Purchasing and Amp in the Store? (maybe stupid question)

S

Scatterwound

New member
Hi All,

So I have narrowed it down to two amps I am going to consider buying. I am lucky (maybe?) that I found one dealer that stocks the models I am interested in. So I can test them side-by-side. Plan on going there with my ax to really try them out - after all it is going to be almost a 1 hr drive to the store. Let's say I end up buying one. Do I have the right as a consumer to request for a brand new boxed amp? I just realized that over the years after owning several amps this will be the first one that I have ever purchased brand new. All others were pre-owned. I consider that I will be spending $500 - $700 on the amp so would I be out of place to request a sealed amp instead of taking home the floor model? Why do I feel that if I am forced to buy the floor model that I should be entitled to at least some discount? My main concerns would be (1) any possible abuse it may have gone through in the store and (2) not receiving all documentation with it.

Thanks in advance.
 
Re: Purchasing and Amp in the Store? (maybe stupid question)

You should. I know when I bought my new bass amp recently, the jerks over at GC wanted me to get one right off the floor, and I said no. The one on the floor had a bunch of dents in it. If they really want your business they'll let you take the one you want.
 
Re: Purchasing and Amp in the Store? (maybe stupid question)

If they give you the line, "well this is the only one we have in stock right now", walk.
 
Re: Purchasing and Amp in the Store? (maybe stupid question)

In my experience, GC won't sell you the floor model unless it's the last one in stock. If it is, hesitate and they'll give you a 10 - 15% discount just for looking glum. They can also order you a new one, but they'll basically just go to GC online and place the same order you could have done from home.

Life on the floor at GC is a terrible way to break in a new amp, though.
 
Re: Purchasing and Amp in the Store? (maybe stupid question)

Of course, if you're paying for a new product then you should get a new product.

If/when they give you crap for it, whip out your phone and say "Oh, ok, well it looks like {whatever online store you want to mention} has them for the same price (or probably less) and that's new in box, I'll just go with them" - If you don't have a phone that does this, look it up before you go.

I bet they bring a brand spanking new one from the back right out with a bow on it.

I always ask "Is this the best price you can give me on it" as well. If I don't get a small discount, I can at least get them to throw in a couple of packs of strings or something on a high dollar item.
 
Re: Purchasing and Amp in the Store? (maybe stupid question)

Do not accept a floor model. I don't know how this works in the USA but if I get a boxed amp I either want to try it out to make sure it works or be given a rock solid guarantee that I get my money back or an immediate replacement without question if there is a problem with it when I get it home.
 
Re: Purchasing and Amp in the Store? (maybe stupid question)

All good suggestions.

Get a new boxed one, or a discount on the floor model (but understand that the amp could have had a lot of abuse that doesn't show, like plugging it into wrong impedence speakers).
 
Re: Purchasing and Amp in the Store? (maybe stupid question)

Beware: the new in box model has never been played. Once you decide you are for sure buying the amp and guaranteeing them a sale, ask to try out the NIB one. I played a demo amp and decided to buy it, but asked for a NIB one. Never opened it up until I got home (over an hour drive) and the presence knob didn't work. Ear piercing highs until I could return it the following week. They fired it up and heard the presence knob didn't work and then the whole amp died within minutes. I waited 2 months to get a replacement, though they did let me borrow the demo one.

So I've learned my lesson, try before you buy!
 
Re: Purchasing and Amp in the Store? (maybe stupid question)

Excellent suggestions...Thanks everyone.....As always good advice from the SD community forum....

I definitely will ask for a boxed one and try it out first before taking it home.....Good point received above that a floor model may have received 'unseen' abuse......Pardon my naivety....
 
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