Sell & Trade Policy
This is how selling, trading, and consignment work at Paul's Guitar Hideout: how we calculate offers, how you get paid, what we need from you, and what to expect at the counter.
How We Calculate Offers
Cash offers generally run 50–65% of realistic market value.
We determine market value using recent sold listings on Reverb and other relevant market data. What matters is what comparable instruments are actually selling for, not what someone happens to be asking.
Where your guitar lands within that range depends on things like:
- condition
- demand for the model
- how quickly similar instruments tend to sell
- current inventory
- how common or unusual the instrument is
- any work the guitar needs before resale
Market conditions change, so offers can change with them.
Why the Number Is What It Is
Every used guitar we buy or take in trade is inspected, detailed, restrung where appropriate, and set up before it goes on the wall.
Then it has to be photographed, listed, merchandised, stored, and eventually sold.
If it sells online, there may be marketplace fees, packing materials, and shipping costs. If it sells in the shop, card-processing fees and normal retail overhead still exist.
That spread between what we pay and what the instrument eventually sells for is what makes the transaction workable for the shop.
We'll always tell you how we arrived at the number.
And if selling to us doesn't make financial sense for you, we'll say so. We're happy to explain how you could sell the instrument yourself instead.
Cash vs. Store Credit
We can generally offer more in store credit than we can in cash.
The instrument is evaluated the same way either way: current market value, condition, demand, and inventory all still matter.
The difference is that store credit stays in the shop, which gives us more room on the number.
Store credit can be issued as a gift card and used toward new or used gear.
How Payment Works
You bring the instrument in, we inspect it, and we agree on a price.
Then payment can be handled by:
- Check — same day
- Cash — generally next day, since we do not keep large amounts of cash on hand
- PayPal or Venmo — may be available same day, case by case
- Store credit / gift card — same day
If you have a payment preference, ask before we finalize the deal.
What We Need From You
Sellers must be 18 or older.
For purchases and trades, we keep basic seller information on file, including your name, phone number, home address, and government-issued photo identification.
By selling or trading an instrument, you are confirming that you own it and have the right to sell it.
Seller information is kept for business and compliance purposes. We do not sell that information and only disclose it where required for legitimate business or legal purposes.
Offers Are Good for 7 Days
If we give you an offer and you want to think about it, that's fine.
The offer is good for 7 days.
After that, we may need to check the market again and re-evaluate the instrument.
Want a Number Before You Drive?
You can text or email us photos, the exact model, and an honest description of the condition:
(518) 217-8695
info@paulsguitarhideout.com
We can usually give you a realistic non-binding range before you make the trip.
The firm offer happens after we inspect the instrument in person. Condition, originality, needed repairs, or anything else we couldn't see remotely can change the final number.
Trades
Trade value can be applied toward anything in the shop, new or used.
Trade-plus-cash deals are completely normal.
Have a $400 trade and want an $800 guitar? Put the trade toward it and cover the difference.
Have several instruments? That's fine too. Each one gets evaluated individually.
Not sure which option makes more sense? See Should I Sell or Trade My Guitar?
Consignment
We take instruments on consignment case by case.
Consignment tends to make the most sense for vintage, unusual, or higher-value pieces where the difference between a dealer purchase price and the eventual sale price becomes significant.
Terms depend on the instrument, expected selling price, market conditions, and the costs involved in selling it.
Any consignment arrangement is agreed to in writing before the instrument is listed.
If We Can't Make a Deal
We reserve the right to pass on any instrument.
Sometimes we already have too many of something. Sometimes the market is too soft. Sometimes the amount we would need to pay simply won't make sense for you or for us.
If we're not the right buyer, we'll tell you plainly.
And if selling it yourself is the better move, we'll tell you that too.
When the Deal Is Done
Once we agree on a price, payment or store credit is issued, and the instrument has been transferred to Paul's Guitar Hideout, the transaction is final.
Make sure you're comfortable with the offer before accepting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will you pay for my guitar?
Cash offers generally run 50–65% of realistic market value, based primarily on recent sold-market data rather than asking prices. Condition, demand, current inventory, and the work the instrument needs determine where the offer falls within that range. Store-credit offers can be higher.
Why don't you pay full market value?
Because the resale price is not the shop's profit. Every instrument still has to be inspected, cleaned, set up, restrung where appropriate, photographed, listed, stored, and sold. Marketplace fees, shipping costs, card-processing fees, and normal shop overhead also come out of the eventual sale.
Can I get paid the same day?
Yes by check or store credit. Cash is generally available the following day because we don't keep large amounts of cash on hand. PayPal or Venmo may also be available case by case.
Do I need ID to sell a guitar?
Yes. Sellers must be 18 or older and provide government-issued photo identification along with basic contact information.
How long is my offer good for?
Seven days. After that, we may need to check current market conditions and make a new offer.
Can I change my mind after I sell or trade the guitar?
Not after the transaction has been completed. Once payment or store credit has been issued and the instrument has been transferred to us, the deal is final.
Do you take guitars on consignment?
Yes, case by case. Consignment is most likely to make sense for vintage, unusual, or higher-value instruments. Terms are agreed to in writing before anything is listed.
Can you give me a price before I come in?
Usually a range. Send photos, the exact model, and honest condition information to (518) 217-8695 or info@paulsguitarhideout.com. The final offer is made after we inspect the instrument in person.
What if we can't agree on a price?
Nothing happens. You take your guitar home. We'll explain how we arrived at our number, and if selling it yourself makes more sense, we're happy to point you in the right direction.
Ready to Sell or Trade?
Ready to sell? Start at Sell Your Guitar.
Trading toward something else? See Trade Your Guitar, or browse our used inventory.
You can also just bring the instrument in during shop hours and we'll look at it together.
Paul's Guitar Hideout is located at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, NY. Use the Cooper Street entrance and take the stairs up. If stairs are difficult or you're bringing in something you don't want to carry up, call or text us and we'll arrange access.
The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday–Sunday, 12–5 PM
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com