Re: Leica Has A Dealer Problem...

["bill erfurth" <photophoto@hotmail.com>]

Hello Richard and others,

What Richard has pointed out is quite true but, there are two other 
parts to the problem as I see it.

The second part to the problem is just an extension of what Richard 
talked about...i.e. "supply on hand".  Maybe I don't want a new R zoom 
lens.  Maybe I just want to augment my supply of prime lenses with a 
used zoom lens.  Many of the local dealers do not carry that many used 
items so I end up going mail order.

The third part of the problem and the one that people don't often talk 
about is "sales tax".  If you are going to buy a $1,995.00 body or lens, 
and the sales tax in your area is 8%, that's a total of $160 you are 
paying in tax which if you bought mail order could be better spent on 
other things.

Of course 'business is business' but if it weren't for the local 
dealer(s) many of us whold never have a chance to see and handle the 
real product before we purchase it.  

- -Bill 


>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
>-----------------------
>Richard Clompus, OD
>West Chester, PA, USA


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com