Leica Has A Dealer Problem...

[Richard Clompus <rclompus@voicenet.com>]

Dear Fellow LUGnuts,

I have come to the conclusion that Leica has a problem that affects all of
us as consumers.  It goes something like this:

You decide that you want a piece of photographic equipment - like a new R
zoom lens.  You call your local Leica dealer to check if the lens is in
stock.  The dealer doesn't have one.  They are on a waiting list for it.
Not wanting to wait further, you call around to other Leica dealers and
finally after a few hours of calling, you find one that has the lens in
stock.  The lens is only available for the suggested Leica list price.  You
then pay an average of $25-$35 to have the lens shipped overnight and
you're glad to have found one.  

My conclusions from all of this (which I've repeated at least three times
over the past few months) is that it is hard to develop a relationship with
a Leica dealer.  Leica dealers in the U.S. just don't seem to have lenses
and accessories in stock.  The Leica M grip for the M6 has been on back
order for the past two months.  I can't find one anywhere.  I would prefer
to have an on going relationship with one dealer but none have the ability
to service my needs because they can't get product.  My attitude has been
that after saving the dollars for equipment, I want the lens immediately.
Maybe as the ultimate photo consumer I'm expecting too much.  Leica seems
to be working as fast as they can with limited resources.   

I'm sure this is a problem that Leica would like to see solved but it does
create issues for dealers who would love to sell me equipment but they
don't have it and can't seem to tell me when they will get it.  Nothing
beats a close relationship with a dealer.  Some dealers have even hand
delivered Leica product to my office.  Its nice when you call up your
favorite Leica salesman and they recognize your voice.  But if they don't
have the lens I need, I can't wait months until their name comes around on
the distribution list from Leica.

Maybe I'm the only one in the U.S. having a supply problem.  Thanks for
letting me blow off some steam.

Richard
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Richard Clompus, OD
West Chester, PA, USA