Saxophones My new offline shop

aldevis

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I might ask the mods to delete it, if things go out of control or if Mr. Thomas finds it, for any reason, inappropriate.

[ADMIN EDIT: Marketing post approved]


These are personal opinions, Mr Sequoia is too busy making saxophones to waste time on the internet.


I had a consultation with the owner, the marketing manager, the production manager, the chief of executive and the personal training manager of the well known saxophone brand "Sequoia"; for brevity all of them will be referred to as "Mr Roberto".

I decided to start selling his saxophones in the UK.
Offline.
An online shop would put me in direct competitions with some major companies. I could not win.


Here is the idea: I have some horns in stock. The customer books an appointment to try them, and if there is love, he/she buys it.
Both Mr. Roberto and me are not the kind of people that can believe in marketing hype, so curiosity (and price) are the main reasons to give them a try. Then word of mouth, hopefully, will start.


Why are they competitive?
They are in the infamous mid price range (about £1500, at the moment) but they are a horn that makes a difference on stage.
Proper professional level.
I don't miss my 5digits MkVI (it's in the cupboard) and I could not find a straight soprano as good as this.
I was quite skeptical when a member of this forum recommended them to me, but when I tried the first tenor, it simply blew me away. Absolute love. Then I started thinking of it and finally visited the workshop again, where I selected the "object of endorsement"
It is one of tose instruments that give you an immediate impression. And i may add that it is not a "one trick pony"


Mr Buttus has his own factory (nor a stencil, then) and outsources some bits, but mostly:
1- He does part of the process himself (with his German counterpart) going often to Taiwan. This is also not to disclose some know how that he claims could make a difference for other brands
2- He personally inspects every single horn before shipping.
3- Horns get shipped from Italy: easy delivery in all Europe (recently we could not overcome the hurdles for sending an instrument on approval in the States).


I will start stocking two sopranos, in two different finishes. My own instruments will be available to trying, then I can have a tenor or an alto delivered in a very short time, If the customer likes them.
There is a Pillinger soprano model that is a perfect match. I will keep some in stock too.


Let questions and suggestions start!

 
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Do we have to love you to buy a sax from you 😉

Seriously, this works great for anyone close to London, will people from up North travel that far, maybe in time if they get a good reputation.🙂

Have you considered posting them out to people to try, I know there are risks but may be worth considering to widen your market.

Good luck though, hope it takes off for you.

Jx
 
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Do we have to love you to buy a sax from you;}

Easy: I am lovely!

Have you considered posting them out to people to try, I know there are risks but may be worth considering to widen your market.

This is exactly one of the issues: saxophones are better shipped from Italy. Maybe returned to me.
I was thinking of having a return policy, but I have to understand how risky/unpleasant it would be.
 
Easy: I am lovely!

A given, after all you are Italian



This is exactly one of the issues: saxophones are better shipped from Italy. Maybe returned to me.
I was thinking of having a return policy, but I have to understand how risky/unpleasant it would be.

Some more random thoughts:

I suspect 99% of the try outs you will be dealing with decent honest people and everything will be fine.

Will they have to pay up front and trust you/Italy that they can get a refund if they are not happy with the sax, could you meet them half way and let them pay half until they decide whether or not to buy?

If they ship direct from Italy will they be able to try the mouthpiece too?

Jx
 
How does the Tenor compare with the big two, ....is it 1500 or is that the Sop
Thanks

Current price, approximate, not legally binding (exchange rates to be updated) for a tenor is £1350 to £1650, according with the model. alto more or less the same. Soprano is about £1500: choice has been narrowed to two models: unlacquered and lacquered 85%copper.
 
Will they have to pay up front and trust you/Italy that they can get a refund if they are not happy with the sax, could you meet them half way and let them pay half until they decide whether or not to buy?

This is exactly the point. My best idea till now is that they pay me with paypal, that offers buyer's protection, with that 4% extra. Mouthpiece can be included, but Ed give great options himself, so it would make no big difference ordering a PJ soprano directly from him.

Italy has a bad name, regarding payments and shipping. That's something we need to overcome.
 
What about payment via direct bank transfer? Saves fees? When will you have a proper price list with full details, terms? What part of London are you living in if I want to try an alto?
 
What about payment via direct bank transfer? Saves fees?
This is the way the company currently deals with orders.
I understand that the paypal fee can be justified for customer protection. I have no idea about bank costs for international money transfers. They could be similar to the 4%paypal.

When will you have a proper price list with full details, terms? What part of London are you living in if I want to try an alto?

I am in the process of tidying up these ideas, and waiting to receive my own alto.
I am based near Liverpool Street, teach in Hampton Court and often around.
 
Sadly, I can't afford one of your saxophones, but it would be good to see you there. And I'm sure you could make some useful contacts.

I should definitely star the exploration of the world outside the M25. My next thread will be about my "adoptapub" idea... stay tuned.
 

Similar threads... or are they? Maybe not but they could be worth reading anyway 😀

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