Is Reverb About To Change For The Worse?

Is Reverb About To Change For The Worse?

The recent acquisition of Reverb by Fender’s parent company, Servco Pacific Inc., has stirred significant conversations in the music industry. Lets dive deep into what this means for musicians, retailers, and the overall market landscape.

History of Reverb

Originally linked to Chicago Music Exchange, Reverb was bought by Etsy for $295 million, leading to changes affecting sellers and buyers alike. The sentiment around this transition has been mixed, making this new acquisition noteworthy.

What does this mean?

Many independent music stores heavily rely on Reverb for online sales. While it offers visibility, sellers grapple with high fees that limit profits. This dependence on third-party platforms has consequences for local businesses.

As economic challenges emerge, musicians might turn to used instruments rather than new ones. This shift opens avenues for companies like Serco and Creative Partners, enhancing their stake in the secondary market.

Despite the consolidation trend, supporting local music stores is essential. They provide valuable community resources, often at risk due to large corporate competition.

As Reverb transitions under new ownership, the focus should be on ensuring fair and competitive fee structures for sellers. Maintaining affordability is crucial for small retailers.

Sellers must emphasize the condition, rarity, and authenticity of items rather than simply competing on price. This approach ensures a healthier marketplace. We already do this. 

Anticipate further consolidation within the music industry, where traditional companies might seek control over transaction platforms or financial entities. This is the current reality of capitalism, with third party apps like this one small businesses like us stay relevant with such apps, but at the cost of feeding into Reverb and out of our own relevance. It is quite the double edged sword. 

Fender’s acquisition of Reverb presents both opportunities and challenges for the music industry. Ensuring that the platform remains viable and supportive for independent sellers while adapting to evolving consumer habits will be crucial moving forward.

With all of this in mind, continue to be diligent and mindful from where you purchase. The new age of ecommerce is ever changing, consider supporting small businesses first. Your local music shop can only stay alive because of you. 

Feel free to join the conversation in the comments about what this acquisition means for you and the future of Reverb. Do you prefer purchasing from independent sellers or primarily seek out the best deals? Let us know your thoughts!

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