Understanding How Guitar Center Buys Used Gear

Understanding How Guitar Center Buys Used Gear
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[@RobertWJackson]

My apologies for the background music that is too loud. KZbin’s compression really did a number on this particular video. I PROMISE it was not this loud on the original video file that was uploaded!

[@jamestaylor3500]

Doesnt really bother me at all, your voice cuts thru well

[@jaykillgore2205]

what if I want to buy back my guitar within 90 days of selling it to them?

[@RobertWJackson]

That’s at the discretion of the store management, assuming they even still have it at that point. They may let you buy it back for what they gave you for it, they want the full price tag in order to make their money on it. They may let you have it for 10% above what they originally gave you for it. You’ll have to talk to the manager and see what he’s willing to do.

[@brownsfanlarry1340]

Did you work at the Greenwood store off of 31, a while back?

[@RobertWJackson]

No, I was at the store on the north side.

[@InterWebGuy99]

I've learned through the years that whether you go to GC or a pawn shop, nothing is worth less in the universe than a used guitar or amp.

[@kpag3030]

InterWebGuy99 Yup

[@pyramydseven]

Paul MacMillan agreed!

[@JM-tf4nk]

Lmao

[@juanvaldez5422]

I rarely if ever lose money on guitars I sale, so yeah I dont understand that. You have to watch what you buy. ALWAYS buy used if you can. I routinely buy 2000 to 2500 instruments on the used market for a grand or less. When I flip them ( I keep the best of best and oddities/ rare stuff long term) I never go in the hole and usually make a hundred bucks or two. You just gotta look at what your buying and dont fall for brand loyalty bs. I never, ever shop in guitar center, sam dumbass ash ( hate that place) UNLESS Im checking their used inventory ( thats were you find the hidden jems) , when I do buy new its usually Sweetwater ( where i get most PRSs) because if Im gonna pay a new price premium, I want the customer service with it. Checking ebay and reverb for bargains. And another place that might have some promise is music go round.

[@gregmerritt9366]

Truth. Music gear is even more of a depreciating asset than automobiles.

[@drvee1983]

To agree with most comments below..... It's not Guitar Center's job to pay what your gear is worth. Their " job " is to make a profit. It's called " Business ". Thanks for posting.

[@firsteerr]

i agree and IF your not happy with their offer then you dont have to sell it to them , take it else where and the same with buying , your not frog marched and forced to purchase their goods , you can walk away or haggle either of which gives you the right NOT TO BUY

[@drvee1983]

No. It’s called “ Business “. Unless one thinks that no one should make a profit on anything and just give everything away. That’s called “ stupidity”.

[@drvee1983]

We are who we are and where we are, due to the decisions we make in life. Corporations employ people. So do local businesses. Again, it’s called BUSINESS. Unless you want to depend on government hand outs and Marxism. There are countries waiting for your arrival to “ help “ you, and provide for you. Fortunately, we still have Capitalism in the U.S. Nobody owes you anything. Work to get what you want in life. It works for most us.

[@RobertWJackson]

...Aaaaand I think that’ll just about do it for Mr. Davis! No politics on this channel, period. This is a guitar channel. Take your damn politics somewhere else.

[@RobertWJackson]

Side note: In situations like these, I usually leave a comment like the one I left above, and then wait about 5 or 10 minutes before I block them to make sure that they still get the KZbin email alert with my comment in it. That way I ALWAYS get the last word!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@grangerousdesigns4678]

I always thought it was more than fair to get 60% of what the piece of gear is worth at guitar stores.Who else is gonna take your old gear off your hands on the spot and put some cash in your pocket?

[@RobertWJackson]

RIGHT???

[@go4384]

Moral of the story: Be very very sure of what you want before you buy so you don’t have to pawn it off used. I bought a Music Man Axis on eBay once sight unseen and never bonded with the guitar. Ended up trading it in for at least half of what I paid. And don’t spend huge amounts on gear - then there’s less regret. Almost nothing is worth spending more than $2,000, so that’s a good limit, unless you’re a collector.

[@richardmerriam7044]

A friend who owned a local music store told me about his numbers for used gear. Maximum of 25% of new price. If the gear was spotless, he'd try to double his outlay. Some customers were mad at him about his "low" offers until he explained how expensive operating a store really is. I know, it's way more complicated than that.

[@bradlane7861]

It never ceases to amaze me how few people get this. When Guitar Center (or any other music store, or a pawn shop, etc) buys your gear, they're also providing you a service. They're saving you the time, effort, and aggravation of selling it yourself; placing ads, showing it to who knows how many prospective buyers, letting them try it out, haggling over price, waiting and waiting for the right offer. If you want to maximize your returns, you do the work and sell it yourself to a player or collector who sees the value of it. If you want to sell it quick and easy and get money-in-hand TODAY, you sell it to a reseller with the knowledge that they see it as a commodity and are going to buy it at a price which gives them room to make a profit. "Buy low. Sell high." There's no profit in buying at fair market value and then selling at that same price.

[@RobertWJackson]

Exactly. I’m equally as blown away at how many people have lost their minds in the comments over this philosophy. It ain’t rocket surgery!

[@truthwinseverytime8805]

@@RobertWJackson 😃 yep. In fact, your past with GC is very similar to mine. AM at 2 stores out here in the Seattle/Tacoma area. The one thing about Guitar Center's "operations" that chaffed my ass was the merch parties. It ain't no f'n party. LOL But, when I go in now to a GC (and recently I have dumped a few thousand $ in acquiring new gear and recording board (Tascam Model 12). When they ring me up they see my old Emp # and the look on their face is priceless. BTW, I started at GC in St Louis MO and the area Mgr there (Todd) pulled some strings for me to land at the Downtown Seattle store after only 9 months on the guitar floor in St. Louis. I honestly don't miss that job. And the reality is the real money maker for most of the employees was between the end of Oct and the day after Christmas. And then after Christmas you could watch your GP drop from the returns. Mine was minimal because I always aimed to sell the customer what they wanted and not what was good for fading.

