How many guitars do you own? A survey

[Polar Bear]

If this is for market research instead of a paper I'll save them some time by letting them in on what a guitarists mindset and actions are in a retail situation with the following monologue,
Retail assistant,"here is an item of musical gear"
Guitarist, "I want that."
Sound of cash register going 'chaa ching'.

Hmmm. Real world typical scenario in NZ is more like this.

NZ PIANO BUYER
Pianist: "I would like a piano please"
Retail Assistant: "No problem. Entry level is $4k. Top end is $80k. We have this lovely piece at only $8k."
Pianist: "Oooo that's lovely. I'll take it"
Sound of cash register going 'chaa ching'


NZ GUITAR BUYER
Guitarist: "Here is a beautiful USA-made guitar I saw on teh interwebz for US$3,000. Can you get me one?"
Retail Assistant: "Yes, we can get that in for you. that'll be NZ$5,000"
Guitarist: "Crikey. You guys are expensive!"
Retail Assistant: "No, not really. US$3,000, with US$150 shipping converted at $0.65 and GST added comes to $5573. Our price is quite competitive"
Guitarist: "It's still bloody expensive. I read on gearpage though that those new Chinese brand-X guitars are awesome."
Retail Assistant: "Well....awesome for the price sure. But it doesn't really compare to the item you are asking about"
Guitarist: "No way I'd ever spend more than $1,000 on a guitar. I'll think about the Brand X. When's your next interest free promotion?"

Ugh.

Pianos are a breeze to sell compared with anything guitar.

[druz15]

Also:

"give me a discount I shop here all the time"
*look them up in database, they bought a $500 guitar 8 years ago*

"These normally retail at $379, we do them for $289"
"x shop (in another state with none in stock and a 2 week shipping time) are doing them for $259"
"ok I'll do it for $259"
"What you're not even gonna beat it?"

[Polar Bear]

Ugh.

[jeremyb]

I would hate to work in music retail, theres very few other shops you go into that people would expect a discount to just come forth so readily, musicians are such tight arses.

[Les_Paul86]

My local give me discounts now without me asking, which is really nice because I wouldn't or haven't ever asked.

I do go in there quite a bit... kind of linger like a bad fart... I don't always buy stuff... and I ask annoying questions like "are you going to be getting the new xotic effect blah blah blah or, do you know anyone that can do finishing work on a 1986 kramer baretta mumble mumble mumble.

[kdawg2a]

If all this is true then i'm still trying to figure out how I ended up with so many guitars. Some form of space-time vortex i'm assuming.

[bender]

Because the other kind of guitarist only buys second-hand. Retail dudes encounter them a lot less.

[harveysj]

I didn't know bartering was still an option. Ive only bought two guitars new, never expected a discount, paid cash and never got a discount. I might have to lift my game....

[Polar Bear]

If all this is true then i'm still trying to figure out how I ended up with so many guitars. Some form of space-time vortex i'm assuming.

I'm pretty sure you built a lot of yours.

I have many, many excellent customers it should be noted.

Most of them play piano though.

[hamo]

None of what I said was true anyway, I'm actually a 13 year old girl trying to groom some mid 40's, overweight, balding men, in the hope they'll send me naked photos of themselves.

Check your PMs.

[kdawg2a]

If all this is true then i'm still trying to figure out how I ended up with so many guitars. Some form of space-time vortex i'm assuming.

I'm pretty sure you built a lot of yours.

I have many, many excellent customers it should be noted.

Most of them play piano though.

Good call there bro. I must say though, I think on average I must put $1500 a year over the counter at the Rockshop. It's not a lot but it would be pretty consistent.

[Danger Mouse]

None of what I said was true anyway, I'm actually a 13 year old girl trying to groom some mid 40's, overweight, balding men, in the hope they'll send me naked photos of themselves.

Check your PMs.

Thanks, but you're too young, I could get in trouble having naked photos of someone your age.

[handsoffmatt]

Hey there are a LOT of great customers out there, and clearly a lot of people spending their hard earned money on guitars.....otherwise I'd be out of a job.

I was just making a bit of a point - when the post was made implying that we show people product, open the doors and the money pours in. It's a little different to that. HAHAHA

[sizzlingbadger]

I always try for a discount and RS and MP have always tried their best. I have spent a fair bit over the last couple of years though so I think I'd probably be a "reasonable" customer in their eyes :mores arc:

Having said that I was told they probably make more money out of selling plastic kazoo's and strings than the big ticket items.

[jeremyb]

I don't think I've ever asked for a discount, but the guys who work in shops on here have always been super generous and given me one anyway, and a discount as well!