Is 40% off list on fenders ok to ask for?

GOBIGRED · May 13th, 2008, 07:37 PM

Hey guys! This is my first post here. I've been checking the site out a lot lately as I'm looking to purchase my first tele :) Cool site!

I'm looking into purchasing a 52 reissue tele. I've read a lot of great things about the thin skins. Unfortunately the closest dealer in 5 hours away and I have a local mom and pop store here that is pretty cool to deal with.

I recently checked out a 52 reissue hot rod tele. The nice thing is that its thin skin and has the 9.5" radius to boot! I asked the price and the dealer told me to check around for prices and that he would price match. Pretty cool I thought!

So, I've checked around on the net and see that some people have gotten 40% off list on fenders. However, I never seen the name of the dealer listed. I want to stop into the store tomorrow, but I don't want to low ball. I do want to get the lowest price, but I understand they need to make a profit.

The guitar online sells for $1630 shipped and retails for $2299.99. So I am thinking of offering $1380. Does that seem fair?

Thanks for your help!

Jakedog · May 13th, 2008, 07:51 PM

Well, when a dealer says they'll price match, they mean they will match the lowest advertised price you can find. Most dealers will go up to 40 off on Fender, but you have a to have a legit reason, not just an out of the blue offer.

Personally, if it sells for $1630 shipped, and you don't have to pay tax because it's shipped from out of state, I wouldn't go as low as you're talking.

If you like the guitar, you like the shop, and you want to do lots of business with them, and keep it friendly, I'd just see if they'd match that $1630 out the door. You get the lowest price you've found, you don't have to wait for it to ship to you, AND you get to buy the one you actually played and tried out.

You can shoot for lower if you want, but I think that's a fair deal. Especially to keep your business local, and build what could end up being a very valuable relationship.

By the way, welcome to the site! Hope you like the neighborhood!

Jake

garytelecastor · May 13th, 2008, 07:54 PM

Give it a shot. The worst they can say is no. It's not like they don't want to sell you the guitar. I always try to get the best deal I can. Who does it hurt? Several times I have had to come up, but usually they are willing to come down.
I say go for it.

Welcome to the forum, you're gonna love it.

TDPRI · May 13th, 2008, 08:48 PM

30% is standard. You can ask for 80% and no one will stop you, but they won't take you seriously.

He knows that no dealer will advertise less than $1630. It is violating their contract with Fender to put that pricing in writing. So, he knows you are not going to come in with an ad from somewhere lower than $1,630. That's why he told you that. It's a pact between fender and the dealers... no one can advertise less than that price and he knows it.

He's not going to take your word that you saw it somewhere on the internet. He wouldn't accept it unless you found a webpage that you could print out, that was an official webpage of an official dealer. And he knows you can't come in with that. So, he knows before you show up exactly what price he'll have to meet.

So, the answer really is... no, you can't ask for 40% and expect to get it and you can't offer $1,330. UNLESS, you find one in his store that is beat up or dinged, or missing it's case or some other reason to discount the guitar.

You can ask, but be prepared for a NO WAY.

GOBIGRED · May 13th, 2008, 09:07 PM

Thanks for the replies! I totally understand where you guys are coming from.

I think I'll be upfront with him as I know I can get a little over 10% off from a buddy of mine at GC. I just don't like shopping there.

After reading all of your advice I think I'm going to see if he can do 40% realizing that he probably can't. I'll be upfront with him and tell him that I've seen people receive 40% off list and see what he can do. The nice thing is that I don't think he needs or wants an add.

I've talked to him about some other prices that GC offered me and he said he would match those. Unfortunately, I'm not near a GC etc. to find out what they might offer for a price.

This is one cool site! I only have one fender strat right now that I bought around 8 years ago. I got it from Rolls music, which, is no longer open it appears :( I loved that place as they would always give a great price.

I got an American Deluxe in white, which, is an up charge for $1000 shipped with a stand and tuner thrown in. I wish that place was still around. Does anyone know what happened to Rolls in VA?

holndav · May 13th, 2008, 10:12 PM

Hey there and welcome.

This sounds pretty easy, really.

If you are sure you want that guitar, tell the owner what your budget is, don't reference anything about people "getting 40%", what you want is for him to be willing to sell to you.

After you tell him, "what I really want is the hot rod tele". Ask him if there is any way he will let you have it for $1,450 out the door (or maybe if you can go to $1,500, ask for that). Be honest with yourself and him and see what he can do. Be prepared to say, thanks but I can't do it for more than X dollars (whatever your bottom line is) and that if he reconsiders you'd love it if he would call you.

