Every year, a parent of a new school band member walks into a local music store and learns just how much her child’s new musical instrument will cost. Along with the costly sum of the instrument itself, there is the added expense of extra equipment and upkeep.
The bottom line can easily set back a new instrument buyer as much as a small new car. Many parents have to resort to down payments and credit plans to afford their child’s new gear. Another household debt must be incurred.
Experienced musical instrument buyers know to approach an instrument purchase like he might a new car. He should know what the base price is for that instrument. That gives him a position of strength from which to deal. Let’s say someone in the family wants to learn to play bass. A guitar sale online can be just as costly or inexpensive as the buyer makes it.
Buying in Season
The best deals are usually seasonal. Holidays and back-to-school specials are ideal. For instance, a major instrument retailer offered a high-end electric guitar at 70% off its usual retail price. This retail price was only a 15% mark-up from the wholesale price, so the buyers knew they were getting a great deal. This was a huge loss-leader sale that drew countless new customers. Many customers saved by seeking out a retailer coupon code too.
Auctions
Many buyers assume online auctions are the best source. They can be. They can also be the best source of crappy equipment. Trust me, your kid is not going to enjoy learning guitar power chords on a crummy instrument, An even better option is to look for online companies that specialize in selling moderate price equipment directly to consumers.
The buyer should beware of a lot of scams, but a truly knowledgeable company can help connect buyers with just the right equipment. The best company won’t oversell or try to move the customer to a needlessly expensive option. Demand a company with an excellent return policy too.
Right Price, Right Condition
Once the buyer knows the instrument he wants to buy, he should next concern himself with its condition. If a buyer does purchase from a private or unknown professional party, he should insist upon having the new instrument inspected by a professional. This is especially important with wood-component instruments but also for every other instrument type.
Costly repairs can render a once-cheap instrument very expensive or useless. Make certain all equipment is present. This cautiousness can eliminate the need for an expensive repair or new instrument next month or next year.
It’s not always possible to see serious damage in a used musical instrument. Many times, only an instrument expert can spot a problematic factor. The customer shouldn’t take merely one opinion either. It’s always a good idea to get a second expert’s perspective.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to bargain. Whether it’s a guitar sale online or a trombone from a local shop, people who sell musical instruments for a living are in a competitive business. Naturally, they need to turn a profit, but they don’t have to make that net gain off just one customer. A good customer deserves an even better price.
