The Times They Are A-Changing...

[SoundSplinter]

Greetings loyal customers, fans, strangers, veterans and nooblets alike. It is with some dismay that I am here to announce an increase in our direct sales pricing that will affect all SoundSplinter products. As many informed online audio enthusiasts are already aware, our producer (original equipment manufacturer) has recently decided to move towards full scale retail distribution in conjunction with some incredible markups along the order of 100% - 200% per unit.

Though initially hoping that these markups would not affect our OEM pricing schedule, it turns out that indeed they will. As a result, future production costs for the SoundSplinter brand are increasing substantially. Given my extremely thin margins and relatively low production volume conjoined with a value oriented customer base, this puts me in quite an awkward position as my production costs have suddenly eclipsed my asking price!

Fortunately I have been able to secure two additional contracts for product delivery through the end of the year. Rather than throwing in the towel, I'm going to try to make this work for both myself and my customers. However as I refuse to compromise the quality of the products offered, the prices on both the Ignition and Premium Series line of drivers will have to increase along the order of 17 - 22% per unit. While this is unfortunate, I still firmly believe that these rates will prove to offer a very fair value for DIY enthusiasts (and a downright exceptional value when compared to similar drivers that will debut in brick and mortar retail outlets come 2008!).

So without further ado, the new rates...

• RL-i8: $199 single, $185 each for multiple units
• RL-i10: $215 single, $200 each for multiple units
  
  
• RL-p12: $295 single, $280 each for multiple units
• RL-p15: $335 single, $310 each for multiple units
• RL-p18: $420 single, $390 each for multiple units
  
  
• RL-s12: $450 single, $410 each for multiple units
• RL-s15: $580 single, $535 each for multiple units

For forum members that have been on the fence about a purchase and are experiencing some shell shock by this rate increase, I am happy to honor my original pricing through the 31st of this month. That gives you more than two weeks to pick up a fantastic product at an increasingly scarce and awesome value. All you have to do is PM me through the bulletin board stating your intended order along with your complete shipping address, email address and phone number.

You guys rock more than you know, and I would like to express my most sincere thanks to those of you who have offered your support and friendship over the past several years with not only your purchases but especially the kind words you have shared about myself and my business, and I hope that you will bear with me during the coming year as I plan my next steps.

I will be the first to admit that the extended future production on the current lineup of SoundSplinter products lies in the balance. Nevertheless, I want you to rest assured that should SoundSplinter ultimately become a legacy brand, I will keep a small inventory of drivers on hand for any warranty service that may need to be addressed, or will refund the original purchase price of the driver should no replacement be available at that time. In other words, though production may ebb and flow, customer service will continue to remain a priority as long as there are customers to serve!

So here's to the future... Unknown and exciting!

[Mike P.]

Although the pricing is increasing due to the OEM, the prices are quite reasonable considering the quality products SoundSplinter provides. Wishing you all the best as the future unfolds.

[Sonnie]

Yep... I think you still offer a bargain, especially as you suggest comparing what similar drivers will cost via those retail outlets. I hope it all works out for you.

[Bent]

No problem Mike - and I still will be buying from you in the future.
If you stay in business, I stay in business.

[SoundSplinter]

Thanks for the votes of confidence!
Now, just do a li'l and all will be well with the world

[DevilDriver]

Good luck in the future, Mike. From what I have heard, things will be considerably more "up in the air" when January comes around, but hopefully things will fare well for you.

[warnerwh]

I'm sure this shakes you up a bit as you have no control over oems. The thing to remember though is that there are always people who want quality and service. Not everyone goes after the rock bottom price where nothing else matters. I'd much rather pay more and be taken care of than not. At 54 I know now that it's cheaper and more satisfying in the long run. Besides these drivers are still easily worth that.

The one thing I remember is how I am treated. I go back if I'm treated well, if not I just don't consider that an option of where to do my business.



Best Wishes. I've only bought 2 drivers from you and a used one from a someone else. Even on the used one I'd been treated better than one usually expects.