Downturn

This was yesterday's headlines. The economy was already in a turn for the worse, this was just formality. When termination & wage cut/ freeze become rampant, people won't be shocked as it's already made known to the world.

Very soon, this would become reality; people are unwilling to spend whatever little they have left on gear. They have bills to pay & mouths to feed so the last thing they would want to do is accord money to gear. Priorities will win over unnecessary acquisition. How will buyers react in the mean time?

Price drop

The best thing that could happen now is for dealers to slash prices. It is happening in the mean time if you look hard enough. Dealers are doing away their old stocks for good prices & since the stores are all closed now, they will even send your purchases over for free. Should all dealers observe this shift to entice people to buy? Yes & no. Yes because people are still in a position to buy. It's a good time to entice but it won't last. No because those with international branches, they will move stock to where it's wanted to preserve prices but the cost of moving them might offset price preservations. 

After-market

People will not hesitate to look at used gear now. Those in financial need will see the after-market as an avenue to recuperate funds. That Les Paul they are hoarding, it might be some people's cash avenue now. Bulky, unused amps might be let go for cheap. Pedals might be offered at 2-for-1 prices. Things are more likely to happen here.

Hands-off

There will be, among us, those who would stay off gear entirely in the mean time. In fact, they will close all avenues which are gear related with no confirmed date of recovery. It wouldn't be a surprise that some would even see this time as a good time to stop playing music altogether. The gloom forecast warned everyone of a constricted economy that will extend to the year's end. That's how severe things are. 

I see this as a possible struggle for dealers. They have rent to clear with no incoming stocks to keep the revenue going. It is within their immediate interest to make us buy but buying will not happen if prices are as it is. Discounts must happen. Buyers are treading the line with bare essentials.