On a related note, why not get a regular '52 Reissue from musician's friend (or from him)? MF also has a blem right now for $1,063 which is ridiculous cheap. You could see what the blem is. It may be nothing big.

Good luck. Tell us how it works out.

David

CharlieO · May 13th, 2008, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDPRI

30% is standard. You can ask for 80% and no one will stop you, but they won't take you seriously.

So, the answer really is... no, you can't ask for 40% and expect to get it and you can't offer $1,330. UNLESS, you find one in his store that is beat up or dinged, or missing it's case or some other reason to discount the guitar.

You can ask, but be prepared for a NO WAY.

I'm sorry, but I have to strongly disagree, and I think that a few other guys might back me up. I have gotten 40% or more off of EVERY new Fender and almost every new guitar that I have purchased (38.14% off on my Rickenbacker 330, probably because I bought it online and used a charge card). All you have to do is ask. Most dealers will give you the discount rather than have you go elsewhere. If you walk out the door or hang up the phone, they know there is a good chance that they've lost you to the competition.

If you're buying from a local store, they'll probably be very happy to give you a 40% discount IF you don't use a charge card to pay for your purchase. Charge transactions cost the store a couple of percent. Keep in mind also that the inventory hanging in a shop costs them money every day that it remains unsold. They'd rather have a 40% discounted sale today than gamble on that 52RI Hot Rod hanging in the store for 3 or 4 months.

The best way to approach this with the local store is to pick up a strap, several sets of strings or other items that you know you'll need, and take the guitar up to the cash register. Tell them that you'd like to buy the guitar today, but can only manage to pay $1380. Make it $1400 if a round number sounds like you're not just pushing for the 40%, or tell them you'll give them $1400 with the strap and strings. Be clear that you can pay cash or pay by local check. If you're polite, I'm pretty sure that you'll get it. You don't have to say "I can get it at XYZ online for $1380." All you have to do is tell them that this is what you can pay today.

If you get the deal, be sure to stop back in a couple of weeks from now to tell them how much you like the guitar, and to thank them for giving you a break. Be sure to buy some strings or whatever, so they know that they've gotten you as a regular customer.

stxrus · May 13th, 2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakedog

Personally, if it sells for $1630 shipped, and you don't have to pay tax because it's shipped from out of state, I wouldn't go as low as you're talking.

sales tax is a non-item as the store is making nothing off of it and pays zero if it is not collected due to an out od state sale.

as a retailer i'd personally try for volume over markup. YMMV

steve

Mark Davis · May 13th, 2008, 11:49 PM

I get all my new Fenders for 40% off list always have since 1999.

But I am friends with a dealer at a Mom and Pop shop you wont get that big of a discount at MF or GC as they hold to 30% off list.

I have heard of several stores that sell for 40% off Chuck Levins os one of them and there are many more.

As an example of what can be done if you shop around a little my 58 VOS Les Paul was being sold at MF and GC for $3300. I called up a mom and pop shop that I had never done business with and got mine for $2350 almost $1000 less than what MF GC Sweetwater Sam Ash 1213 Music and all the rest of the major online stores were selling them for.

The key here is deal with mom and pop shops.

TDPRI · May 14th, 2008, 01:04 AM

I do know that it is possible to get a new Fender for 40% off. But this dealer said he'd match any other dealer. He didn't say he'd beat the price, just match it. And, since no dealer can put that kind of offer out there on the web, in an ad or even in writing the OP can't come in with proof of a dealer selling less than 30% off.

I'm only saying that the dealer knew this when he said he'd match another dealer.

Of course, hitting any dealer on the right day with cash can make a world of difference.

And also, keep in mind that the '52 Hotrod is a popular model. Those are selling pretty good for Fender which might make even a Mom and Pop dealer hang on to get full price. Now if you want to buy an unpopular model that's been hanging on the wall for 2 years... then heck yeah, 40% off is very doable, with cash.

superchicken_VI · May 14th, 2008, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDPRI

I do know that it is possible to get a new Fender for 40% off. But this dealer said he'd match any other dealer. He didn't say he'd beat the price, just match it.

