Posted by David on July 13, 2002 at 23:39:46:
In Reply to: Re: pricing perspectives posted by Sean Chisham on July 13, 2002 at 19:33:56:
No offense to those of you who do not own or operate your own business, but costs are relative to your product and your market.
Operating a business seems like such a simple thing to those of you who do not do so. Working for someone else is great, but how is the salary paid, taxes, and benefits? Where does the money come from for a location, advertising, purchase of new goods? And then the consumer wants the retailer to sell for cost? Who are we kidding?
Some retailers in the tuba world have other jobs to pay for the start-up costs, a spouse with a great job, or outside investors. Then again, how does one pay back the start up costs? Ever think of that?
Before making an assumption that someone gets rich in the music business, you should investigate what the average mark up is in music versus the local clothing store or even a car company. We have no set backs (car companies), or manufacturer financing, we have to pay for stuff pretty quickly and then watch the profits melt away while someone blasts us for wanting to make a living. Fair? Who really cares? All the customer really seems to want is the cheapest price for the best product and then seems to demand that customer service be the best for that cheap price.
Why can't we all accept the fact that if we want great customer service, we need to pay a little more and not gripe about it.
Just one music retailers opinion.