Guild 2013 -- dealers

[chazmo]

I'm curious what the expanding of Guild products is going to do to the dealer network. The 2013 NAMM introduction of American Patriarch, Newark St. electrics, and Orpheum acoustics, as well as some more GAD and ARCOS acoustics presents a significant change in offerings.

We've heard before that Fender has occasionally changed its rules in its dealer network regarding quantities and mix.

I'm interested if anyone has any information or plans regarding the dealer network. It's too bad, but at the last LMG, we didn't really know what was being planned for this year, and so I don't recall any specific questions being asked about how Fender intends to distribute their new Guild wares.

 

[fronobulax]

Somewhere in all the NAMM verbiage was a statement attributed to Guild that the new instruments would be available at selected dealers. I took that to mean that an existing dealer became "selected" by placing an order. In context there was the suggestion that the quantities of Newark Street models were limited, at least initially. I may be seeing my dealer this week so I'll ask. The American Patriarch are special order and presumably anyone who can deal in NH Guilds could submit a special order. We know we aren't going to see any of the Newark Street models in Guitar Center.

I also remind you of my understanding of a comment made by Guild at LMG III to the effect that the "Guild dealer of the future" was likely to be an operation that specialized in high end, quality guitars, had a strong internet presence and outstanding customer service, for example, arranging a video call to demonstrate the guitar the customer was interested in. This comment was focused on Guild acoustics but I have no concerns about applying it to anything made in New Hartford.

IMO. YMMV.

 

[Darryl Hattenhauer]

Please tell me about the Orpheum series. That was the name of some fine instruments made long ago. As I recall, Fender acquired the name about the time they were in Tacoma, and they were low-end Asian instruments, I believe. Will they be high-end now?

 

[NEONMOONY]

I'm thinkin' your musicianfriend/guitar center/wwbw will be your #1 outlet.

 

[Darryl Hattenhauer]

Elderly is selling the new Kiwi line.http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/200U-2032.htm

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

Please tell me about the Orpheum series. That was the name of some fine instruments made long ago. As I recall, Fender acquired the name about the time they were in Tacoma, and they were low-end Asian instruments, I believe. Will they be high-end now?

Been away for a while Hat? You've missed all the action!

 

[Darryl Hattenhauer]

Thanks, Grot.

 

[chazmo]

Somewhere in all the NAMM verbiage was a statement attributed to Guild that the new instruments would be available at selected dealers. I took that to mean that an existing dealer became "selected" by placing an order. In context there was the suggestion that the quantities of Newark Street models were limited, at least initially. I may be seeing my dealer this week so I'll ask. The American Patriarch are special order and presumably anyone who can deal in NH Guilds could submit a special order. We know we aren't going to see any of the Newark Street models in Guitar Center.

I also remind you of my understanding of a comment made by Guild at LMG III to the effect that the "Guild dealer of the future" was likely to be an operation that specialized in high end, quality guitars, had a strong internet presence and outstanding customer service, for example, arranging a video call to demonstrate the guitar the customer was interested in. This comment was focused on Guild acoustics but I have no concerns about applying it to anything made in New Hartford.

IMO. YMMV.

Jamie, I remember that too, but focusing on New Hartford product is not really what I was getting at. I guess we'll see.

 

[Darryl Hattenhauer]

68-page NAMM catalog for 2013, $4.99

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NAMM-2013-Guild ... 4ac0e19154

 

[Bing k]

We've heard before that Fender has occasionally changed its rules in its dealer network regarding quantities and mix.

Rules have changed. :|

There are now five different dealerships for Guild. GAD, Arcos, Newark, New Hartford, Full Line.

 

[learnintoplay62]

Bing, by your response does it seem like it might not be to your liking ?

 

[fronobulax]

We've heard before that Fender has occasionally changed its rules in its dealer network regarding quantities and mix.

Rules have changed. :|

There are now five different dealerships for Guild. GAD, Arcos, Newark, New Hartford, Full Line.

I'm wondering who this makes things easier for. Probably not the dealers.

 

[chazmo]

I don't know... This is what I was after...

