2. misc-audio
  3. 183116-179465

Why does it take so long to get stuff?

So I ordered some speakers from my hifi dealer - $4500 ProAC’s. I was told they would be 3-5 weeks for delivery. Now I love the audio store and value the dealer network but in this day and age why does anything take 5 weeks. I went with the ProAc due to the dealer support etc but an alternative was a Buchardt speaker. 

Buchardt was $2500, gets great reviews, and arrives in 1-4 days anywhere in the world. 
 

In the UK the ProAC speakers are, in todays Exchange rates, roughly $3300. Now I don’t mind the mark up (but it’s a lot). Now assuming the dealer has them in stock why can’t they direct ship to me, or the store in 48 hours. I think it’s time the traditional manufacturers started adopting this style of approach - everyone in the chain can still get their mark up - but customers who be able to get what they want quicker. 

This delay is just making me question my purchase — I guess I’m too impatient but it’s the reality of commerce these days. 

 

kiwiscott
kiwiscott OP
28 posts
 

@bluorion 😂 that’s so funny! 

jond's avatar
jond
5,794 posts
 

@kiwiscott I like your attitude and welcome to the forums!

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,836 posts
 

Don't you just love it when kenjit says,

It takes time to cut the wood, glue them together, wait for the glue to dry, cut the holes, polish the wood, paint it, fit the drivers, solder the capacitors and coils to the PCB and test them to make sure they work etc. If they run out of any of the parts needed then you will suffer delays.

And in the immediately following post says,

I am not sure I agree with you there. Most speakers are not custom tuned. They are mass produced in large numbers and then stored in the factory ready to be shipped out to the dealers. 

Who said you can't keep two opposing (and contradictory) thoughts in your head at the same time (when it's convenient)?

All the best,
Nonoise

 

daveottley
11 posts
 

I’m building custom speakers for people from the USA. My target order to ship time is 2 weeks no more. I presently build only Troels Gravesen creations which tend to be on the expensive side, but when youre dealing with made-in-china and big(ger) business, you will have all the corners cut on you. I can understand a 5 week delay from their perspective.

There is a lack of small-business here in the USA that has the customer support that purchases like this require. I’m trying to fill that niche, but people have to be willing to try and trust speakers build and designed by individuals and not corporations.

asmith99
26 posts
 

Dealers purchase / finance their inventory. Government taxes inventory. Solution to both .. don't inventory what you're selling.  Wait for the purchase, then order. The margins on everything you buy get tighter and tighter and the adjustment is "you wait" .  Manufacturers also don't want huge inventories.  They wait for orders AFTER the initial introduction of new products. I'm not talking about toasters.

 

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