Hey Mark, Thanks for the video on the economics of a small music store. You touched on so many relatable topics. We have a shop in CA and have owned it for 40 years. We are the definition of mom and pop. My wife and I put a lot of time in the store and have been in a break even or loss since the pandemic. We are creeping up on the end of our lease and wonder if we can still do it. I believe with manufactures selling direct at MAP pricing keeps a store like mine from competing with direct and online sales. Margins have shrunk so much I can't afford to stock as much as the last 20 years. Now we are focusing on service and lessons to keep us going. Repair is always strong and I service all of the public schools BO. Not sure what the future holds but retail is not the way. I hope you can keep your store going and find joy in helping your community. Recently a store closed and they had a quote that sticks with me. They said "our business model was we would rather make a friend than a buck" I do wish we could have both and hope that people will remember to value service and expertise over a convenient purchase. Please keep making videos and I will be sure to check them out. Take care Brian
I've spent 2/3 of my life hanging out in guitar stores. They're the life blood of any music scene. I have zero problem paying more at an independent guitar shop because I WANT them in my community, just like I want cafes, bookshops and arthouse cinemas. I tell all my friends, if nothing else, just park your car outside and hang out there. It make them look like they're thriving and will make other people stop in.
This is the opposite of the atmosphere at the opulent new Gibson Garage in London, at least on the day I visited. It felt like a beautiful museum with trendy young staff. Amazing to look at but not a place you want to hang out or try a guitar. I didn’t even want to touch the guitars. Not surprisingly, it was nearly empty of customers.
I work part time in a small indie guitar store in the uk, happened by your channel by chance and am amazed at the parallels with this kind of business in the here and now. There was 5-6 music stores in and around the local town, now just us. It is very much a shrinking market. Overheads are almost crippling and it is not easy to make it work. Having customers understand the reality of it is hard, and of course they want the best value (as do we all) and will often check on line at the big stores or amazon etc and look at prices we simply cannot match. The added value of real and knowledgable people for advice/setups/problem solving/string changing etc etc is often overridden by finance. But you know all this, right? Anyway, loving your content and wish you well from across the pond!
I opened an independent store in 2002 in a small town in AR. There was a piano store in the town that was owned by a blind man. He was an incredible piano tuner and stayed busy with that. I wanted to bring a big city store image to this small town that I loved, the town wasn’t so accepting. This town was often referred to as the small town where businesses go to die. I thought I could beat the odds, but my store lasted 6 years. I made a lot of stupid decisions with the lines I chose to carry. My biggest competitor was Musicians Friend, but also the mindset of the towns population. I had one lady storm out of the store to drive her F150 70 miles to the next town to save ONE DOLLAR on a pack of strings, I am not exaggerating. The Hoshino rep said my store was an anomaly, I guess that was because I kept it clean, organized, and without clutter. I had many expenses pop up that I wasn’t aware of. ( I was a music major, not a business major, obviously) I had an employee who was contract labor, he was the guitar lessons teacher. He decided to quit and do something else, he thought he could file for unemployment while he searched. I did not pay unemployment taxes on him because he was contract labor, the unemployment agency disagreed and they audited me, resulting in a fine and requiring me to pay 2 years unemployment taxes on this fellow. The same thing happened again when a contract studio engineer (we had a recording studio in the store also) decided to quit. The state always sided with the employees. I had a lessons teacher bring his musicians friend catalog to the lessons room and advised his students to buy from the catalog rather than my store. He couldn’t seem to understand that the reason we offered lessons was to create customers. I could go on for hours with stories like this, things that the average music store customer would have no idea was going on. Credit card processing fees, bad checks, electricity, gas, internet, phone, yellow pages ads (I know that doesn’t really apply now), all the people that wanted you to donate something to their cause, etc. I had a $4000 Parker Fly on display, I had set it down to answer the phone when this guy with his 3 year old son com in. I looked over there and he’s letting his 3 year old hold the guitar. I politely told him that that was a $4000 guitar the fellow got mad at me. Next to my store they built a beauty salon. I had to ask the owner to tell their patrons to quit sending their unattended children into my store while they got their hair done. I often thought about writing a sit-com from all these experiences.
