working deals at music stores

blackacre · 4th March 2008

so I was wondering what types of deals people have been able to get out of guitar center, Sam Ash or a local music store. I was able to get an ensemble for 1550, an Avalon 737 for 1700 a Pacifica for 1550 and an AEA r84 for 705. That is the best I have been able to pull off, but I want to hear what other deals are possible. Oh, and those are total prices after tax.

Also, maybe we could talk about strategies to get better deals (maybe a disillusioned GC employee can give some inside info on margins or other useful info)

trakk · 4th March 2008

How does that work? Do you just say "I know you can do better than that"? I've always had a hard time believing a physical store should try to match prices with online stores. It's worth something to me to be able to run across town and check something out.

That said, I'm still curious what angle you can take when trying to save some money.

jhknicks · 4th March 2008

You could go in with a gun and rob them....
ensemble for 1550, an Avalon 737 for 1700 a Pacifica for 1550 and an AEA r84 for 705.-and these include tax.........
They were probably stolen from the employer....

Gone · 4th March 2008

Funny, you say "stolen". I was think those were "ok" deals, nothing great.

The best way to find out what are great deals is to take a part time job at a Guitar Center. Believe it or not, you can learn a lot doing this.

Also, don't waste peoples time if it is only the deal you want.
Don't demo, don't ask questions you can answer yourself.
Be clear and concise.
Just buy.
Let the dealer know that is your intent.

Good luck!

D

johndykstra · 4th March 2008

Being a former employee of a relatively big box music store, I can say that the best way to get a deal on gear is to ask, and do your homework before you get there. Our store policy was to match competitors prices...including internet. Don't be a dick, and don't try to suck mine. Ask as few tech questions as possible. When buying mid/high end gear, it's practically assumed that something is coming off the top. Having said that, my favorite customers were the ones that deals were a given...after years of buying from me, they knew I was giving them the best prices I could. Rack gear and software have little mark up, mics a little more, speakers more still, cables is where it's at as far as discounts go. If you're gonna be a pest about a deal, you'll probably get one (just to get you outta my hair)...but don't be suprised if every employee ignores you on your next trip. 10-15% off is pretty typical. With MAP pricing, there's really not alot of room to do any better than that...generally speaking. Good luck.

Old Cane · 4th March 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpasch

Funny, you say "stolen". I was think those were "ok" deals, nothing great.

D

It's obvious you've never owned a music store. I've had two (before I hear all the crap I did last time about making not making a go of it twice I should say I sold out to a partner and retired before I was 40). Some items you can discount 60% and make a buck or two. Some, 10% off will kill you.

Gone · 8th March 2008

Working in them I learned that owning one was a fools game.

D

ecsound · 8th March 2008

work your deals at guitar center before may! since the company was sold, they're going for fixed pricing. no more pro deals.

i used to work there and this information came from a credible source that still does.

4th March 2008	#1
blackacre Gear interested Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 16 Thread Starter	working deals at music stores so I was wondering what types of deals people have been able to get out of guitar center, Sam Ash or a local music store. I was able to get an ensemble for 1550, an Avalon 737 for 1700 a Pacifica for 1550 and an AEA r84 for 705. That is the best I have been able to pull off, but I want to hear what other deals are possible. Oh, and those are total prices after tax. Also, maybe we could talk about strategies to get better deals (maybe a disillusioned GC employee can give some inside info on margins or other useful info)

4th March 2008	#5
johndykstra Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Midwest Posts: 4,585	Being a former employee of a relatively big box music store, I can say that the best way to get a deal on gear is to ask, and do your homework before you get there. Our store policy was to match competitors prices...including internet. Don't be a dick, and don't try to suck mine. Ask as few tech questions as possible. When buying mid/high end gear, it's practically assumed that something is coming off the top. Having said that, my favorite customers were the ones that deals were a given...after years of buying from me, they knew I was giving them the best prices I could. Rack gear and software have little mark up, mics a little more, speakers more still, cables is where it's at as far as discounts go. If you're gonna be a pest about a deal, you'll probably get one (just to get you outta my hair)...but don't be suprised if every employee ignores you on your next trip. 10-15% off is pretty typical. With MAP pricing, there's really not alot of room to do any better than that...generally speaking. Good luck. __________________ phantom power doesn't make your voice sound spooky

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4th March 2008	#2
trakk Gear maniac Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Nashville Posts: 200	How does that work? Do you just say "I know you can do better than that"? I've always had a hard time believing a physical store should try to match prices with online stores. It's worth something to me to be able to run across town and check something out. That said, I'm still curious what angle you can take when trying to save some money.

4th March 2008	#3
jhknicks Gear Head Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 49	You could go in with a gun and rob them.... ensemble for 1550, an Avalon 737 for 1700 a Pacifica for 1550 and an AEA r84 for 705.-and these include tax......... They were probably stolen from the employer....

4th March 2008	#4
Gone Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 737	Funny, you say "stolen". I was think those were "ok" deals, nothing great. The best way to find out what are great deals is to take a part time job at a Guitar Center. Believe it or not, you can learn a lot doing this. Also, don't waste peoples time if it is only the deal you want. Don't demo, don't ask questions you can answer yourself. Be clear and concise. Just buy. Let the dealer know that is your intent. Good luck! D

8th March 2008	#7
Gone Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 737	Working in them I learned that owning one was a fools game. D

8th March 2008	#8
ecsound Gear nut Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 90	work your deals at guitar center before may! since the company was sold, they're going for fixed pricing. no more pro deals. i used to work there and this information came from a credible source that still does.