I don't know, but most stores that keep an inventory have a special line of credit known as a "floor plan". The expensive items in the inventory go on the floor plan, while they probably buy the small expendables out of cash flow. The, the costs of maintaining an inventory are 1.) the warehouse, 2.) the insurance to protect the inventory in case of damage, and 3.) the interest on the floor plan.Jayhawk2ba wrote:WWBW has such a massive inventory it is no wonder they are having difficulty. Do they actually OWN all of that stuff that they have in stock?
Most of the other tuba stores sell used inventory, much of which they don't own. They sell it on consignment for the owners. If they own it, it's because they either took it in trade, or because they could get it cheap and add value such that the price exceeds the cost by a desirable margin.
WWBW seems to have built its business model on volume sales, and their strategy for achieving volume sales is the ability to deliver quickly from inventory. Another strategy is low prices. It's possible that the costs of maintaining an inventory and their low prices ended up not being compatible. Not all business models work.
But if true, that means something's gonna change. It sounds as though it already has.
Now, to the original poster: I would rather have a Dalyan than a St. Petersburg. They are sold by Orpheus Music in San Antonio. If you want to own a new tuba and that's your budget, then give it real consideration.
The nickel finish on St. Petes is okay. The instruments themselves are okay. They are not durable and require lots of care, and their bits are not made to fine tolerances. Any needed repairs may require parts fabrication at high cost.
Dalyans are at least as okay, and they are a bit cheaper. They are better made, and the fit and finish is much better.
But I'm with the others in this thread. For $3500, you could buy a nice, relatively lightly used Miraphone 186, and have a far better tuba. You could also buy a used VMI (or one of its stencil brands, such as F. Schmidt) in mint condition. A new King is only a little more. All are much better options for that amount of money.
Rick "who hasn't seen a posting from Roger in a while" Denney
