Korg Forums

Kevin Nolan · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 3:02 pm Post subject:

Thomann brought in 4 Kronos? That is devastatingly low, given their reach to a market of 400 million. To me, that signals real concern for the longevity of Kronos. I realise that's a big conclusion from little evidence - but Thomann ordering 4 Kronos is essnetially ordering none, given how gigantic a cmopany they are.

I've said it time and time again, but this has looked like a US-only release since launch and wonder if that is part of the issue (again - if those Thomann figures are correct).

These things cost a fortune in - only items like motorbikes, cars and houses cost more - and with the already collapsing numbers of keyboards sold, the state much of Europe is in and so no, one wonders if Korg's prejudice towards the US in pricing and promotions is adversely affecting sales? Certainly Korg-USA took over the show from day one.

I agree with the post above about the size and reach of Thomann. They are 'it' when it comes to European sales. I use DV _because_ Thomann are so enormous it's difficult to deal with them for specialist needs (and DV have turned out to be nothing short of fantastic to me).

But I know may people who use Thomann even in Ireland. They are essentially a house hold name across Europe. So for them to be ordering 4 Kronos, for a market of 400 million people, is frankly shocking and I would be very worried already for this product - at least in Europe - if those figures are true.

I mean, I expect my local dealer in Dublin to order more than 4 for a population of a few million people, but an order of 4 - even if just an initial order - by Thomann says there is something devastating going on with keyboard sales.

Kevin.

panrixx · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 3:06 pm Post subject:

This is scare mongering. I know of UK dealers who have ordered far more than that and there are a number of them.
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dangerousdave · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 3:07 pm Post subject:

Bear in mind that just because they only got four, it doesn't mean they only ordered four. I've been hearing for a couple of months now that initial supplies would be limited, and that there could be quite a wait for the second batch. At the time, I wondered if it was just a scare tactic to get the pre-orders in quick.
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GiantSonicRobot · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 3:09 pm Post subject:

michelkeijzers · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 3:12 pm Post subject:

It might be possible due to the limit amount of total Kroni, that Korg has given priority for US orders (maybe because it's the same company as Korg Japan).

So it might be that Thomann has ordered lots more but only got a few (to at least have some buzz going on). However, as it turns out (of course), a lot of European customers are not happy with this and the way Korg treats us.

I'm not in a hurry with buying a Kronos, next year would be ok too, and I will probably check again at that time what is the best synth at that moment. It might not be a Korg assuming competitors will continue development too. Or I wait for the Kronos 2 or a less priced Kronos 1 at that time. Being a late buyer and paying the full price doesn't seem right anymore.
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Kevin Nolan · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 3:23 pm Post subject:

Panrixx,

I accept where you're coming from - I'm verging on line of 'conspiracy theory crap' which I abhor - but how to explain Thomann ordering in just 4?

And the trust of my post is not to knock Korg or Kronos - I want Kronos to succeed, I'm personally passionate about the survival and development of synthesizers in particular; but there is no getting away from the enormity of Thomann and the concern that is raised if they are bringing 4 Kronos 61's into Europe as thir estimate of a safe number initially. They dominate the European market by a country mile.

So I'd suggest on this instance there is a real issue. I personally believe that Korg USA's hogging of the product from the outset, coupled to tough sales in keyboards in general, are part of it.

But I say again - irrespective of how many small dealers have ordered Kronos in - Thomann is _the_ barometer in Europe - there is no better measure on the state of affairs on this continent - and their order of 4 Kronos 61's is concerning. If those figures are correct, there is a real and troubloing issue here.

Kevin.

GiantSonicRobot · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 3:29 pm Post subject:

panrixx · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 3:31 pm Post subject:

Kevin Nolan · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 4:18 pm Post subject:

So Thomann, the largest distributor in Europe , could acquire 4 units - until October.

Yes, this all bodes well. All is well in Europe on the keyboard sales front.

I'm glad we cleared that up.

RKfan · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 4:47 pm Post subject:

HUH??

$3,000 is £1,850 - if you add 20% on this for local taxes (not counting shipping or import duty since this is something Korg will have to pay where ever they import to) this becomes £2220 - we are asked to pay £2,599 - what is the extra £380 for (certainly not taxes these have already been included)?

All I am saying is that the current Kronos price in Europe is 15-18% more than it should be (the sums don't add up even if you add local taxes). My point is wouldn't it be reasonable to ask your local supplier for that sort of discount in order to get your business, after all there are lots of places you could buy from (obviously not Thomann) - although maybe not yet but it might pay to shop around. Of course if you are desperate to pay over the odds - that is your choice.

Laste7 · Full Member Joined: 26 Mar 2010 Posts: 147

Mystic38 · Senior Member Joined: 27 Dec 2010 Posts: 266

Not all Korgs are equal..

Martin clarified for me on page #1 of this thread that only Korg USA and Korg UK are wholly owned subsidiaries of Korg.

This is a big deal and IMO the root cause of your concerns in Ger/Eur.

What this simple fact means is that Korg makes more sales $ and profit $ as a corporation selling via a wholly owned subsidiary than via distributors.... So.., when demand exceeds supply, Korg will satisfy orders to meet company and business priorities.. ie prioritise orders from Korg JP, Korg USA and Korg UK.

there is NO CONSPIRACY.. simply folks doing their jobs...
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Laste7 · Full Member Joined: 26 Mar 2010 Posts: 147

danatkorg · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 8:52 pm Post subject: