(1) Thanks very much for the kind words, Charles P. Since we moved from NY four years ago, we no longer have inventory piled from floor to ceiling -- we now have shelves.<G>
(2) We are certified for KX-TD, but not KX-TDA. We agree with Panasonic that TDA is too complex for do-it-yourself installations, so we see no point in getting certified for TDA and then breaking the anti-Web rules, and then losing TDA certification. We concentrate on KX-TA, KX-TAW, KX-TD, and NEC DS systems -- and there are no restrictions in revealing prices for these products online.
(3) We don't like restricted product distribution that exists solely to keep prices up, or minimum advertised prices set by manufacturers, or limitations in the flow of information. We sell Russound volume controls on one of our websites, despite several empty threats from their attorney.
(4) Carl N.: Some of what we sell is drop-shipped by manufacturers and distributors, and some is shipped from our own inventory. We "touch" a lot of inventory. Our inventory is probably larger than most dealers. If someone needs a brand new KX-T61640, or VA30960, or KX-T123241, or KX-TVS110, or Nortel Venture... we have them.
(5) We compete on VALUE -- not just price. We have been in business for over 27 years, and plan to stay around. We are not suicidal whores who sell for pennies above cost, and know nothing about the products. We are not perfect, but we do a lot more than just ship boxes. We provide a high level of support for our customers, both online and live. We have two tech support people trained in KX-TD, three trained in TX-TA, two trained in KX-TAW, and three trained in NEC DS. We are committed to the phone business, unlike the online clowns who (NOT KIDDING) offer gift wrapping on a DISA circuit board, or sell voice processors along with cat litter boxes, or think that the KX-TD1232-3 is the "latest version."
(6) We believe that people should be able to purchase whatever mix of products and services is appropriate to them. Home Depot will sell and install a complete custom kitchen for you, or sell you pre-made cabinets for you to install, or sell you wood, hardware, paint, screws, tools and instruction books to build your own kitchen. Sears will change your oil and install a new oil filter in your car; or sell you the oil, filter and tools to do the same. CompUSA willl sell you a complete computer; or the parts and tools and books to make your own. Dealers should be responsive to consumer demand, and should be able to make money selling what people want to buy. Most people do not want to build their own kitchen, change their own oil, build their own PC, or install their own phone system. For those who do, dealers are available to provide the desired products and information. We're one of them.
(7) 100 years ago, people could buy phones and wire and installation tools from Sears. They still can. Doing-it-yourself and buying online are part of life. Nothing will make them go away.
(8) [MOST IMPORTANT] I'll bet that a fairly high percentage of phone system dealers who decry phone system sales to do-it-yourselfers, have spent some of their time changing oil, hanging shelves, replacing faucet washers, applying bandages, growing vegetables, cooking meals, and installing hard drives -- taking revenue away from mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, doctors, farmers, chefs and PC dealers.
Think about it, folks.
Michael N. Marcus
AbleComm, Inc.
www.ablecomm.com etc.
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