Klarinet Archive - Posting 000266.txt from 1999/03

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Carl Fischer No More (YOU CAN'T HAVE IT ALL!)
Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 19:20:24 -0500

At 10:54 AM 3/4/99 -0700, Richard Bush wrote:
>Sheet music has a much smaller profit margin than band instrument sales.
>In the very large stores, piano sales are usually the big bread winner.
>
>When the general public buys its instruments from discount mail order
>houses and then even orders small accessories items such as reeds at
>bare bones prices from discount sources, something has to go. What
>usually goes first is that hundred or so thousand dollar inventory of
>sheet music and the knowledgable personel that run and stock this facet
>of a music store with the _good stuff_.
>
>A broad range of accessories, mouthpieces, reeds and similar products
>are the next to go.
>
>The third loss, unless it is extremely well managed and staffed by
>really fine repairmen, is the instrument repair department.
>
>All that is required to keep the doors open for a retail store are sales
>and profit margins that will pay the property taxes or the rent, the
>insurance, the lights, the phone, Yellow Page Adds, the book keepers,
>wages for employees etc., etc., etc.
>
>We, the buying public seem to want it all. We want the cheapest price
>and the best service. Such an equation just doesn't work.
>
>If you appreciate having a store with a wonderful selection of music at
>your disposal, buy your instruments there. If you rely upon a great
>repairman that works in that store, buy your instruments, reeds and
>accessories there. If price is all you want to consider, then don't moan
>when you end up having to do all of your business from catalogs or over
>the internet or ship your horn out of town to get good repair work.
>
Well said!!! I have nothing to add but, "Amen!"

Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html
ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.

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