I love this channel and where you’re going Mark. Your devotion will pay off. I think there’s a good chance we’re going to see a resurgence of independent music stores in the coming years ahead.
The best part was you sharing your desire to be the best. When it comes to guitars, and all music related stuff, you are my go to pro. You already are The Best.
Hey Mark! Worcester , MA here! Thanks for the information ! We have two music stores and a GC in Millbury about 8 miles away. There used to be a few more shops around but all others have closed. I’m doing my own luthier work to save money . Setups are 85-135 dollars .
Good stuff. Thanks for the openness and for the service you provide.
Před 3 měsíci+1
Thank you for your honest view as a music store owner. Please share more personal experiences as a store owner! I hope and wish you continued success! Greetings from Hollywood California.
Love the channel, I only have an independent music store in my area with the nearest big guitar store at least 5 hours away. The local sales team is friendly and willing to listen and work with you on your musical needs. Look forward to future content!
I happened across your channel a couple of weeks ago from your fairly-viral video. I didn’t realize that your shop is in Portsmouth!! (I’m up here in Tamworth (near North Conway)). I’d like to stop-in at some point & see ya… I have a mid-1950’s Fender Tremolux that was passed down to me & it’s on the fritz. I’d like the amp to be diagnosed & repaired by someone who is meticulous and fair. By the sounds of your shop, you’ll be able to help me achieve that. I’m really enjoying your content…keep goin’!!
Just had a custom AB pedal for a TRS (stereo) connection made by Gary/Mark and crew - works great - and so amazing to walk in somewhere, describe something a little odd, and then get to go and pick it up a few days later. Keep up the good work Mark!
Gary’s guitar is the best! I didn’t realize Gary was not the owner now, but he is always so great to chat with. When I’m in Kittery again this summer I will make sure to visit again.
Both of my children were born in New Hampshire, and I have not been in the store since Gary owned it years ago coming up there in a week or so and I definitely plan to stop in on my way to see my kids in Maine really love the series of videos you’re doing I really like that you’re going to the people I really like your honesty you’re openness and your total contact with reality. I think that you can develop some serious market research From these videos, I think they’re productive and I definitely hope that you extend and start doing demos and continue this process. I think your building the base to increase your business right now from an online perspective because you’re establishing a relationship with the people which is no doubt in my opinion, whether it be doctor or guitarist, whether you call it, bedside manner or well, rounded and well spoken. The point is the people matter and you’re helping the people understand that, and you’re gaining their trust. You must be because you’re gaining mine and that’s a hard thing to do. Thanks again I commented a great deal about Eastman guitars and my View of your last videos but I truly want to comment on your great skills in business and management as you visually do see you have to change roles and I understand because I buy and sell guitars and my wife hates it too. She even hates me going to play gigs anymore because I’ve been doing it for 40 years. She’s just tired of it but she’s not tired of the money lol take care.
Very cool. Your shop reminds me of a great little store we have here in Vancouver BC called Exile (on Main street). We have our big stores here as well like Long and McQuade and Tom Lee but the little stores like Exile and Rufus guitar shop are always a great place to shop.
Great video! Appreciate the content. Your story is much like mine, only I’m 8 months into it. Our store as an 85 year old icon in our town and I didn’t want to see it close. Trying to figure out how to get it profitable now. Thanks for the open book. It’s helpful.
Greetings from the Phoenix East Valley. Our journey seems a lot like yours. Lost Dutchman Guitars is very small. We opened in November of 2019. We have a GC 12 miles away and there are a couple of other shops within about 20 miles, but nothing like our shop nearby. When we opened, I didn't know how important service would be. That was one mistake, but we opened a repair shop which does well. I didn't realize how important strings and other small items are (tuners, capo, picks, stands). I think we had about 10 packs of strings on opening day. We have more now. I should have emphasized guitars from the start. It's sad to disappoint high school musicians looking for sheet music, reeds and accordions. I tip my hat, Mark. Rock on.
