gear there is usually turning every month give or take. They have been willing to do deals much more than GC, and the guys that work there are older, wiser, and realize the value of a good customer. I realize that this isnt the case everywhere, but it is nice to deal with salesman that know how to treat you right. Just got a call from my Sam Ash guy last week on a pre 500 Dual Rec that came in the door! My local GC just doesn't do shit like that.

 

[Racerxrated]

I like them, but I only find used items on .com. If I don't dig it goes back. 2C-799. 79 JMP 2204 mint-999. 1974 1960a cab great shape all original-400. They have the same cab in worse shape at a different store for 900. I can go on and on. If you are patient and stalk their used site it pays off. Oh..and where else can you get a 4x12 shipped from Cali to Wi for 26 bucks??

 

[mudf00t]

The GC in my area is teaming with young dudes just like this guy, that have the 'tude' pumpin every time I walk in the door. It's sad. This store has had the same crap hanging on its walls for years man. I have caught a few guys up at the counter, about ready to sell their LP Standard back to GC for 600$, and offered them a price that makes both happy. On guitars that GC buys used, they should have a good bit of wiggle room based on what they have in the piece.
There is a Sam Ash that is 2 miles from my local GC, and the used gear there is usually turning every month give or take. They have been willing to do deals much more than GC, and the guys that work there are older, wiser, and realize the value of a good customer. I realize that this isnt the case everywhere, but it is nice to deal with salesman that know how to treat you right. Just got a call from my Sam Ash guy last week on a pre 500 Dual Rec that came in the door! My local GC just doesn't do shit like that.

My local Sam Ash here in Charlotte has people working in the main guitar (electric) section that are complete morons. I always go to the acoustic room and deal with the guy there instead and always get great deals from him. I recently bought a 2002 American Deluxe strat that I love with OHSC for $600!

 

[shredhead7]

I used to love GC when I knew the managers. They all got married or moved on to the reality of their band not making it. But for a wonderful 6 years, I bought a lot of gear at near cost.

 

[Scumback Speakers]

My last guitar buying experience with GC was comical. It was almost 30 years ago in San Francisco. Got a Charvel with Floyd. Sales rep kept saying "Can't do it for that price, but I'll ask." He acted like he talked to the manager then came back with the same full price amount.

I finally said "Here's what I'm willing to pay, I have cash now, look at it."

Then he went to his manager and I paid the price I was willing to pay. Same thing happened with my JCM 800 50w purchase in 1982. Flash the cash, then they'll deal.

Go figure, maybe there are too many tire kickers in GC, I just wasn't one of them.

And with all due respect, I knew managers at 3 different GC's, and if Reza worked at one for years, he did use terminology/talk that the sales rep "should" understand.

I would lay the blame on kids who need a job that really don't know how sales or customer service work. So I can't really defend GC over this since I've been through it myself. That's one of the reasons I don't go to GC anymore except for strings, or maybe some odd piece that they have at a good price.

 

[Bloodrock]

All GC bullshit aside you have to remember one thing man, millennials only take jobs because society owes them a paycheck for doing nothing. Next time look for the oldest salesman in the store. Lol

 

[ejecta]

Sorry you didn't get the deal you wanted, but for all he knew, you were going to offer $500 and a Squier trade in, like probably five other people already offered that week. You obviously wanted it, so it's not like he needs to try to convince you. You needed to convince him, IMHO. Make the offer. Back it up with comps, and mention how long it's been there.

But just asking for a vague discount probably made him think you were a tire kicker.

well, I mentioned the duration it had been there, and that it was due for a price drop. he obviously knew that I meant the price could be adjusted, hence his comment about the price being what it is...

But look from his perspective. He has no idea you had $1600. If you had sometime for sale here and someone sent you a pm just saying hey man, the price is too high, would you take that seriously? I wouldn't. I can appreciate someone making an offer, but it's smells of a tire kicker when someone won't make an offer but is just fishing for something. At least to me.

ok. lets wind it back. I used to work at GC. I know their whole shtick, all of the terms they use, I can even work their computers to see the costs and what they brought the items in for, how much money they have into etc etc.

