Re: [Harp-L] Another Hohner price increase

[joe leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Jan 20, 2010, at 5:13 PM, Michael Easton wrote:

> I didn't see anything posted yet in my Digest so I guess I'll be  
> the messenger of bad news.
>
> Got a call today from my Hohner supplier.  He said HohnerUSA is  
> increasing it's prices across the board 8%
> on Feb. 15.

This tells me that things in Germany are bad. Probably inflation.  
Which, ironically is good for the U.S. We will probably see other  
German goods increase in price. Like cars. I hope my German licorice  
doesn't go up too much.
> I asked about the Crossover harp and he said he's been out of them  
> since Oct.  A new shipment won't be in until the
> price increase so don't plan on getting one at the old price.

Most manufacturers use that ploy. Most stores will increase the  
prices of their merchandise even though the stuff on the shelves was  
purchased at the old prices.
> I've decided to stop carrying Hohner products for obvious reasons  
> but will still fix them while I have the parts in stock.

Why would you drop them. In my lifetime, I have never seen anything  
go down. Always up. It's a natural phenominon.

> Hohner is slowly driving the independent repair guys out of  
> business due to the cost of replacement parts.

I don't thin they are doing it on purpose.
> The reason my rep. gave for the price increase is the increase in  
> the Euro value and something to do with the Chinese economy.

This is a red flag. It tells me that at least 'some' of their stuff  
is being made in China.
> Also Hohner is has decided to market their products in blister card  
> packs now to have them out on a rack rather then behind glass in a  
> case.
> They want product visibility.  Word from the rep is vendors aren't  
> happy with that move.

Having them in the open makes them succeptable to heat cold and  
sunlight.
> Michael Easton
> www.harmonicarepair.com
>
>
>
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