[@RobertWJackson]

Nope, I don’t miss merch parties, either. LOL

[@threezysworld8089]

​@@RobertWJackson They can't lose what they never had 😂

[@dryvur]

I have to say that I have actually gotten some great deals on used equipment at GC. I have found that their prices on used stuff is most times the best price I can find. I've never had a problem with their used stuff. I don't especially like them for retail, but I will always take a look at their used stuff when I'm looking for equipment

[@JohnShalamskas]

And you still get the wonderful 45 day return policy on used gear.

[@fishgazoo5851]

I totally agree...I have found incredible deals on two used Gretsch guitars. They were in beautiful condition. I could not resist buying them.

[@ideaquest]

Bottomline - you are a winner when you buy and a sucker when you sell.

[@AriKona]

I wish everyone who has dealt with or is planning to bring in used equipment to GC would watch this video. I hear so many complaints from people who don't have a clue, but just want to bash them. I am not a big fan of GC myself, but with the declining number of brick and mortar stores where I can purchase equipment on the spot, I still usually find what I need there and the staff I have worked with at least know something about the gear they're selling. Thanks for a great and informative video!

[@RobertWJackson]

+Dr. Opacus Brume My pleasure! Please feel free to share it with whomever you think could benefit from it. Thanks again for your kind words, it really means a lot!

[@TheHudson]

Yeah, you should sell this video to GC to play at the counter while people wait. Great video!

[@RobertWJackson]

+TheHudson Thanks man! Feel free to share it with them!

[@rayh7046]

Dr. Opacus Brume This guy just laid put every reason why to NOT take it to guitar center! I just left a comment on one of my experiences sslling gear at guitar center and while I'll not say I'll never do it again I'll try to sell it everywhere I can first before I get ripped off again. Guitar Center is for when people get desperate to sell something.

[@fingerfret8645]

It's nothing new that retail stores offer less than the presumed resale value. The store marks down, of course, from the possible resale value. I would not blame GC or any other store. OTOH, I have purchased used stuff at GC and I am happy with it. I don't really care what they paid for it (like I'll ever know!!). I was a little disappointed however that they did not budge on lowering the price upon my interest. :-(

[@HauntedGuitarMan]

They offered me $245 for my prs se 2016 in perfect shape. I said throw in a $20 tshirt and it's a deal. They wouldnt budge! So I left with my guitar and will never go there again. The end.

[@j.dragon651]

@T. A. lt is called advertising dude.

[@RobertWJackson]

How is that advertising?

[@j.dragon651]

@@RobertWJackson If the T shirt says guitar center on it, and you wear it, you are a free walking advertisement. They should have been glad to give him a shirt?

[@RobertWJackson]

Though he didn’t specify, I don’t think he was referring to a Guitar Center t-shirt. I think he was more interested in a PRS or an Ernie Ball or an Ibanez t-shirt.

[@j.dragon651]

@@RobertWJackson That may be so. Regardless, whatever T shirt it may have been, GC probably obtained it as promo merchandise for nothing or peanuts. Instead they alienated a customer, not the best business decision on the part of the employee. If it were I, I would have thrown in maybe two to seal the the deal.

[@jeffreybrown2315]

Guitar Center is one of my favorite places to purchase my guitar's and other music products with their low prices and fast delivery you can't go wrong being a Guitar Center customer Thank You Jeff

[@wizardz7938]

This guys on crack!

[@tedsmith4353]

The lights do not stay on without profit.

[@monsterk7603]

Like Mike Magnum below, I have had great experiences with my local Guitar Center. Friendly and helpful staff. I have not bought any used gear at my local GC, only new stuff. I HAVE bought used gear from GC online. A couple of years ago I scored a 1987 Charvel model one from a store in TN, I believe. This is the best guitar I own now. More recently, I bought an ENGL Fireball 100 from a GC in Houston. It was listed as in excellent condition and arrived looking brand new. At a steal of a price as well! I will direct anyone that asks to GC without hesitation. I am old enough to remember the days before GC. When the mom and pop stores in my area were ridiculously high priced and carried very little inventory and had even fewer brands to choose from. Love your videos Robert. Keep em comin'.

[@truthwinseverytime8805]

And also, getting access to play one of the few instruments they had hangin on their wall came with a sense of trepidation.

[@Devilmang]

Turn off that background music.

[@shanemarcotte2062]

If that distracts you, stay away from mall department stores. Always someone to complain about the most trivial BS.

[@ToneD5150]

Always someone to complain about trivial shit...!!!

[@dmlaughlin1]

agreed when does he get to the point?

[@jeffmclowry]

Or at least, turn it down...

[@stackolee4480]

😂😂😂

[@superfuzzymomma]

Sir, your non bombastic presentation style is refreshing to say the least. Thank yoiu

[@RobertWJackson]

Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I try not to exude too much emotion when doing videos like this.

[@TheHudson]

An extremely well done video about how Guitar Center, among other stores, handle their used gear market. A lot of people expect MSRP or top shelf prices for their used gear when guitars aren't far from cars when it comes to immediate value loss. They don't understand that your old used gear has now become their new project to sell which comes at cost.. and I've never worked at a GC in my life. I honestly recommend Reverb to people who are wanting to get the most bang for their buck.

[@Scott__C]

Nice video, Robert. I'm always amazed when people think they should get retail price for used gear when the place has to turn around and sell it and make money. It's simple math, they have overhead.

[@truthwinseverytime8805]

Not to mention it is a great convenience to get some of the value of the instrument right away if you are in need of the $. You can get market value for something if you list it yourself, but the trade off is "When will it sell?" So, there's that.