I told him its DUE FOR A PRICE DROP. thats not opaque. thats GC language clearly meaning, its been here for over 40 days, you can discount it. HE knew it, I knew it. He didn't WANT to make it happen. thats all there is to it.

EVERY single time I ask a more apt salesperson from guitar center "how long has it been in the system?" they always know exactly what WE are getting at.

So you really should have told them "Don't you know who I am?"

 

[endofall]

The GC in my area is teaming with young dudes just like this guy, that have the 'tude' pumpin every time I walk in the door. It's sad. This store has had the same crap hanging on its walls for years man. I have caught a few guys up at the counter, about ready to sell their LP Standard back to GC for 600$, and offered them a price that makes both happy. On guitars that GC buys used, they should have a good bit of wiggle room based on what they have in the piece.
There is a Sam Ash that is 2 miles from my local GC, and the used gear there is usually turning every month give or take. They have been willing to do deals much more than GC, and the guys that work there are older, wiser, and realize the value of a good customer. I realize that this isnt the case everywhere, but it is nice to deal with salesman that know how to treat you right. Just got a call from my Sam Ash guy last week on a pre 500 Dual Rec that came in the door! My local GC just doesn't do shit like that.

My local Sam Ash here in Charlotte has people working in the main guitar (electric) section that are complete morons. I always go to the acoustic room and deal with the guy there instead and always get great deals from him. I recently bought a 2002 American Deluxe strat that I love with OHSC for $600!

I go to the Sam Ash in Charlotte often. Ive had the guys in guitar offer me and my band mates great deals on new gear.

 

[Faded Abyss]

They always seem understaffed which causes the salespeople to e really short with you. I always try to go in right when they open on a weekday if I can

 

[guitarnate2000]

I dunno, I get 15-20% off coupons in emails from GC and MI all of the time so you'd think they'd bend a bit, especially with inventory thats been around for months without moving. Fuck em...let it sit some more and get 50% off on their going out of business sale hahah.

Unless you want something that's excluded from the coupon which is 75% of the stuff they sell! LOL

 

[messenger]

Sorry you didn't get the deal you wanted, but for all he knew, you were going to offer $500 and a Squier trade in, like probably five other people already offered that week. You obviously wanted it, so it's not like he needs to try to convince you. You needed to convince him, IMHO. Make the offer. Back it up with comps, and mention how long it's been there.

But just asking for a vague discount probably made him think you were a tire kicker.

well, I mentioned the duration it had been there, and that it was due for a price drop. he obviously knew that I meant the price could be adjusted, hence his comment about the price being what it is...

But look from his perspective. He has no idea you had $1600. If you had sometime for sale here and someone sent you a pm just saying hey man, the price is too high, would you take that seriously? I wouldn't. I can appreciate someone making an offer, but it's smells of a tire kicker when someone won't make an offer but is just fishing for something. At least to me.

ok. lets wind it back. I used to work at GC. I know their whole shtick, all of the terms they use, I can even work their computers to see the costs and what they brought the items in for, how much money they have into etc etc.

I told him its DUE FOR A PRICE DROP. thats not opaque. thats GC language clearly meaning, its been here for over 40 days, you can discount it. HE knew it, I knew it. He didn't WANT to make it happen. thats all there is to it.

EVERY single time I ask a more apt salesperson from guitar center "how long has it been in the system?" they always know exactly what WE are getting at.

So you really should have told them "Don't you know who I am?"

Maybe the kid DID know who he was and THAT was the issue

 

[ejecta]

Sorry you didn't get the deal you wanted, but for all he knew, you were going to offer $500 and a Squier trade in, like probably five other people already offered that week. You obviously wanted it, so it's not like he needs to try to convince you. You needed to convince him, IMHO. Make the offer. Back it up with comps, and mention how long it's been there.

