I just got a March mailer for Guitar Center today and they are advertising a bunch of Fender guitars with a note saying "LAST CHANCE AT '08 PRICES!" Shown specifically in the mailer are American Standard Strats, Am. Deluxe Strats and Teles, and Classic Player Jag w/hums. The website does not reflect this, but it never shows any other specials the physical retails stores run either.
Perhaps this is an attempt to get a few more sales this month, because I was just there for a President's Day sale and the new prices seemed to be in full effect. I was considering a Classic Player Jazzmaster or Jag before the price jump, so I'm going to head down later today to see if this is bunk.
FAO: U.S. folks interested in pre-Feb 1 Fender prices...
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Jazzmasterfan
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robert(original)
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Jazzmasterfan
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Yeah but Fender have put their prices up by a large amount over the last few months. Wasn't it a 15% rise in December and another 15/20% rise last month? I think, in the current economic climate they will struggle having put their prices up by so much. It's a shame because I like Fender.robert(original) wrote:everyone here is aware that it is not just fender that raised thier prices right?
and yea, paying more sucks ass, but if that means they keep themselves fully staffed and don't have to lay off any employees then maybe its a good thing.
aren't prices supposed to go down as the economic climate worsens? raising prices just as people are short on money doesn't seem like a sound strategy for selling anything, to me.robert(original) wrote:everyone here is aware that it is not just fender that raised thier prices right?
and yea, paying more sucks ass, but if that means they keep themselves fully staffed and don't have to lay off any employees then maybe its a good thing.
if sales are down now, how do they think raising prices is going to affect that? and if they arent down, wtf?
making things work financially by squeezing the fuck out of your loyal customers right when they are hurting just seems like bad strategy.
as far as other companies, fender was pretty much the only viable company to buy new guitars from, as far as my tastes go. squier specifically. there already was no fucking way id buy a new gibson, they are ridiculously overpriced and have been for years, and its gotten worse lately, and rickenbacker is way too rich for my blood, even before their recent price hikes.
how much do you think fender makes off those 1000 dollar MIM shitfinish guitars? fucking alot. ill bet they cost less than MIM standards, as they dont even have to complete the finish, or have any quality control really on them. fuck that.
buy used. and not from guitar center if you can help it.
There have been plenty of other threads to whine about the price hike and I was hoping that wouldn't happen here.
Obviously buying used it always a better idea, and I don't think many will dispute that Guitar Center are a bunch of fuckheads.
I just figured I'd share this info for those who may be interested in this minor extension to purchase something new that isn't a staple on the used market yet.
Obviously buying used it always a better idea, and I don't think many will dispute that Guitar Center are a bunch of fuckheads.
I just figured I'd share this info for those who may be interested in this minor extension to purchase something new that isn't a staple on the used market yet.
yeah its cool. im not trying to shit on the thread, sorry.avj wrote:There have been plenty of other threads to whine about the price hike and I was hoping that wouldn't happen here.
Obviously buying used it always a better idea, and I don't think many will dispute that Guitar Center are a bunch of fuckheads.
I just figured I'd share this info for those who may be interested in this minor extension to purchase something new that isn't a staple on the used market yet.
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euan
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No the first rise was the exchange rate. It affected all dollar based guitar companies for those in the UK. The second 30% rise was a worldwide thing and is being reflected in the prices for all guitars eventually this year.Jazzmasterfan wrote:Yeah but Fender have put their prices up by a large amount over the last few months. Wasn't it a 15% rise in December and another 15/20% rise last month? I think, in the current economic climate they will struggle having put their prices up by so much. It's a shame because I like Fender.robert(original) wrote:everyone here is aware that it is not just fender that raised thier prices right?
and yea, paying more sucks ass, but if that means they keep themselves fully staffed and don't have to lay off any employees then maybe its a good thing.
The hate for Fender rising their prices is stupid when it isn't just them
I can't help but wonder if the price rise was dealer driven - I imagine they're getting hit worse then Fender right now.
After discounts and everything, a lot of shops were only making maybe $30-50 on the low end and maybe a couple hundred on the high. I could see them pushing for a price rise to increase their profits.
After discounts and everything, a lot of shops were only making maybe $30-50 on the low end and maybe a couple hundred on the high. I could see them pushing for a price rise to increase their profits.