I've one thing to add to this thread, and although I've mentioned it elsewhere, it's worth noting that guitar shops could, in theory, use a poor setup to conceal a major flaw. Salesmen might pass off a bad setup with any number of excuses; it's in your interest to have the guitar setup before money changes hands so as to eliminate some of these potential issues.

For example, a broken truss rod could manifest itself as little more than a neck with lots of relief and a high action. More importantly, it's hard to set up a really poor quality guitar properly. Having it done at the shop is, in a sense, insurance.

Good point! Thanks!
/Henrik

Always get the hottest setup you can. Communicate what action you like and what kinds of music you'll play.

Also, your fave brand and gauge of strings and twang bar sensitivity are part of the whole setup.