I just saw where Mim is selling out her Kala stock, due to the company's unfair selling practices, underselling its dealers.
I expect she'll be offering up some really good deals soon!
She plans to replace the brand with Flight Ukuleles, I beleive.
Flight and Makai!
When I offer a brand, I offer it thoroughly. I had no room, nor the funds, to thoroughly offer them. But I am liquidating my Kalas, and already have 2 sizeable orders on the way to me!
My Makais are being shipped freight (it is that big), and they only deliver on Wednesday. So fingers crossed they get to the local depot before Wednesday, but if not it will be the week after.
And that might be the same situation for Flight. I am waiting for a tracking number.
Makai is comparable to Ohana, but they have some really unique, fun, and funky models that I think people are really going to enjoy! Plus some nice basics that will round out my inventory. And being familiar with the build I already know how to get them all setup and dialed in for my customers!
Then the Flight has some wonderful options in all price points. They have the travel ukes which I am excited to offer as a dolphin alternative. The action is better, requires less setup, and they sound better. And are priced at about $5 more. So very worth it. Their starter laminates have some fun colors and designs, but they are well made. Because some people contact me and they want to start with a laminate, but the design is very important. But many companies that have a great design are lacking the in quality department. So this is the best of both worlds. And their higher ends are gorgeous, well-made, and unique. They have a great tone, and a cool headstock.
So all in all, I am kind of glad for the push out the door. I have tried to hang in there for years... I won't go into all the details. But the new points system (though hooray for Kala getting their sales directly and customers for getting a discount) really does not favor dealers at all and actually puts them in direct competition with their own dealers. So if you want an un-setup Kala direct from the warehouse. Check it out. (That last bit sounded snarky, but is true. I can't figure out how to soften it).
Another side note, the people behind Flight and Makai are awesome as well. Makai is under new ownership and my sales contact just came back on board and is a friend of mine. Juliana from Flight and I have been in contact and she is super nice, thoughtful about her brand and dealers, and passionate about her ukuleles. So there is also going to be good vibes in all these ukuleles as well. Which sounds cheesy, but I swear it makes a difference.
So... there is the story.
10% off Kalas right now at MimsUkes.com... including cases. And then in a week it will drop to 15%... and so on... until they are gone. And yes, they will be set-up!