[@Scott__C]

@@truthwinseverytime8805 Yeah, as well as fees for PayPal etc. and packing/shipping/insurance.

[@urbannpa]

Guitar center actually gave me more then I expected for my pedals. My only complaint is service or the lack of it. I like The Guitar center in Wilmington Del.. In the last year I've brought a lot of gear from them but they are slower than an old man in slippers when it come to customer service. I know exactly what I want when I go there. I don't like to linger if I don't have to.

[@shanemarcotte2062]

Very informative video and information brother. I once asked about selling my Taylor (all wood) 214 at a GC and the sales guy was honest and told me I would do better selling it elsewhere, eBay or Craigslist etc. He didn't explain all of this business stuff (which I really already know, I own and operate a transportation business) but was honest and upfront about the fact that he couldn't give me what I would have liked to get.

[@MichaelBenninger]

That was a great explanation for those that are not in sales are in business that was huge I hope everybody understands

[@joemusic2882]

I’ve bought drums there and always get the used stuff. Great prices and super knowledgeable staff. My only complaint is that they put out used gear that can’t be taken out until a certain date due to laws. In my opinion is to keep in the stockroom and don’t put it out until a customer can take it that very day.

[@RobertWJackson]

Unfortunately that creates A LOT more work for the store staff, especially if it’s on a weekend with a trade-in promo or something. Most stores don’t have the required space in their warehouse to store used items that are still on police hold, especially stores with a longer police hold like 3-4 weeks. And believe it or not, the best way to make sure that used gear remains in good condition for customers to purchase it is to merchandise it properly out on the sales floor. I know police holds are a pain in the ass, but it’s still better to be able to put a police hold item on layaway until it clears police hold than to buy it after the store staff has been moving it in and out of their way in the back for the last month.

[@jordanfreeman4170]

I feel you on that , it hurt me to know I had to wait 3 weeks for my arizona sunset telecaster after buying it, at the same time I am happy that I was able to secure it as my own as soon as possible

[@fishpotpete]

I appreciate you not totally slamming GC and giving us some background about how they handle used gear. We have three in the area and they've all been fair and easy to deal with. I've been to dozens of other GC's across the country when I go on business trips and they've been the same way.

[@RobertWJackson]

GC was good to me as an employer, and they’ve been good to me as a retailer after the fact. I’ll never slam them, even if it currently the cool thing to do.

[@ansgar4052]

Thank you, this video really helped me out!

[@fenderulezable]

After ive connected to a speaker which has left and right. The background music are not very loud tho.

[@nevinjames4133]

I’ve sold a bunch of stuff to guitar center. I did it because at the time I didn’t want to deal with Craigslist and all of the tools on there.

[@firsteerr]

too right damn hammers and screwdrivers messing with ya !!

[@mikeneuenkirchen9479]

The way I've always looked at GC taking my trade-in is that they take a risk with turning it around and selling what I brought to them. If I wanted to go on Reverb or eBay and sell it myself for more money, I could, but that can be more trouble than it's worth.

[@Fatstrat1079]

Used Equipment on line is another issue. My gut tells me that the not all GC's stores actually check out equipment that is brought in, I bought a Marshall Combo on line and sent to my local GC. To my surprise: Fuse burnt out, no Celestion speaker, Reverb tank changed out, and finally- NO TUBES at all. I returned this Marshall immediately- No hassles but left a bad taste in my mouth about future purchases on-line... all my friends know this story.

[@jellynoodle]

thanks for making this video! it was very helpful.

[@RobertWJackson]

You’re welcome!

[@mbrymckinney1]

Great video. Good explanation. I think a lot of people forget that guitar center has to make a profit and that no customer expects to pay full retail for a used piece of gear. I’ve bought and sold plenty of used stuff from GC and they’ve always been very reasonable. Just some constructive criticism; I found the music playing in the background to be a little odd. Thanks for the video!

[@RobertWJackson]

+Mike McKinney Thanks for your feedback! Yes, I admit the background music was a little loud. I’ve made adjustments to fix that on future videos.

[@rationalistron7685]

Mike McKinney x

[@mikewhitfield2994]

Good informative video, but I agree completely about the background music being far too loud.

[@RobertWJackson]

Sorry about that. Unfortunately I can't take it down and fix it. :(

[@GonzGunner]

Hi Robert, thanks for the heads up on the "nuts and bolts" of how Guitar Center deals with used gear. I am a veteran of selling used gear to them, but instead of just walking in and demanding that they pay the price I want for a piece of gear, it was a lot easier to sell things when I traded them in to cut the price on new gear that I wanted. To get my 2013 Les Paul Traditional ( the best one I have ever owned ) I traded in three guitars, one was a Warmoth Strat, with a David Gilmour loaded EMG pickguard, LSR Roller Nut, and a SuperVee Blade Runner tremolo, a Les Paul copy in good condition that I had upgraded with new pickups, and a Washburn HB50, their version of a ES-335. With those guitars, and with the Guitar-A-Thon taking place, I wound up paying $1,200 out the door for a guitar that retailed at that time for almost $2,300. On the flip side, I have seen how the sales staff have dealt with customers who think they are selling the Holy Grail. At Guitar Center in Hollywood, that's where, as you know, the "Big Gun Dudes" of their buying universe work. I knew one of them well, he had sold me a Strat some years before, and was a cool guy. This one guy comes walking in with what turned out to be a plain Jane looking Les Paul Custom Black Beauty, which he immediately took out of the case, put on the counter, and DEMANDED, get this, $80,000! Yes, EIGHTY THOUSAND. The buyer I knew there came right back and told him point blank, no lie; "You're full of S**T! That's thousands more than the down payment I had to put on my houseI" Needless to say, he finally explained to this bozo that it was NOT a 1950's first run Black Beauty, and pointed out the headstock, which even to me, identified it as a mid 70's model, as the headstocks were a bit wider on nearly all Gibson guitars from that era. He left in a huff, with the buyer and me shaking our heads and having a good laugh!

