I thought perhaps that we should explain a little about merchandise when The Ventures are on the road. I have been asked why many of the items we sell at different venues have a higher price-tag than on the website. It’s a problem for us, because we don’t want to have to charge more to the fans, but it’s an economic necessity. However, at many venues, we are charged a percentage by the ‘house’ (sometimes as high as 30%) and also sales tax is deducted from our sales. (I’m sure most people know that, at big arena shows, the prices for T-shirts, etc. are astronomical – and that’s the reason – the stadium or theatre handles all the sales, and takes a big cut). Anyway, the result is that, if we sell merchandise at the same price at a live concert as we do in our on-line store, we basically lose money or, at best, break even. For the same reason, we don’t accept credit cards at live shows because there are additional charges from the credit card companies too. When we are out of the US, in Canada, we also have exchange rates to deal with if we accept credit cards – and we all know who wins in that situation – not the buyer or the seller! On the positive side for our fans, when you buy merchandise at a live show, you don’t have to pay for shipping and handling and – even better – you can get your items autographed by the group members if you so choose. So … please understand our situation, and take a tip from the Boy Scouts – ‘be prepared’ – with cash if you intend to do some shopping with us! We hate to disappoint anyone! See you soon.
I thought perhaps that we should explain a little about merchandise when The Ventures are on the road. I have been asked why many of the items we sell at different venues have a higher price-tag than on the website. It’s a problem for us, because we don’t want to have to charge more to the fans, but it’s an economic necessity. However, at many venues, we are charged a percentage by the ‘house’ (sometimes as high as 30%) and also sales tax is deducted from our sales. (I’m sure most people know that, at big arena shows, the prices for T-shirts, etc. are astronomical – and that’s the reason – the stadium or theatre handles all the sales, and takes a big cut). Anyway, the result is that, if we sell merchandise at the same price at a live concert as we do in our on-line store, we basically lose money or, at best, break even. For the same reason, we don’t accept credit cards at live shows because there are additional charges from the credit card companies too. When we are out of the US, in Canada, we also have exchange rates to deal with if we accept credit cards – and we all know who wins in that situation – not the buyer or the seller! On the positive side for our fans, when you buy merchandise at a live show, you don’t have to pay for shipping and handling and – even better – you can get your items autographed by the group members if you so choose. So … please understand our situation, and take a tip from the Boy Scouts – ‘be prepared’ – with cash if you intend to do some shopping with us! We hate to disappoint anyone! See you soon.