When the Mark V shows up in Guitar Center

[jjliver]

I think I would be the epitome of an obnoxious customer in regards to returns of Mesa products at GC. Between 3 local stores I have bought and returned (all within the 30 day window) a Stiletto Ace combo, a Single Rectifier, and Dual Rectifier finally settling on a custom grill RK II and 2 X 12 cab (also purchased at GC). Every individual at each store went way out of there way to make sure I was satisfied. I felt bad about putting them through all that but it is what it is. You don't know what you are getting until you get this stuff home and spend some time with it. As far as the Mark V, I think I will be sticking with my RK II.

 

[dodger916]

You don't know what you are getting until you get this stuff home and spend some time with it.

Period!

Sam Ash allows you to return gear too, but I don't think they're Mesa dealers. Long live GC!

 

[jamme61]

I always tell the sales person at GC, that i will buy it, if they don't get pissed off, if i bring back. you just don't know how it will sound untill you get it home, or better yet, to a gig. i remember buying a stiletto Ace (2x12 combo) which sounded great at the store and at home, but, at the gig it didn't work out. my loss too, it was past the return peroid. that was a $500 loss for me. I thinck GC has some great sales people but there's this one MGR, Roco, what an ***.

 

[cscotto]

I always tell the sales person at GC, that i will buy it, if they don't get pissed off, if i bring back. you just don't know how it will sound untill you get it home, or better yet, to a gig. i remember buying a stiletto Ace (2x12 combo) which sounded great at the store and at home, but, at the gig it didn't work out. my loss too, it was past the return peroid. that was a $500 loss for me. I thinck GC has some great sales people but there's this one MGR, Roco, what an ***.

+1. I remember when the Line 6 Spider Valve came out. I was really intrigued by the concept. I thought I could use it to simplify playing a lot of different styles of music. I will also admit that I was pulled in by the "designed by Bogner" marketing bit. I have always liked his amps. I was really impressed with the sound in the store, but, like you said, you really cannot tell about an amp until you play for a while. Well, I grew to really dislike the sound of the Spider Valve. As your ears learn the amp you hear more of what you like and more of what you don't like. The dislikes really started to outweigh the likes. For example, while I was impressed with the recto model, it had even more of the fizzy buzz then a real recto, and I could never dial the mids out of the clean channel, at least with my guitar. I even tried a MXR 10 band EQ in the loop, which improved things but not enough. I finally traded it for a Recto 2X12 cab. I need to come up with a procedure for testing stuff so I can return it within the return period. Also, I learned that "designed by" does not mean the same thing as "made by." It is like those guitars you see with pickups "designed by" Seymour Duncan.

 

[jamme61]

I got sucked in too, on the spider valve. Sounded great in the stor, at home, the more time i spent with it, the more i didn't like it. i wish they could make it work but, it seems somethings always lacking with modeling. Mark V looks killer but, i called my GC and they want to special order it for me, which can be a problem, as far as returning.

 

[joshwilson3]

.

 

[dodger916]

Why can't you get a discount on Mesa amps?

From what I've read, Mesa is very strict when it comes to dealer latitude...they basically give them none! By providing no dealer pricing flexibility they keep the playing field level between dealers. So, big-volume retailers like Guitar Center, who can afford to discount, cannot undercut the smaller dealers, thus keeping the dealer network as broad as possible. A delaer who violates the policy gets bounced. They also have not allowed internet sales to prevent someone from "using" retail dealers to demo the product but buying from a discount on-line retailer. Also, will not allow buyers to have an amp shipped from a retailer. They want buyers to walk out of the store with the amp. I believe an amp that is shipped will void the warranty and endanger the dealership for the seller.

 

[jdurso]

I've been to many GCs nationwise in my last few years of business travel and I will tell you there are some great GCs out there, and there are also some very, extremely shitty ones. The one i frequent most in East Brunswick is pretty **** good. i know the managers so I do get a little more special treatment but they always keep their store well stocked and take care of their equipment. They also move a lot of equipment so that plays into it too. Phoenix has some great GCs, as well as Dallas, Memphis and Austin. BUT there are way too many GCs out there that are complete crap... for instance there is a GC in Palmdale, CA where they have a DR marked and priced as new that is most obviously used and looks to be an early 00's run. The amp had about a 1/2 inch of dust on it and when i started it up 2 of the power amps tubes were dead. Not the type of shop I want to buy a $1700 amp from. But i can say the same thing about a bunch of the mom and pop type shops i've been to... most have complete crap when it comes to equipment and the ones that have the goods are very hard to come by and are runned by people who wont give you the time of day if you dont have chops that are up to their standards (thats been my experience... doesnt stop me from banging out some lamb of god or metallica to show them i can out play their rhythm chops :twisted: )

One great think i like about GC is the GC Card... 12-18 months no interest is awesome for those bigger purchases.

