| Author | Message | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 663 Registered: 12-2003 |
I occasionally check out the website for entertainment value. I knew he stopped carrying Alembics, but wasn't sure why. He finally posted his reasons. Entertaining as always. Why Ed Stopped Carrying Alembics | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1975 Registered: 3-2004 |
Well, the reasons seem like a load of crap, but at least he honored the brand in his description. Many in this position would go about saying nasty things about the quality of the instrument as well. | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 627 Registered: 11-2003 |
Ed's on crack, I humbly submit. Why? See below. Alan Problem 1, Alembic guitars take so long to come in that the chances of a price increase are quite good. Granted they will give you price protection but you never are really sure what it's gonna cost when it arrives. (Alembic Price increases are usually huge). Frankly, this is horse&^&&. When I ordered my custom through Bass Central, I was quoted a price. That price has not changed in the 2 plus years I placed my order. He's wrong, plain and simple. Problem 2, Alembic offers this insane monthly special. For example. One month it's a free logo or free LED lights or free fancy wood top etc etc. So when you place your order you get this credit applied. By the time the item arrives you can't remember what was on special that month. Wrong again Ed. I can go on the website and look at what the previous specials were. You really need to join the 21st century and embrace this thing called the internet. So if I happen to have the Guitar you want in stock. And I quote my customer a fair price. Then I find out that there is a free set of Omega cutouts no charge that month value $750.00. I could potentially lose money on the sale. No Thank-you !!!! I need that like I need another hole in my head. See above on using the internet. Don't quote a price until you know what the special is. Problem 3, Alembic's dealer discount is shorter than most guitar companies. and it's a sliding discount basis on how many you buy. sometimes it's a 40% discount and sometimes it's a 30% discount. Not surprising - the more you buy, the better the discount. Is this any different from buying anything in bulk, e.g., the more you buy the cheaper it is? Certainly, as a "business owner" he should know this. Alan | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 943 Registered: 11-2004 |
It was somewhat ironic and humorous to get a lesson in the English language from Ed Roman. Bob, I agree that Ed was more gracious than he could have been. Rich | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 774 Registered: 3-2004 |
Alembic does not give volume discounts. Each instrument will not take any less time if you order more. The big chains do business that way. Alembic does not. How many chains carry them these days? Funny though GC, MF on line will carry other high end lines. They must do business the way GC etc wants. I had great dealings with Washington Music. Others who spend way more on a bass than me (the amazing ultra customs crew) love Bass Central. Ed will continue to be Ed and may he live a healthy peaceful life. He posts nice pictures of guitars that are nice to look at! | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1043 Registered: 2-2005 |
It sounds to me like Ed needs some basic bookkeeping classes if he can't determine his cost of an "in stock" guitar. The monthly special is irrelevant on retail sales pricing since it is part of the original order and wholesale price. I had one dealing with Ed when I was looking for my first bass and ended up buying through Bass Central. Keith | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1976 Registered: 3-2004 |
Danno, I do remember hearing that Alembic did have at least two pricing levels for their dealers. It wasn't based upon order quantities, but rather on maintaining a stock level. Dealers that maintained a certain minimum number of instruments in stock, it was either three or six, got something like a 3% advantage over those who didn't. I don't know if I remember the specifics accurately, but the theory was explained to me by a reputable Alembic dealer four or five years ago. That also means the policy may have changed since then, and there could always have been a misinterpretation as this wasn't exactly provided to me in writing. Personally, I think it's a good policy to reward the dealers who are actually promoting Alembic and raising awareness by displaying instruments. It makes it a little harder for a guy with low overhead who just sets up custom orders to undercut the "real" dealers. Even with the minimum sales pricing in effect, dealers can offer other goodies and free shipping to circumvent that if they really want a sale. Hey, Danno, you ought to sign up as a dealer. I think you have enough instruments in stock to qualify! | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 775 Registered: 3-2004 |
I have thought very seriously about it and even spoke with Susan on at least one occasion. My 16 would make a nice display but then someone may want to buy one or two. Think about it, if you are dealing in mostly custom orders from folks not in your area, Alembic will ship it directly to the customer and you never touch the instrument. So the dealer makes his percentage on a few phone calls and emails. There is the credit card processing costs, financing offers etc. But I promise you if I ever do get in on the insanity, I will be the low price leader! (But I will be broke buying basses for myself) If I could win the lottery I would stock the $50,000 in inventory that would be a good cross section. Leds for everybody! |
