So, you’re a musician with a gear wishlist a mile long, and the thought of employee discounts at Guitar Center has crossed your mind. You’re not alone. The prospect of snagging that dream preamp, those studio monitors, or a new vocal mic at a reduced price is undeniably attractive. But is taking a job at Guitar Center solely for the discount actually a sound strategy? Let’s tune into the reality of working at the music retail giant and see if it hits the right note for your career and gear aspirations.
For many musicians, the allure of working at Guitar Center is crystal clear: access to gear at a lower cost. The idea of employee discounts is a powerful motivator, especially when eyeing up pricier equipment. Imagine finally getting your hands on those Adam A7x monitors or that high-end converter you’ve been dreaming about, all while saving a significant chunk of change. The original poster in a gear forum perfectly captures this sentiment, admitting they’d consider a Guitar Center job primarily for the discount to upgrade their studio setup. It’s a tempting proposition: trade some hours for access to a treasure trove of musical instruments and equipment at reduced prices.
However, before you rush to polish your resume and head down to your local Guitar Center, it’s crucial to understand the full picture. Working at Guitar Center, like any retail job, comes with its own set of realities that extend far beyond employee discounts. One former employee, recounting their experience from the late 90s to early 2000s, provides valuable insights into what a Guitar Center career actually entails. Back then, pay was hovering around minimum wage, supplemented by commission. This commission-based structure highlights a key aspect of the job: sales. To earn a decent living, you needed to be actively selling. For those passionate about sales, this could be rewarding. However, for musicians primarily focused on their craft, the sales pressure might feel less harmonious.
The fabled “at cost” discount is indeed a perk, generally available once a month after an initial period of employment. Crucially, these purchases typically require manager approval. This isn’t just a formality; management understands that musicians often seek these roles partly for the discount, and approvals ensure the system isn’t abused. But what exactly does “at cost” mean in the Guitar Center context? When an employee rings up a sale, the system displays various price points: the store’s cost, the employee price (often termed “GLP” or Guitar Center List Price), the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price), and the profit margin. Discounts are essentially carved out of this profit margin. While haggling with customers might be less prevalent now than in the past, the underlying principle remains profit-driven. Store managers and employees with sales targets are naturally incentivized to maximize profit, meaning deeper discounts can be harder to come by. As the former employee humorously points out, a sales associate eager to leave for their gig might be more flexible with pricing than a pro audio specialist fresh from a sales pep talk.
Now, let’s circle back to the initial question: is it worth it to work at Guitar Center solely for the discounts? The answer, like many things in the music world, is nuanced. Yes, the discounts are real, and they can be helpful for acquiring gear. However, the financial realities of the job need to be considered. As the experienced former employee candidly states, relying solely on a Guitar Center paycheck might make it challenging to cover basic living expenses, let alone consistently afford new gear, even with a discount. The cost savings on items can also vary significantly. While you might get a decent percentage off larger purchases, the discount on smaller accessories like strings or cables might be less impactful.
Furthermore, the job itself involves retail work. Expect downtime, tasks like merchandising and price tag updates (often revealing sale prices barely different from the “regular” price), and the general demands of customer service and sales. If you’re not motivated by sales or customer interaction, the daily grind might outweigh the discount benefits.
Before making a decision based purely on discounts, consider the broader career aspects. While the pay might not be lavish, a Guitar Center career can offer valuable experience in music retail, product knowledge, and networking within the music industry. Some individuals have built long-term careers within Guitar Center, while others have leveraged their experience and connections gained there to move into other music-related fields. The forum poster even suggests an alternative: bartending or waiting tables at a music venue, potentially offering better pay, more fun, and valuable industry contacts, albeit in a different environment.
In conclusion, while the employee discounts at Guitar Center are undoubtedly a perk, they shouldn’t be the sole driving force behind your career decisions. If you’re genuinely interested in music retail, sales, and customer service within the music instrument sphere, a Guitar Center career could be a worthwhile path. The discounts can then be seen as a bonus, aiding your gear acquisition journey. However, if your primary motivation is solely accessing discounts, carefully weigh the financial realities, job demands, and whether the trade-off aligns with your overall career goals and financial needs. Exploring various “Guitar Center Careers” means considering all facets of the job, not just the appealing prospect of discounted gear.
