Re: Rickenbacker bass

On May 15, 2:07 pm, "Jim Carr" <newsgro...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
<bla...@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1179248185.694570.78980@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
IMO, in this modern world of globalization and layoffs, a decision to
remain a US only production for consumer goods is usually both brave
and foolhardy.

It's a shame, though, that there always seem to be wait of at least a few
months to get something from them. On the surface it seems kind of foolish
to tell someone willing to drop $1,100 on a bass that he will have to wait
three months or more since that money is probably burning a hole in his
pocket. But then again maybe they know something I don't.

I can't read their mind, but it isn't necessarily as dumb as it seems,
depending on what the ultimate goal for the business is. If you apply
standard big corporation rules, it is not good logic, but if you are
running a private company, eyeing for long term survival, it's not a
bad approach.

Considering the following:
1. limited market (not everybody is going to buy one)
2. doesn't need to answer to the boss regarding maximizing sales THIS
year/month/week.
3. preserve the brand identity (Made in USA!!!!) for the next few
decades
4. minimize capital expenditure (necessary to increase production to
meet today's demand).
5. minimize the risk for downsizing later ("who enjoys laying-off
people? Please raise your hand") when demand go down.
6. aim for long term control (not selling off the company and move to
Bermuda)
7. .....

The jist of it is that if all they want to do is focusing on a niche
bassist market, getting a healthy profit, and maintain control of the
company fate for the next few decades, then they are in a pretty good
position.

There is no need, in this particular case, to worry about balancing
the reputations of Rickenbacker-USA vs. Rickenbacker-Mexico, compete
against 120$ First Act copies, etc.

That's not a bad place to be for a company owner(s) who wants to
control its path for the next few decades. Sure, not everybody will
get to own a Ric because of this, but that's not the main purpose for
the company, is it?

I saw a "made in USA" segment for this company in the History Channel.
Their manufacturing set up is pretty much what I would expect from a
mid-sized private company's resources. It's not super lean, there
aren't a lot of robotic thingies, and they rely on a lot of "old
hands." But as long as the demand is there, they will survive because
they are managing their brand name integrity (and as long as the
owners enjoy doing what they're doing).

Tho

.

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