We don't really know that's what he said. That's just what the op mentioned. Things get lost in the retelling...

dangerine49 · May 14th, 2008, 07:50 PM

There are dealers out there who will give 40% off on Fenders. They just can't advertise it, but they can provide it in writing. I do business with a popular dealer out of Carlsbad, CA (hint, hint) which will provide an emailed quote for any Fender at or near 40% off list. I'm sure there are others.

GOBIGRED · May 15th, 2008, 11:21 AM

Hey guys, thanks again for all of your advice. I stopped in my local shop yesterday and asked the sales associate if he could do 40% off list. He had to call the owner and then told me it was a go!

Holndav, I agonized over that 52 tele on musiciansfriend for about an hour :) I even called them to see how much damage and if they had pics. Unfortunately, they said that they always just put minor scratches and it could rangefrom barely noticeable to very noticeable. However, they have a 45 day return policy so I almost went that route. I decided that I would rather relic one myself so I held out. Plus I was leaning toward he hot rod due to the thin skin and 9.5" neck radius. Thanks for the link!

May 13th, 2008, 07:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
GOBIGRED NEW MEMBER! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Nebraska Posts: 4	Is 40% off list on fenders ok to ask for? Hey guys! This is my first post here. I've been checking the site out a lot lately as I'm looking to purchase my first tele :) Cool site! I'm looking into purchasing a 52 reissue tele. I've read a lot of great things about the thin skins. Unfortunately the closest dealer in 5 hours away and I have a local mom and pop store here that is pretty cool to deal with. I recently checked out a 52 reissue hot rod tele. The nice thing is that its thin skin and has the 9.5" radius to boot! I asked the price and the dealer told me to check around for prices and that he would price match. Pretty cool I thought! So, I've checked around on the net and see that some people have gotten 40% off list on fenders. However, I never seen the name of the dealer listed. I want to stop into the store tomorrow, but I don't want to low ball. I do want to get the lowest price, but I understand they need to make a profit. The guitar online sells for $1630 shipped and retails for $2299.99. So I am thinking of offering $1380. Does that seem fair? Thanks for your help!

May 13th, 2008, 07:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jakedog Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cleveland,OH But my heart's still in TE Posts: 3,051	Well, when a dealer says they'll price match, they mean they will match the lowest advertised price you can find. Most dealers will go up to 40 off on Fender, but you have a to have a legit reason, not just an out of the blue offer. Personally, if it sells for $1630 shipped, and you don't have to pay tax because it's shipped from out of state, I wouldn't go as low as you're talking. If you like the guitar, you like the shop, and you want to do lots of business with them, and keep it friendly, I'd just see if they'd match that $1630 out the door. You get the lowest price you've found, you don't have to wait for it to ship to you, AND you get to buy the one you actually played and tried out. You can shoot for lower if you want, but I think that's a fair deal. Especially to keep your business local, and build what could end up being a very valuable relationship. By the way, welcome to the site! Hope you like the neighborhood! Jake __________________ "Them that don't know him won't like him, and them that do sometimes won't know how to take him..."

May 13th, 2008, 07:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
garytelecastor Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,586 18 Photos	Give it a shot. The worst they can say is no. It's not like they don't want to sell you the guitar. I always try to get the best deal I can. Who does it hurt? Several times I have had to come up, but usually they are willing to come down. I say go for it. Welcome to the forum, you're gonna love it. __________________ éí 'aaníígÓÓ 'áhoot'é Would you mind holding this bag while we go through the custom shop????? Redd Volkaert is a Jedi Knight at one with the Force!!!

May 13th, 2008, 10:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
holndav Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Tampa FL Posts: 1,300 44 Photos	Hey there and welcome. This sounds pretty easy, really. If you are sure you want that guitar, tell the owner what your budget is, don't reference anything about people "getting 40%", what you want is for him to be willing to sell to you. After you tell him, "what I really want is the hot rod tele". Ask him if there is any way he will let you have it for $1,450 out the door (or maybe if you can go to $1,500, ask for that). Be honest with yourself and him and see what he can do. Be prepared to say, thanks but I can't do it for more than X dollars (whatever your bottom line is) and that if he reconsiders you'd love it if he would call you. On a related note, why not get a regular '52 Reissue from musician's friend (or from him)? MF also has a blem right now for $1,063 which is ridiculous cheap. You could see what the blem is. It may be nothing big. Good luck. Tell us how it works out. David __________________ "If we can't be free at least we can be cheap". FZ

May 13th, 2008, 11:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 58 Posts: 12,746	I get all my new Fenders for 40% off list always have since 1999. But I am friends with a dealer at a Mom and Pop shop you wont get that big of a discount at MF or GC as they hold to 30% off list. I have heard of several stores that sell for 40% off Chuck Levins os one of them and there are many more. As an example of what can be done if you shop around a little my 58 VOS Les Paul was being sold at MF and GC for $3300. I called up a mom and pop shop that I had never done business with and got mine for $2350 almost $1000 less than what MF GC Sweetwater Sam Ash 1213 Music and all the rest of the major online stores were selling them for. The key here is deal with mom and pop shops. __________________ I'm so blind my seeing eye dog needs glasses.

