What am i not getting

[MexicoMike]

"I actually had a customer ask if he could have his competing item  that he bought on line delivered to my business so he could save on shipping. Now that takes the cake.  "

OK, I will readily admit that such a consumer should have all his credit cards revoked and he/she should be prohibited from shopping for anything other than groceries for 5 years!

Re the price - I also totally agree that I, as a buyer, would be perfectly fine with paying the 2899 for the instrument in question; it does seem a perfectly fair price from my point of view.  I would gladly pay that for the opportunity to "test" the guitar (and others) at the indy dealer rather than pay a few hundred less and buy it from the sort of company you are describing.

Interesting thread!

[Nomad]

Nomad I also am in the retail business and experience every thing you have spoken about. I actually had a customer ask if he could have his competing item  that he bought on line delivered to my business so he could save on shipping. Now that takes the cake.

I never dealt with that, but I've heard of that happening. The saddest part is that the guy who wanted to have his order shipped to you isn't in a small club. There are a lot of people like that out there. And I'd be willing to bet that he got all bent out of shape when you told him "NO!"

[Nomad]

Re the price - I also totally agree that I, as a buyer, would be perfectly fine with paying the 2899 for the instrument in question; it does seem a perfectly fair price from my point of view.  I would gladly pay that for the opportunity to "test" the guitar (and others) at the indy dealer rather than pay a few hundred less and buy it from the sort of company you are describing.

Interesting thread!

With regards to guitars, Taylors are so consistent that it's not unusual for someone to use their local dealer as a test platform, and then go order the guitar from one of the guys who doesn't care about representing the brand in a proper and valuable manner.

When the guy who bought the sleeping bag online came in and boasted about the great deal he got, in front of other customers, I called him on it, explained why he was stupid, and told him to not return.

Many of the customers who were in the store that day were customers until I closed my doors. They understood the need to support the local guy, and they did. Unfortunately, the fact that too many people were only interested in price meant fewer dollars coming through the door.

Those who don't buy from their local guys will shoulder the blame when their local guy goes belly up. They'l swear up and down that it won't be their fault, but it is.

And I hope that reality haunts them.

[fretted]

Is XX% in the original post or does it represent a censored edit?

[Fire]

Re the price - I also totally agree that I, as a buyer, would be perfectly fine with paying the 2899 for the instrument in question; it does seem a perfectly fair price from my point of view.  I would gladly pay that for the opportunity to "test" the guitar (and others) at the indy dealer rather than pay a few hundred less and buy it from the sort of company you are describing.

Interesting thread!

With regards to guitars, Taylors are so consistent that it's not unusual for someone to use their local dealer as a test platform, and then go order the guitar from one of the guys who doesn't care about representing the brand in a proper and valuable manner.

When the guy who bought the sleeping bag online came in and boasted about the great deal he got, in front of other customers, I called him on it, explained why he was stupid, and told him to not return.

Many of the customers who were in the store that day were customers until I closed my doors. They understood the need to support the local guy, and they did. Unfortunately, the fact that too many people were only interested in price meant fewer dollars coming through the door.

Those who don't buy from their local guys will shoulder the blame when their local guy goes belly up. They'l swear up and down that it won't be their fault, but it is.

And I hope that reality haunts them.

Majority, if not all, of the internet Taylor vendors that give big discounts are also local vendors in their respective communities. This makes all your arguments moot.

[mgap]

When the guy who bought the sleeping bag online came in and boasted about the great deal he got, in front of other customers, I called him on it, explained why he was stupid, and told him to not return.

Now there is a person that really needs to feed his ego at the expense of others.

[Nomad]

Majority, if not all, of the internet Taylor vendors that give big discounts are also local vendors in their respective communities. This makes all your arguments moot.

It doesn't, at all.

The vast majority of dealers want to actually make money. Then there are those who really don't care about the products they sell, and don't care about supporting the brand.

[CodeBlueEMT]

 I was hoping that a few members would share their experiences about used guitar pricing. Evidently, the topic has become, "How to Berate a Customer" if they have the audacity to negotiate over a new guitar purchase.  I'll look for a copy of, "When A Business Fails: Blame the Customer" at the library next week.

[MexicoMike]

"I'll look for a copy of, "When A Business Fails: Blame the Customer" at the library next week."

LOL, good one!

[Nomad]

I was hoping that a few members would share their experiences about used guitar pricing. Evidently, the topic has become, "How to Berate a Customer" if they have the audacity to negotiate over a new guitar purchase.  I'll look for a copy of, "When A Business Fails: Blame the Customer" at the library next week.

If that book hasn't been written, it should be. It's highly likely that whoever said "The customer is always right" was someone who never had to deal with them.

How much profit do you think is fair for the dealer?

