Klarinet Archive - Posting 000085.txt from 1994/06

From: Jordan Selburn <jordan@-----.COM>
Subj: Buying local vs. mail-order
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 1994 16:44:37 -0400

Clark Fobes writes:

"As a small guy I have always been perturbed by the large warehouse dealers. If
you don't care about service or quality you might as well look for the lowest
price, but don't complain if you get what you pay for.

You can thank all of the large warehouse boys for running down the price on
instruments and making it very difficult for local dealers to keep sufficient
stock knowing that they cannot compete on such a low margin.

Bottom line: quality and service is worth a little more money."

I both agree and disagree with Clark on this. Yes, I'm willing and eager to
support some local dealers, because they can contribute value in areas that
mail-order places can't/don't. For example, the chance to try an instrument
before you buy it, knowledgeable advice and recommendations, etc. This is
valuable to me, and I'll gladly pay for it. As an example, I recently bought a
Harrison ligature from a local dealer for a few dollars more than mail-order;
however, I had the chance to try it out and also the opportunity to pick out one
from his stock (which was important, as the quality control on the Harrisons
isn't very good). (Side note to South Bay clarinetists: this was at West Valley
Music in Mountain View. Dennis Haney's prices aren't bad, and he keeps a good
stock)

There are times, however, when this breaks down. Another local store told me
that they don't stock Buffet Prestiges because "People just try them out and
then buy mail-order. We will order one for you, though." Well, it's a self-
fulfilling situation: if they don't stock the instruments for me to try, they
offer nothing more than a mail-order store does and charge more. The same holds
true for LeBlanc Opus, Yamaha, Selmer and other instruments/accessories that the
local store doesn't have but will happily "order one for you, though". For
things like this, mail-order is the way to go.

In the case of a small, unnamed SF dealer, while he may charge more than the
mail-order houses for Buffet it's a case where the extra dollars are worth
spending. By preselecting the instruments and servicing, he has added something
to the purchase that can't be matched through mail-order. This is how local
dealers can compete successfully.

Second side note to Bay Area folks: Woodwind and Brass Workshop in SF has a
Rossi clarinet in stock (or did a few weeks ago). People can debate how well it
plays (I thought it was pretty good) but WOW! What a beautiful instrument!
It's worth the drive just to see it.

Regards,

Jordan
jordan@-----.org

   
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