Sell & Trade Policy
Sell & Trade Policy
This is how buying, trading, and consignment actually work at Paul's Guitar Hideout: the numbers, the paperwork, and what to expect at the counter.
How We Calculate Offers
Cash offers run 50–65% of realistic market value. We pull that value from real-time sold listings on Reverb, meaning what instruments are actually selling for, not what people are asking for them. Where your guitar lands in that band depends on condition, how fast that model moves, and what's already hanging on our wall.
This policy is subject to change based on current inventory, historical demand, and how common the instrument is.
Why the Number Is What It Is
Every guitar we buy or take in trade gets detailed and set up before it goes on the wall, including new strings, even on something that already looks clean and like-new. That's bench time on every single instrument. Photographing and listing it takes more time. If it sells on Reverb, selling fees and shipping materials come out of that sale. If it sells in the shop, card processing fees still apply. The spread between what we pay you and what the guitar eventually sells for covers all of that.
We'll always shoot straight with you about where a number comes from. And if we can't make a deal work, we'll tell you how to sell it yourself, free of charge, always.
Cash or Store Credit
We can always do more in store credit than in cash. Credit goes through the same evaluation as a cash sale, using the same Reverb comps and the same condition factors. The number is just bigger because the value stays in the shop. Store credit can be issued as a gift card.
How Payment Works
The sequence: you bring the instrument in, we inspect it together, we agree on a price. Then:
- Check — same day, on the spot.
- Cash — next day. We don't keep cash on hand, so cash deals are a come-back-tomorrow arrangement.
- PayPal or Venmo — possibly same day, case by case. Ask at the counter.
- Store credit or gift card — same day.
What We Need From You
For every cash and check deal we keep seller information on file: phone number, home address, and a driver's license number or photo ID. Sellers must be 18 or older. By selling or trading an instrument you're affirming you own it outright. That information stays on file for compliance and is never shared or sold.
Offers Are Good for 7 Days
Get a number, go home, think it over. The offer stands for 7 days. After that the market data behind it is stale and we start over.
Want a Number Before You Drive?
Text or email photos, the model, and honest condition notes to (518) 217-8695 or info@paulsguitarhideout.com and we'll give you a realistic range before you make the trip. A ballpark is non-binding. The firm offer happens at the counter after inspection, and we reserve the right to change the number or pass entirely once we've seen the instrument in person.
Trades
Trade value can go toward anything in the shop, new or used. Trade-plus-cash deals are normal. Put a $400 trade toward an $800 guitar and cover the difference. Multiple instruments in one trade are fine; each gets evaluated on its own.
Not sure whether selling or trading is the right move? Should I Sell or Trade My Guitar? walks through it.
Consignment
We take instruments on consignment case by case. Whether it makes sense depends on the value of the piece, market conditions, and the costs that come out of a sale: Reverb selling fees, card processing, packing materials. Terms are set per arrangement.
The Fine Print
We reserve the right to not purchase, or not accept in trade, any gear, at our discretion. If it's not right for the shop, we'll say so plainly and point you toward a better way to sell it.
All sales and trades are final. Period. Zero exceptions. Once you've accepted our offer and walked out, that's the deal. Know what you're agreeing to before you say yes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much will you pay for my guitar?
A: Cash offers run 50–65% of realistic market value, based on real-time sold listings on Reverb, not asking prices. Condition, demand for the model, and our current inventory set where the offer lands in that band. Store credit offers run higher than cash.
Q: Why don't you pay full market value?
A: Every instrument gets detailed and set up before it goes on the wall, new strings included, even on guitars that already look clean. That's bench time on every single one. Add photographing and listing it, Reverb selling fees and shipping materials if it sells online, and card processing fees on in-store sales. The spread between our offer and the resale price covers all of that. We're a small, scrappy shop with real overhead. If we could pay full market value and stay in business, we would. We're always willing to help you figure out how to sell it yourself instead.
Q: Can I get paid the same day?
A: By check, yes, same day, after inspection and an agreed price. Cash is next-day since we don't keep cash on hand. PayPal or Venmo may be possible same-day, case by case. Store credit is same-day.
Q: Do I need ID to sell a guitar?
A: Yes. Sellers must be 18 or older, and every cash or check deal requires a phone number, home address, and driver's license number or photo ID on file. That information is kept for compliance and never shared.
Q: How long is my offer good?
A: 7 days. After that, the market data behind it is stale and we re-evaluate.
Q: Can I return a guitar I sold or traded once the deal is done?
A: No. All sales and trades are final, with zero exceptions. Make sure you're certain before you accept an offer.
Q: Do you take guitars on consignment?
A: Case by case. It depends on the instrument's value, market conditions, and the fees involved in a sale. Terms are set individually, in writing. Vintage and high-value pieces are where consignment usually makes the most sense.
Q: Can you give me a price before I come in?
A: Text or email photos and the model to (518) 217-8695 or info@paulsguitarhideout.com and we'll give you a realistic non-binding range. The firm offer happens in person, after we've inspected the instrument.
Q: What if we can't agree on a price?
A: We'll shoot straight with you about why. If we can't make a deal work, we'll tell you how to sell it yourself, free of charge, always.
Ready to sell? Start at Sell Your Guitar. Trading toward something on the wall? See Trade Your Guitar, or browse the used inventory first.
Bring it in during shop hours and we'll take a look together. We're located at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, NY. Use the Cooper Street entrance and take the stairs up. If you need assistance, give us a call and we'll come down.
Paul's Guitar Hideout · The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday–Sunday, 12–5pm
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com