 

[jamme61]

The GC card is the Key for me. That GC card enables me to buy stuff i never would have been able to afford, the card also keeps me in Debt but at 0% interest.

 

[joshwilson3]

.

 

[boof]

Why can't you get a discount on Mesa amps?

From what I've read, Mesa is very strict when it comes to dealer latitude...they basically give them none! By providing no dealer pricing flexibility they keep the playing field level between dealers. So, big-volume retailers like Guitar Center, who can afford to discount, cannot undercut the smaller dealers, thus keeping the dealer network as broad as possible. A delaer who violates the policy gets bounced. They also have not allowed internet sales to prevent someone from "using" retail dealers to demo the product but buying from a discount on-line retailer. Also, will not allow buyers to have an amp shipped from a retailer. They want buyers to walk out of the store with the amp. I believe an amp that is shipped will void the warranty and endanger the dealership for the seller.

In regards to the part about online sales, perhaps that is applicable to north America but even so the reasons stated I think are questionable to say the least unless I misunderstood something in the post. Can you point us to where you read that?

Outside of North America things would seem to be a little more liberal in policy if what you said is correct. By way of example, in Japan I can get mesa equipment at a retailer store, on line from a retailers web site, from online only stores, even directly from the distributor although much more expensive, and of course second hand from online auctions.

ikebe (retail store that also sells online)
http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/free_search_20.php?state2=&brand=129&h_price1=0&h_price2=0&c_time=0&shop=0&img_flg=1&page_cnt=48&order=1&submit1=%8C%9F%8D%F5%82%B7%82%E9&cate=3

Ishibashi (retail store that also sells online)
http://1484.bz/c/?mode=find&cond=AND&view=20&word=mesa&part=&x=0&y=0

sound house (online only store and usualy the best prices)
http://www.soundhouse.co.jp/shop/SearchList.asp?search_all=mesa&i_type=a&x=0&y=0

rakuen (even where you can also buy underwear and soap)
http://esearch.rakuten.co.jp/rms/sd/esearch/vc?sv=2&sitem=mesa+boogie

Yahoo auction (just if anyoen is interested in what mesa stuff goes for over seas.)
http://search5.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/search?p=mesa&auccat=2084018998&f=0x2&alocale=0jp&apg=1&s1=cbids&o1=d&mode=2

Also you can buy mesa from the distributor in Japan although they do not have a walk in store. here is the price list for mesa from kandashokai the mesa distributor in japan. Now for the prices listed here how much flexibility they have I have no idea but might go to the first part of the post about how the pricing is done from mesa to the distributors to the retailers. (they have no info on teh mark V yet but they do note that the Mark I reissue and the Mark IV are no longer in production)
http://www.kandashokai.co.jp/boogie/boogie_price.htm

 

[dodger916]

Why can't you get a discount on Mesa amps?

From what I've read, Mesa is very strict when it comes to dealer latitude...they basically give them none! By providing no dealer pricing flexibility they keep the playing field level between dealers. So, big-volume retailers like Guitar Center, who can afford to discount, cannot undercut the smaller dealers, thus keeping the dealer network as broad as possible. A delaer who violates the policy gets bounced. They also have not allowed internet sales to prevent someone from "using" retail dealers to demo the product but buying from a discount on-line retailer. Also, will not allow buyers to have an amp shipped from a retailer. They want buyers to walk out of the store with the amp. I believe an amp that is shipped will void the warranty and endanger the dealership for the seller.

In regards to the part about online sales, perhaps that is applicable to north America but even so the reasons stated I think are questionable to say the least unless I misunderstood something in the post. Can you point us to where you read that?

I'm pretty sure I read it on the Boogie Board! Also, I demo'd amps in Pennsylvania (I live in NY), and the dealer said the same thing. He specifically mentioned he would not ship to NY (so I could avoid sales tax on the inter-state sale), and that the warranty would be void.

Why do you think the reasons are questionable? What do you think the reasons are?

 

[boof]

In regards to the part about online sales, perhaps that is applicable to north America but even so the reasons stated I think are questionable to say the least unless I misunderstood something in the post. Can you point us to where you read that?

