Imagine if you will, Omar Ahmaddesman is a Turkish
businessman en route to
Los Angeles Via New York City. Omar has a to change planes in New York and he
has a 5 hour lay over. Just enough time to see the World Famous "Manny's Music
Store" and pick up some gear to take back to his home studio in Istanbul.
Being Turkish it is culturally impossible for Omar to simply walk in and
purchase something. Omar inherently doesn't trust Americans in the least. Before
Omar purchases that gear he will walk next door and check out Sam Ash's price on
the same package.
Omar is in a hurry he rushes next door, (Can he run faster than a
telephone call), Hmmmm I
wonder ?
Imagine the possibilities, What if the salespeople were in cahoots with
each other. They could then purposely give Omar a higher price just to make
Manny's look like they were giving a better deal. Or better yet what if the
prices were within pennies of each other. Omar might possibly resign himself to
the fact that the prices were the same everywhere and he might as well buy it
now rather than wasting more time price shopping.
Look at the signpost up ahead!!
Here's the best part.
I have never seen anything in any advertising that states anything about Sam
Ash buying Manny's. I remember reading about it in the trades, when it
happened 12 years ago but nobody talks much about it. In fact the industry in
general is quite complacent about it. Most of the people in New York know the
score but it's old news and no one seems to care enough about it to bother
talking about it much.
It is conceivable that Omar may never find out what happened to him. It is
conceivable that he might fall for the same Hijinks the next time he is New
York. Why it's even conceivable that he might send them more customers because
he felt he was treated fairly.
I am not accusing anyone here (I certainly don't want any lawsuits) I am
just stating possible scenarios for collusion when 2 stores are owned by the
same entity. Guitar Center &
Musicians Friend is Another Example
It's An Old New York
Shopping Trick
Go down to 6th St in Greenwich Village, There are
about 10 high fashion ultra hip shoe stores there.
Come to find out that one guy
owns 3 different stores. So when I tried to price compare a pair of Leopard
Skin Style Boots, I thought it was funny that they were all selling them for $495.00. I could not even BS the salesman because when I tried, He laughed and said...
Why don't you go back over there and buy them !!!
Ok Ok, What the Hell was I doing buying a pair of Leopard Skin
Boots, Hey it was the 80's and my hair was pretty long too. But the bottom
line is this is a deceptive trade practice. There is no law that says one guy
can't own 5 stores, with 5 different names and price fix between his own stores.
It's still deceptive and another reason Ed Roman does not like or support
chain stores of any kind.
On Stage With Richie Scarlet 1988,
Just in case you didn't believe
the part about the Leopard Skin Boots.
I Get Letters
I found the information about Manny's
extremely upsetting. I can remember going there as a young kid with my
father. My dad was a professional musician, and back then professionals
received a discount. Merely had to show your Union Card. Yea that's another
big joke today. Anyway, four months ago I purchase a very expensive keyboard
stand from Sam Ash in Clearwater Fla, almost $200.00. But I really thought
it would do the job considering my G70 Roland needs the support because of
its weight.Anyway, this past week-end after finishing
a gig, one of the spring loaded clips that holds the arm supports popped and
the spring went flying etc etc. I contact Sam Ash about either repairing it
or replacing it since it was only 4 months old.
I'm told, gee, don't know what to tell
you, its beyond our return policy. I tell him, I don't want it returned, I
need it repaired.
" Gee, can't help you there either, don't
know where you can bring it." I told him to stick it where the Sun don't
shine. I then write to the manufacture (online), I receive a email from them
to contact Sam Ash, to tell them to take it back, call their local
distributor in Miami, and they replace it for them.
Soooo , I call Sam Ash again, the same
"Gee" guy gets on the phone, he tells me that isn't their policy. I tell
him, that's what the manufacture advised me to do. Then I asked him if there
was anyone there with authority and brains, cause obviously I'm speaking to
someone who really don't give a shit about professional musicians and that
their equipment is their means of earning a living. He hung up.
Well Ed, that's my story. Thought you
might just get a kick out of it. Just what is happening to the world of
ethics and assisting customers. What a shame. Good luck with your endeavor and I certainly
see your point.
Best wishes,
Charlie
Hello Charlie,
It seems to me you had a legitimate gripe,
I feel bad for Sam Ash because of their own stupidity they will probably
lose another potentially good customer.. Oh Well
Ed