Yesterday, I went to a guitar dealer for some new strings, and to try to find the right guitar for a friend. Of course, that means I get to audition several Taylors and perhaps even others. I'd been there for about 5 minutes when a granddad and his 30-something son came in. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I quickly learned they were looking for a guitar for their 10-yr. old daughter/granddaughter. Neither knew much about guitars, and they were pretty lost. They picked up the least expensive guitar in the room, commenting that maybe this will do until they were sure the girl would stick with it. As a granddad myself, I certainly understood! But at that point, I spoke up. I told them that even an accomplished guitarist would have a hard time making that cheapo sound good, making it an easy way to discourage the kid from learning to play. We talked, and learned that we had some mutual friends. They started asking my advice. Long story short, I helped them select a slightly used guitar that had originally cost a lot more that el cheapo, but was offered for just a little more. The sales guy came in, and they quickly bought the much nicer guitar. (Sorry, it wasn't a Taylor, though I had recommended a GS Mini, too.) They left happy as could be!
I went back to my own auditioning, only to have another shopper come in. I'll spare you the details, but suffice it to say I helped her select an appropriate guitar for her son, too. I unofficially sold two guitars in a small shop in less than 20 minutes. The sales guy quipped that I deserved a bonus! Of course, when I walked out a bit later, I had paid the going rate for a 3-pack of PB Nano Elixir Lights, but still...
This ever happen to you? You ever unofficially sell a guitar in a shop where you were just another customer, not an employee?