I'm pretty sure I read it on the Boogie Board! Also, I demo'd amps in Pennsylvania (I live in NY), and the dealer said the same thing. He specifically mentioned he would not ship to NY (so I could avoid sales tax on the inter-state sale), and that the warranty would be void.

Why do you think the reasons are questionable? What do you think the reasons are?

I don't know the reasons and I don't think that I have heard any reason as of yet to back up the explanation for not allowing shipping from a dealer or not allowing internet sales. It might be dumb logic on my part but it would seem that not allowing shipping from a retailer, and not allowing internet sales is only doing everyone involved a disservice.

If people cant buy a road king, or a dual rec, or 2x12s or whatever on the net from a retailer then the retailer isn't going to sell as many road kings, 2x12s and so on as they potential could since they are drastically limiting the audience they reach to only the people in a few mile radius of the actual store. So the smaller the exposure the less they sell and the fewer POs would be put into the distributor to replenish the retailers stock.I just don't see the logic in those kinds of limitations. If I live in Corpus Christi and go to the local guitar store down the street looking to a 2x12 and they don't have them in stock and it will take 6 weeks to get one in but I call a place in Dallas and they have them in but they cant sell it to me unless I come into the store then everyone looses.

Another limitation of this are the one offs. Fender custom shop models is one example, If a retailer has several of the high end custom shop relic strats in stock they are somewhat limiting their target audience because of the price of the guitars as well as the uniqueness of the guitars. but if you ship world wide and sell over the internet and have a slick website that gives what you are selling a good presentation then you will move your unique starts with with much less effort. (read the music zoo. I waste a few hours a month browsing their stock) http://www.themusiczoo.com/

If I was a retailer I think that I would not have any interest in carrying mesa products. Why would I want to increase the likelihood of having several thousands of dollars of equipment on my books for a year if I have imposed limitations on how I can sell them? I think I woudl be more inclined sell some other manufacturers products that I know I can push out the door quickly and not take the risk of having the inventory still in stock the next fiscal year.

So in the end I still don't see the rational or logic behind limitations that I mentioned before and would very much like to hear from a retailer or distributor the reasons for this if it is indeed true. Although this isn't applicable for Japan so it seems and hence has no impact on myself I am curious never the less.

On a side note, I do get guitar gear from the US more and more these days just because the exchange rate has made it so that after shipping charges I can still save sometimes upwards of 40% to 50% on stuff. of the places that don't ship to Japan the reasons 9 out of 10 times it is due to concerns on over seas credit card fraud or billing system in place for overseas orders.

Boof

 

[dodger916]

In regards to the part about online sales, perhaps that is applicable to north America but even so the reasons stated I think are questionable to say the least unless I misunderstood something in the post. Can you point us to where you read that?

I'm pretty sure I read it on the Boogie Board! Also, I demo'd amps in Pennsylvania (I live in NY), and the dealer said the same thing. He specifically mentioned he would not ship to NY (so I could avoid sales tax on the inter-state sale), and that the warranty would be void.

Why do you think the reasons are questionable? What do you think the reasons are?

I don't know the reasons and I don't think that I have heard any reason as of yet to back up the explanation for not allowing shipping from a dealer or not allowing internet sales. It might be dumb logic on my part but it would seem that not allowing shipping from a retailer, and not allowing internet sales is only doing everyone involved a disservice.

If people cant buy a road king, or a dual rec, or 2x12s or whatever on the net from a retailer then the retailer isn't going to sell as many road kings, 2x12s and so on as they potential could since they are drastically limiting the audience they reach to only the people in a few mile radius of the actual store. So the smaller the exposure the less they sell and the fewer POs would be put into the distributor to replenish the retailers stock.I just don't see the logic in those kinds of limitations. If I live in Corpus Christi and go to the local guitar store down the street looking to a 2x12 and they don't have them in stock and it will take 6 weeks to get one in but I call a place in Dallas and they have them in but they cant sell it to me unless I come into the store then everyone looses.

Another limitation of this are the one offs. Fender custom shop models is one example, If a retailer has several of the high end custom shop relic strats in stock they are somewhat limiting their target audience because of the price of the guitars as well as the uniqueness of the guitars. but if you ship world wide and sell over the internet and have a slick website that gives what you are selling a good presentation then you will move your unique starts with with much less effort. (read the music zoo. I waste a few hours a month browsing their stock) http://www.themusiczoo.com/

If I was a retailer I think that I would not have any interest in carrying mesa products. Why would I want to increase the likelihood of having several thousands of dollars of equipment on my books for a year if I have imposed limitations on how I can sell them? I think I woudl be more inclined sell some other manufacturers products that I know I can push out the door quickly and not take the risk of having the inventory still in stock the next fiscal year.

