Klarinet Archive - Posting 000352.txt from 2006/10

From: "DH" <dhatfield310@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Guidance please.......
Date: Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:39:02 -0500


> There is a lot of collective wisdom on this list. Please help me
understand
> this phenomenon:
>
> Every day, I receive one or more e-mails similar to the following....
>
> "Dear Walter, please send me several "XXXXXX" model mouthpieces. I will
> play
> test them and let you know what I think of them. If I find one I like, I
> will be more than happy to send you a check or call with a credit card
> number."
>
> My question is, why do people think mouthpieces can be or should be sent
> out
> no charge? It perplexes me.
>
> Walter

Walter -

I can tell you from working in a music store for ten years that it's a
common thing, at least from what I've experienced. We would NEVER let
anything walk out the door for free on trial. I had folks who didn't
understand why we didn't do as you're being asked, but would finally put it
on memo or even go ahead and write the sale up with credit card info or a
check (which was verified first) which was then tucked away safely (actually
IN a safe), and when the item(s) came back, we settled up with them at that
point. Most folks never minded just charging the items and then letting us
do a credit to their card when the transaction took place. On large items
like PA gear and such, we actually had to start doing credit checks on
people after we were stiffed a couple of times. The only exceptions were for
our private instructors and local directors.

I believe most of the people who make such a request don't understand or
have never experienced having to sell something to make a living, and
probably are honest and wouldn't deliberately take advantage of you.
BUT...there are always exceptions to that rule. Maybe they're just naive,

Quite honestly, I was quite pleasantly surprised when I first saw that you
offer to send two mouthpieces for a deposit for one, plus shipping. It's all
there in black and white. I admire your method, especially considering
you're a "one-man band" so-to-speak, and hope no one ever takes advantage of
your generosity, or Clark Fobes, or anyone else on the list who are selling
their own wares. Maybe they're used to the big dealers who can afford to do
things a little differently.

Don Hatfield

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