So, you’re a musician eyeing up that sweet employee discount at Guitar Center, huh? The thought of scoring gear at cost is definitely tempting, especially when you’re looking at upgrading your setup. The original poster in the Gearspace forum thread was in the same boat, wondering if taking a part-time job at Guitar Center just for the discount is a smart move. Let’s dive into whether a job at Guitar Center for the discount alone is actually worth it, drawing insights from someone who’s been there.
The Allure of the “At Cost” Discount at Guitar Center
The main draw, without a doubt, is the employee discount. The idea of getting your hands on guitars, amps, mics, and all sorts of music equipment at “cost” is incredibly appealing, particularly for musicians constantly seeking upgrades or new toys. As the original poster and the forum respondent both highlight, this discount is a significant motivator for musicians considering Jobs At Guitar Center.
The discount structure at Guitar Center, as described, revolves around the store’s “cost” – the price Guitar Center themselves pays for the product. Employees get to purchase items at this “cost,” plus a little extra, often referred to as the “GLP” price (presumably Gross Landed Price or similar). You can actually see the cost, the GLP price, the MSRP, and the profit margin on the system when you’re making a purchase. This transparency is a key part of the appeal; you know you’re getting a deal. For someone planning a significant gear haul – like a preamp/converter, studio monitors, a vocal mic, and more, totaling around $5k-$6k as mentioned in the original post – the potential savings can look substantial.
The Reality Check: Working at Guitar Center
However, before you rush to fill out that application solely for the discount, it’s crucial to consider the full picture of working at Guitar Center. The forum respondent, a former Guitar Center employee from 1997 to 2003, provides valuable firsthand insights.
Pay and Earning Potential: The pay at Guitar Center, historically at least, has been described as “basically minimum wage plus commission.” While commission can boost your earnings, it also means your income is heavily reliant on sales performance. If you’re not a natural salesperson or if your primary motivation isn’t pushing products, your earnings might remain quite low. As the respondent candidly admits, being “motivated to play bass” more than sell meant being on the lower end of the pay scale. For someone in college with a decent part-time job already, the base pay at Guitar Center might not be a significant financial improvement.
The “At Cost” Discount: Limitations and Considerations: While the “at cost” discount sounds fantastic, it’s not a golden ticket to unlimited gear savings. Firstly, it was mentioned as being available “once a month after you’d been there a month or so,” suggesting limitations on frequency. Secondly, management approval was required for purchases, indicating oversight and potentially restrictions on what and how much you can buy.
Furthermore, the actual discount percentage can vary significantly depending on the type of product. As highlighted, markups on technology items are generally lower, meaning the “cost” might not be that much lower than retail price. You might see minimal savings on things like microphones or interfaces, while accessories or less technologically advanced products might offer better discounts. The example of “$5 off on an SM57” and “$1 off a pack of guitar strings” illustrates that the “at cost” price isn’t always dramatically lower.
Beyond the Discount: The Job Itself: Working in retail, especially sales-driven retail like Guitar Center, comes with its own set of demands. You’re expected to sell, meet targets, and contribute to the store’s profitability. Downtime might be filled with tasks like “print[ing] signs and arrang[ing] merch,” which, while part of retail, might not be the most musically fulfilling activities. The forum respondent paints a picture of varying levels of sales motivation among staff, from those intensely focused on profit to those more laid-back. Your experience could depend heavily on the store culture and your colleagues.
Alternatives and a Balanced Perspective on Jobs at Guitar Center
The forum respondent offers a compelling alternative: bartending or waiting tables at a live music venue. This path, they argue, could lead to higher earnings, more fun, and valuable industry contacts – all while being immersed in a music environment. This is a worthwhile consideration for anyone drawn to Guitar Center primarily for the music connection.
Ultimately, the question of whether a job at Guitar Center is “worth it” for the discount is subjective. If your main goal is to acquire a significant amount of gear and you’re comfortable with potentially low pay, sales pressure, and the realities of retail work, then it might be worthwhile for a limited period. However, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about the discount amounts and the job itself.
Before making a decision based solely on the employee discount, consider these points:
- Calculate potential savings: Research the “cost” vs. retail price of the specific gear you want to buy. The discount might not be as substantial as you imagine, especially on high-tech items.
- Evaluate your financial needs: Will the likely minimum wage pay at Guitar Center work for you, even with potential gear savings?
- Assess your sales aptitude and job preferences: Are you comfortable in a sales environment? Will you find the day-to-day tasks at Guitar Center engaging or draining?
- Explore alternative options: Could you earn more and gain more relevant experience through other part-time jobs in the music or service industries?
Working at Guitar Center can be a valuable experience for some, especially those starting in the music industry. As the respondent notes, it can lead to connections and even career paths within the music world. However, if your primary motivation is the employee discount, weigh the pros and cons carefully and ensure you’re going in with eyes wide open about the realities of the job.