Boof

It's like buying a car. Don't you want to test drive it first? How would you do that without dealers who are willing to take an inventory risk for profit? The net is great for buying used items and "commodity" items, but for high-priced specialty items, many people still want to test drive them, and manufacturers want their product available for public viewing. A dealer network is key for that, and manufacturers strive to protect their dealers.

Here's a scenario: Internet retailers have a clear overhead cost advantage versus a store, so they can sell cheaper. A dealer stocks the amps, people demo the amps but buy from the discounted seller. The dealer drops the Mesa line and there are no places to demo the amps. People buying on the web are dissatisfied and give Mesa a bad name because they bought something that did not suit their needs. They then dump their amps and hurt the market price.

Or, Mesa loses sales to people who would buy one if they could demo it. No dealer, no demo.

There are no places to demo Mesas and people complain about that - more bad press.

Or warranty repairs. Send everything back to Mesa? More complaints that there are no local authorized dealers/reps.

Getting the product in the public's hands and providing support after the sale are key. This doesn't happen without dealers, and dealers are more inclined to carry the line with manufacturer support. I'd rather pay a little more to the "middle man" knowing I can demo it. Buying blind (or deaf!), I run the risk of needing to resell it at a loss, shipping it, hassle, etc. It probably will cost me just as much in the end, not to mention the time and effort in reselling it.

 

[boof]

It's like buying a car. Don't you want to test drive it first? How would you do that without dealers who are willing to take an inventory risk for profit? The net is great for buying used items and "commodity" items, but for high-priced specialty items, many people still want to test drive them, and manufacturers want their product available for public viewing. A dealer network is key for that, and manufacturers strive to protect their dealers.

Here's a scenario: Internet retailers have a clear overhead cost advantage versus a store, so they can sell cheaper. A dealer stocks the amps, people demo the amps but buy from the discounted seller. The dealer drops the Mesa line and there are no places to demo the amps. People buying on the web are dissatisfied and give Mesa a bad name because they bought something that did not suit their needs. They then dump their amps and hurt the market price.

Or, Mesa loses sales to people who would buy one if they could demo it. No dealer, no demo.

There are no places to demo Mesas and people complain about that - more bad press.

Or warranty repairs. Send everything back to Mesa? More complaints that there are no local authorized dealers/reps.

Getting the product in the public's hands and providing support after the sale are key. This doesn't happen without dealers, and dealers are more inclined to carry the line with manufacturer support. I'd rather pay a little more to the "middle man" knowing I can demo it. Buying blind (or deaf!), I run the risk of needing to resell it at a loss, shipping it, hassle, etc. It probably will cost me just as much in the end, not to mention the time and effort in reselling it.

I don't see the relevance to the question I raised about the suggestion that mesa puts limitations on dealers in regards to selling on the net and shipping.

But to answer your comments about demoing gear, I agree entirely about being able to demo gear but I am more than happy to walk into a store and try out new an amp or some gear and then say thanks and walk right out and start searching the net for better prices or good deals on used items and usually do... (The Bogner xtc and triaxis I bought was done this way and saved roughly $3500 than if I had bought them from the shop new) I agree I don't like to buy blind as well (allot of people seem willing to that have already put money down for a mark V thought!) buying used or cheaper also lowers your risk at loss when going to resell. I never came close to getting out of what I put into gear that was bought new, but I have made a profit on resale of used gear.

 

[dodger916]

It's like buying a car. Don't you want to test drive it first? How would you do that without dealers who are willing to take an inventory risk for profit? The net is great for buying used items and "commodity" items, but for high-priced specialty items, many people still want to test drive them, and manufacturers want their product available for public viewing. A dealer network is key for that, and manufacturers strive to protect their dealers.

Here's a scenario: Internet retailers have a clear overhead cost advantage versus a store, so they can sell cheaper. A dealer stocks the amps, people demo the amps but buy from the discounted seller. The dealer drops the Mesa line and there are no places to demo the amps. People buying on the web are dissatisfied and give Mesa a bad name because they bought something that did not suit their needs. They then dump their amps and hurt the market price.

Or, Mesa loses sales to people who would buy one if they could demo it. No dealer, no demo.

There are no places to demo Mesas and people complain about that - more bad press.

