Guitar Center... any specials/tricks/coupons to get a price down?

[Jerrod]

There's a Clearance priced guitar at a Guitar Center near me that I think I want. Does anyone have any hints regarding getting the price down more? It's still way too high.

[Rotten]

Show them cash. Pop out the price you want to pay and say that is all you have. It has always worked for me.

[KennyM]

The only thing I've found is straight out of the car buyers handbook. Shop on the last day of the month. It's usually the last day for a sales guy to get in the last sales towards his commission check. Sometimes a single sale can make a significant change in the commission percentages.

Be prepared to walk or tell them you'll have to wait until next week to come up with the cash. I've had guys really grind on their managers to approve those end of pay period sales.

[Woodenfish]

I know the local GC's in my area are having a "List Sale" this weekend. You might want to check yours again tomorrow.

[arthur rotfeld]

Originally Posted by Woodenfish

I know the local GC's in my area are having a "List Sale" this weekend. You might want to check yours again tomorrow.

Indeed.

Heavy Pick just called me and said that there were some very good deals on high end stuff. Certain PRS and Gibson models sharply discounted.

[JedimasterPaul]

I gave GC a chance to sell me a 1974x, basically telling them I wanted to pay xxxx out the door, tax included. They came back with MSRP, and told me they would match an offer from another store.

Another store in the area gave me the deal I wanted, so I got it there.

[Jerrod]

The guitar I'm looking at is a limited edition Gibson that they've had on the floor for 2 years. They only made a few hundred of them, so I don't know how motivated they are, but I'm willing to try.

[Woodenfish]

Clicky for coupon >http://gc.guitarcenter.com/promo/4th...ad.cfm?bcode=5

[FenderBigot]

Sign up for their mailing list on the website... I've received a ton of coupons and specials via Email. I got one coupon for $50 off a purchase of $199. I bought a Hardwire chorus and a Pedaltrain PT1. With the precoupon discount they gave me as a frequent shopper and then the coupon, I got both for rediculously low prices.

[Jerrod]

Originally Posted by Woodenfish

Clicky for coupon >http://gc.guitarcenter.com/promo/4th...ad.cfm?bcode=5

That would be perfect, except it excludes Clearance items.

[jhaines2992]

CASH IS KING!!! Guitar Center's computer gives them a don't sell below THIS number (at least it used) which is usually considerably lower than the sticker, so their employees have been equipped to haggle.

[Jerrod]

Yeah, sounds like I need to make a trip to GC. Thanks everyone.

[themadcaplaughs]

Originally Posted by jhaines2992

CASH IS KING!!! Guitar Center's computer gives them a don't sell below THIS number (at least it used) which is usually considerably lower than the sticker, so their employees have been equipped to haggle.

It depends on the piece. Some stuff like the Gibson Diablo SG those guitars profit margin was basically 50% but the SG Classic only had about a 15-20% profit. That is the real problem is knowing what is th amount they are willing to give. Though if it is an item that has been clearanced forever they will be more willing to give it to you for nothing. Also if you happen to have multiple stores in your area, if you go to a store that is hurting for sales they will be willing to bend.

[KennyM]

Originally Posted by jhaines2992

CASH IS KING!!! Guitar Center's computer gives them a don't sell below THIS number (at least it used) which is usually considerably lower than the sticker, so their employees have been equipped to haggle.

This is true. Since I buy a lot of high end stuff for my studio I deal with one of the GCPro guys in the offices. He always brings things down to the lowest figure the computer system will allow. The guys on the sales floor can get to that same point but it usually requires multiple trips to a manager for approval.

Best advise is to hook up with a GCPro guy and always go to him. Besides having the advantage of not dealing with some kid in the guitar and accessory department treating you like an idiot it makes dealing with GC pretty pleasurable.

Whenever I want something I just email a list to my guy and he emails the prices back. It's a trust thing, but I've rarely ever found lower prices so I never even think about hageling. I give him the go ahead and I show up at the store, walk past the sales guys on the floor back to the offices where he's already pulled and stacked the gear, give him a credit card and we wheel the gear out.

If you're in LA let me know and I'll hook you up with my guy. I've been dealing with him for years and I only venture onto the sales floor when I want to hear 10 guys all playing there best music store licks at once.