Guitar Center is not that bad if you know how to play the game. And the game is this: EVERYTHING IN THE STORE IS NEGOTIABLE. Now of course some stuff like recording software and high end pieces (Royer or Blue Mics for example) may have set prices - but there are other negotiable items that they can throw in to close a big deal - like free stuff (cables, strings, gig bags, cases, pedals, mic stands, sales tax etc...). The bottom line is that you need to know what you want and what the price point is BEFORE going in. And you can politely tell the salespeople to leave you alone - you know all about the stuff you are looking at - grab any guitar you want off the wall - and tweak the amp or whatever it is to your heart's content - or tell them that you need to take it to a blast room to crank it up. Most stores offer this - you just have to take it there yourself. It is the store policy to let you do this. I know - because I worked in the pro audio section for 1 month several years ago as a part time job in the Hollywood store.
Here are a few GC facts:
The sales commission is extremely low - so your average GC guitar salesperson is probably making well under $20K/year while working a 40 hour week. Only dumb *** musicians will put up with this over the long haul - so that is their sales force. Normal people aspire to better things - quickly see the limitations they have there - and quickly move on. You will probably not get great service at your average GC. If you desire great service - go to your smaller - higher priced - stores where you will get the attention you need - but you will find that there is a cost attached. And who on this forum really needs a sales person to show them a guitar amp? Are you that stupid? Grab that **** yourself and go - tell the salesperson to get you a cable that works and a pick and take a hike. There is not a goddamn thing he can do about it. It is company policy. In fact - it is the company core principle to let you play on the gear as much as you like before you buy. I know because I had to sit in a few team meetings and listen to all the BS.
At GC - the price is always negotiable. You will just have to research on line - but pretty much they will meet or beat whatever price you can find on line. Print it out - bring it in - ask for the manager. This WORKS on everything from 10 packs of guitar strings to Crown power amps. research research research.
I did the math when I was there (like 5 years ago) but the best sales person in my department- Pro Audio - the guy who had all his deals handed to him from on high and only sold Pro Tools HD rigs and $2500 mic pre's to studios over the phone probably made around $45-50K/year. We are talking the top seller in his department at the flagship store. This is chump change in the world of sales. The worst car salesman (at that time
) could stand around the lot and make that without having any skills. I know because several of my friends did exactly that and were pulling $85K+ selling cars full time - at that time.
The 30 day return policy is a huge reason why people continue to shop at GC - and they know it - and they will absolutely return your stuff - though YOU may feel guilty about it. And that is their hope. But if you just go in all business and keep everything "like new" after you buy it - you will have no problem returning stuff for a full refund with your original receipt. It is the store policy written right there on every receipt - so don't be guilted into keeping stuff and more importantly not just taking the stuff home and trying it out for a few days in your happy place. GC is a terrible place to hear stuff mostly because it is so **** loud all the time.
The guy who started this thread should have done this: Walked in - bought the amp on a 0 interest card - told the sales person that he needs to play on HIS GEAR for a few days before he makes up his mind - and that me MIGHT return it. And then took it home. Had them document any marks or imperfections on the receipt (use your phone camera now) and then go take it for a ride. I did this with an Egnater Tourmaster combo when they came out - brought it back the following week when I decided it wasn't for me. No questions asked. 100% refund. That is the policy - and that is what is great about Guitar Center. I did this with a TC G-system, and with a Line 6 M13. Well actually this is not entirely true - they usually DO ask questions and try to help you figure out what you may want in exchange - but again just say not interested please charge back my card and that you're looking at something they don't carry. Or just be honest and tell them it sucked balls. That works too.
Their POS system (cash registers for you Mouth Breathers) is ancient. And they will probably never update it until it totally fucking dies. This means that checking out of a GC is the equivalent of getting a rectal exam at the Gastroenterologist. It is never fun and never easy. the systems are all from the mid 1980's and the software is so outdated and pathetic. Let's just say that corporate sees no value in changing to speed things up at the checkout. So checking out will always be a pain in the *** and you will almost never be able to run in there "quickly" for a grab n go.
I have easily spent over $25k there on stuff I use in the studio and PA gear, and and will continue to shop there as long as it is convenient, they continue to have a wide selection of music gear, and I can try out stuff before committing to it wholly. Over all it is better than going to the local store - buying something that sounds great in the room - getting home and realizing it doesn't sound the same in your rehearsal space - and then being fucked having to sell it used. Because before GC - that is EXACTLY what it was like.
