Comment

Comment by Roger Martin on January 28, 2010 at 12:51am

Diane, if I built with pickups in this market I'd be priced too high for the tourists to be able to afford, or at least more then their willing to pay.
So to get around that I build most as acoustic , ,,,THEN offer the little clip on pickups and the amps as a kit, if they want to make " more noise"
It works out great because they feel like they have a choice and like the no pressure choices I offer.
I explain and play the instrument so they see that it CAN be played non electric and you can just see them relax when they realize that I'm not pushing them to buy more then they can afford.
A lot of the time they talk themselves into buying the "kit" because I told them they didnt need it.
It sounds counter to normal sales, but it works.
This month I'm having more credit card sales then normal , to counter that yesterday I started a sale, if they buy with cash I offer a 10% discount.
Sales ARE down slightly because its our winter/slow season,we always expect that this time of year.
Most of the business's here just sit and cry because sales are down. Instead I try to come up with ways to get around seasonal downs.Instead of just putting up misleading sale signs to lure them in, I actually have a sale.
On Wed,s and Thurs this time of year I usually have the shop closed so I can be home building inventory, I cant be open and here building at the same time.I got a call this morning as the wife and I were leaving to go get groceries and it was a tourist asking if I'd be there today. He wanted to buy a CBG for his son. I drove to Gatlinburg ( 25 min drive) and sold the Havana Honey's at the sale price counting the 10% off. So my sale is working even if the damn shop is CLOSED! lol

Comment by Diane in Chicago on January 27, 2010 at 5:24pm

Those are all just beautiful! Are most with pickups? I see those little honeytones there . . .

Comment by Roger Martin on January 27, 2010 at 5:13pm

Bill,
What I do is put a 1st coat of poly on the necks, let it dry and then lightly sand the rough off. THEN I spray the color on.When that dries I add another coat of clear poly. It makes the color really pop and add a lot of depth to the color, making it look deeper.It really makes a difference in the finish look. And your right the customers love it.

Comment by Bill Ludeman on January 26, 2010 at 6:32pm

WOw I really like your colors Roger, is that enamel paint? Bet the red knocks their socks off.