But just asking for a vague discount probably made him think you were a tire kicker.

well, I mentioned the duration it had been there, and that it was due for a price drop. he obviously knew that I meant the price could be adjusted, hence his comment about the price being what it is...

But look from his perspective. He has no idea you had $1600. If you had sometime for sale here and someone sent you a pm just saying hey man, the price is too high, would you take that seriously? I wouldn't. I can appreciate someone making an offer, but it's smells of a tire kicker when someone won't make an offer but is just fishing for something. At least to me.

ok. lets wind it back. I used to work at GC. I know their whole shtick, all of the terms they use, I can even work their computers to see the costs and what they brought the items in for, how much money they have into etc etc.

I told him its DUE FOR A PRICE DROP. thats not opaque. thats GC language clearly meaning, its been here for over 40 days, you can discount it. HE knew it, I knew it. He didn't WANT to make it happen. thats all there is to it.

EVERY single time I ask a more apt salesperson from guitar center "how long has it been in the system?" they always know exactly what WE are getting at.

So you really should have told them "Don't you know who I am?"

Maybe the kid DID know who he was and THAT was the issue

I think that may be a possibility.

 

[Salos]

All GC bullshit aside you have to remember one thing man, millennials only take jobs because society owes them a paycheck for doing nothing. Next time look for the oldest salesman in the store. Lol

Not always! Milennials get a bad rap on this forum, but we're not all lazy, entitled, or brainwashed. For several months last year, I worked 3 jobs, and I have been working 2 jobs consistently since 2014..... gotta pay for gear

 

[messenger]

All GC bullshit aside you have to remember one thing man, millennials only take jobs because society owes them a paycheck for doing nothing. Next time look for the oldest salesman in the store. Lol

Not always! Milennials get a bad rap on this forum, but we're not all lazy, entitled, or brainwashed. For several months last year, I worked 3 jobs, and I have been working 2 jobs consistently since 2014..... gotta pay for gear

Nope. You're wrong. You are ALL bad

 

[Faded Abyss]

All GC bullshit aside you have to remember one thing man, millennials only take jobs because society owes them a paycheck for doing nothing. Next time look for the oldest salesman in the store. Lol

Not always! Milennials get a bad rap on this forum, but we're not all lazy, entitled, or brainwashed. For several months last year, I worked 3 jobs, and I have been working 2 jobs consistently since 2014..... gotta pay for gear

Nope. You're wrong. You are ALL bad

old people always talk shit about young generations. go to the old salesman, especially if you're old too. That way you can talk about the good 'ol times.

I don't know what's worse. The man bun hipster, or the old dude saying I have to plug a les paul into a marshall because it has more mojo (this really happened at GC)

 

[mudf00t]

The GC in my area is teaming with young dudes just like this guy, that have the 'tude' pumpin every time I walk in the door. It's sad. This store has had the same crap hanging on its walls for years man. I have caught a few guys up at the counter, about ready to sell their LP Standard back to GC for 600$, and offered them a price that makes both happy. On guitars that GC buys used, they should have a good bit of wiggle room based on what they have in the piece.
There is a Sam Ash that is 2 miles from my local GC, and the used gear there is usually turning every month give or take. They have been willing to do deals much more than GC, and the guys that work there are older, wiser, and realize the value of a good customer. I realize that this isnt the case everywhere, but it is nice to deal with salesman that know how to treat you right. Just got a call from my Sam Ash guy last week on a pre 500 Dual Rec that came in the door! My local GC just doesn't do shit like that.

My local Sam Ash here in Charlotte has people working in the main guitar (electric) section that are complete morons. I always go to the acoustic room and deal with the guy there instead and always get great deals from him. I recently bought a 2002 American Deluxe strat that I love with OHSC for $600!

I go to the Sam Ash in Charlotte often. Ive had the guys in guitar offer me and my band mates great deals on new gear.

It depends on who is working. Randy, Jeff and a few others are fine to deal with.