Soooo… $3499 for the RI Dual Rec?

[NowYou'rePlayingWithPower]

I used to ask my mom and pop stores why no gibsons or whatever other brands, and the reason was always they want you to keep $50k in stock and keep so many guitars or whatever and they can’t do it, I never understood that

This is accurate.
Same with Fender.
You also have to keep a quota or they dump you.
On the bright side of things dealer cost is about 40-60% of MAP...

 

[RaceU4her]

This is accurate.
Same with Fender.
You also have to keep a quota or they dump you.
On the bright side of things dealer cost is about 40-60% of MAP...

i dont know what the reasoning would be for that, like i said it sucked being a kid and riding my bike to the stores and seeing the same epiphones and squiers on the wall, seems silly not to have a small shop contract or something. i guess those stores just survived on lessons and renting school instruments and whatever, but then again i guess they didnt cause they arent around anymore

 

[NowYou'rePlayingWithPower]

i dont know what the reasoning would be for that, like i said it sucked being a kid and riding my bike to the stores and seeing the same epiphones and squiers on the wall, seems silly not to have a small shop contract or something. i guess those stores just survived on lessons and renting school instruments and whatever, but then again i guess they didnt cause they arent around anymore

I would gather it's to limit competition with themselves. Fender was definitely more reasonable when I checked in 2020ish at around $20k, IIRC. Gibson was like $50k and don't you dare advertise below MAP. There may be some sort of older grandfathered in contracts as I know one of my local mom and pops never carries that much Gibson family inventory. I feel like at least with Fender you have more options with Squier, Jackson, Charvel, Gretsch, amps, etc... to meet their minimum requirements and allow you to advertise 10% off (and more if you have pre authorization ).