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Rickenbacker pricing
- Thread starter CGremlin
- Start date
What makes it interesting is Guitar Center shows this on page 12 of the FAQs at their website:
- Link Removed
Some of our prices are so low that manufacturers have requested that we not post them on our web site. Email our tech support staff or call us at 1-866-498-7882 for the latest info or to place...
Date Updated: 03/02/2013
So somebody isn't being completely up front about why a price isn't published by GC at least.
I also just rang Sam Ash and asked why they didn't publish the Ric prices and their rep said he didn't know. Nor would he be willing to speculate. He just left it with "I don't really know."
In the past whenever I asked, I was told that their seller's agreement with Ric didn't allow them to - so the answer I got today was totally different than it was in the past. Which makes me wonder if some new law (or a ruling on an existing one) is now in effect that doesn't let the manufacturers require that any more.
Weird.
I know the FTC takes a fairly dim view of companies that attempt to restrict discount prices being shown in ads and catalogs if they're not also co-paying for advertising in same. If they do pay advertising dollars to the distributor, they may however, in certain circumstances, impose some restrictions on the distributor about what prices they can advertise as long as it doesn't amount to price fixing or restraint of trade.
Since I haven't seen a Ric ad in years, I doubt they're paying anybody anything to promote their products. Last I heard there were completely uninterested in increasing their production runs or reducing their order lead times. Apparently playing hard to get is working wonders for them - so why make things any easier for anybody, right?
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I suppose. I found John Hall's statement about being "pro-consumer" rather lacking in sincerity, given that RIC only warranties their instruments for a year from date of manufacture, and the trouble a lot of people have had getting warranty claims taken care of.
Their prices have come way down, and Musicians Friend ordered me a 4003w for only $1445 with the July 4 discount. I think that's pretty darn good !
Sounds good to me too. Sam Ash quoted me $1925 on an in-stock 4003 when I called them today. I haven't heard of any new 4003's that were going for much under $1700 in a long time.
It's the begining of the month. Had you called them on Friday instead, when monthly sales quotas have to be filled, you would have gotten it much much cheaper. Maybe even $1700.
Have you been to the ric forums or even the ric threads on Tb? The users of the product generally have the same attitude and demeanor.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Why would they want to change their business model? They have a freaking waiting list and people put money down on Rics before they are built. The old model was they built a lot and then tried to sell them
To be fair (as a Ric owner), that business model should include keeping customers happy long after a purchase. At that price, you're buying a 'lifetime' bass but the sale seems to be all that matters. Some companies emphasize quality control and customer service much better.
I am here about price, just in a different way. Im trying to thin the herd and I have NO IDEA what a beat up '97 Jetglo 4003 should be listed for. Great neck and body with the usual finish wear, no cracks. Non-stock pups. Worn frets. Beat up OHSC. What does a 'warrior' 4003 go for these days? Can post pics, but looking for ballpark.
Given that RIC generally has a waiting list and isn't really trying to grow their business beyond that, I'm surprised they would acquiesce to allowing pricing. Not disagreeing, just surprised RIC has changed policies.
Sears online really isn't Sears at all, they sell anything and everything, think of it like a poorer version ebay or amazon, basically.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Yes ... But ... you are talking about Rickenbacker International Corporation ... They make a nice product, but once they sell it you own it, any problems are yours ... OK I exaggerate a little but they are not famous for being customer friendly.
I got a Fireglo 4003S with July 4th discount from GC for 1351.00 which is tax included. I was expecting some type of issue after hearing of Rick QC issues, but t is an excellent bass! Got a 4003 jetglo in 2009, For less than 1400.00 from MF using a Memorial day discount. Had one bad saddle which I called the company about and they gave me the option of sending the bass back to be fixed or they could send me some new saddles. I opted for the saddles and they sent me 4. So I guess up to this point I have been blessed with what I had received. I'm not a big fan of not posting prices but it only takes a second to get it.