Or warranty repairs. Send everything back to Mesa? More complaints that there are no local authorized dealers/reps.

Getting the product in the public's hands and providing support after the sale are key. This doesn't happen without dealers, and dealers are more inclined to carry the line with manufacturer support. I'd rather pay a little more to the "middle man" knowing I can demo it. Buying blind (or deaf!), I run the risk of needing to resell it at a loss, shipping it, hassle, etc. It probably will cost me just as much in the end, not to mention the time and effort in reselling it.

I don't see the relevance to the question I raised about the suggestion that mesa puts limitations on dealers in regards to selling on the net and shipping.

But to answer your comments about demoing gear, I agree entirely about being able to demo gear but I am more than happy to walk into a store and try out new an amp or some gear and then say thanks and walk right out and start searching the net for better prices or good deals on used items and usually do... (The Bogner xtc and triaxis I bought was done this way and saved roughly $3500 than if I had bought them from the shop new) I agree I don't like to buy blind as well (allot of people seem willing to that have already put money down for a mark V thought!) buying used or cheaper also lowers your risk at loss when going to resell. I never came close to getting out of what I put into gear that was bought new, but I have made a profit on resale of used gear.

I don't understand your confusion as you are demonstrating exactly why Mesa controls the distribution the way they do. You want a place to demo gear, but you won't spend your money there. Can't you see how a dealer would not want to carry products that will get beat up by demos and never sell because a buyer will pay less over the internet? There's zero incentive for a dealer to carry that line.

Bottom line: While I recognize that changing times call for changing strategies, Mesa has been selling amps for 40 years. I assume during that time they learned what works and what doesn't work, and that their policies reflect the compromise that best serves the needs of all parties concerned (them, the dealers and the buyers). To be successful in their business requires careful planning based on experience (read: failures and successes) or a lot of dumb luck. Which do you think is the case?

 

[progrockmike]

It's like buying a car. Don't you want to test drive it first? How would you do that without dealers who are willing to take an inventory risk for profit? The net is great for buying used items and "commodity" items, but for high-priced specialty items, many people still want to test drive them, and manufacturers want their product available for public viewing. A dealer network is key for that, and manufacturers strive to protect their dealers.

Here's a scenario: Internet retailers have a clear overhead cost advantage versus a store, so they can sell cheaper. A dealer stocks the amps, people demo the amps but buy from the discounted seller. The dealer drops the Mesa line and there are no places to demo the amps. People buying on the web are dissatisfied and give Mesa a bad name because they bought something that did not suit their needs. They then dump their amps and hurt the market price.

Or, Mesa loses sales to people who would buy one if they could demo it. No dealer, no demo.

There are no places to demo Mesas and people complain about that - more bad press.

Or warranty repairs. Send everything back to Mesa? More complaints that there are no local authorized dealers/reps.

Getting the product in the public's hands and providing support after the sale are key. This doesn't happen without dealers, and dealers are more inclined to carry the line with manufacturer support. I'd rather pay a little more to the "middle man" knowing I can demo it. Buying blind (or deaf!), I run the risk of needing to resell it at a loss, shipping it, hassle, etc. It probably will cost me just as much in the end, not to mention the time and effort in reselling it.

I don't see the relevance to the question I raised about the suggestion that mesa puts limitations on dealers in regards to selling on the net and shipping.

But to answer your comments about demoing gear, I agree entirely about being able to demo gear but I am more than happy to walk into a store and try out new an amp or some gear and then say thanks and walk right out and start searching the net for better prices or good deals on used items and usually do... (The Bogner xtc and triaxis I bought was done this way and saved roughly $3500 than if I had bought them from the shop new) I agree I don't like to buy blind as well (allot of people seem willing to that have already put money down for a mark V thought!) buying used or cheaper also lowers your risk at loss when going to resell. I never came close to getting out of what I put into gear that was bought new, but I have made a profit on resale of used gear.

I don't understand your confusion as you are demonstrating exactly why Mesa controls the distribution the way they do. You want a place to demo gear, but you won't spend your money there. Can't you see how a dealer would not want to carry products that will get beat up by demos and never sell because a buyer will pay less over the internet? There's zero incentive for a dealer to carry that line.

Bottom line: While I recognize that changing times call for changing strategies, Mesa has been selling amps for 40 years. I assume during that time they learned what works and what doesn't work, and that their policies reflect the compromise that best serves the needs of all parties concerned (them, the dealers and the buyers). To be successful in their business requires careful planning based on experience (read: failures and successes) or a lot of dumb luck. Which do you think is the case?

