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Will Guitar Center Price Match Amazon? Your Ultimate Guide

The burning question on every musician’s mind – will Guitar Center price match Amazon? The short answer is: Yes, generally, Guitar Center does price match Amazon, but there are caveats. Their price matching policy isn’t a blanket guarantee, and understanding the specifics can save you a lot of time and frustration. Let’s dive deep into the nuances of how to successfully snag that lower Amazon price at Guitar Center.

Understanding Guitar Center’s Price Matching Policy

Guitar Center, as one of the largest musical instrument retailers, understands the competitive landscape. They want your business, and that often means matching lower prices found elsewhere. However, their policy, while generally accommodating, isn’t without its restrictions.

Key Elements of the Price Match Guarantee

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Identical Item: The product you’re trying to price match must be identical in every way. This includes the brand, model number, color, and condition. Even slight variations can disqualify you.
In-Stock Availability: Both Guitar Center and Amazon (or the third-party seller) must have the item in stock and available for immediate purchase. Backorders or items listed as “temporarily out of stock” will not be considered.
Authorized Retailer: The Amazon seller must be an authorized retailer or directly sold by Amazon itself. This means no price matching against third-party sellers with dubious reputations or those operating outside standard business practices. Look for “Ships from and Sold by Amazon.com” or verified authorized dealers.
Price Includes All Costs: The price you’re matching must include all costs, including shipping and handling, and any applicable taxes. Guitar Center will factor these expenses into the final comparison.
Exclusions: There are certain exclusions to Guitar Center’s price matching policy. These typically include:
- Clearance items
- Closeout deals
- Discontinued products
- Used or refurbished items
- Limited-time offers or flash sales
- Bundled offers
- Prices from auction sites (like eBay)
- Competitor coupons or rebates
- Pricing errors

How to Successfully Request a Price Match

Do Your Homework: Before heading to Guitar Center, thoroughly research the Amazon price you intend to match. Take screenshots, print out the product page, and be prepared to show the sales associate clear evidence of the lower price.
Visit in Person: While some Guitar Center locations may entertain price match requests over the phone, your chances of success are significantly higher if you visit the store in person. This allows the associate to visually verify the product, its availability, and the Amazon listing.
Be Polite and Prepared: Approach the sales associate with a friendly and respectful attitude. Clearly explain your request and provide all the necessary documentation. Remember, they have discretion, and a positive demeanor can go a long way.
Negotiate (Respectfully): If the initial price match is denied, politely inquire if there’s any flexibility. Sometimes, they might be willing to offer a slightly reduced price, even if they can’t match Amazon exactly.
Manager Approval: In some cases, the sales associate might need to seek approval from a manager, especially if the price difference is substantial. Be patient and understanding during this process.

Common Hurdles and How to Overcome Them

Even with careful preparation, you might encounter obstacles during your price matching attempt. Here are a few common hurdles and strategies for overcoming them:

Amazon Seller Concerns: If Guitar Center questions the legitimacy of the Amazon seller, provide evidence of the seller’s positive reputation and track record. Focus on sellers with high ratings and a history of reliable service.
Shipping Costs: If the Amazon price seems incredibly low, double-check the shipping costs. Sometimes, sellers inflate shipping charges to compensate for a lower base price.
In-Store vs. Online: Guitar Center’s online prices might differ from their in-store prices. Be sure to clarify whether you’re comparing online prices to online prices or in-store prices to online prices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Guitar Center Price Matching

Here are some frequently asked questions that can further clarify Guitar Center’s price matching policy and help you navigate the process:

1. Does Guitar Center price match Sweetwater or Musician’s Friend?

Yes, Guitar Center generally price matches Sweetwater and Musician’s Friend, as they are considered direct competitors. The same stipulations about identical items, in-stock availability, and inclusion of shipping costs apply.

2. Will Guitar Center price match used or open-box items from Amazon Warehouse?

No. Guitar Center typically does not price match used, refurbished, or open-box items from Amazon Warehouse or any other retailer. Their price match policy is generally limited to new, in-stock items.

3. What if the item is on sale at Amazon but not at Guitar Center?

If the item is on sale at Amazon and meets all other criteria (identical, in stock, authorized retailer), Guitar Center should honor the sale price. Be prepared to show proof of the sale’s validity and expiration date, if applicable.

4. Can I price match an item I already purchased from Guitar Center?

It depends. Some Guitar Center locations may offer a price adjustment within a limited timeframe (e.g., 30 days) if you find a lower price elsewhere. It’s best to inquire about their specific policy at the time of purchase.

5. Does Guitar Center price match items from overseas Amazon sites (e.g., Amazon.co.uk)?

No. Guitar Center’s price matching policy is typically limited to prices from Amazon.com (the US-based site) and other US-based authorized retailers.

6. What happens if Amazon’s price drops after I buy the item from Guitar Center?

As mentioned above, some Guitar Center locations may offer a price adjustment within a limited timeframe. Check with the store about their policy on post-purchase price matching.

7. Can I combine a Guitar Center coupon with a price match?

Typically no. Guitar Center generally does not allow you to combine coupons or other discounts with a price match.

8. Does Guitar Center price match services, such as guitar lessons or repairs?

No. Guitar Center’s price matching policy is usually limited to physical products, not services.

9. What if the Amazon price is a “lightning deal” or limited-time offer?

Guitar Center generally does not price match lightning deals or other limited-time offers due to their fleeting nature.

10. Can I price match an Amazon listing that is fulfilled by Amazon but sold by a third-party seller?

This is a grey area and depends on the specific store. It is more likely to be accepted than an item that is both fulfilled and sold by a third party. It’s always worth asking, but be prepared for a potential denial. Focus on the fulfilled by Amazon aspect when presenting your case.

11. What is the best time to try and price match an item at Guitar Center?

Weekdays during off-peak hours (e.g., mid-morning or mid-afternoon) are often the best times to attempt a price match. Sales associates may be more willing to take the time to process your request when the store is less crowded.

12. If one Guitar Center store denies my price match request, can I try another location?

Yes. Each Guitar Center location has a degree of autonomy in interpreting and applying the price matching policy. If one store denies your request, it’s perfectly acceptable to try another location. Just be sure to be polite and respectful, and prepared to present your case clearly.

By understanding these nuances and preparing accordingly, you’ll significantly increase your chances of successfully price matching Amazon at Guitar Center and scoring the best possible deal on your musical gear. Happy shopping!