[TPIN] kick backs

[David Adams]

I think a cash kick-back would be an ethical no-no.  It invites abuse  
(think of all the political scandals along these lines), and looks  
horrible to the public.  And, what might an instrument manufacturer  
say about such a practice?  Many stipulate the "lowest" price an  
instrument can be sold for.  I would prefer to see a store sell a  
trumpet to one of my students for the lowest price they can.  I would  
feel most uncomfortable receiving some of the profit back from the  
dealer in cash.  Now, if the dealer gives me a great price on other  
instruments and supplies, or even some sort of discount coupons for  
future purchases, that is what I would call good advertising  
practice.  That is my fine line.
On Sep 25, 2007, at 9:43 AM, Doc D'Errico wrote:

>
>>> So what's the difference between a kick-back and a referral of  
>>> finders
> fee?
>>> I think as long as the parents aren't forced to buy from a  
>>> particular
>>> vendor, it's not intolerable.
>
> Essentially, I'd agree.  IMHO,  small token as a referral fee is not
> unethical as long as it's not a "requirement" and as long as it's
> "reasonable" (meaning less than a certain percentage and within  
> "customary"
> or consistent boundaries).  But as soon as the band director says  
> "you MUST
> purchase the horn from this location" or the amount becomes  
> substantial, it
> becomes unethical.
>
>
> I am not sure I understand the ethical side of this-----it seems to  
> me it
> is
> just another type of advertising! And yes advertising is a lot  
> about getting
>
> sales,........with whatever means!! If you can convince a band  
> director that
>
> you  have a great selection of horns with knowledgeable sales staff,
> connecting with  people in need is your goal. Should you not share  
> your
> profit(advertising) with  the one helping you get the sale? I am  
> not sure
> when it is right
> and when it is  unethical?? My business is built on customer  
> satisfaction
> and
> they ARE my  advertising and I can keep my rates lower(giving the  
> customer a
>
> "kickback") as a  way of saying thanks for the advertising!! It  
> seems there
> is a
> fine line here  and maybe someone can explain it to me?? If it  
> would end up
> in
> pressure tactics  and duress etc then it would be very unethical!!  
> No, I am
> not trying to justify  unfair kickbacks, just trying to make sense  
> of the
> maze
> of "laws" in the music  arena!!
>
David B. Adams
Palo Alto Unified School District
Director, Foothill Symphonic Winds
www.windband.org/foothill