Upholding Alembic Standards

[susan]

Inasmuch as we have tried to hold down  expenses , circumstances that we are all facing in higher energy, labor and materials costs necessitate a price increase effective on orders placed beginning January 1, 2006. The increase will be approximately 6%.
 
Now I know such news in the past has sparked  lively discussions on the club and I expect that it will be the same this time. The only thing I would like you all to consider is that unlike some companies I cannot cut corners on the quality and service that we are known for and you all expect from us.
 
If you are contemplating an Alembic purchase, please contact your dealer, Valentino or myself to start the process using the current pricing.
 
Thank you all for the continued support in helping to  maintain the standards of Alembic.
 
-Susan

[bob]

Susan,
 
I'd like to suggest that you at least cross-reference this with a post in the News and Announcements section, just to make sure it gets proper visibility.
 
I realize you probably put it here thoughtfully, since that area doesn't permit discussion - but I can't for the life of me see that there is much to discuss.  All of us are familiar with issues of rising costs, and if anything, it seems to me you all could use a little breathing room.
 
From the few talks we've had, it's clear to me that your concerns about care and feeding - of customers, employees, even that homeless guy on the bridge - are paramount.
 
This is not about making you, Ron, Mica, etc. into Bill Gatesillionaires. It's about surviving long enough to get more of these fabulous instruments into the hands that will appreciate them. Sure, we could debate the issues of higher price/smaller market, what effect this has on resale value, blahblahblah, but ultimately it comes down to what it truly costs to make instruments of this quality, today.
 
I'm sure this was not an easy decision for you, and not taken lightly. My guess is that most people here will appreciate that - and of course, the anxious ones will finalize their orders as quickly as possible, thanks to the early notice.
 
Thank you, for maintaining your standards.
-Bob

[keith_h]

Adding to Bob's sentiments it is rather nice that the customers get forwarned so they have an opportunity to order before the increase. I know of many companies that would not make such intentions public until they went into effect.  
 
Keith

[gare]

Good thoughts and comments by Bob and Keith.
No business wants to raise prices and risk loosing customers.
Energy is and will continue to take a toll on the world economy..it's an unfortunate reality.
I still plan on another instrument when finances allow, increase or not. Because I want the quality and craftsmanship of an Alembic.
 
Gary

[jseitang]

thank you susan for taking this opportunity to tell us what most companies wont tell their customers. i think everyone feels that this has to be done in order to keep alembic the way it is-a family first then a company.well a company who cares about their customers like they are their own family members. i know personally, that price increases have never will never deter me from getting alembics, as a matter of fact, i would think  i need AT LEAST 3 more basses. im willing to wait because i love alembic.

[turk713]

Here's the way I see it; one, an Alembic is a perfectly functioning work of art in the music world, and two, money matters have hit us all again.  Simple.  
 
I have one Alembic, an early Orion.  A treasured, incredible instrument!  I want another Alembic.  There's nothing quite like owning and playing one; they are the real thing.  Knowing the going price simply tells me how much to save up no matter how long it takes.  It's a top notch aspiration to have.  
 
And to be in the good hands of you splendid folks at Alembic is truly a relief from the hardships of life, what with you doing things like this here, giving us a heads up on the toll that life imposed increases are having on you, and inviting discussion over how that affects us! Do you understand how it feels to be in the hands of people whose caliber is equal to yours?  It's the way things oughta be but ain't often at all.  
 
Increases affect all of us personally and in business.  No matter, we are with you!
 
YOU GUYS ARE SUPERB.  THANKS.