Deposit with Dealer who is no longer authorized

[mborkum]

I have an instrument on deposit with a dealer who is no longer on the authorized list of dealers. When I go to their website they no longer have any Rics listed for sale anymore. They have been in business for a while and I've bought new Rics from them in the past, but am concerned that they won't get any kind of priority treatment for backorder shipments. They tell me there's nothing to worry about. Should I be concerned? What would you do?

[johnhall]

I have an instrument on deposit with a dealer who is no longer on the authorized list of dealers. When I go to their website they no longer have any Rics listed for sale anymore. They have been in business for a while and I've bought new Rics from them in the past, but am concerned that they won't get any kind of priority treatment for backorder shipments. They tell me there's nothing to worry about. Should I be concerned? What would you do?

The only "priority" used is date; specifically the oldest order for any item gets shipped first. However, there's obviously a reason that the dealer is no longer authorized, so if it were me, I would call customer service to be sure the item actually is on order.

Be advised also that WE haven't taken dealer deposits of any kind, even for lefties, for a number of years now, so this would strictly be the store's policy, not ours.

[johnallg]

Welcome, Michael. You won't get better info or advice that that.

[mborkum]

I agree, thanks! I have an order from 2009 and, assuming it was legitimately placed, really hope that it will still be sent to the dealer who, for whatever reason, is no longer authorized.

[johnhall]

I think you might want to check with your dealer or our customer service. I just took a quick glance of our outstanding orders and didn't note any orders that fit this description. The very few orders that go back that far are for "exotic" models and almost entirely overseas.

[mborkum]

I just called Rickenbacker customer service and they confirmed that the dealer is no longer authorized and as a result will not be receiving any orders. I then called that dealer who promised to refund my deposit even though they were obviously annoyed at having to return my $300 down payment. So I think we're good there. Now, to make some calls and find out who has a 5002V58 on order so I won't have to go to the back of the line!

[rickyfricky]

I just called Rickenbacker customer service and they confirmed that the dealer is no longer authorized and as a result will not be receiving any orders. I then called that dealer who promised to refund my deposit even though they were obviously annoyed at having to return my $300 down payment. So I think we're good there. Now, to make some calls and find out who has a 5002V58 on order so I won't have to go to the back of the line!

You could also post it on "Rickenbacker Wanted" on this Forum's Marketplace.

Good luck, and I hope the dealer speaketh the Truth.

[johnhall]

This wouldn't have been any surprise to the dealer, as they would have received notice of an order cancellation.

Dealers who have mandolins (in a wide variety of colors) are:

Fuller's Vintage Guitars
Avenue Guitars Ltd.
Huber & Breese Music
Shanghai Music & Sound
Wilcutt Guitar Shoppe
Dave's Guitar
AAA Swing City Music
And naturally . . . Mandolin Brothers.

I can't speak as to which ones might not be not pre-sold . . .

[ozover50]

Rarely, if ever, would you be receiving advice and assistance from the CEO of an organisation of his own volition. I'm impressed, John.

I hope you are able to find the instrument you're looking for, Michael.... and that you don't have to go to the back of a queue.

[mborkum]

Very much appreciated; thank you very much!! Time to get dialing...

[mborkum]

I called one of the dealers from the list who I've purchased from before. I was told that they had a 5002V58 on order since April 7, 2009 that wasn't yet spoken for. At this point I was ready to leave a deposit. Given the age of the order, they decided to first call Rickenbacker to make sure that the order would be fulfilled at some point in the relatively near-to-mid future. I was just called back from the dealer who was told that no future runs of the mandolin were planned at this time and that no orders were being taken. So, the hunt continues!...

[johnhall]

I was just called back from the dealer who was told that no future runs of the mandolin were planned at this time and that no orders were being taken.

Correct, but for the way you could read "planned". "Scheduled" would be the correct word- we ARE planning to make it but we just haven't scheduled it yet. In the meantime we're not taking new orders.

[johnallg]

Michael, you are getting great info here. I also suggest posting in the Wanted section. Did you try Wilcutt?

[mborkum]

That is awesome news! The dealer interpreted the message as the mandolins had been discontinued; they didn't want to take my deposit if the order was never going to be fulfilled. I'll call them back, tell them what the CEO said , and place my name next to the old order. Wilcutt has a really nice one in stock in Fireglo but as long as I'm buying new I might as well wait for my preferred MG finish.

[mborkum]

Called the dealer back this morning with the "planned vs. scheduled" news and got my name next to the open order from April, 2009, so if anything I moved up in line after all of this rather than back. Price was fair, too! I can't imagine receiving this high level of support from any other company, guitar or otherwise, which is why I keep coming back to RIC. Life is good!