Dealer Backlog Easing?

[rickboy88]

I was looking around today at some websites, and noticed a good trend. Musician's Friend has two different 4003 finishes in stock (first time I've seen that) and Wildwood Guitars has a whopping 37 Ric guitars in stock. They've usually had at least 10 or so in stock, but this sets a record as long as I've been checking.

Here's the Wildwood link (as proof):
http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/electrics/ric/

[jimk]

I hope you're right. So I wonder how far down the list Rhoads' Music is? As of Friday's close of business, I hadn't seen any changes in the shipping list.

JimK

[goofyfoot]

I'm sure RIC is making inroads into the backlog. As far as dealer inventory goes, there is definitely more Ric merch available at Pick of the Ricks, Dave's Guitars, and The Music Zoo, just to name a few. Peace, out.....Goofyfoot.

[squid]

I've also noticed that certain dealers seem to have fewer Rics on order (i.e. they seem to be restocking with less frequency). The guitars that are in stock also seem to hang around a bit unless they've got some sort of special feature. I confess I put it all down to an impending economic slowdown, but it could also be that the supply and demand issues are reaching more of a natural equilibrium.

[jps]

...there is definitely more Ric merch available at Pick of the Ricks,... Peace, out.....Goofyfoot.

You should have seen all the Ricks at POTR last weekend!

[goofyfoot]

...there is definitely more Ric merch available at Pick of the Ricks,... Peace, out.....Goofyfoot.

You should have seen all the Ricks at POTR last weekend!

Roger, I copy that. I live vicariously through you, Jeff. Ten-four, over 'n out.....Goofyfoot.

P.S. ~ I can only imagine what my reaction would've been had I attended.....

[jps]

[jingle_jangle]

I've also noticed that certain dealers seem to have fewer Rics on order (i.e. they seem to be restocking with less frequency). The guitars that are in stock also seem to hang around a bit unless they've got some sort of special feature. I confess I put it all down to an impending economic slowdown, but it could also be that the supply and demand issues are reaching more of a natural equilibrium.

Since orders are placed some time in advance, and nobody was really on top of the economic "slowdown" until it blindsided us, I'd say that this is more perception than anything. The dealer stock is because people are belt-tightening, and would have a ripple effect, which could slow down orders this year if at any time.

As far as I remember, RIC wrote more business at last year's NAMM than the year before, although this is only one factor to consider.

[simer4001]

The economy didn't blindside all of us. I made defensive moves in January/February. Which allowed me to buy 3 basses just recently. Now I'm just waiting for the 4 items on order to be filled. I'm also hanging in there for a custom job!!!

[jingle_jangle]

Collectively, not individually, Brian.

Others of us also knew we were due for a major takedown; I predicted it to my AA, back in '05, and was still amazed at how huge it had become by last week.

[simer4001]

The size of it surprised me as well Paul. Getting back to the backlog though, I can't agree it has eased simply because none of the instruments I have on order have shipped. So even if there are a few shops with inventory, that really doesn't help me much.