Brand New in the Box

[Glen]

Hey Folks,

I have a question for all of you. In the GC distribution center at any given time there is about 100 various MM pieces kept in reserve. It is an ever changing selection. If there was a process for you to be able get to that inventory for purchase would it be something you would want to see posted here monthly?

Let me know your thoughts.

Thx,

glen

 

[slucas]

GC EBMM gear undefiled by adolescent (and some adult) customers would be a great idea

 

[maddog]

I would say so. Many here are always looking for a specific bass config and would more than gladly wait the week for interstore shipping instead of the usual wait time for manufacturing if it was already built.

 

[rizzo9247]

Hi Glen,

For such a diverse product (pu config/color/models/pg/matching headstock etc.) it is nearly impossible to get exactly what you're looking for when you go down to the local music store. Not knowing what’s in stock (at the said ‘warehouse’) could lead a customer to ordering that very bass that’s collecting dust, leading to double work for EBMM staff. In my experience, the smaller dealers usually quote a better price than GC, but one reason to order through GC would be that the exact bass you want is just days away, instead of months. I don’t think anyone would have a problem paying a little more for the almost immediate gratification of getting your bass quicker through GC.

 

[steve f]

YES - you never know what might turn up!

Maybe a DD2 Bongo fretless Hp even...

 

[Kristopher]

There have been times in the past where I wanted a specific color/model/pickup config from GC, and the salesperson has always offered to search their database for what I want to see if it exists in any store. I assume that included the reserve in the warehouse.

However, if Guitar Center wants to give forumites GAS pains, this warehouse list would be a great idea.

I'm not sure what this would mean to other Music Man dealers who frequent this site. Should/would they do the same?

 

[Psycho Ward]

YES! Great idea! Thanks Glen.

 

[five7]

Go for it!

 

[mynan]

I think it's a great idea if you can keep the information fairly accurate. I don't know anything about how the GC inventory system works, but been sorely disappointed with it in the past.

 

[timmy5strings]

You used to be able to search all the GC's inventory from the EBMM website, but for some reason it was disabled. I used to check it and then do a road trip to check out the basses (and everything else) at the store. It was a great feature.

 

[Buzzman]

Hey Folks,

In the GC distribution center at any given time there is about 100 various MM pieces kept in reserve. If there was a process for you to be able get to that inventory for purchase would it be something you would want to see posted here monthly?

glen

Would we then contact our local GC to hold that piece for purchase?

 

[zuma]

Yes, I would love to see a list of inventory. I am lucky enough to be near 3 GC's but I would love to have even more to drool over.

 

[jlepre]

I knew I liked this guy..

 

[Glen]

Would we then contact our local GC to hold that piece for purchase?

Something like that....
We would have to build a smooth process to secure the item. This is not inventory the guys in the store can search.

Thx for the feedback!

 

[TheAntMan]

On a selfish level that sounds great, but seeing that I purchase from both large and small dealers, I think it would give an unfair advantage to GC unless the same was afforded to any dealer willing to provide the info for posting on this forum.

This is how many small competitors get taken out and then we are stuck with limited choices that big business feels will sell the best.

Just my $0.02 in looking out for great small dealers that have been there for me in the past and I know will be there if and when I need them.

--Ant

 

[coastie72]

On a selfish level that sounds great, but seeing that I purchase from both large and small dealers, I think it would give an unfair advantage to GC unless the same was afforded to any dealer willing to provide the info for posting on this forum.

This is how many small competitors get taken out and then we are stuck with limited choices that big business feels will sell the best.

Just my $0.02 in looking out for great small dealers that have been there for me in the past and I know will be there if and when I need them.

--Ant

My exact thoughts! I support small local dealers, waiting if need be is worth it to keep these stores open. I don't have a GC closer than 80-100 miles and I have nothing against them!
I am not for anything that will give the mega stores an unfair advantage! Give all EBMM dealers the option to list inventory online in a common data base! That I would support!

 

[Big Poppa]

Whoa....Every dealer has an opportunity to post here.....I am very easy on this...things like Dubaldos gold ticket...clearance sales, labor day sales....Beavers postings, Brandt...
It is baffling that someone would take this position.

DId you stop to think that I cannot exist based on the forum? That I need a dealer base thats larger than your personal favorites? That maybe your position doesnt consider the mouths to feed in the factory?

What about the customer? If GC has a rosewood bongo that nobody else has..Should it go to a random store and get beat to death... or get sent to someone perffect new in the box.

You are all entitled to your opinion but try to have a little wider view than a protectionist knee jerk one.

 

[jlepre]

BP, that's what I thought as well. I mean, isn't that what this forum is all about? Just because GC is being proactive, doesn't make it wrong. Will it possibly give them an advantage, maybe, but like you said ALL dealers can utilize this practice to move merchandise. I personally haven't used GC for ANY of my MM purchases because of my dislike to the condition of off the rack condition, but if they utilized THIS practice, that may change in the future.

 

[oli@bass]

Question: Would that be open to international customers for rare instruments that cannot be bought anywhere else? Like the rosewood instruments...

 

[TheAntMan]

You are all entitled to your opinion but try to have a little wider view than a protectionist knee jerk one.

OK. Sorry about the protectionist reaction. I stand corrected on the availability of other dealers to post here. I also did not look at the bigger picture of keeping the factory feed. My main concern was a level playing field which I guess in the larger picture is outside the scope of my involvement in the forum and is on the business side of the house.

I just worry about things turning around where GC calls the shots that limit options (like with the Bongos) once they are the only player left.

But as always stated but not always remembered, this is EBMMs forum and also a business, not only a great place to hang out

Members of the family sometimes step out of bounds in the home and if I did, sorry.

-- Ant