Why does it take so long to get stuff?

There was a huge surge in audio purchases because of the pandemic. Most manufacturers got behind. This presented a real challenge for small local retailers, because they don’t have the capital to creat large orders to have stuff sitting in stock, while larger internet based ones do. 
 

A friend of mine is a local retailer… and he is completely cognizant that in nearly 50% of the cases having something in stock versus not means the difference between a sale and not. But, they don’t have millions to buy inventory. Personally, these guys are the ones allowing you to audition equipment. Without them, you are guessing at what you are buying. I would try and support them.

I was going to try and order a personalized Sugden A21 integrated amp with a colored faceplate but the seller said that would take 'months' so I bought their demo model with the standard silver faceplate and got it in a few days with a discount. I'm not willing to wait months to get a piece of equipment. Silver or blue--it's a great amplifier!

@ghdprentice i guess I’d expect the distributors to take on that risk until a direct ship model could work. 

@jond - ironically my default purchase for equipment is to find a local manufacturer and try and buy there products but local retailers are 100% important. The value of the relationship is greater than any savings I can get from the savings (which is a personal decision). 
 

I am going to suggest to my store to do a hifi day where it’s all about teaching. 

@bluorion - I’m pretty sure someone is about to jump in here and say blue sounds better as it reflects electromagnetic signals better :). 
 

I’ve been struggling not to go and buy speakers I can get now :) 

@kiwiscott LOL! So true---but maybe the orange faceplate gives a warmer sound.