I am beginning to see Johns point about stating ETA or doing pre-orders. I am sure he enjoys having vast quantities of his companies capital tied up for months or years at a time while watching his profit go down the tube due to gov bs. Anybody ever hear of the "opportunity cost" concept?
I've read (admittedly just now) about opportunity cost, and find this whole situation interesting from a business owner's perspective.
Tying up capital is part of this business, yes? Unfortunately for John his opportunity cost might be the loss of future business. Worst part is, it's most likely due to circumstances out of his control.
At this point, I can't see any benefit of the pre-order when dealing with uncertain transactions like importing firearms from China. 'X' numbers of months ago, the
"announce pre-order to secure future sales" concept was a sound one. I for one was on the verge of buying this gun somewhere else. Marstar was not an option only because they didn't have them. Now I have been (happily) waiting for these to arrive and have chosen not to take my business elsewhere.
The only gripe any of us have (or should have) with this situation is we were expecting things to go one way and it has gone another way. Consumers are impatient and demanding by nature, a result of our "at your finger tips" consumer culture. If we don't like the prices or the way we get treated at store 'A' we go to store 'B'.
But what you don't usually see are consumers who went to store 'A', found out it was a bummer deal, then stand outside the store complaining and repeating over and over how pissed they are. The only reason it's happening here is, this is an internet forum where we all come daily and it doesn't take much effort to voice your displeasure.
When spring 2011 rolls around, I see myself buying this firearm elsewhere. Only because it will be a "need" not a "want" for the 2011 season. I won't cancel my pre-order because 2x of these beauties would be fine, and I'd like to remain a part of this ordeal.
Until then, it will be interesting to see how it pans out, and how John wraps this deal up.
I'd be surprised if we see another pre-order from Marstar.
