Just wanting a bit of advice here, it's about another one of my interests that involves buying things every now and again. Say I was after a USA vintage RI Strat, a particular model in a particular colour, I gig now and again and would like to sort this out soon, not urgently, but within a not-unreasonable couple of weeks. Phone the only shop in the area who is a Fender dealer and the owner is a long-time Fender fanboy to inquire - if anybody can get me what I want, it's this shop. I make it clear that's the exact model I've decided to spend my money on and that I'd prefer to buy it from their shop rather than get it off the internet. They don't have it in stock but can get it, "yeah probably, I'll give you a ring".
A week goes by and nothing. After 10 days I ring up to inquire: "oh, yeah, spoke to Fender UK yesterday, waiting to hear back from them." Another 10 days go by and they don't ring back, so 3 weeks have gone by and they haven't been able to give me an answer either way. It's getting more urgent, so I check a few internet sites - all reply to my inquiry within 24 hours and one place has it in stock at the same price as the shop and with free shipping.
I like to support shops because it's much easier in case of any warranty issues, plus you can get it set up etc, but at what point does your patience run out?
Comments
Eventually ordered them online for cheaper and received them within a day or two. I like the concept of helping local businesses but they at least have to be ones worth keeping open...
With so many comparison web sites out there, how do I choose the best one?
I understand your sentiment about wanting to buy local, and I try to do it too, but what you've decsribed is pretty poor service, especially since you've said you'd rather deal with them.
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself
If a dealer is 'struggling' to obtain something which is freely available, I always suspect cash-flow problems - supply from manufacturers and distributors is rarely problematic.
Will we ever find out what your 'Stratocaster' really is?