Mark, I've always liked your vids. I'm playing catch-up because, I guarantee you, I unsubscribed from your channel accidentally. Being from New England, I am familiar with the distinctive and picturesque tiny towns in that region, which is why I find your store so appealing. I appreciate your intelligent content, which I eagerly await.
I have so many questions for you Mark, but I'll just watch the videos come out. I have always wanted to own a Music store, but boy does it look scary financially. Glad your in it for the right reasons, as you seem like you just want to make enough and also provide the service of a music store to the community. Guitar center's make me cringe as I get older.
This is interesting. My buddy and I are trying to get a guitar store up-and-running. We're in the very beginning stage. But I'm trying to learn all I can about the business. So, thank you, not-Gary!
@@tmoss89 Yes, and I agree; you've gotta have at least one guitar tech. But we're starting out as an online store. Eventually we'll get a brick-and-mortar going. It's a longer process than I imagined.
Interesting content. Encourage continue with the 10 minute CZcams videos once a week. Involve your staff on occasion. I think many 'Guitarist' enjoy the neighborhood store theme, even though they may shop at Sweetwater. 🙂
I haven't been down to NH for years now but wanted to ask if you've ever been to Retro Music in Keene, NH. The owner Jeff Firestone seems to have a great business plan for a small guitar store. He's been in business for a really long time so it must be working. The store is like stepping back into the 1960's and worth the visit if you get a chance. Next time I head south, I'll stop in. I Love small music stores.
I love to nerd out on business topics. It scares me to hear people getting into shrinking markets like music stuff. When you have Sweetwater, it makes a compelling reason to not even go into retail sales. In my area, guitar center is the only place in town. They have some outstanding customer service and accessories available. It is a tough gig to beat and at least one independent operator didnt survive that I know of. I love to hear this side of the business. Thank you sharing your opinion "Gary" :)
Excellent , By the way you remind me of the The Flintstones cartoon , One of the characters I do not remember the name was that Barney ? :) Love your videos thanks
I've always wondered about all of this thanks for sharing. If you can give lot's of examples would be helpful, In Australia there's lots of importer/distributors taking a cut so I wonder how much it costs a store to stock say a $5000 MAP/RRP guitar. I honestly think people/customers respect transparency especially when doing deals and trade ins.
Love your channel, wish I lived close enough to visit on a regular basis. On a different note, over your left shoulder in the strings, is that a Gibson Corvus or a Futura? ....and how much??
I, on a couple of occasions, stepped into a store, in Twin Cities, that resembles what you have going. It was awesome, .. all I could do, at that time, was look, .. not able to get any of what I liked the looks of .. and, they went out of business, .. Guitar Center, I suppose .. I have noticed, several of my acquaintances .. nothing is worth any more, than what lowest price offered, is. Loyalty to the lowest price.
Is that a Corvis or Futura that I see in the background? If so, very unique and interesting guitar. If it was lefthanded, i would have possibly made you an offer. I've been keeping my eyes open, looking for one. I should probably check to see if they even made lefties in those models. It wouldn't surprise me if they didn't...I wouldn't blame them. Companies just don't sell enough lefties to offer every model.
Hi Gary, I have a 4 string Victor Bailey Bass with not a scratch on it. It’s never been on a job just used occasionally at home. I just never play it I’m 68 and thinking about selling it. Any suggestions? Thanks
Try offering it to friend your local circle, word of mouth otherwise take it a guitar store and get an offer, take it to a few guitar stores, don't take it to a pawn shop of other kinds of second hand shops.
Good to see you doing this The only guitar shop in our area is run by a babyboomer who always has work in setups to do but the thing is it gets old listening to stories about the 1970s so most of us just pop in for strings when we forget to buy in bulk online….. there must be an awful lotta boomers out there who cant even do a basic guitar setup that this crusty hippy is still in business Kinda sad on a few levels The rents in the city are so ridiculous and properties held by a few that a newcomer hasnt a chance
you need foot traffic in retail, offering guitar lessons is a great way to get people, mostly kids, in your store. and they are going to need guitars and gear and more lessons. if you want to sell high-end, professional quality, boutique, guitars you need every guitar fully described with photos and a sound demo on your website. no excuse for any guitar retailer not to have that feature. marketing on social media such as CZcams is essential. good luck.
