Sweetwater not what it used to be?

  • Thread starter Rich K.
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TheArchitect said:
You order obscure stuff and think its surprising they don't stock it?
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A 14" snare rim is obscure? Musicians Friend, Drum Center Portsmouth, Steve Weiss and others had it. I was looking to use a credit I had there. They wanted $29 and a 3 week wait time; Musicians Friend charged $19 w/ free shipping and shipped in a day.
They used to carry everything...now they don't. I have nothing against them, but they aren't what they used to be.
 
I’ve not paid full price on anything at sweetwater in about 4 years. I started using them in 2016 and I’ve had the same sales engineer. At this point I text him instead of emailing. Anytime I want anything I’ll just send the link and say hey what kind of price can you do? The discount is always at least big enough to make up for the tax. I love Sweetwater. I drink their kool-aid with every meal.
 
Rich K. said:
A 14" snare rim is obscure?
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Not obscure, but I’m sure it isn’t something they sell a lot of, and running out of them (or anything) temporarily can happen if the company isn’t doing a run till they get enough orders to make it worth it.
 
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JimmyM said:
Not obscure, but I’m sure it isn’t something they sell a lot of, and running out of them (or anything) temporarily can happen if the company isn’t doing a run till they get enough orders to make it worth it.
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If they only carried things they sell a lot of, they'd just have Fender Squiers and Pearl Roadshow sets.
 
Inventory costs a lot of money.

Retail companies are always trying to control inventory to maximize turns which allows them to reduce margins which means lower prices to the consumer. It allows them to be competitive in tight markets.

At the same time manufacturers and distributors are doing the same thing with their inventories. Occasionally, the supply chain gets caught without something and then it is a question of how fast it can gear up. Also, with all the tariff negotiations going on distributors are looking at a very unusual supply situation as overseas suppliers are trying to plan for the future.
 
I disagree. I've had nothing but great experiences with them. I just bought a snare from them today that was on sale from $929 down to $599.
 
gryphon said:
Inventory costs a lot of money.

Retail companies are always trying to control inventory to maximize turns which allows them to reduce margins which means lower prices to the consumer. It allows them to be competitive in tight markets.

At the same time manufacturers and distributors are doing the same thing with their inventories. Occasionally, the supply chain gets caught without something and then it is a question of how fast it can gear up. Also, with all the tariff negotiations going on distributors are looking at a very unusual supply situation as overseas suppliers are trying to plan for the future.
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Saying " . . . which allows them to reduce margins . . . " makes it sound like reducing margins is desirable and something every business strives to do. It is not. Reducing expenses, on the other hand . . .
 
Rich K. said:
A 14" snare rim is obscure? Musicians Friend, Drum Center Portsmouth, Steve Weiss and others had it. I was looking to use a credit I had there. They wanted $29 and a 3 week wait time; Musicians Friend charged $19 w/ free shipping and shipped in a day.
They used to carry everything...now they don't. I have nothing against them, but they aren't what they used to be.
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This is accurate. I’ve been waiting a month for a smooth white 18” P3. Head selection has always been hit or miss there; and they’ll come from three different warehouses when they do have them. Steve Weiss usually has what I can’t find elsewhere.
 
I need to use Sweetwater more often. They are only 1 hour north of me and I've never been there. I bet the place is awesome. I am addicted to Amazon. :mellow:
 
HoorayGuy said:
I need to use Sweetwater more often. They are only 1 hour north of me and I've never been there. I bet the place is awesome. I am addicted to Amazon. :mellow:
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Amazon…. Parts exchange. People order, swap/rob & return. I just returned a Tama compact multi clamp, two different wing non Tama nuts, a hardware store eye bolt and Gibraltar pivoting head were all cobbled back together……… was sold as “Like New Used” . I knew better but gave it a shot again.
 
ARGuy said:
Saying " . . . which allows them to reduce margins . . . " makes it sound like reducing margins is desirable and something every business strives to do. It is not. Reducing expenses, on the other hand . . .
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Poor choice of words on my part. You are correct.

Better management of a retail operation means better prices to the consumer and more sales for the business.

Speaking of inventory, drum heads are totally ridiculous. Think of how many manufacturers there are, multiply by the number of sizes and multiply again by the plethora of models that are available. The result is an inventory requirement of literally hundreds of different heads. Consider the cost of maintaining that inventory in a competitive retail environment. Then think about sticks... and cymbals... Think about the carrying cost of having a slow selling item sitting on the shelf for months or even years. Then complain that the local mom & pop or even national retailer doesn't have your favorite head for a 15" tom or a 26" kick in stock with a 15% discount.
 
gryphon said:
Poor choice of words on my part. You are correct.

Better management of a retail operation means better prices to the consumer and more sales for the business.

Speaking of inventory, drum heads are totally ridiculous. Think of how many manufacturers there are, multiply by the number of sizes and multiply again by the plethora of models that are available. The result is an inventory requirement of literally hundreds of different heads. Consider the cost of maintaining that inventory in a competitive retail environment. Then think about sticks... and cymbals... Think about the carrying cost of having a slow selling item sitting on the shelf for months or even years. Then complain that the local mom & pop or even national retailer doesn't have your favorite head for a 15" tom or a 26" kick in stock with a 15% discount.
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This was the life they chose.
 
dcdrum said:
My last order had no Bit O’ Honey. Double Bubble instead. Big downgrade. The drumhead fit though…
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I actually complained to my "Sales Engineer" lol. He and I did a lot of texting back and forth with my Ludwig kit, when he apologized about the wait and screw ups, mostly on the Ludwig end, I told him I'd take extra Bit O'Honey. When I got the kit there was the double bubble :(
 
dcdrum said:
My last order had no Bit O’ Honey. Double Bubble instead. Big downgrade. The drumhead fit though…
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I've ordered and specifically requested no candy to no avail.
 
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