Vintage Service

Call me Old Fashioned.

 I remember a time when the end user was King. A time before the big box shops and internet sales that a dealer or manufacturers rep would come visit you at the studio or venue to show their latest products. You would get a demonstration, then they would leave it with you for a week or so to try it out. Then if you liked it, guess what.....you would by it from them! We wouldn't go on Ebay or Amazon to find it, we would buy it from the people that provided the SERVICE. Then, after some time passed the salesman would come back to see how you were doing with a follow up, provide any more training you would need and make sure you were completely happy. Some people look for vintage gear, I look for vintage service. And it worked very well, just ask a company called Digidesign how their product "Pro Tools" became the industry standard.
 With the onslaught of crappy consumer users, came the crappy consumer gear with prices cut so low, that companies could no longer pay a field rep to have one on one contact with the end user. The majority of consumers now are more concerned with how cheap they can get something, rather than the quality and type of ground support you get. Some manufacturers support is non existent, it's cheaper to buy another product from the box shop than to get it fixed by a human. Some that do offer support, offer it in terms of paid email tickets. Where is the human touch any more.....cue Rick Springfield.
 There are a few dealers/reps that offer personal support and I encourage you to support them to the best of your ability because they will support you. Make an investment in your craft, not just a purchase. Support the industry that supports you.
 Dealers and Reps....support your customers! Check up on them, give them a phone call and make sure they are happy with what you just sold them. Word of mouth does travel a long way these days and it can be your strongest ally. And don't focus on the superstars to get an ad in print, here's a little secret, they will use what they want when working on their projects.  Make sure all your customers are happy big and small. Treat us how you would like to be treated and hear us roar your praises. Screw us over and feel the wrath of modern day technology. We are the Curmudgeons! Here us ROAR!