I am also a Fender Dealer in Belgium (Europe). But for us, the margins on Fender are very low, around 10 to 14 percent. And that is the case for most well-known brands. Did you say around 40% or 14% or have I misunderstood?
Is there such a thing as a good Guitar Center? 😆 We have a local music store in my area. There is a Guitar Center too. The difference between a locally owned music store and a Guitar Center is a wide, wide, gap in care and concern for the customer.
Thanks for this video. It really sheds light on the independent stores. I am fortunate to have two independent stores in my area. Both offer good customer service and both specialize in different products. Both have been around for a long time. 25-30 years. There’s also a Guitar Center that’s within a reasonable driving distance. That place is horrible. I am surprised it’s lasted as long as it has. See this video. It pretty much sums up your typical Guitar Center sales person: czcams.com/video/YPhO5g39vpg/video.html
You won't survive if you only get to keep 10% all-in. Needs to be 30% or you are just punching the clock. You are offering a great service, you need to charge for it.
Some people don’t have disposable income , my buddy just got back from a cruise costing 1800 a person and the ship with 3200 capacity sold out, and not all were lawyers, plenty of blue collar workers with their families aboard
Great content. This is not just guitar store, this is small business 101
Hey Mark, Thanks for the video on the economics of a small music store. You touched on so many relatable topics. We have a shop in CA and have owned it for 40 years. We are the definition of mom and pop. My wife and I put a lot of time in the store and have been in a break even or loss since the pandemic. We are creeping up on the end of our lease and wonder if we can still do it. I believe with manufactures selling direct at MAP pricing keeps a store like mine from competing with direct and online sales. Margins have shrunk so much I can't afford to stock as much as the last 20 years. Now we are focusing on service and lessons to keep us going. Repair is always strong and I service all of the public schools BO. Not sure what the future holds but retail is not the way. I hope you can keep your store going and find joy in helping your community. Recently a store closed and they had a quote that sticks with me. They said "our business model was we would rather make a friend than a buck" I do wish we could have both and hope that people will remember to value service and expertise over a convenient purchase. Please keep making videos and I will be sure to check them out. Take care Brian
I've spent 2/3 of my life hanging out in guitar stores. They're the life blood of any music scene. I have zero problem paying more at an independent guitar shop because I WANT them in my community, just like I want cafes, bookshops and arthouse cinemas.
I tell all my friends, if nothing else, just park your car outside and hang out there. It make them look like they're thriving and will make other people stop in.
This is the opposite of the atmosphere at the opulent new Gibson Garage in London, at least on the day I visited. It felt like a beautiful museum with trendy young staff. Amazing to look at but not a place you want to hang out or try a guitar. I didn’t even want to touch the guitars. Not surprisingly, it was nearly empty of customers.
Here for the Clam Hut talk.
Subscribed. Just visited a local store and they work on, trade and sell guitars. People just dont understand how valuable that is.
I work part time in a small indie guitar store in the uk, happened by your channel by chance and am amazed at the parallels with this kind of business in the here and now. There was 5-6 music stores in and around the local town, now just us. It is very much a shrinking market. Overheads are almost crippling and it is not easy to make it work. Having customers understand the reality of it is hard, and of course they want the best value (as do we all) and will often check on line at the big stores or amazon etc and look at prices we simply cannot match.
The added value of real and knowledgable people for advice/setups/problem solving/string changing etc etc is often overridden by finance. But you know all this, right? Anyway, loving your content and wish you well from across the pond!