[@rockindavebyron3960]

Absolutely great info Rob!!!!

[@g2theg]

My local GC (Alexandria, VA.) has always given me a fair deal on any stuff I have taken in to sell them. Any guitar I have ever bought has been good too. They have always set it up per my requirements( new strings, check intonation). At a different location (Fairfax VA) the employees seemed more interested in playing guitars than greeting you, suggesting instruments, etc., so I don’t shop there. Every location is probably different based on the people that work there. Your attitude is a key as well. Treat them nice and you should be treated the same

[@christopherowens9593]

I agree GC in Alexandria VA has always done great by me. From selling used gear, buying guitars and set ups. I always leave happy.

[@bobthreeton6976]

Same here. Very nice folks at the Alexandria store. Always enjoy going there.

[@truthwinseverytime8805]

Any store is only as good as it's managers. Fact.

[@Ripprock1]

Thank you Robert.

[@johndaugherty4127]

Thank you. Excellent information.

[@mellissadalby1402]

This was a very good (a tiny bit long winded) explanation of the realities of music store business. It costs money to run a music store you can just walk into.

[@psychomantis2881]

Love the shirt. 2 of my favorites things combined.

[@RobertWJackson]

Mine too! My all-time favorite movie franchise and my all-time favorite band in one t-shirt!

[@butchersoflondon]

Thanks for the info 👍

[@rydertilidyer1136]

I love your channel man keep up the good work

[@RobertWJackson]

+RyderTil IDyer Thank you so much! I truly appreciate the kind words. ;)

[@scotthewitt6047]

Thank you for the video I love Guitar Center

[@RobertWJackson]

My pleasure! Thanks for the kind words! I like Guitar Center quite a bit myself.

[@psychomantis2881]

I had a GC manager tell me that they usually buy gear at 65% resale value. I brought in an LTD EC-1000 with EMG Hetfields. Told me they would tag it at $500 so he offered me $300.

[@RobertWJackson]

That’s exactly what I would have offered you for that guitar and that’s exactly what I would have wanted to resell it for. Sounds like he was true to his word.

[@jonathansavell1832]

Whenever you buy a used item from another store, have it shipped to your local store. I bought a used Fender Vibro-King that was out of state and had that store ship it to my local store. This 73 pound amp was put in a cardboard box with one layer of brown paper around the sides, no other padding. It arrived with the cabinet split in two. Of course I didn't buy it and you don't have to pay shipping if it is not in stated condition or working properly.

[@deanbibb3680]

Good video, Robert! I would love to see a series of videos on life across the counter in a guitar store. You could probably shine huge amounts of light onto it for all of us because of your experience. Even if it’s just a three or four part video series it could really demystify the used gear buying and selling process and also retail in general.

[@RobertWJackson]

7 Tips For Selling Your Used Gear You Might Not Want To Hear kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYq8hKKXp92doZI

[@RobertWJackson]

7 Tips To Be Successful In The Guitar Industry kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ_QqoOmhKp2Zrc

[@josejcastaneda5826]

I have bought a lot of guitars from Guitar Center. The prices of their used gear is good as well as new. I haven’t had a problem with any of the guitars I bought. The 45 day satisfaction guarantee is just awesome. I returned a few guitars that way and got some other guitars. You could buy any used guitar across the USA. You could play it for 45 days and return it if you don’t like it, in any guitar center in your area. You only loose the shipping costs.

[@JohnShalamskas]

That 45 day return policy is great for a musical instrument. You get a chance to see if the instrument is really what you wanted. Consider the shipping cost the rental cost for a month.

[@kenhall6525]

Turn down that background music

[@rpkietur]

it should have at least faded out. annoying,

[@chrisbresh8817]

Agreed kill the music.

[@RobertWJackson]

Sorry about that.

[@The_Macaroon]

Interesting stuff but the background music too loud and annoying

[@steviesfv7782]

At least its not VH 'Jump'

[@pushrod49]

I had a TC Electronics, basically brand new with box and took it to my local Music Go Round wanting to trade for another pedal.....I was offered $40 on trade with no budging. So I took it to Guitar Center, they offered me $60 and worked out pricing so I could get another couple pedals. My experience with the local (colorado springs) Guitar Center is great and they work with customers trading used equipment better than any other store in the city.

[@higler.]

nice, I'm about to take one of my old, but nearly mint Ibanez RG's in to the Colorado Springs location to see what they'll offer. Got my hopes up now haha

[@kytronnbueno1428]

Thank You for the explanation.

[@edmondpful]

I was offered $50 for an Ovation Custom 12. Why? Because they said they would have to repair it to sell it. The repair? Stick the battery holder with 2 sided tape. It sold in one day on ebay "Buy it Now" price $850. The same store (Los Angeles) offered me $15 each for a Line 6 DL4 and MM4. Am I whining or do I have an honest gripe? I know they don't have an obligation to buy my stuff but $50 for an Ovation Custom 12?! I still shop at GC but I haven't been wanted to sell anything to them since.

[@RobertWJackson]

+Eddie P I agree, those offers seem a little low.

[@infinidominion]

this is just a perfect example of how GC is. not a clue and out of touch. some other company will probably buy them soon

[@blackfender100]

They offered me $35 bucks for a Randall 120w Head .I told them to kiss off I sold it on the net for 275.00 I know they need to make money but that is robbery.

[@RobertWJackson]

I agree with you that that is a low offer, but it could be that the reason they offered you that much is because historically used Randall solid-state amps don’t sell very well for Guitar Center and they were erring on the side of caution.

