Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/07/25

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Leica USA no longer selling repair parts
From: "Gary Williams" <nasmformyzombie@mindspring.com>
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2003 17:56:03 -0400
References: <D6EB5394-BECA-11D7-A981-000393AC0E1A@johnbrownlow.com> <000b01c352df$f6fd83e0$304079a5@mindspring.com> <002201c352e7$cf150490$0201000a@basecamp2win>

Subject: Re: [Leica] Leica USA no longer selling repair parts


> It's important to remember that Leica is not alone in this type of policy.

The sad fact is if Leica doesn't start running its business like a business
it may lose some "nostalgiacs" (the battle) but its the only chance it has
of staying in the game (the war).

> I think John Brownlow is correct in his comment "win the battle, lose the
> war".  With the exception of the M rangefinder system, Leica has very few
> competitive advantages these days, and the most valuable of these is the
> loyalty of the existing customer base.  Alienating these people is a grave
> mistake that, in the long run, will prove far more damaging to the company
> than the small loss of revenue that results from selling spare parts to
> independent repair people.
> --Jim

This is not about loss of revenue vs. catering to a customer base.  If Leica
wants to support an antique product for "x" number of years and continues to
sell spare parts to individuals that it no longer produces for said product
then Leica's ability to support these products is compromised.

Gary

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In reply to: Message from Johnny Deadman <lists@johnbrownlow.com> (Re: [Leica] Leica USA no longer selling repair parts)
Message from "Gary Williams" <nasmformyzombie@mindspring.com> (Re: [Leica] Leica USA no longer selling repair parts)
Message from "Jim Laurel" <jplaurel@nwlink.com> (Re: [Leica] Leica USA no longer selling repair parts)