sadow
✭✭ Altamira M30 Antique, !940s Rene Gerome Modele Jazz
Couldn't help but notice a significant jump in Altamira prices. A result of tariffs, I guess. Fortunately, other than a snapped tailpiece and replaced stainless frets, the M30 Antique I bought from Michael in 2015 is holding up well, very reliable, and seems to get better with age. So in the long run, I suppose even with the increase it's still a decent bang for your buck.
Comments
Yes, all imports are at least 15% more expensive now due to tariffs.
But I thought China has to pay those. 😱
No, that’s not how tariffs work. The importer pays them and then subsequently has to raise prices to cover the additional cost. So in the end, the American consumer foots the bill.
Pretty sure that came with a spoonful of sarcasm.
I was wondering about this too. I get the explanation as to why prices may be increased to cover the additional cost on NEWLY incoming merchandise, but why have have prices been increased retroactively on items which have been in stock long before the tariffs were implemented ???
Yes, sorry Michael. That was heavy sarcasm (more than a spoonful). Shocked face emoji intentionally ironic.
@opus20000 Sort of like how if there is a "shock" to the oil system like a refinery fire or oil tanker fire/seizure by pirates, the gas prices immediately rise. However, when that refinery gets back online or the tanker is freed, it takes a while for the gas prices to come down "because the expensive gas is still working through the system." Always wondered why that cheap gas in the system is never mentioned when the prices immediately jump.
I do know Michael mentioned a while back that he worked to get a bunch of stock here stateside before some of those tariffs took effect, to keep his prices at the same rate for as long as he could. But welcome to the new normal. Now, if we get these tariffs repealed at some point, be on the lookout for "sticky prices" to keep them at the new level.
Also I think small businesses are probably getting hammered through this. I can imagine them raising prices on the stock they have thinking they might be seeing a future loss and trying to buffer themselves. I would not blame them.
But all I know about money is I ain't got none.