[@Grace4_All]

15 for a dl4 wow... what a rip off

[@normanbyrne9868]

I enjoy visits to my local GC. The only problem I have with them is that every guitar I have ever bought from them were never set up (loose tuners, sharp frets, unlevel frets). I know most of this would go toward the manufacturer but I figure if a shop wants my money the least they can do is perform the setup since I'm paying good money. Otherwise the people who work there couldn't be more helpful and nice to me whenever I go in, which isn't on too regular a basis.

[@RobertWJackson]

The reason why their guitars aren’t set up is because they don’t have the manpower to set up every guitar in the building. All guitars will come with a factory setup out of the box, but they have to charge for a custom setup because there is generally only one or two people there who are actually guitar techs and able to do it. A store with several hundred guitars hanging on the wall is an awful lot of work for one or two people, especially when customers buying those guitars want specific adjustments made.

[@gearmeister]

I purchased a used candy apple red limited edition Strat™ from Guitar Center several years ago for $550, I gigged for several years with that guitar, after 4 years, I sold it for $800, the trick is to buy low at a reasonable price, then when you get ready to sell it, discuss all the features which in my case were out of production, like the matching headstock and pearl pickguard!

[@misfit2nv]

Could you share a link to the "Share the Music" organization you spoke of at the end of this video. I can't seem to find it by Googling it. Thanks!

[@RobertWJackson]

You can’t find them on Facebook at facebook.com/sharethemusicindiana. Their email address is listed on there and you can contact them directly. If you’re still having trouble, email me and I’ll give it to you. My email is listed down in the description. Thank you so much!

[@brokemanfishing6413]

How fast after they buy someone's gear does it go for sale in the store?

[@RobertWJackson]

It’s usually merchandised with a price tag and out on the floor by the end of the day that it was bought in. Most used gear is almost immediately available to at least be put on layaway, but how soon it can leave the store depends on the store and whether or not they have a police hold law that they have to follow.

[@jonrarrick2527]

after paying selling fees and paypal fees, you may as well sell to GC. works out to be about the same and lots less hassle.

[@juanvaldez5422]

Bullshit

[@atomicvinylreviews3420]

don't use ebay... use facebook marketplace or, gumtree or i think it's called craigs list in the US ?, much better on sites like that, no listing / selling fees

[@juanvaldez5422]

@@atomicvinylreviews3420 problem with that is exposure . I can sale in a week what it would take months to sale on others. Craigslist I have tried. In the US, cranklist is horrible. Its a bunch of scams or prostitutes or serial killers wanting to meet up in a dark alley. Im serious, craigslist is a breeding ground of criminal activity in the US.

[@RobertWJackson]

Juan Valdez is correct about Craigslist. Whenever I DO sell on Craigslist - which is extremely rare these days - I will only meet in a heavily populated public place, such as a mall parking lot, or in the parking lot of a local police station. Anywhere else just isn’t safe anymore. Facebook Marketplace isn’t much better because there isn’t a secure way to send funds, or any kind of security measures in place to make sure the item has been shipped. You can literally send your money to somebody, then they delete their account and your money is gone.

[@juanvaldez5422]

@@RobertWJackson yup. Its all to scammy. Ill admit tho, selling on ebay has gotten pretty shady because of the way ebay has set the system. Im begining to prefer reverb, esp. For buying. All the cool shit is on reverb now and the prices are unbeatable. I just got a Carvin Cali carve top for under 1k. And let me tell you, its freaking awesome. Its better than my Kiesel (still carvin) aries I payed 3 grand for. I digress. The only thing I could think of craigslist being useful for is purchasing (oops, I mean renting) a whore. . Even then be careful and make sure she is pimp free or you might have to shoot the lowlife pimp, SO I HEAR, I DONT ACTUALLY KNOW.

[@Georgedepinedo]

Man, thank you for the insights. About a month ago I went to GC to trade my Les Paul Studio for a PRS. They did not want to do the trade as I have done in the past with them, but I sold it to them for $600 which is 60% of what it worth and gave me a price match on the PRS with Sam Ash. I'm pretty happy with the deal I got.

[@theroofbloweroffer2669]

So the guitar i have is a Ltd which retails at $899.99 and the pick up knob is off of it so how much do you think id get out of it??

[@RobertWJackson]

Just the cap from the pickup selector is missing? It the whole switch?

[@ParallelUniversity]

I brought in a used bass guitar that sells brand new for $500. I was hoping to get $200, as it had a couple of very tiny chips in the paint but was otherwise in great shape. They offered $250. I could have sold it for maybe $350 on ebay, but with the hassle of taking photos, packaging it securely, shipping it, hoping the buyer doesn't have any issues, and dealing with ebay and paypal fees, it was worth it to just bring it in and get the cash. It only took about 10 minutes too.

[@mikemagnum7987]

I have done business with the local Guitar Center in my town for the last four years. They have what I have went in looking for and have always been helpful, professional and friendly. GC's prices are fair and their used guitars are exactly what they say they that they are! I plan on continuing to do business there regardless of what the internet has to say about them. I would suggest that people go to their local Guitar Center if you haven't been to one yet, and take a friendly attitude along and see for yourselves because the truth 99% of the time will NOT be found on the internet about anything!!! This particular video is an exception to that rule and a welcome one at that! The music in the background was not a problem for my attention capabilities brother...... ;) Thanks for providing a great insight to what Guitar Center goes through! Personally, I think that many of the so-called "Musicians" that talk trash about any business are little more than spoiled brats who have Mommies that always gave them their way and Daddies that didn't beat their asses enough to teach them any manners.....

[@RobertWJackson]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m glad to hear you’ve had a good experience at GC. Like I said, they’ve been very good to me over the years.