I opened an independent store in 2002 in a small town in AR. There was a piano store in the town that was owned by a blind man. He was an incredible piano tuner and stayed busy with that. I wanted to bring a big city store image to this small town that I loved, the town wasn’t so accepting. This town was often referred to as the small town where businesses go to die. I thought I could beat the odds, but my store lasted 6 years. I made a lot of stupid decisions with the lines I chose to carry. My biggest competitor was Musicians Friend, but also the mindset of the towns population. I had one lady storm out of the store to drive her F150 70 miles to the next town to save ONE DOLLAR on a pack of strings, I am not exaggerating. The Hoshino rep said my store was an anomaly, I guess that was because I kept it clean, organized, and without clutter. I had many expenses pop up that I wasn’t aware of. ( I was a music major, not a business major, obviously) I had an employee who was contract labor, he was the guitar lessons teacher. He decided to quit and do something else, he thought he could file for unemployment while he searched. I did not pay unemployment taxes on him because he was contract labor, the unemployment agency disagreed and they audited me, resulting in a fine and requiring me to pay 2 years unemployment taxes on this fellow. The same thing happened again when a contract studio engineer (we had a recording studio in the store also) decided to quit. The state always sided with the employees. I had a lessons teacher bring his musicians friend catalog to the lessons room and advised his students to buy from the catalog rather than my store. He couldn’t seem to understand that the reason we offered lessons was to create customers. I could go on for hours with stories like this, things that the average music store customer would have no idea was going on. Credit card processing fees, bad checks, electricity, gas, internet, phone, yellow pages ads (I know that doesn’t really apply now), all the people that wanted you to donate something to their cause, etc. I had a $4000 Parker Fly on display, I had set it down to answer the phone when this guy with his 3 year old son com in. I looked over there and he’s letting his 3 year old hold the guitar. I politely told him that that was a $4000 guitar the fellow got mad at me. Next to my store they built a beauty salon. I had to ask the owner to tell their patrons to quit sending their unattended children into my store while they got their hair done. I often thought about writing a sit-com from all these experiences.
Interesting story - makes me realize ( or remind me ) how difficult people can be.
I love this channel and where you’re going Mark. Your devotion will pay off. I think there’s a good chance we’re going to see a resurgence of independent music stores in the coming years ahead.
The best part was you sharing your desire to be the best. When it comes to guitars, and all music related stuff, you are my go to pro. You already are The Best.
Thanks
Brought two acoustics there , one for a setup and bone but and the other had a neck reset. Great work and they play great!
Hey Mark! Worcester , MA here! Thanks for the information ! We have two music stores and a GC in Millbury about 8 miles away. There used to be a few more shops around but all others have closed. I’m doing my own luthier work to save money . Setups are 85-135 dollars .
Good stuff! Looking forward to Part 2 and beyond
Great Content! Looking forward to the next one. Thanks for sharing!
Great info. Looking forward to more!
Good stuff. Thanks for the openness and for the service you provide.
Thank you for your honest view as a music store owner. Please share more personal experiences as a store owner! I hope and wish you continued success! Greetings from Hollywood California.
Good intel here. Thank you, Mark!
Liking these videos a lot. Lots of cool insight into the independent music store side of things
Great Everything. Thank you for sharing.
That’s a beautiful store. Exactly what a guitar store should look like. Thanks for the content.
Love the channel, I only have an independent music store in my area with the nearest big guitar store at least 5 hours away. The local sales team is friendly and willing to listen and work with you on your musical needs. Look forward to future content!
Great show!
Great show mark. Still with you. The best Paul,Ottsville,Pa.
Thank you. Very interesting look into the industry.
Another good video. Thanks!
Great description of how you run the business! Your shop is very interesting, I have been in it several times.
Great videos Mark🎸🥁
Great channel.. great insights..
Diggin' the content, Mark. Keep up the good work!
I happened across your channel a couple of weeks ago from your fairly-viral video. I didn’t realize that your shop is in Portsmouth!! (I’m up here in Tamworth (near North Conway)). I’d like to stop-in at some point & see ya…
I have a mid-1950’s Fender Tremolux that was passed down to me & it’s on the fritz. I’d like the amp to be diagnosed & repaired by someone who is meticulous and fair. By the sounds of your shop, you’ll be able to help me achieve that.
