[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1382047070' post='2247377']
If I were a small boutique bass maker, like fodera, or even small scale like Letts or something, I would team up with a local shop for each territory and let them do the customer facing side, they get a few instruments in stock for folk to try and so on.
the public get to try your stuff, they're happy.
the retailer gets a cut and a sale, they are happy,
the builder gets to do less talking to the unwashed public - they are happy.
[/quote]
Very well put I totally agree.