So, now it's kind of a smorgasbord. Maybe that's better, Bing. You can pick what lines you want to carry. But, really, it's kind of weird. All these years, Fender has been trying to foist these different locations as Guild... So, now it's product lines? And, New Hartford is not one product line... They do traditional, standard, and now custom shop stuff (including orpheum).

Please, share your thoughts.

 

[Bing k]

Bing, by your response does it seem like it might not be to your liking ?

If all a dealer is interested in is one section such as GAD it works. Or the Newarks.

As it is for a full line dealer it's so many pieces of each section. It's a stocking requirement of X number of pieces for each section and annual commitment to X number of pieces and XXXX number of dollars annual commitment. In some cases dealers with existing stock hanging may apply them against a stocking requirement but not always. If sales are slow and a dealer is meeting his commitments for product purchase it tends to create a museum.

The problem with being a one section dealer is you have a sign on the door that says Guild but you only carry the electrics, or the GAD's or other. Customers see Guild on the door and they expect to see the full line.

The inventory expenditure in a limited market eats up a lot of cash that you pay interest on. It's a cash flow thing. Sometimes it comes down to dumping stock at cost or below cost if you consider interest just to get the cash back to reinvest. This scenario ties up money over what can be an extended period of time with no return on investment.

On the other hand, you just can't carry three guitars of the line, it just does not work. The line needs to be represented.

When a factory rep walks in the door he expects to walk out the door with an order.

Now duplicate this for every company you deal with. $$$$$$$$$$$

 

[chazmo]

So, Bing... Full line carry commitments are now up a lot since last year's commitments? Are they going to be able to honor that since the initial roll out of all these new models will be slow?

In any case, I hope it all works out for ya'!

 

[guitarslinger]

I've encountered this problem as a consumer. Many years ago I wanted an L5. There was a local Gibson dealer, but, he was not an "Historics" dealer. I was perplexed that I couldn't purchase a Gibson at a local Gibson dealer with whom I had an ongoing relationship and would, instead, have to drive at least two hours to a "qualified" dealer. I bought an Artist Award instead. It was a good choice.

 

[ladytexan]

When checking Guild's website, there is no indication (yet) of how to locate a dealer by series/models.....which implies that one can buy any Guild model from any of the dealers listed. Finding a dealer by location is misleading. According to what Bing just described as the new rules, one would have to check with all/several dealers to find a model s/he wanted. Confusing at best, huh? :?

Thanks for posing the question, Chazmo.

 

[Darryl Hattenhauer]

This situation seems like a real pain in the soundhole.

 

[Bing k]

So, Bing... Full line carry commitments are now up a lot since last year's commitments? Are they going to be able to honor that since the initial roll out of all these new models will be slow?

In any case, I hope it all works out for ya'!

We'll just have to see how it plays out. Because of limited production the Newarks are limited to about 40 dealers. So some full-line dealers will not have them. As far as annual commitment compared to last year, 2012, it might be a little heavier. The Orpheums are non-committing because they are special order so unless the dealer decides to hang a couple for display to generate interest for special orders they probably will not be required.

Don't get the idea that I'm bitchin', I'm not. We are definitely going to reorganize our inventory capacities because we stock too many guitars. Our American Guild inventory is ridiculous, we can't even get them all hung.

I think the Newarks priced in the thousand dollar range may be something that will sell through, at least that's what I'm gambling on. I knew they were coming 16 months ago but had no information about what models or where FMIC would target a price range. I also believe that down the road we will see a heavier American electric side especially if the Newarks really take off. Maybe they won't come out of America, maybe they'll use the Japanese plant which I know rubs some folks the wrong way.

I don't know. Remember this all comes from a cowboy out in the sticks who may not know his a$$ from a hole in ground on any given day.

 

[Bing k]

According to what Bing just described as the new rules, one would have to check with all/several dealers to find a model s/he wanted. Confusing at best, huh? :?

Thanks for posing the question, Chazmo.

Actually it's probably not new rules for FMIC, it's the way they've run Fender for a long time. There's a section for Squire and import dealers, then there's the acoustic dealers, then there's the American side which may all have changed by now but that's the way it was when we were there.