[@kpag3030]

Mike Magnum My local guitar center has good people, but a seriously crappy inventory. Hard to find stuff I’m interested in sometimes. There is a great privately owned guitar shop near me too. I go to them usually. Great people there as well, and a far better inventory with excellent service. Not knocking guitar center, but the one near me really needs to step up their game.

[@ToneD5150]

Right on Brother! Guitar Center Rules!!!

[@blackfender100]

good video Thanks Robert.

[@5actually]

Thx for the info! Does GC give you more for your used guitar if you trade it in for a new guitar, or is it better just to sell it used to them and keep the new guitar purchase a separate transaction for another time? Thx

[@RobertWJackson]

They won’t give you more for your trade-in guitar, but they WILL give you a 10-15% discount on the guitar that your trading it in towards. So basically the answer to your question is yes, but the additional money comes from the other side, rather than putting more into the guitar itself.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

The background music should be eliminated. It's irritating. That said, trading in a used instrument is always a losing proposition. Sell them on Reverb, Mandolin Cafe, or Craig's List and then use the money towards a purchase.

[@joelperezgumba]

just notices his shirt, priceless

[@RobertWJackson]

Metallica and Star Wars: two of my favorite things in the world combined in one t-shirt! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@sgnt9337]

Interesting video. Thanks for posting.

[@RobertWJackson]

My pleasure!

[@MobileDecay]

My guitar center closed shop a while ago. All I have is a Sam ash now. I mostly buy strings, picks, and guitar parts from them. I have bias amp, and fx on my iPad and only play at home so I don't need any pedals.

[@tobesofree]

The background music is so annoying, I couldn't make it to the end. Thanks for the effort.

[@elklakeradio8776]

Thanks for the tip about share the music. I will def check them out. Great info, and gotta say, GC has helped a lotta kids ( and middle aged dudes like me) get what they need to play. I LOVE my local store, but sometimes its fun to just wander around in the slightly lame disneyland of rock that is a big box music store. Thanks, brother.

[@thomasmorrismusic]

This makes good since to me-our local store is fair-Way back they paid less-

[@jessehoopes7042]

Good video, is this same formula applied to more of a mom and pop type store? Would they stand to make more profit because there would have to be less over head as far as employees and stock, so if they use the same formula is there more profit to be made? I am real interested in this I have bought sold and traded alot of gear over the years just to fund new gear. I have had alot of different stuff and because I realized selling at music store wasn't thee best way to go, I did not spend as much money as one would think to own alot of different stuff, because of what you can do selling things privately on eBay and other sites alike. Occasionally i go to a guitar center if I'm in a hurry and I'm not complaining about what I get for what I may be selling , it's almost all the time what I expect is what they offer, but I did not figure that price based on the info your providing.

[@RobertWJackson]

It’s hard to say. Private-owned shops may not have as much overhead as the larger chains, but they also don’t generate as much revenue. Some shop owners seem to be okay with a used guitar hanging on the wall for 6 months or a year in order to get what they feel its worth, and like I said sometimes that takes awhile. Other shop owners are more interested in flipping it as quickly as possible. There are definitely other variables in those situations.

[@Danielm103]

I like buying used gear from GC, I bought two mint Jackson SL2Hs at a great price.

[@RobertWJackson]

There was one particular SL2H that I bought in used that I still regret not buying. (I actually bought it in 2 or 3 times.) Fantastic guitars!

[@dougp2917]

A lefty Epi Les Paul std. came into my life via GC last summer. I'm a v e r y happy man :)

[@richards707]

Yeah you probably bought one of mine it was an original Jackson made in 2000. Sold it to Guitar Center for $500 in 2006 because some bad shit happened to me. I needed the money and they straight took advantage of me. Now obviously I didn't have to sell them the guitar for that price but they would not budge. The reason they would not budge is because through word-of-mouth they knew my situation and knew I needed the money badly. I only found out that they knew after a month or so after. This was in Modesto California. I also years before worked at another Guitar Center down in Southern California so I know the game. I'm completely Jaded by the company and not only because of the situation with the Jackson but also while I was working there. They actually were sued because they would not allow brakes mandated by California state law. They were also sued because of their unfair Commission rates. I remember clearly hardly fading even though I saw tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise.

[@QuikdethDeviantart]

Agreed w original post...Looking around my music room, I have a beautiful LTD that I couldn’t pay cash for (new) so I traded some guitars and no regrets. There’s also 2 used guitars (a 7 string Schecter, and an Ibanez) and my latest little buddy, a mini Jackson. I’ve also bought books there for sure, a couple amps, odds and ends, and it’s the only decent selection of strings in town. The only place that ever competes is Craigslist (about 20% of my gear) or occasionally a pawn shop (about 10%). So that means I rely on GC for upwards of 70% of my sh*t because the only other music store in my area is a crummy piano/violin shop that has one little rack with about three guitar related items on it (strings, one kind of pick, and one kind of tuner). They freaked when I asked them to order me a pack of jazz 3’s 😆

[@Albee213]

If you don't like the price they offer, don't sell it to them. It's simple.

[@dewaynewhite2928]

Albee213 I know that's right man! I agree with you 200 % on that!

[@grimblesqueem2291]

It's hilarious when people say they need to get $500 out of their entry level Dean LP copy because they paid $600 for it new on Sweetwater 2 years ago and it's a BROOTAL guitar for drop D and it's flat black with only a small crack in the headstock.

[@shanemarcotte2062]

What about smart pot heads?

[@mattjones8523]

Yep, sell it yourself if you don't like what you're offered. Capitalism at it's finest.

[@ToneD5150]

Your lucky they even bought it! Try to sell it somewhere else...

