[Harp-L] Manufacturer's Reps

["Bill Kumpe" <bkumpe@xxxxxxx>]

It has been my experience that some of the harp manufacturer's are kind of
strange about their commercial relationships.  A couple of years back, I was
writing a business plan for a mobile harp shop to travel to the major blues
festivals, etc. and sell Suzuki harps as the premium line and cheaper harps
for the kid market.  I called Suzuki and asked for their wholesale price
list so that I could take a look at margins, calculate critical sales
volumes, apply for an SBA or tribal business loan, etc.  They acted like I
was asking for the keys to the nuclear football.  Basically told me that I
would have to work through a storefront local dealer, or something to that
effect.  That project was put on hold but I decided then and there that if I
did go ahead with that project in another season, I would seek direct
relationships with Chinese manufacturers who are often sub contractors for
the big guys anyway and are more than willing to work with you without the
BS.

 

Bill Kumpe

Tulsa, OK