I’m really enjoying your content…keep goin’!!
love your channel and your knowledge my brother had a shop but passed away/ reminds me of him/thank you!
I wish your channel well. You deserve way more views than you were getting and your VIRAL one made me smile. Doing a good job, IMNSHO😀
You are a great guy and thanks for your video
Just had a custom AB pedal for a TRS (stereo) connection made by Gary/Mark and crew - works great - and so amazing to walk in somewhere, describe something a little odd, and then get to go and pick it up a few days later. Keep up the good work Mark!
Interesting! I remember dealing with Davitt & Hanser, St Louis Music, etc, etc. Looking forward to Part 2!
Great content - thank you!
Great video
Gary’s guitar is the best! I didn’t realize Gary was not the owner now, but he is always so great to chat with. When I’m in Kittery again this summer I will make sure to visit again.
There is so much truth in this video. Thank you.
Thanks for the insight
Both of my children were born in New Hampshire, and I have not been in the store since Gary owned it years ago coming up there in a week or so and I definitely plan to stop in on my way to see my kids in Maine really love the series of videos you’re doing I really like that you’re going to the people I really like your honesty you’re openness and your total contact with reality. I think that you can develop some serious market research From these videos, I think they’re productive and I definitely hope that you extend and start doing demos and continue this process. I think your building the base to increase your business right now from an online perspective because you’re establishing a relationship with the people which is no doubt in my opinion, whether it be doctor or guitarist, whether you call it, bedside manner or well, rounded and well spoken. The point is the people matter and you’re helping the people understand that, and you’re gaining their trust. You must be because you’re gaining mine and that’s a hard thing to do. Thanks again I commented a great deal about Eastman guitars and my View of your last videos but I truly want to comment on your great skills in business and management as you visually do see you have to change roles and I understand because I buy and sell guitars and my wife hates it too. She even hates me going to play gigs anymore because I’ve been doing it for 40 years. She’s just tired of it but she’s not tired of the money lol take care.
Been watching your videos for years. Moved to Cape Ann about a year ago. Will come up and visit you soon.
Rock on . Cool vibes from your store.
Very cool. Your shop reminds me of a great little store we have here in Vancouver BC called Exile (on Main street). We have our big stores here as well like Long and McQuade and Tom Lee but the little stores like Exile and Rufus guitar shop are always a great place to shop.
Thanks, I find it interesting 🎉
Great info !
Great video! Appreciate the content. Your story is much like mine, only I’m 8 months into it. Our store as an 85 year old icon in our town and I didn’t want to see it close. Trying to figure out how to get it profitable now. Thanks for the open book. It’s helpful.
Greetings from the Phoenix East Valley. Our journey seems a lot like yours. Lost Dutchman Guitars is very small. We opened in November of 2019. We have a GC 12 miles away and there are a couple of other shops within about 20 miles, but nothing like our shop nearby. When we opened, I didn't know how important service would be. That was one mistake, but we opened a repair shop which does well. I didn't realize how important strings and other small items are (tuners, capo, picks, stands). I think we had about 10 packs of strings on opening day. We have more now. I should have emphasized guitars from the start. It's sad to disappoint high school musicians looking for sheet music, reeds and accordions. I tip my hat, Mark. Rock on.
Mark, I've always liked your vids. I'm playing catch-up because, I guarantee you, I unsubscribed from your channel accidentally. Being from New England, I am familiar with the distinctive and picturesque tiny towns in that region, which is why I find your store so appealing. I appreciate your intelligent content, which I eagerly await.
I have so many questions for you Mark, but I'll just watch the videos come out. I have always wanted to own a Music store, but boy does it look scary financially. Glad your in it for the right reasons, as you seem like you just want to make enough and also provide the service of a music store to the community. Guitar center's make me cringe as I get older.
This is interesting. My buddy and I are trying to get a guitar store up-and-running. We're in the very beginning stage. But I'm trying to learn all I can about the business. So, thank you, not-Gary!
