Buying direct

[synkronized1]

This might be a silly question, but can you buy directly from the factory (Vancouver or Oxnard)? If so, I would assume the prices might be a bit more competitive than buying from a shop. Also there must be a much wider selection as well... Thank you.

[sixpickn]

Ever see a dealer stock a new Carvin?  Not that what Carvin does is bad, it's just that their business model of factory direct sales eliminates the dealer network.  Dealers provide (in theory) an added value service.  Direct selling by the factory would remove any incentive for dealers to buy a Larrivee for their wall, or for their warehouse if they offer mail order/on line sales from stock.

[Randy_R]

This might be a silly question, but can you buy directly from the factory (Vancouver or Oxnard)?

No.  Unfortunately Larrivee has gotten too big for that, but on the other side of the coin is that Larrivee's business model allows them to sell a quality guitar to you thru their dealer network at a very attractive price.

Here is a list of some Larrivee dealers you may want to contact for a price quote:
http://randyrick.us/guitars/Dealers_links.htm

[Casino_Phil]

Bizarrely, I've often found (here in the UK) that when there is the option to buy direct or from a dealer, the dealer's price is lower.  However, that of course eliminates the appeal of buying direct in the first place... 

[synkronized1]

Thanks for the feedback. Makes sense. Cheers.