Confessions from a VPI owner of some 30 years

Email Marc:

http://vpiforum.com/memberlist.php?mode=email&u=2824

I use to talk to Harry fairly often and he was always helpful. All of us are getting older. Some a LOT older! I met them at about the first Audio show they attended. The old Chicago CES I think. I can remember installing one of the caps you mentioned. The tables sounded better with brass feet, I used the Star Sound ones. It was just screw off screw on. It wasn't practical to use something like this on the table as every $1 you add to the manufacturing cost add $10 to the retail after it goes through the whole distribution chain. Believe me VPI was one of the best at service in my day. There were some who would not answer their phones even for their dealers. In one case I had to call a friend of theirs and HE would call them and they would get back to me when they had the time. The gods of HIFI got them and their factory was destroyed in the San Fransco Earth Quake, Not the 1908 one fool, the one during the World Series! Just remember that HIFI is a small busness. Around 12 years ago there was ONE VPI dealer for the whole Louisville, Ky area and he sold out of his house. A lot of dealers do it out of love of the hobby. Very few make much money out of audio. If you think dealers are a pain try being one, it is worse!

In many cases the dealer network is self selected, The usual rep is worse than useless. Sometimes you simply have to go around them entirly. In one case I wanted to handle a product but since his dealer buddy did not want it he wouldn't sell it to me. I called the importer and ordered some from him. He got rid of the rep. If you pay cash and know your stuff YOU  can be a dealer. That is the way I started in the 60s.  

First, with all the forums including our own it is tough to keep track of all the threads on other sites. I would have missed this one also if it wasn’t for a facebook message I received about it. When I don’t respond to a thread it is more than likely because I didn’t see it, or the topic was derailed to the point of being counterproductive.

Second, if it wasn’t for “Harry’s kid” there would be no VPI at all now. If I was in it for the money than I would have let my dad sell the company after my mom died. Furthermore, I would have accepted the future offer I personally received that started with the words, “how would you like to be able to retire tomorrow and go back to teaching?” VPI is in business because of my family, I love making turntables, and I love creating jobs for people to put their heart into their work. Also, if we were in it for the money I would have retailed the Prime at the suggested price of $6,000 as another person in the industry said, “you can get away with it, they won’t know the difference and that’s more margin in your pocket.” (paraphrased). We don’t roll… or spin that way.

Third, we are human! If you call VPI and you don’t get me on the phone that is because I’m already on the phone or legitimately pulled away for an actual reason. I’m in the trenches with my team. When someone calls either Marc, Jane, Lynn, or myself answer. If none of us do than either we were closed, already on the phone, or taking 2 seconds for lunch. If you don’t get us call back, I love talking to people and helping people with their turntable. We are closed for the Holiday and Marc and I are still answering emails the best we can while attempting to grab a bit of a holiday break. My whole team is dedicated and works around the clock, I haven’t even taken my new wife on a proper honeymoon yet!

Fourth, we have a very strong dealer network but they are still learning. We provide dealer training/certification to make sure the customers get the best experience from them. The VPI team tries to direct you to your dealer first since they should have the most intimate understanding of your purchase and circumstances. If the dealer is unable to help than VPI jumps more directly to help service, the situation. Keep in mind that my whole team has to figure out who is really having a problem with their dealer and who is trying to go around their dealer to ask for better price because of their “troubles” with the dealer.

@cerrot , I’m sorry you had a bad experience, I hope you give us a chance again someday to join the VPI family.

@slaw law please email me directly about any existing problems with your table, mat@vpiindustries.com

@autospec make a list of the parts you have to cannibalize from your other turntables and let me know what you're missing.

@stanwal  @cohanbread and everyone else thanks for the support,

I think I covered everything mentioned but it is getting pretty late so I’ll leave off on this note. We have been around for almost 40 years and the plan to be around for another 40 years helping making product, upgrading product, servicing product, and loving music.

- MW

MW     I used to call Harry years ago and it was pretty easy to get the parts and fix your turntable.......Its too frustrating for me to get back on that merry-go-round........I don't have a VPI dealer with-in 500 miles from here and you are not interested in even answering the phone anymore so I'm sorry but I'm not going down that road again..........I'll either make my own parts or take the parts I need off my VPI junk yard of turntables........I'm still waiting for the dealer in Seattle to send me the belts I bought and paid for 4-5 years ago.........Thanks autospec