Obscene Musicians Friend Sale

[beatbyrd]

Well the price is good, I called up to order, but the State of California now requires sales tax, and since the state of Califorinia is using my tax money in ways which I don't agree, I canceled my order.

Jerry, try calling SamAsh.com and asking for a price match. No tax from Florida (I think...). They might even match the price with any color. The other alternative is to make a friend in Las Vegas, have them order it from MF (no tax?), and go pick it up (good reason for a road trip). Good luck. Tom

Sam Ash also has nexus in California as well; it's no different. The trick is to have goods delivered in a state where the seller does not operate or a state with no sales tax. Technically, most states still require payment of sales or use tax anyway, with the ultimate purchaser responsible for reporting and payment, but there's no mechanism for them to track this . . . at the moment.

John, I called SamAsh.com (in Florida) today for a price on a high end preamp. I was told there would not be any tax. Earlier in the day, I spoke to both Zzounds and SameDay and one of them told me "no tax unless you live in NJ". Musicians Friend told me there would be sales tax charged, once I let them know that I live in CA. Tom

[Danotron]

I've seen at least 2 Midnight Blue Rick basses on eBay today in "unplayed mint condition", in the factory shipping cartons, and still with the packing materials in the case. "Only taken out of the box for pictures". Both for around $1,799.00.

I don't think it's that hard to figure out where they came from.

Let the flipping begin

[RIC_FACTORY]

If only folks knew about some of the behind-the-scenes details and things I ought not mention... Your heads would spin.

[jps]

Let the spinning begin, but given the behind the scenes nature I suppose PM would be more appropriate, eh?

[Grey]

The tally on TalkBass lists about 50 people has having purchased a Bass from the MF sale, plus the people here, plus whoever else ordered from them that wasen't on either site.
I am genuinely curious as to how they have so many Midnight Blue 4003's.

[berth]

If only folks knew about some of the behind-the-scenes details and things I ought not mention... Your heads would spin.

Well, then tell or don't mention. Now we are curious....

[fatcat]

I had cancelled my order for one since reading of the possibility of getting one with issues,and also that MF charged me $24 some more for sales tax than was really due.

[coolingitdown]

I've seen at least 2 Midnight Blue Rick basses on eBay today in "unplayed mint condition", in the factory shipping cartons, and still with the packing materials in the case. "Only taken out of the box for pictures". Both for around $1,799.00.

I don't think it's that hard to figure out where they came from.

Let the flipping begin

Now, if i had bought one to flip it, I would've waited a few months. These guys are cutting into their own profits by flooding the market like they are!

That or I would've kept the MID and sold my FG to get some diversity of color. Then again, maybe the FG would've been the nicer of the 2 anyway...

But I didn't buy one, so I guess it's irrelevant. And this is what being up at 4:30am all week and too much coffee does to you. Sorry, everyone!

[sloop_john_b]

If only folks knew about some of the behind-the-scenes details and things I ought not mention... Your heads would spin.

Spin? Hell, I'm still waiting to "flip out".

[RIC_FACTORY]

Let's just say someone didn't see the demand and did some odd things recently. Also, some folks outside of North America got a good deal...

John, was your 4003 MID ok? I assume you got one, or else why would you link to a thread that is a few years old now and has nothing to do with this topic? By the way, I'm not afraid to use a sarcastic smiley as well!

[johnhall]

I don't mind sharing the irony that Ben was referring to.

Obviously Musician's Friend ordered more MID basses than demand warranted, as compared to other colors, and they stacked up in their warehouse. So they did what all retailers do, they had a sale to reduce inventory.

All reasonable so far.

But I pointed out to folks around here that their ordering system is for the most part automated and uses algorithms like a similar infamous IBM inventory system from the 1980's that caused rather large blips in orders for many large department stores. As such, I said watch for a new large order for MID instruments, because the computer will detect all these sales as increased demand, without understanding the link to sale conditions.

That order arrived Wednesday, right on schedule . . .

[sloop_john_b]

John, was your 4003 MID ok? I assume you got one, or else why would you link to a thread that is a few years old now and has nothing to do with this topic? By the way, I'm not afraid to use a sarcastic smiley as well!

Just a friendly nudge/reminder that I'm just DYING to throw money at you one of these years!

[RIC_FACTORY]

Well I think it better to totally surprise everyone as opposed to build up anticipation. Lesson learned!

[sloop_john_b]

Well I think it better to totally surprise everyone as opposed to build up anticipation. Lesson learned!

However you would like to go about it, I will continue waiting, wishing, hoping...

[teeder]

Right there with ya, John B!

That order arrived Wednesday, right on schedule . . .

That's funny!