Guitar price negotiation

[dsteffe]

Hey guys,

New to Singapore and new to the forums. Play nice.

I'm off out to buy a new guitar this weekend. A shred-tastic ESP. I was just wondering what kind of negotiation is available on a new guitar from an authorised seller? Is it 10%, 20%, 30%? Anyone with retail experience in the industry?

Just don't want to pay over the norm.

Thanks,

Daniel

 

[milkmesto]

welcome to the boards, and welcome to Singapore.

most guitar stores here give you a straight discount off the list. they usually don't go any lower, unless you know the staff personally and they give you staff discount, but even then that's pretty rare.

not too sure for the ESP dealer here though, since some of their staff have been known to be rather unfriendly and impatient. still, i reckon you can try for a discount but IIRC they quote their final price upfront. do correct me if i'm wrong.

 

[gkinsingapore]

Depends on the dealer. One dealer here overprices everything by 20% then gives you a 20% discount up front so you pay full retail!

The ESP dealer here takes the guesswork out of it by pricing everything at the lowest possible cost, avoiding the negotiation part. Ask to negotiate and you'll be told there is no room for them to move.Their prices are pretty good overall I think you'll find.

Have fun....

 

[juju]

Depends on the dealer. One dealer here overprices everything by 20% then gives you a 20% discount up front so you pay full retail!

The ESP dealer here takes the guesswork out of it by pricing everything at the lowest possible cost, avoiding the negotiation part. Ask to negotiate and you'll be told there is no room for them to move.Their prices are pretty good overall I think you'll find.

Have fun....

agree, the former being very old-fashion-still-thinking-its-living-in-its-hey-days-complacent attitude, latter being smart+know-the-market-well

 

[Lifehouse]

Hi there, welcome to Soft and Singapore.

I've worked a short part time stint as a retail person in one of the music store back in 2004. There's generally no discount on the major stores here since we don't have any GC-like mega chain that deals in bulk.

With the smaller stores, you might get a 5% (possible) to 10% (seldom) goodwill discount based on how desperately they want your business.

Most stores with the exception of one which I declined to list, offer somewhat competitive pricing once you include freight and shipping and the fact that they are operating with a storefront.

 

[edder]

AFAIK, the ESP dealer here in SG quotes fairly.

 

[ShadowchildCOBHC]

Well i mean i can never get the point of negotiating really.If your getting a ESP which i highly think of your paying your fair share for a good guitar in both playability and quality.
So dont make a fuss and pay that extra bit mate.

ohh and welcome here

 

[dsteffe]

Thanks very much for the replies. I've just realised I sound like a total tight arse with my first post being about trying to negotiate. It's just that I'm not sure of the market or customs here yet. I'm getting it all under control though.

The point about the impatient staff at the ESP dealer is definitely true. It does not make for a nice buying experience. However, the points about them pricing low straight out has certainly eased my mind. Time to purchase.

ShadowchildCOBHC - your right. It's an ESP. Who cares what it costs. Bodom 4 Life.