Buying from Pawn Shops and 2nd hand stores

[kmarquis]

I have heard of a lot of people buying great gear from pawn shops and second-hand stores like Musicgoround. My question is, based on your experience, do most pawn shops bargain on price or do they tend to price the stuff and not negotiate? What experiences have any of you had? How about a store like musicgoround? Has anyone negotiated on price with them before? Thanks for any input.

Kevin

[deftones]

the local store in town that sell second hand stuff i get some good deals. what i did before i bought anything from him was to get to know the owner a bit first, get on his good side get a few of my friends to shop for things there. i would go in make small talk, buy a strap, or picks, or strings and leave. now he sometimes gives me the student discount on more expensive items, even though i am not a student there for him.

[jaytee]

well im sure you can get some stuff cheap...like strings maybe...but....word of caution....make sure you have compared prices with other shops...because a pawnshop or 2nd hand store may claim you are gettin a great deal but maybe you really arent...
i knew a guy who swore by his "buddy" that ran a pawn shop...and he was all thrilled cuz his "buddy" ordered him a new guitar and said it was a great price...but when i looked around on the net it was just an average price and i even found places that sold it much cheaper.....

not saying you cant get a good deal...im just saying....dont jump on anything just cuz a pawn shop guy says its a good deal...he IS running a business!


--jt

[Pezcore]

buying second hand is definately worth it if you really know what to look for etc.

[Coco(R)]

look in ebay