Klarinet Archive - Posting 001039.txt from 2004/07

From: "Lars Kirmser" <musictrader@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Feeling like Yamaha is one stupidly run company!
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 2004 13:00:27 -0400

Subject: [kl] Feeling like Yamaha is one stupidly run company!

> I just saw a Yamaha Alto Sax (student 23 model) which should sell in
> a reasonable music vendor at around $900 TOPS for $1700. Sure there
> are music stores which will sell it to you for the $1700 and laugh all
> the way to the bank, but when the same printed $1700 will sell it for
> $900, it's just stupid to list it for $1700 in a print ad "get it for
> only $1700".
>
> MAP pricing is just stupid.
>
> David Blumberg
> http://www.toptempo.com

At $900, the average music retail store will make about $50 from selling
this saxophone. And then, will have to be responsible for the routine
adjustment of that horn (in our shop anyway) for the next two years . . . .
not to mention the inevitable customer service that naturally goes along
with selling this instrument (and each of our customers WILL expect customer
service). BTW, I can honestly say that I have never heard of even one retail
owner laughing, much less chuckling, "all the way to the bank". We are
usually anxious about the checks we have written (covering our store-front
operating costs) clearing the bank.

There has been a lot of talk recently about what a negative affect the First
Act company has had on the music business. Believe me, retailers feel the
same way towards those internet music companies that, effectively, wholesale
instruments to persons who would otherwise be supporting their local music
stores and local economy. Those of you who expect and insist upon
purchasing through internet wholesalers at unreasonably low prices, are in
fact driving your local "mom and pop" store (and the health of your local
music program) into EXTINCTION. It only a matter of time.

Lars Kirmser - Retailer

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