Originally Posted by: magicninjaMost times if you can prove the price of a competitor (including online) they will at least match that price. That's why I always take a Musicians Friend catalog with me when I go to a store.

That's very true. Just be aware that Musicians Friend is owned by the very same folks who own Guitar Center. At least that's what I had heard. When Guitar Center has over-stock and such, they send it to Musicians Friend to unload it.

But going in armed with ads from competitors is always a good idea. I never sold musical instruments but back in my college days, I sold tv's and appliances. We haggled over each and every deal. Negotiating on telelvision sets and refrigerators really helped me develop skills that I use daily now in insurance litigation.

Here are some tips:

1) Try not to get emotionally involved in the process. If the salesman gets the sense that you're all whipped up over the guitar, he'll keep his price high. In other words, stay calm and low key.

2) Generally speaking, the first time he goes to talk to the manager, he's getting his price. The other few times, he's getting coffee or a smoke. It's a huge dog and pony show.

3) If you opt to lay out a 'final offer', make sure it's really your final offer. If you say 'final' and then move from it, then he knows he's got you moving and he'll keep pushing.

4) Remember, he wants to sell it as much as you want to buy it.

5) Don't be afraid to walk away from a deal. There's always another one around the corner. Human behavior and body language will tell a good salesman everything he needs to know about you. If you're not willing to walk away, he'll know it. Once he has that information, he sets the price, not you.

and finally:

A good deal is when both parties limp away. If you feel you paid too much and he feels you paid to little, then you did well. If either one of the parties involved feels that one of you pulled one over on the other guy, chances are, someone, and most likely you, got screwed.

Oh yeah, you'll want to tell him that you want to 'deal' with him right up front. Don't let him get 10 minutes into his pitch and then hit him with it. That just frustrates the salesman and the next thing you know, he's got his feet dug in and it's just a numbers game then.

It can actually be a lot of fun to haggle with someone as long as you approach it right. Sieze the power of the negotiations right up front and keep it. Once you hand it over to the salesman, he will not give it back to you without a fight.

Good luck.