RETAILER ASK THE WHAT’S YOUR BEST TIP FOR SELLING BEGINNER GUITARS?
“We make sure all of our staff members have been trained in proper fitting for hand, arm and finger positions for holding and playing the instrument com - fortably. We think a prospective player needs to physically hold and feel the instrument. It’s al - ways better to try the instrument in person.” Charlie Ollmann President, Music Connection Forest Lake, Minnesota
“One of the key things we dis- cuss with customers purchas- ing beginning instruments of any type is the unseen value they’ll get out of a reputable name brand. For guitar, tak- ing the time to explain what a truss rod is and how quality tuning machines will help keep the guitar in tune is a must. If a guitar doesn’t stay in tune,
it will simply frustrate the beginning player and could cause them to give up on playing. Once the customer understands this they tend to appreciate the informa- tion and view us as a trusted resource for their needs.” Tim Grant President, Ellis County Music Center Waxahachie, Texas
“Have a solid lesson program! No student is going to succeed with- out quality in-person instruction. Regarding the instrument selected, it’s not any different than setting students up for suc- cess in learning a band or orchestral instrument. They need a quality instrument, sized right and adjusted to make the instrument easy to play. If they have to overcome ‘playing’ an inferior instrument, they’ll quit thinking it was their fault.” Chris White President & CEO, White House of Music Waukesha, Wisconsin
“Qualify the customer first. Find out what their goals are, what style of music they are looking to play, what their musical experience is and finally their budget. Without knowing the answers to these questions first, you’re setting yourself and the player up for failure.” Laura Penrose President & CEO, Nick Rail Music Santa Barbara, California
62 I MUSIC INC. I MAY 2025
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