First can u guys repair ?? That’s more important then sellong gear is Abe to fix
@@tmoss89 Yes, and I agree; you've gotta have at least one guitar tech. But we're starting out as an online store. Eventually we'll get a brick-and-mortar going. It's a longer process than I imagined.
Interesting content. Encourage continue with the 10 minute CZcams videos once a week. Involve your staff on occasion. I think many 'Guitarist' enjoy the neighborhood store theme, even though they may shop at Sweetwater. 🙂
I haven't been down to NH for years now but wanted to ask if you've ever been to Retro Music in Keene, NH. The owner Jeff Firestone seems to have a great business plan for a small guitar store. He's been in business for a really long time so it must be working. The store is like stepping back into the 1960's and worth the visit if you get a chance. Next time I head south, I'll stop in. I Love small music stores.
Nice guitar store!
I love to nerd out on business topics. It scares me to hear people getting into shrinking markets like music stuff. When you have Sweetwater, it makes a compelling reason to not even go into retail sales. In my area, guitar center is the only place in town. They have some outstanding customer service and accessories available. It is a tough gig to beat and at least one independent operator didnt survive that I know of.
I love to hear this side of the business. Thank you sharing your opinion "Gary" :)
Years ago I wanted to open up a guitar store but how do I compete with Guitar Center , Long and McQuade and now Amazon ? 🇨🇦🇺🇸🎸🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼
Excellent , By the way you remind me of the The Flintstones cartoon , One of the characters I do not remember the name was that Barney ? :) Love your videos thanks
Bernie was married to a beautiful and kind woman, so I'll take that as a compliment
Betty Rubble (?) is a beauty!
I've always wondered about all of this thanks for sharing. If you can give lot's of examples would be helpful, In Australia there's lots of importer/distributors taking a cut so I wonder how much it costs a store to stock say a $5000 MAP/RRP guitar. I honestly think people/customers respect transparency especially when doing deals and trade ins.
how much for the 360 rickenbacker hanging behind you? im interested
It's an original 1968 (not the reissue) with the case and Rick-o-sound, in amazing condition. $4500
wammy bar and original case?
@@beachlifebestlife yes! and Rick-o-Sound box
@@GarysGuitarsUSAthat's a smoking hot deal
thank you
I also own a store and bought of the previous owner and also feel like Pop store then a. Mom and Pop.
Great content. Hope you get a better mic. The volume is low.
Hey, Mark. What's the yellow electric hanging on the wall in the corner behind you to your left?
Rooting for you. I know what its like.
4:42 good man. And also accurate.
Love your channel, wish I lived close enough to visit on a regular basis. On a different note, over your left shoulder in the strings, is that a Gibson Corvus or a Futura? ....and how much??
It's a corvus from 1983. We're asking $1,983 for it.
So if somebody wanted a guitar, what would the most popular sell be?
I, on a couple of occasions, stepped into a store, in Twin Cities, that resembles what you have going. It was awesome, .. all I could do, at that time, was look, .. not able to get any of what I liked the looks of .. and, they went out of business, .. Guitar Center, I suppose .. I have noticed, several of my acquaintances .. nothing is worth any more, than what lowest price offered, is. Loyalty to the lowest price.
I'm looking for an affordable vintage archtop.
I'd like to know about that Kay. What are the woods involved?
Rock on 🙂🎸
the wife has been to the store about 3 times, lol. That is hilarious
That is meat up..I mean what horrible lack support from the woman that is supposed to have your back , she HATES it. Wow! I feel bad for this guy.
@@son0fsocal i get it, people are crazy busy today and if it is not her thing that is cool
How much for that Ric on the wall?
How do you price a used guitar?
