Does Guitar Center Haggle With Their Used Gear? (2024)

I know the last couple of years GC has really been less haggle friendly. At times I have had to fight them tooth and nail on just covering the tax for me. However, I have always bought stuff at GC new. Tonight I saw a used guitar they had on sale that I have wanted for a while. I'm curious if they are more willing to haggle and go down on price when it comes to their used gear?

Any input?

Sometimes.
A few years back, I bought a used PRS Custom 24 from GC in Totowa, NJ.
It was listed at $1700.00 and I asked some questions about it and they came back and told me I could have it for $1400.00 including tax.
I hardly nudged them.

Depends on who you approach and how you approach them.

Steve

toddincharlotte said:

I just recently bought a head that was shipped in from Texas. They waived shipping and tax. Amp had been sitting for less than 30 days. At minimum you should be able to get them to waive tax and shipping on stuff that is coming in from other states.

Click to expand...

and this is why I love guitar center!

I've bought four mesa boogies from around the country for great prices and had them shipped here for nothing!

best way to buy used amps when trying to avoid ebay or craigslist.

If a used item sits for 90 days or more, GC's home office does a review which usually ends up as a price drop.
They also move used items to different GC outlets where there may be more of a buying clientele for that item.

I've found that GC's used site pricing beats just about most online sellers.
Over the phone, I ask loads of questions to GC sales force.
The most important final question, "will I say why did I buy this POS?"
If I get any negative vibe, I'll pass.

I do it all the time!

Tell them that they TOO haggle when used gear is sold to them!

mhz88 said:

Depends on who you talk to. I had great experience with this dude 2 months ago, he would go to the manager to get prices approved for me. Just went back recently to the and the same dude acted like he was on death row.. maybe lost his motivation

Click to expand...

The reality of used gear at GC for the sales guy from the perspective of someone who works there is:

I want you to get a piece you love for a price you are content with.
Any discounts be it eating tax, shipping or a % off equals less commision.

This can get sensitive on used pieces that haven't been there long because the commission on used is split between the person who did the work to buy the piece in and the one who sells it. It's a very small # to begin with.
You have to choose between negotiating on behalf of the customer to make them happy with the price while downsizing your chance of commision & your boss judging you on their most important factor determining your value to them: profit per hour.

slipbeer said:

Yes but you have to be prepared to buy right then and there.

Click to expand...

If you did your homework, need the piece and it fits your budget, what difference does that make?
Kind Regards,
Steve

phazersonstun said:

The reality of used gear at GC for the sales guy from the perspective of someone who works there is:

I want you get a piece you love for a price you are content with.
Any discounts be it eating tax, shipping or a % off equals less commision

This can get sensitive on used pieces that haven't been there long because the commission on used is split between the person who did the work to buy the piece in and the one who sells it. It's a very small # to begin with.
You have to choose between negotiating on behalf of the customer to make them happy with the price while downsizing your chance of commision & your boss judging you on their most important factor determining your value to them: profit per hour.

Click to expand...

Sounds like the sales guys are bearing the brunt of the discounted price.