re: prices subject to change

From Legion
Sent Fri, Apr 3rd 1998, 21:09

On Thu, 2 Apr 1998, Nicholas D. Kent wrote:

> re: Enport Doepfer prices
> they did have a 20% discount... for all of 2 weeks.
> now they lowered prices but not by 20%. and no more discounts.
> and they raised prices BEFORE the 20% discount so I can't tell where I
> stand systemwise, only that its imposible to budget anything serious
> from them with the prices all over the price, new credit card
> surcharges.

They've actaully lowered their prices on almost all modules and accesories
as well as the complete systems. The current pricelist that was put up
this week contains the lowest prices ever offered by Enport or any other
third party company that carried Doepher items in the US.

> every single time I think about buying something I see all new prices
> and perhaps wisely change my mind.

I'm writing this only out of fairness (I was one of the people bitching
about Doepher prices last month). I have been pricing a custom Doepher
system for well over a year. I've checked prices and spoken with Enport as
well as others throughout that time. 

The 20% discount last month was a surprise to me actually (it put prices
for a custom system equal to or a bit lower than competitors). Still a few
modules were outrageously priced (Ext input, thermin, etc). The New price
schedule has corrected these (all but one which has *got* to be a
misprint) and these are the lowest prices these items have ever been
available in the US at (I have lists of dealers going back over a year). 

Sad for those who bought a V1 A100 system at $2400 two months ago now that
it's $1560 for no apparent reason, but good for someone who wants to pick
up some neat pieces at a very afforadable price. I fully agree that the 3%
"credit card" fee is a bit insulting at best but users do have the option
of paying by check or MO instead if you want so it's not a huge problem.

I don't know if these changes are based on "pressure" from customers,
other competition, or Doepher Germany calling the shots but the result
appears to be good for the buyer. Whether prices stay this way is anyone's
guess but it's looking up right now.

Based on this move I just bought a 22 module expanded custom system this
week. I'm told it will have full documentation, a one year warrenty, and
will ship to me in 4 weeks or less. 

I'm still a bit reserved about the whole thing but we'll see what happens
and I'll post the results. Right now I'm looking forward to finally
getting into all this.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
     HELP WANTED PRODUCTIONS - Http://www.voicenet.com/~legion
"Bringing you the best in Organic Electronic music since we started..."
     
Home of the Unusual Instrument and Recording Gallery with pictures and
info of Tube recorders, Omnichords, weird guitars, Casios, and more.