randy@amadeus on mon 1 mar 04
Brandy
Why not buy your supplies from a good local retailer. They are there to =
help when you need it, they have what you need when you need it, and =
most important they probably don't cost you any more to buy from them. =
I am amazed at how people think that the pasture is greener somewhere =
else. I wonder how many times a day some save $5.00 ordering on line or =
over the phone only to pay $10.00 in freight and $5.00 in handling. =
Spend you money at home it is good for you, and your community.
Arnold Howard on tue 2 mar 04
Sometimes there are hidden costs in ordering a kiln from a wholesale
distributor. When you compare prices, include the cost of shipping, crating
and handling. A local distributor can usually pass on freight savings to
you.
If you have questions about firing or you have problems with your kiln, a
local distributor is more likely to help you than a long-distant wholesale
outlet.
Some local distributors also help you set up your kiln. What a great
service. It frustrates those distributors when someone buys from a
long-distant wholesale outlet and then comes to them for firing advice.
But if you are already an expert on firing and repairing a kiln, then buying
through a wholesale outlet may be a viable option for you.
One thing I would add about shipping: when the trucking company delivers
your kiln, inspect the kiln for exterior freight damage. Look it over
carefully. When you sign for the kiln, add "subject to inspection" next to
your signature. After the driver leaves, uncrate the kiln and check it
thoroughly. Sometimes damage is hidden.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P.
arnoldhoward@att.net
-----------
From: "randy@amadeus"
Brandy
Why not buy your supplies from a good local retailer. They are there to
help when you need it, they have what you need when you need it, and most
important they probably don't cost you any more to buy from them.
Bandy on tue 2 mar 04
Sandy,......First of all my last name is BANDY.... no rrrrrr's
I asked a business question not one on morality or local economics.
I have owned both retail businesses and wholesale. And a big surprise to you
might be that I have owned more then one of each. In one business I
designed, fabricated and sold jewelry world wide, none of which would be
possible if I purchased my supplies retail. You are very wrong in your
assumptions!. I may know more about purchasing then you.
Yes the grass is greener if you can by wholesale at half the price. There
are NO suppliers in my area. I live in the mountains and have to do all our
shopping at the local Kmart. I would never screw my local retailers by
buying elsewhere unless they cannot offer what I need, or in the case of
running a business where wholesale purchasing is the only way to be able to
turn a profit. If you are running a business that only buys it's supplies
from retail you must not be doing very well. What help is it I need from a
retailer? I have no questions needing answers that would require a retailer
to answer.
I spend plenty of money in my own town. I do not purchase my groceries
wholesale or my clothing, cars or the home I live in.
Why do you think retail costs are the same as wholesale? A gold bead up town
at a retailers is $20.00, wholesale it is $5.00, where would the profit
be???
Are you perhaps.... a retailer?????
I do not wish to offend anyone but this is not a very educated answer. This
may be some of the problem you all are experiencing when it comes to the irs
and whether your business is a business or a hobby.
I am not trying to be a bitch but this answer did not do much for me. Thanks
any way.
Cherie
PS I left the message attached to remind me what a lovely answer I rec'd
<<<<Why not buy your supplies from a good local retailer. They are there to
help when you need it, they have what you need when you need it, and most
important they probably don't cost you any more to buy from them. I am
amazed at how people think that the pasture is greener somewhere else. I
wonder how many times a day some save $5.00 ordering on line or over the
phone only to pay $10.00 in freight and $5.00 in handling. Spend you money
at home it is good for you, and your community.>>>>>>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Bandy on tue 2 mar 04
Thanks for some very good points.
I live in a very rual area and the only place that provides kilns charges
too much even if I take into account the shipping etc.
I am fortunate to know several potters that build and repair kilns. I would
have one built but my space is very limited.
Have a great week!
Cherie
Lois Ruben Aronow on tue 2 mar 04
Sometimes it works the other way around.
When I bought my (electric) kiln, it I saved HUNDREDS of dollars in total -
shipping and all - by ordering it from Baileys. They gave a discount on the
shipping, and their prices was half what my local distributor charged. I
had to uncrate the thing myself, which was easy. Skutt had sent me
wiring/outlet diagrams, so I had that already installed. I fired up my
first test run the same day as delivery. My local distributor is a major
one too, not some rinky dink operation.
My local distributor refused to match the price, and didn't even have it in
stock. Ordering it would have taken weeks. They told me they would not
service the kiln if there was a problem. I kept in mind they would charge
just for coming out to my studio. Besides, my tech had a relationship with
Skutt, who would - and did - happily honor the warranty.
Bottom line is it pays to shop around.
> Sometimes there are hidden costs in ordering a kiln from a
> wholesale distributor. When you compare prices, include the
> cost of shipping, crating and handling. A local distributor
> can usually pass on freight savings to you.
>
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