[Captain Jim]

My wife and I were business owners all our adult lives, until we retired.  Our policy was always: treat the customer fair.  Any discussion on pricing reflects business practices.  If a business prices based on what others charge, they are allowing someone else to run their business.  And there is ALWAYS someone willing to sell the same product cheaper... IF it is, indeed, the same product.  No two businesses have the same costs of doing business.  If I was getting beat up by someone strictly on price, I knew it was time to change my product or my service, to give customers a reason to do business with us.

If a business is known for their high prices, but nothing else, they are not likely going to be able to hang in there.  If they are known for taking good care of the customers, it gives people a reason to return.

I don't believe the customer is always right... sometimes, the customer needs to be educated.  Just like in life, there are some who will not be able to achieve that education (How's that for saying it nicely?).  One thing i learned early on: you can't make everyone happy... but that should be your goal.  I never felt I deserved customer loyalty because I was the local business - I had to prove I deserved it everyday.

When I bought my 814, I made the purchase from Guitar Rodeo because of all the good comments here.  I didn't dicker about the price.  The service was very good - they did what they said they'd do.  I did what I said I would do.  I will be very comfortable buying from them again.  I am proof that not EVERY customer is combative.  They are proof that taking good care of customers brings people back.

I think we have all done business somewhere along the line with people who should NOT be business owners.  If I were in a business and heard the owner tell someone "why they were stupid,"  I would walk out.  Attitude is important.  Granted, there are some people that one would rather not have as a customer; diplomacy is the ability to tell someone to move on so they look forward to the trip.

On-line retailing is a game changer.  Living in a small town, we don't have a guitar shop... or a new car dealer... or even a shoe store.  The internet allows me to "shop the world."

Something I told employees is still valid: when someone calls asking about price, they are actually asking, "Will you be fair with me and take care of me as a customer?"  It is up to each business to understand their customer base and price so that the business AND the customer will both be there tomorrow.

I understand better why quoting prices is not allowed on this forum: it apparently pushes some peoples' buttons.  This forum has been very helpful in pointing out the dealers who take good care of customers.

Best wishes,
Captain Jim

[MexicoMike]

Re customer service - A week ago I sent a message to a well known indy dealer in MD.  I used the "contact us" link on their website.  I asked them if they have a selection of 12 strings I could look at/play when I'm in town and that I expected to be at their store on May 7.  I also specifically stated that I would be buying a guitar from them if I found an instrument I liked, NOT auditioning it for purchase on the internet later.  I have yet to hear a word back from them.

Frankly, my reaction is to not go there at all since they didn't even have the courtesy to send me a response - even just a "c'mon in, we'll talk," sort of response.  Perhaps they get so many emails they can't keep up but if that's the case, they shouldn't have a link on their site specifically asking folks to contact them with their needs/wants.  To me, nowadays, that's part of customer service - responding to emails that you encourage potential customers to send.

I will probably end up going there since a friend of mine really likes the shop and is going with me but I won't go in happy!  OTOH, they may change my opinion when there in person...

[Cindy]

I was hoping that a few members would share their experiences about used guitar pricing. Evidently, the topic has become, "How to Berate a Customer" if they have the audacity to negotiate over a new guitar purchase.  I'll look for a copy of, "When A Business Fails: Blame the Customer" at the library next week.

Yes, let's get this topic back on track to be more helpful from the customer's point of view on used guitars. Please keep in mind we don't allow pricing or percent off discusssions. Thank you.

[lmacmil]

Yes, let's get this topic back on track to be more helpful from the customer's point of view on used guitars. Please keep in mind we don't allow pricing or percent off discusssions. Thank you.

It's pretty simple really.  Used guitar pricing is a function of supply and demand and the buyer's knowledge of new prices from any source.  If a buyer think's GC or MF new guitar prices are the best available, he might well end up paying the same price for a used big-name guitar that he would pay a new guitar from an independent dealer.   

Brand name is very important as well.  I recently sold a well-played 20 year old Gibson on Ebay for about what I paid for it 15 years ago.  I essentially played it "rent free" for 15 years.  I also sold a 3 year old lesser name MIC guitar and had I paid anywhere near "street price" when I bought it, I would have taken a bath.

Bottom line:  if you want one of the popular brands (Taylor, Martin, Gibson), you may be better off buying new from an independent dealer or even GC or MF with a coupon or during a sale.  For just about anything else, especially if the guitar is made in China, buy used.

[Edward]

I was hoping that a few members would share their experiences about used guitar pricing. Evidently, the topic has become, "How to Berate a Customer" if they have the audacity to negotiate over a new guitar purchase.  I'll look for a copy of, "When A Business Fails: Blame the Customer" at the library next week.

Sense has been re-infused, and speaks volumes, as well as reflects much, on this thread.  Thank you Shayne.  Not to mention I needed a good yuk

Likewise Capt'n Jim: well stated, sir, both your business experience and your buyer's sentiments.

Edward