I’m hardly ever in MC’s camp, but I’ve dealt with a lot of people over the years, in a number of businesses. My experience has generally been that, unless you are dealing with someone who is a crook, most of the folks peddling gear are believers and if associated with a reputable company, can satisfy needs.
I would assume any model ultimately involves getting the brand better established here (whether that means in dealers’ hands for Internet sale or brick and mortar are all interesting questions but price for "tweaks" is often a consideration when you add the middle persons). Line revamps can accommodate pricing issues as well.
When I talked to Townshend a while ago, the web site wasn’t really doing anything, took you to England and I spoke to the bloke’s wife. Pleasant enough, but with a business, there are obligations that I’m sure a fellow as smart as MC is quite aware of (I don’t know much beyond what I read here, X Ray tech, Porsche enthusiast, and allegedly played the French horn).
Beyond that, a business of whatever sort is ultimately based on the goodwill it develops and maintains with its customers. Being closed, not answering the phone, seemingly out of business, slow or money sent and no reasonable response are all things that cut against good will. Dealing at retail is no easy matter as regards personalities; some customers are extreme and can be unreasonable. Yet restraint is required. (Really by both parties. I’ve found few things to gripe about in all the years I’ve done this, both with respect to gear and LPs).
If this is a venture that happens, I wish MC the best of luck. And have no more to add, nor do I expect that this will change the tenor of Miller’s posts here.
I would assume any model ultimately involves getting the brand better established here (whether that means in dealers’ hands for Internet sale or brick and mortar are all interesting questions but price for "tweaks" is often a consideration when you add the middle persons). Line revamps can accommodate pricing issues as well.
When I talked to Townshend a while ago, the web site wasn’t really doing anything, took you to England and I spoke to the bloke’s wife. Pleasant enough, but with a business, there are obligations that I’m sure a fellow as smart as MC is quite aware of (I don’t know much beyond what I read here, X Ray tech, Porsche enthusiast, and allegedly played the French horn).
Beyond that, a business of whatever sort is ultimately based on the goodwill it develops and maintains with its customers. Being closed, not answering the phone, seemingly out of business, slow or money sent and no reasonable response are all things that cut against good will. Dealing at retail is no easy matter as regards personalities; some customers are extreme and can be unreasonable. Yet restraint is required. (Really by both parties. I’ve found few things to gripe about in all the years I’ve done this, both with respect to gear and LPs).
If this is a venture that happens, I wish MC the best of luck. And have no more to add, nor do I expect that this will change the tenor of Miller’s posts here.