The Phonograph Shop - Status

[SimpleLifers]

Friendly reminder…help me spread the word.

Since starting this venture the support has been overwhelming. Thank you so much. The willingness to partner with us and explain Ron’s mindset is a testimony to the integrity of this hobby. What I wouldn’t give for an hour with him.

We have received direct feedback and indirect on a few things that are manageable, however.

My biggest regret so far is that we started selling before we were 100% ready. By all accounts not the proper way to conduct a business on any scale. Lowes would not sell in the parking lot while the store was built as an example. The hobby was without parts for so long that we decided it was best to go ahead and deal with the fallout. This, as well as some others, has lead to some perceived missteps, however.

1. We do have full-time jobs so respones to calls and emails may seem slow. If you contact us during the day odds are I will not respond until that evening or even later depending on volume. If pressing we recommend you call between 6-9 M-F.

2. If it’s on the site it has been inventoried. If you ask for anything else my response will be ‘maybe, I’ll look’. This is not a guarantee that I’ll remember to get back in a timely fashion, especially if I do not find, so I recommend you stay in touch. We literally receive, 50 of these a day.

3) COVID has impacted raw materials and transportation. Shipping dates are a best guess. Spring material was supposed to ship on 2/4 but as of now anyone’s guess is as good as mine. I have been working on Exhibition flanges since the day we won the auction. Brass has entered crazy status.

4) Yes, we have made mistakes with orders. Ron built this slowly over 40 years, designed, made and placed the parts in their location. We are trying to learn all this in a few months and we complicated all that moving it 600 miles.

None of this is an excuse but hopefully a good explanation of what’s going on. Our only alternative would be to shut completely down for several months and get everything in perfect order and I don’t believe the hobby wants that.

As always, feedback is welcome and appreciated.

Brian

[Victor VII]

Since this is a nice post with "The Phonograph Shop" at the heading, could you include any contact info here?

[fran604g]

Thank you for your candid update. I would hope most people you deal with are polite and understanding, the whole, "Rome wasn't built in a day" thing certainly should apply.

I'm sure everything will come together, as more of us get back to "normal" in a post-Covid world.

Cheers,
Fran

[dzavracky]

Thanks for the update! I have placed one order so far with Brian.... and have nothing but good things to say about my experience. I needed a part that was not uploaded on the website. Brian found the item I needed, uploaded it, and I was able to order it the same day I inquired about it!

Thank you both for all you are doing!

Cheers,

David

[SimpleLifers]

The Phonograph Shop
14540 Cabarrus Station Rd
Midland, NC 28107
Home 704.644.8606
Cell 704.995.9142
[email protected]
www.thephonographshop.com

Everyone has been amazing, no complaints from me whatsoever. Any feedback I have received would have been expected on my part as well. My concerns are the folks that have not reached out that may not understand the nature of this business. It’s acceptable to expect Amazon level support, and we will get there, but only in the parameters of my stated business model.

Thanks to everyone!

[SimpleLifers]

The Phonograph Shop
14540 Cabarrus Station Rd
Midland, NC 28107
Home 704.644.8606
Cell 704.995.9142
[email protected]
www.thephonographshop.com

Everyone has been amazing, no complaints from me whatsoever. Any feedback I have received would have been expected on my part as well. My concerns are the folks that have not reached out that may not understand the nature of this business. It’s acceptable to expect Amazon level support, and we will get there, but only in the parameters of my stated business model.

Thanks to everyone!

[VanEpsFan1914]

Take all the time you need--it's a major comfort knowing that a phonograph can be repaired simply again.

Thank you both for all you do to keep parts available.

[EdiBrunsVic]

I am glad that you are carrying on Ron's good efforts. PM Sent....

[Phono-Phan]

Thanks for the update. I hope you will be able to set up at the June APS show in Illinois.