[Harp-L] harp suppliers and shipping costs

["Jeffrey Spoor" <Jeffrey@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I spent 5 days next to Rupert in Milwaukee a few weeks ago and he is  
EXACTLY as advertised.  Rupert works his behind off to satisfy everyone,  
over and above the call of duty.  Keep it up Rupert!!!!!

As for others, myself included........well.......... I don't want to speak  
for anyone but me, there just aren't enough hours in the day to get all of  
the things that need to get done.  I'm sure that what you are experiencing  
if very frustrating and to the consumer, it feels like the customer is  
just a number, I know because I've been there myself, but it is equally  
frustrating for the vendor.  There are a lot of sleepless nights trying to  
figure out how to fix all the little details that de-rail your day.  I  
have no interest in Harp Depot in any way (in fact, we are competitors)  
other than I know how it feels to be overwhelmed from time to time......I  
know that you have tried calling and emailing them with no success, but  
just keep trying.

As for shipping charges, some companies employ people who's sole priority  
is shipping.  That may be some of the reasons for the higher shipping  
charges, but some of what people refer to is "shipping & handling"  
charges.  I DO agree that shipping a 4 oz. harp to Canada for $25.00 is  
excessive.  I just checked the USPS postal rates for shipping to Canada,  
there are several choices and it appears that the highest is $23.25 (Int'l  
Express) and the cheapest is $4.66 (Int'l First-Class) and the difference  
reflects the delivery times.  I'm not letting a "trade secret" out, anyone  
who can use a computer can find out the rates.  There are some supplies  
that does add to the cost of doing business, but the USPS will supply you  
with some of it FREE......just ask.  Heck, they've even made the Prioriy  
boxes available for international use now too......  Before, someone  
starts a linching party about this, please understand that I do have a  
reason for this long winded response......US as vendors would not purchase  
or tolerate the exagerated shipping costs from the folks we buy  
from......if Hohner or Suzuki or whoever tried that with us, would we sit  
still for that????  I understand that the retail price for this gear is  
VERY competitive.....VERY......and when you widdle the sales price of an  
item down to where you don't have a profit, you have to make it up  
somewhere and shipping rates seem to be the way these days.  When you sell  
an item for nearly cost, there's nothing left for the "company" and for  
the owners of the company to feed his/her family with.   There are alway  
two sides to every story......so please just take a moment and try to see  
both sides.......

Sorry to hi-jack the tread and my very long winded rant, but I just wanted  
to pat Rupert on the back for his very hard work and let folks know that  
we as the owner/operators of this stuff, it is equally frustrating for us  
in hopes that with some patience and understanding everyone will  
benifit......Thanks.........Jeff


--
Jeffrey Spoor     Owner/Maker
317-363-9431
Cumberland Custom Cases
www.cumberlandcustomcases.com