I have a small lawnmower shop I don’t know for how much longer but you sound like your in the same boat as me
is that a Gibson Ventura yellow guitar hanging up how much are you asking thanks
It's a Corvus, from 1983. We're asking $1,983
Is that a Corvis or Futura that I see in the background? If so, very unique and interesting guitar. If it was lefthanded, i would have possibly made you an offer. I've been keeping my eyes open, looking for one. I should probably check to see if they even made lefties in those models. It wouldn't surprise me if they didn't...I wouldn't blame them. Companies just don't sell enough lefties to offer every model.
Hi Gary, I have a 4 string Victor Bailey Bass with not a scratch on it. It’s never been on a job just used occasionally at home. I just never play it I’m 68 and thinking about selling it. Any suggestions? Thanks
Try offering it to friend your local circle, word of mouth otherwise take it a guitar store and get an offer, take it to a few guitar stores, don't take it to a pawn shop of other kinds of second hand shops.
Good to see you doing this
The only guitar shop in our area is run by a babyboomer who always has work in setups to do but the thing is it gets old listening to stories about the 1970s so most of us just pop in for strings when we forget to buy in bulk online….. there must be an awful lotta boomers out there who cant even do a basic guitar setup that this crusty hippy is still in business
Kinda sad on a few levels
The rents in the city are so ridiculous and properties held by a few that a newcomer hasnt a chance
I love store like yours, they are getting fewer in number,😢
Thanks Faux Gary
You're welcome, faux Ahab
Interesting.
Yeah, I figured.
you need foot traffic in retail, offering guitar lessons is a great way to get people, mostly kids, in your store. and they are going to need guitars and gear and more lessons. if you want to sell high-end, professional quality, boutique, guitars you need every guitar fully described with photos and a sound demo on your website. no excuse for any guitar retailer not to have that feature. marketing on social media such as CZcams is essential. good luck.
He doesn't understand and is stuck trying to operate like it's 1978. He won't last much longer unless he makes serious changes.
What’s up with that 335 on the wall??
I am also a Fender Dealer in Belgium (Europe). But for us, the margins on Fender are very low, around 10 to 14 percent. And that is the case for most well-known brands. Did you say around 40% or 14% or have I misunderstood?
Pretty sure he said 40%. But added that after expenses, it was more like 10%.
So, turn back the clock. Do you buy from Gary or put your investment into something different with where you are today?
I bought the store 5 years ago from Gary, mostly so that Gary could keep his job.
Smallest guitar?
Nothing wrong with deferring business. It helps all.
Is that a yellow corvus?
I was checking that out myself. Don't see those often. I checked his website and confirmed that it is indeed a Corvus.
@@Somenite thanks, I haven't seen one other than those owned by Scott Grove " Dr, Groovy"
Yes.
Why does the mom not like the store?!
Is there such a thing as a good Guitar Center? 😆 We have a local music store in my area. There is a Guitar Center too. The difference between a locally owned music store and a Guitar Center is a wide, wide, gap in care and concern for the customer.
Yes there is, there’s 2 GC and 3 mom and pops within 20 miles and GC gets 90% of my business…
POP and friends store
Do you have people that come to hangout throughout the day just to talk?
Wasn't it used to be but that is a guitar store tradition
Heres the problem, in the 70s and 80s, every other teen wanted to join a band, today, not so much…
Great video my friend. Would you be as kind as to share your first name with us ?
Yo
Pop & Co…
Thanks for this video. It really sheds light on the independent stores. I am fortunate to have two independent stores in my area. Both offer good customer service and both specialize in different products. Both have been around for a long time. 25-30 years. There’s also a Guitar Center that’s within a reasonable driving distance. That place is horrible. I am surprised it’s lasted as long as it has. See this video. It pretty much sums up your typical Guitar Center sales person: czcams.com/video/YPhO5g39vpg/video.html
You won't survive if you only get to keep 10% all-in. Needs to be 30% or you are just punching the clock. You are offering a great service, you need to charge for it.
The music gear industry is gonna tank..people have blown their expendable cash.. the money used now goes for food gas and rent if they have it..
Some people don’t have disposable income , my buddy just got back from a cruise costing 1800 a person and the ship with 3200 capacity sold out, and not all were lawyers, plenty of blue collar workers with their families aboard