[@jamesgross6466]

I suppose a lot depends on the staff that you have in each individual GC store. I did regular business in my nearest Guitar Center and got to know the manager and staff, and they knew me, by name. I bought new gear as well as used. I once bought a set of Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded pickups that were presented as "new" in a sealed package. When I got home (40 miles away) and opened the package it contained used pickups that were not Seymour Duncan. They took them back. Next experience, a used Crate 4X12 cab advertised as having two 12" Eminence Swamp Thang speakers and two 12" Eminence Texas Heat speakers. The cabinet sold for the same price as a new Crate 4X12 cab, but worth it with these listed speakers. Got it home, took off the back and, lo and behold, it contained one 12" Texas Heat and three 12" AX75'S (standard in the Crate 4X12). When I contacted the store manager, he shrugged it off saying "well, you got a good deal on it". What? That's false and misleading advertisement. That was 7 or 8 years ago and the last time I ever dealt with Guitar Center anywhere.

[@jamesrogers2963]

A very good vid- thanks!

[@RobertWJackson]

My pleasure!

[@williamtaylor874]

background noise bad idea !

[@christophermarshall1441]

As someone who currently works at a Guitar Center currently, I can say that this is all fairly spot on. He’s just trying share information people, give the guy a break.

[@RobertWJackson]

Thanks bro. What store are you at?

[@thomasmorrismusic]

Good JOB-Now we understand how this works-

[@ebiros2]

Very educational !

[@tonidupont-mora7998]

I just want to say something positive about Guitar Center: Me and guitarists in my band FOOE, have made numerous purchases new and used from Guitar Center and have had nothing but positive experiences. We have had no complaints so far. Customer services has been amazing!

[@RobertWJackson]

Finally, somebody who gets it! Thank you for sharing that. What stores do you frequent?

[@Davo2233]

By god I get my best deals off GCs used wall

[@RobertWJackson]

Exactly!

[@surmatise]

I have gotten a few 800 dollar or more for less than 200 from the used wall. I always make sure to fully inspect before buying though because new and used guitars can be broken from all the clumsy customers that don't care about guitars but happen to go in there one day and try to play a horrible rendition of master of puppets. I remember a new guitar missing the whammy bar and you could hear the nut rattling around inside the guitar.

[@jamesgibson3242]

Yeah that is what I was told also that they give 60% what they plan on selling it at. You confirmed it. Just subscribed and liked because I like your video. Informative.

[@mikejaques6573]

I really like this guy He is so knowledgeable I am very impressed with all his videos very much so

[@RobertWJackson]

Thanks man! That means a lot to hear somebody say that! Glad you’ve enjoyed them. I certainly don’t have all the answers, I just like to share the knowledge that I do have. ;)

[@barrycarroll1]

my local GC is extremely fair and honest in every way. They always offered fair prices.

[@northernthrifter8817]

if your having trouble sleeping this vid will guarantee that you fall asleep

[@RobertWJackson]

Aww, that’s cute. The KZbin trolls are out tonight!

[@sneifert1968]

Zzzzzzzzz.....huh?

[@RobertWJackson]

Again... huh?

[@RobertWJackson]

Pending a medical miracle we’re gonna have to learn to live with it. I speak with a slight stammer that comes out very badly on camera, which is why there are so many edits. Feel free to check out some of my earlier videos if you wanna see what I’m referring to.

[@ruairidaly6452]

Robert's Guitar Dungeon Nah don't listen to him its always interesting to hear:)

[@jockojohn3294]

At "my" GC, in SoCal, they look up the lowest price on Craigslist or Ebay and give you 50% of that. I asked them how they came up with their offer to buy used gear from their customers, and this is what they told me. So, I choose to sell my stuff on Craigslist. I have a rather high end home studio, and the things I sell are in great shape. And the few things I sold to GC to test them out, led me not to do any selling to them. Especially, when I asked for an offer on a Moog Sub 37 and a Martin guitar. Luckily, I'm in the LA area, so it's a place where I can usually get a fair price for stuff that is in super good condition. Great job on video. :)

[@RobertWJackson]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it. ;)

[@GreatWhiteLionSnake]

Great video. Never knew the numbers. I still think you can get more from using Reverb. But I think the biggest problem is people over evaluate their equipment and condition. I'd prefer to under state it.

[@RTAlabama]

OK - you walk in and ask GC to buy a piece of gear. Uhhhh - you're asking them to buy it - they didn't mug you on the street and make you come in the store and that gear is only worth what someone will pay for it. A $10K diamond ring is only worth $1K if that's all someone is willing to pay for it. If you don't like the deal they give, then leave. Nobody is forcing anyone to sell the stuff.

[@Supertat-sl5fh]

You sir are absolutely correct. And that exactly what I did screw them! I know buissines is business. Should treat repeat customers honestly. They suck . E bay here I come.

[@RobertWJackson]

If you didn’t like the offer they gave you and you didn’t accept it, what are you so bent out of shape about?

[@Supertat-sl5fh]

@@RobertWJackson I'm not bent out of shape ,I just expected the truth from some one I delt with for years, and had a good repore. Now I go other places and it's fine. I was just explaining an expirence I had at GC that left a bad taste in my mouth that's all. Just another opinion.p.s. I like your show . Respect your opinions and advice on gear !

[@patrickh.1658]

I think I should have got 300-350 for my used peavey 6505+ 112

[@Lepp123]

While I would love to support Mom and Pop guitar stores 10-14$ for a pack of strings is just BS, 35-40$ for Bass strings is BS, hyper expensive with low inventory, If you really look at GC used inventory sometimes you can find some decent deals. Guitar center is not that bad and I dread the day when and if they go out of business. just my opinion.

[@RobertWJackson]

+Lepp123 I agree with you. I don’t see Guitar Center going out of business, at least not not anytime soon. But if it DOES happen, it’s going to be bad for all of us.

[@n1ghtmar3mach1n3]

putting the dollar sign after the number is BS

[@tonyhay1625]

Lepp123 i

[@Lepp123]

Fixed it for you enjoy

[@j-bird6563]

Lepp123 Couldn't say it better and yes that would kill me & my wallet if they ever were to go out of biz ,which I can't see that happening.

