software

I'm not sure if there is such a thing, but I have a question for those of you who have worked at a guitar shop or have been buying guitar products for a while.

At any time in the year are prices gouged lower, or employees willing to negotiate more than others? I'm thinking the holiday season might be such a time because of the possible increased business said stores are having. Any truth to that?

Not really, after christmas, is ok. The best way to do it is to frequent a store and know what they have had for a long time. Thats the stuff you can get cheapest. After christmas, you may be able to barter down on some gear since there usually is an overstock of hot xmas items after xmas. BTW i work at a Music Store.
Later,

I am an online store and my prices are listed at MAP all year. They are the lowest price I am allowed to advertise for.

Kevin@BlackRose

I just got a good deal on an item the other day and some friends of mine (who work at music stores themselves) were shocked I got the deal that I got and wanted to know what I said to make GC go that low.

1) Pick out little things to try to get the price down. 2) Always appear confident and never back down from the salesman (if you show that you really love the amp, they won't bend on it because they know you'll cave... you need to keep them wondering). 3) (the most important) Big chain stores typically mark up their products atleast 20%. Do the math for them and if they can't match it, you know to look elsewhere. And finally... 4) Cash in hand. Get them to make you a good deal and if they try to put something like tax on it, whip out the cash and let them know you mean business.

That routine worked for me the last time I actually purchased something new and if you play your cards right, it'll work for you as well.