May 13th, 2008, 08:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
TDPRI Administrator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: TDPRILAND Posts: 5,564 36 Photos	30% is standard. You can ask for 80% and no one will stop you, but they won't take you seriously. He knows that no dealer will advertise less than $1630. It is violating their contract with Fender to put that pricing in writing. So, he knows you are not going to come in with an ad from somewhere lower than $1,630. That's why he told you that. It's a pact between fender and the dealers... no one can advertise less than that price and he knows it. He's not going to take your word that you saw it somewhere on the internet. He wouldn't accept it unless you found a webpage that you could print out, that was an official webpage of an official dealer. And he knows you can't come in with that. So, he knows before you show up exactly what price he'll have to meet. So, the answer really is... no, you can't ask for 40% and expect to get it and you can't offer $1,330. UNLESS, you find one in his store that is beat up or dinged, or missing it's case or some other reason to discount the guitar. You can ask, but be prepared for a NO WAY.

May 13th, 2008, 09:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
GOBIGRED NEW MEMBER! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Nebraska Posts: 4	Thanks for the replies! I totally understand where you guys are coming from. I think I'll be upfront with him as I know I can get a little over 10% off from a buddy of mine at GC. I just don't like shopping there. After reading all of your advice I think I'm going to see if he can do 40% realizing that he probably can't. I'll be upfront with him and tell him that I've seen people receive 40% off list and see what he can do. The nice thing is that I don't think he needs or wants an add. I've talked to him about some other prices that GC offered me and he said he would match those. Unfortunately, I'm not near a GC etc. to find out what they might offer for a price. This is one cool site! I only have one fender strat right now that I bought around 8 years ago. I got it from Rolls music, which, is no longer open it appears :( I loved that place as they would always give a great price. I got an American Deluxe in white, which, is an up charge for $1000 shipped with a stand and tuner thrown in. I wish that place was still around. Does anyone know what happened to Rolls in VA?

May 14th, 2008, 01:04 AM	#10 (permalink)
TDPRI Administrator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: TDPRILAND Posts: 5,564 36 Photos	I do know that it is possible to get a new Fender for 40% off. But this dealer said he'd match any other dealer. He didn't say he'd beat the price, just match it. And, since no dealer can put that kind of offer out there on the web, in an ad or even in writing the OP can't come in with proof of a dealer selling less than 30% off. I'm only saying that the dealer knew this when he said he'd match another dealer. Of course, hitting any dealer on the right day with cash can make a world of difference. And also, keep in mind that the '52 Hotrod is a popular model. Those are selling pretty good for Fender which might make even a Mom and Pop dealer hang on to get full price. Now if you want to buy an unpopular model that's been hanging on the wall for 2 years... then heck yeah, 40% off is very doable, with cash.

May 14th, 2008, 07:50 PM	#12 (permalink)
dangerine49 Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 356	There are dealers out there who will give 40% off on Fenders. They just can't advertise it, but they can provide it in writing. I do business with a popular dealer out of Carlsbad, CA (hint, hint) which will provide an emailed quote for any Fender at or near 40% off list. I'm sure there are others.

May 15th, 2008, 11:21 AM	#13 (permalink)
GOBIGRED NEW MEMBER! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Nebraska Posts: 4	Hey guys, thanks again for all of your advice. I stopped in my local shop yesterday and asked the sales associate if he could do 40% off list. He had to call the owner and then told me it was a go! Holndav, I agonized over that 52 tele on musiciansfriend for about an hour :) I even called them to see how much damage and if they had pics. Unfortunately, they said that they always just put minor scratches and it could rangefrom barely noticeable to very noticeable. However, they have a 45 day return policy so I almost went that route. I decided that I would rather relic one myself so I held out. Plus I was leaning toward he hot rod due to the thin skin and 9.5" neck radius. Thanks for the link!