[@troymartyr]

I wondered about this with a recent purchase i made with them on a used item. A "like-new" Rode NT-USB for $109.99(brand new is around $170) so how is it that low lol awesome price compared to Amazon used.

[@knyshov]

Thanks, good information. I bought used gear and rented gear from them. Have 2 sets of Harbinger PA systems as well that cost me something insane like $120 NEW. GC is great. :)

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

WHAT A RIPOFF GUITAR CENTER IS. THEY ACTUALLY WANT TO MAKE A PROFIT ON THE THINGS THEY SELL.

[@commentfreely5443]

he hasn't mentioned tax yet, just 10% + 12% commission

[@blackpanter12345678]

Ofcourse they want to make a profit. It is what every company want why else run a company?

[@vladimirlopez7840]

blackpanter12345678 he’s being sarcastic

[@kitano0]

there's a difference between making a profit and trying to "make a killing", GC does the latter

[@RobertWJackson]

That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.

[@rayana4250]

The music playing in the background is too loud.

[@RobertWJackson]

+Rayan A Read the comments. That’s already been established.

[@markcheetah4960]

I don't think it's too loud. I can hear him talking just fine. I listen with headphones (not ear buds)... maybe that makes a difference

[@thomasmorrismusic]

This Music Reminds me of the Real Guitar Center-Loud Music-Enter Sandman-

[@jamesmyl3061]

Thank you G C is still here. Fingers crossed.

[@wesleyzimmerman94]

Speaking of great stores, the local one I go to is officially a NAMM Top 100 Dealers 2017 store

[@carlosmatos9848]

I can't believe people even bitch about the prices they get for used stuff at GC. If you want top dollar, sell it on Craigslist or classifieds. I've sold a few amps and pedals at my local GC and usually got 30-40% of what the new item retailed for depending on condition. I've seen them offer as high as 60% on some items. I took a Les Paul Standard in one time just to see what they'd give me and they offered 1200.... which is low of course, but not bad considering they were selling for about $2200 at the time. Great video btw, you obviously know your stuff!

[@RobertWJackson]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I’ve had so many GC haters commenting on this video lately that it’s refreshing to hear from somebody reasonable. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@EM-df6mo]

Bleach, you are correct man. I've bought and sold at GC. I know what my used stuff is worth and most of the time they are really close to that, and sometimes offer a bit more. If I have a lot of time and in no big need to sell quick I've sold some stuff on CL. I price realistically and its usually sells pretty quick. Lots of folks on CL are nuts and price an item within $50 or $75 of new gear and it sits there forever. If I see an item I'm looking for and its priced that way I go check out GC. They've always treated me good on used gear and taken care of any problem with any of it. They are dealing with a tough spot right now with their credit rating being downgraded again. I hope they avoid a bankruptcy restructuring their debit. It would be very bad for some tight arse investment group to come in and buy them up for pennies on the dollar and start liquidating assets. That would be bad for all of us.

[@RobertWJackson]

Absolutely! That’s actually a topic that my next video is going to cover, so stay tuned! ;)

[@joemonroe8896]

Nix the background shredding. Its very distracting.

[@DDE_ADDICT]

great video very informative

[@RobertWJackson]

Awesome, thanks for the kind words! I’m glad you enjoyed it. ;)

[@tkdolphin]

I don't know where you got your info about PRS but they are having a great year as far as guitar sales. Love the videos.

[@RobertWJackson]

This video is almost a year old. Glad you’re enjoying my channel, though!

[@davidchristensen6908]

You have to double your money or your losing money. The store has to make money. If you don’t think they offering you enough sell it yourself. Ohhh wait you would have to advertise it, then spend time with let’s just say 2 different people to sell it still more of your time. Stop bitching, if you get half price, and walk way that’s a fair price. Your equipment is not solid gold. I hate buying items and selling them when I find out I bought the wrong item or what I bought no longer works for me. But dam it they deserve to make a profit and stay in business.

[@RobertWJackson]

^^^ This guy gets it!!!

[@andrewr5684]

You're both douchebags

[@RobertWJackson]

Thanks for watching!

[@guitarplayer2846]

Guitar Center's policy is to give you 50% of what they can sell it for. If you don't like it, sell it on Ebay or Reverb.

[@guitarplayer2846]

BTW - Guitar Center is the best place to buy used gear with 45 day warranty, plus they'll negotiate price. You should never pay the price on the tag. They want go sell it, not keep it.

[@MrMarkar1959]

Interesting ,,this gives me a better idea of pricing. Recovering investment,,deciding what loss is appropriate,,and NOT selling to them. The Ft.Wayne Sweetwater is making more sense to sell the collectible gear. Thanx Man.

[@forsythejonny]

Hey Robert, Great video! Excellent information in this video. I'm a current employee at Guitar Center, but I'm the repair technician and I don't participate in the buying and trading of used gear aside from occasionally checking the condition of a guitar to make sure it is in good shape. I just wanted to say that in the couple of years since you released this video, the pay structure has changed a little, so the GC employees that are doing the used gear trades usually only make two or three percent commission when the piece eventually sells.

[@RobertWJackson]

I knew the commission structure changed since I was there last, but I’ve never known the details about the current comp plan, but that’s beside the point. I just wanted to put up an informative video because it was shocking to me how many people DON’T understand how this works. Some people seem to have really enjoyed it, and a lot of people have just complained that the background music is up too loud. LOL Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@thingsthatmake]

Do they make trade in sellers unregister associated software for hardware items? Thanks

[@RobertWJackson]

Not typically. Used hardware items that require software, like recording interfaces, are almost never included in the sale of a used piece. And copyright law prevents you from being able to legally resell the software anyway.