Just an FYI, I spoke to Tsuruta-san and suggested maybe a discount for nmb members since there are roughly 2 thousand and with the yen so strong that might boost some sales with the members and he agreed.. I said 20% but I'm sure it would depend on the peice...

Regards,

And price

You can easily (generally) get 1O% off with Tsuruta san

Matt,
That is very encouraging and a great start to something I have been thinking of for a while.
Do you have regular contact with Tsuruta san, or is there someone who does? I would love to approach dealers and see if they are prepared to offer NMB members a formal discount, in return for wider access to Western collectors. We have over 2 million hits a month, and a huge following of people that aren't yet members. Dealers should be aware that items mentioned here will get huge advertising and the potential is great.
I am prepared to open a dealer section where dealers can post a few items..maybe a few days before they reach the dealer's website? Or just where new items can be listed for greater exposure. Would be great if, in return, NMB members might be granted a discount.
I really do think dealers can, and do, benefit from the exposure here.
If anyone is prepared to negotiate with Aoi or any other dealer and see if a formal and set discount can be arranged, they can pm me and let's see where it goes. Dealers have nothing to lose..they are not being charged, and if a non-NMB member buys it..no discount. No cost to the dealer.

Brian

great idea
john f

ditto.

Hi Everyone,

I agree this is a good idea for NMB members and dealers in Japan like Aoi-Art.



Yours truly,
David Stiles

Well...we all agree, now we just have to convince some dealers to agree
I think a dealer specials or new listings section would really do well for them, but not going to go to the effort unless the members can benefit somehow. It's not like we are selling advertising. Those that want to increase sales should give this some thought.

Brian

Have now had replies from three dealers who seem to be happy with the volume of sales they have,one stated that it was not sales he wanted more of it is stock.
Roy

If we knew who they were maybe we could put a wrinkle in that - OR - get them some stock 'from' NMB members

Good to hear that business is so good out there that dealers don't need to look for additional sales. Will have to make sure we don't over-promote them here then, lest we subject them to unneccessary extra work.
One brick and mortar dealer reported that he only makes about 6-7% profit, hence no room for discount. I would advise that dealer to look for another vocation. No business can survive on 6%. Methinks he might be a little "loose" with the facts.
Have to note that none of these dealers so far have been from Japan. Would be ideal for those dealers without much of an online presence or who are not exposed to the overseas market much. We have members from over 35 countries here.

Brian

Sounds like a good idea. I'll give it some thought.

Kevin