Something being lost here is the fact that all manufacturers use these techniques in varying degrees. Some just exert more influence than others. In Mesa's case, they chose to completely control how their product gets distributed. As pointed out above, there are a lot of advantages to that. Others, like PRS, still set prices much in the way that Mesa does, but then allow thier distributors to sell that product at that price over the net. If there was a logical step for Mesa to take, it would probably be to follow the model that PRS uses. Set the price, enforce compliance, and make sure the dealer has a brick and mortar outlet, but let the dealer sell at that price over the net. No discounted price, therefore no advantage to buying over the net (sales tax and shipping would probably be a wash). This gives people who don't have access to a dealer access to new product, and doesn't penalize your brick and mortar dealers by having the product out there at a discounted price.

 

[boof]

Something being lost here is the fact that all manufacturers use these techniques in varying degrees. Some just exert more influence than others. In Mesa's case, they chose to completely control how their product gets distributed. As pointed out above, there are a lot of advantages to that. Others, like PRS, still set prices much in the way that Mesa does, but then allow thier distributors to sell that product at that price over the net. If there was a logical step for Mesa to take, it would probably be to follow the model that PRS uses. Set the price, enforce compliance, and make sure the dealer has a brick and mortar outlet, but let the dealer sell at that price over the net. No discounted price, therefore no advantage to buying over the net (sales tax and shipping would probably be a wash). This gives people who don't have access to a dealer access to new product, and doesn't penalize your brick and mortar dealers by having the product out there at a discounted price.

2nd that.


oh and the answers to my original question in the end I was able to answer myself just by simply looking myself
see links below

http://www.jcfonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88840
and another hint on the topic
http://www.mesaboogiehollywood.com/Contact.htm
and a link to buy mesa gear online in the us
http://www.mattsmusic.com/MESA-cat.html
and thier shipping policy (worldwide)
http://www.mattsmusic.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SHIPPING&Store_Code=mattsmusic
interesting reading about Mesa and pricing
http://fuq.encycmet.com/questions/1945/Mesa+Boogie+Prices

 

[simonich]

Something being lost here is the fact that all manufacturers use these techniques in varying degrees. Some just exert more influence than others. In Mesa's case, they chose to completely control how their product gets distributed. As pointed out above, there are a lot of advantages to that. Others, like PRS, still set prices much in the way that Mesa does, but then allow thier distributors to sell that product at that price over the net. If there was a logical step for Mesa to take, it would probably be to follow the model that PRS uses. Set the price, enforce compliance, and make sure the dealer has a brick and mortar outlet, but let the dealer sell at that price over the net. No discounted price, therefore no advantage to buying over the net (sales tax and shipping would probably be a wash). This gives people who don't have access to a dealer access to new product, and doesn't penalize your brick and mortar dealers by having the product out there at a discounted price.

2nd that.


oh and the answers to my original question in the end I was able to answer myself just by simply looking myself
see links below

http://www.jcfonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88840
and another hint on the topic
http://www.mesaboogiehollywood.com/Contact.htm
and a link to buy mesa gear online in the us
http://www.mattsmusic.com/MESA-cat.html
and thier shipping policy (worldwide)
http://www.mattsmusic.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SHIPPING&Store_Code=mattsmusic
interesting reading about Mesa and pricing
http://fuq.encycmet.com/questions/1945/Mesa+Boogie+Prices

I suppose someone could call Mesa directly to find out. Nice job on finding those links as examples. I wonder then if Matt's is in compliance with, or in conflict with, Mesa's dealer agreement?

BTW, the last link you have is hilarious. The person asking the question asks, "Does anybody understand the laws regarding price fixing to enough know why Mesa gets away with fixing prices?" I guess I would have stopped at the first part of the sentence. The person asks for knowledge about the laws, implying they don't have it (or any), yet then proceeds to announce Mesa in fact is "fixing prices." Classic. Luckily the person answering has the correct info on the question. It's one thing to understand how/why a manufacturer sets up it's dealer terms, and entirely another to speak about a company (or companies) in a monopoly situation colluding to fix an entire market. "Price fixing" implies the latter situation.

 

[dodger916]

Yes...good work. I wonder if the arrangement with dealers is a consignment as opposed to dealer inventory. In that case, Mesa would continue to own the amps until sold, and could dictate marketing and shipping policy. The dealer would earn some sort of commission. Anybody know the legal nature of the arrangement?