Tip-toeing through the bargaining process can be awkward - in order to get the best value for your money, you'll potentially need to engage in an uncomfortable conversation with music store employees. It is important to remember that YOU are in control - music stores want your money, and you should make them earn it. Here are a few tips on discussing guitar price with music store staff:
- Keep the salesperson on a need-to-know basis. Don't tell them "I have to own this guitar!" Mention you've seen some nice guitars in other stores around town.
- Before you begin bartering, make sure you know if the price includes a case. Ask whether the case is hardshell (more $) or softshell (less $).
- Try out several guitars on your return visit. You might want show interest in a much cheaper guitar. Selling you a cheap guitar means a small commission for for a music store employee, so they'll likely be more willing to give you a deal on a more expensive guitar.
- Don't be in a hurry. Take your time, and carefully consider whether this IS the guitar you really want.
- NEVER pay list price for a guitar. Just as in car prices, the list price of a guitar is usually greatly inflated.
Manyof us have difficulty in bringing up the subject of discounts with a salesperson. Here's a tip - ask the salesperson to give you the "Whole price, including tax and case," for the guitar. When they provide the quote, say "Hummm, now what can you do for me to get that price a little lower?" Have a price in mind that you'd like to pay - I often aim for a 10-15% discount. If you know of a store that offers a lower price for the same guitar, make the salesperson aware of that. You might have to use a little bit of pressure, but it's something you'll get used to doing.
Sometimes, if the guitar is already on sale, or is a very budget-priced instrument, you'll have a hard time convincing the salesperson to further lower the price. In these circumstances, try asking them to include some guitar accessories for free, or at least at a heavily discounted price. These might include: a capo, guitar strings, a patch cord, guitar polish, a guitar humidifier, a guitar tuner, or even small items like string winders and picks. It might not be the discount you're looking for, but it will at least give you the satisfaction of knowing that you successfully bargained with the salespeople.
With this knowledge, you should be able to bring home a new guitar you're happy with, at a price that won't bust your budget. Best of luck, and happy hunting!
