[Manothemtns]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

The very premise is flawed.



Other than Musician's Friend (who is not actually that competitive) every internet retailer that I have purchased from actually IS a Brick and Mortar company as well.



If your local B&M can't compete, it's because they are not competitive.





Elderly Instruments - Extensive B&M in addition to internet sales.

LA Guitar Sales - Nice, high end, B&M in addition to internet sales

My Favorite Guitar - B&M Retail shop in addition to internet sales.

Wildwood - Same



So if your brick and mortar local shop is going under, it's being killed by other B&M shops, that actually know how to compete in a modern economy.



Even in the dark times before the web, local shops mostly survived on band rentals, accessories, strings, and music lessons. Also used sales. Where the web has really made a difference is in the markup on used items, it's leveled the playing field because it's much easier to comparison shop. And of course, a large number of instruments being sold on Reverb are also being sold by small Brick and Mortar instrument (and pawn) shops, who are using it as a platform to expand their customer base.

What premise might that be? I was going to and buying from Wildwood way before the internet. I see all sides to the argument, not just one. Take it easy.