Q. So who exactly is the Broadcast Baron?
A. The Broadcast Baron is a hyperbolic example of the qualities that
the owner of the company, Kevin Ross, wants his company to represent.
Honesty. Integrity. Valor. Courage. Daring. But most importantly, an
unwavering dedication. The Broadcast Baron is a dashing character who
is obsessed with only one thing, providing video and pro audio equipment
better than anyone else can. Every great hero has a passion in life
and that is his.
Q. How often is your website updated?
A. Every day! Unlike other websites, the gear listed as being in inventory
actually will be!
Q. Where do you get your equipment?
A. Having used video equipment for the past six years, Kevin Ross acquired
many connections and is attaining new ones every day. These connections
have their own connections as well - and that makes for a lot of connections!
Through only a few degrees of separation, The Broadcast Baron is affiliated
with just about everyone in the business! These sources include production
and postproduction companies, auctioneers, corporate liquidations, private
parties, and more. As gear comes onto the market, it is either purchased
immediately and taken into inventory or its existence is noted for future
reference in case you ask for it. This allows us to quickly broker you
almost anything you would need (the average time to locate a requested
item is only two days and often the very same day).
Q. How do you know your gear is fully functional?
A. Every piece of gear is thoroughly tested in-house and accurately
assessed. If anything if found that makes the item less than perfect
and up to factory specifications, repairs/maintenance is outsourced
to Southern California's finest repair shops. If the rare piece of gear
arises that we are not familiar enough with to test properly, testing
of the item will be outsourced to qualified people at said repair shops.
If any flaws remain at the time the item is listed, they will be fully
disclosed on the website so there is no surprises. And even in the unlikely
event that something was overlooked, you have a 30 day warranty!
Q. How do you know your brokered items are as described, since they
aren't in inventory?
A. Unlike many other brokers, The Broadcast Baron takes brokered items
into stock for full testing before releasing the item to you. We would
never merely rely on what the original owner of the item told us. Every
brokered item that reaches you is held to the same quality standards
as items that are in inventory.
Q. How can I reserve gear if I can't buy immediately?
A. Items are generally on a first come first serve basis, however a
deposit or an approved purchase order will allow your goods to be held
for a reasonable period of time.
Q. What happens if the gear arrives damaged?
A. The Broadcast Baron takes meticulous care in packaging the items
it ships and they are fully insured. However, if an accident does occur
and your goods arrive damaged, you will get a full refund or replacement
item - regardless of whether the shipping company eventually pays us
or not on the insurance claim. All we ask is that you fully cooperate
with the insurance claim and do the steps neccessary to make that a
smooth process for us.
Q. What kind of warranty is offered?
A. You get a 30 day warranty
(warranty only applicable to end users). Rest easy knowing your gear
will arrive to you in tip-top shape, in the cosmetic/functional condition
stated, guaranteed. All items included warranty unless otherwise
noted as being sold as-is. Extended warranties are available at an additional
cost -- ask about them. Warranty can not be claimed if item is not compatible
with your system or your needs (i.e. suitability of purpose).
Q. What forms of payment are accepted?
A. The most common payment method is net cash before shipment or
at pickup/delivery. Cash includes cashier’s check, money order, travelers
check, wire transfer, or actual currency. Company and personal checks
are subject to a routine banking hold of between 3-12 days, depending
upon their origin. Credit cards accepted are: Visa, Mastercard, Discover,
and Amex. Paypal can also be used (but buyer must be verified and have
a confirmed address in the Paypal system). Prices advertised represent
a 3% cash discount, so you would add 3% to the price for a credit card
or Paypal purchase. Escrow can be done only through www.escrow.com
and at buyer's expense. Other terms - such as COD, financing/payment
plans, net terms, etc - are very possible, but must be pre-approved
by The Broadcast Baron before the deal is completed.
Q. How much will I owe for sales tax?
A. That depends!
1) If you're not in California or item is shown to be immediately shipping
out of CA: 0%
2) If you're in CA and have valid and current reseller's permit (and
fill out reseller certificate): 0%
3) If you're in CA and using the equipment: 5.25% off your normal district
tax rate via teleproduction partial exemption (must fill out tax form
6378 to receive the sales tax discount. To qualify, the equipment, and
the nature of your business, must be more than 50 percent related to
postproduction. NOTE: production equipment does not qualify; only postproduction
audio or video equipment). Please visit the following link to learn
more about this law: teleproduction
partial exemption. Your rate would be 3.00%, for example, if I delivered
to LA county (which is normally 8.25%. If you picked up from me, in
Riverside County, you would be responsible for 2.5% (Riverside county
rate is 7.75%).
4) If you're in CA and don't qualify for the teleproduction partial
exemption (i.e. you are a corporate user, hobbyist, rental company,
this is production equipment, etc): must pay full district rate.
Q. Who pays for shipping?
A. The buyer pays actual shipping costs for desired shipping speed,
unless free shipping is included.
Q. Do you offer financing?
A. Not specifically, but in special cases payment plans can be arranged.
Q. Do you sell to international buyers?
A. Yes! But all sales outside of USA, UK, and Canada must be prepaid
and cleared before shipment - no exceptions! Wire transfer preferred.
Also, cashier's check, international money order, personal/company check
are okay - but all of them must clear before shipment (however long
that takes). Paypal is only okay if by cleared echeck (no credit cards).
Q. Is there room for negotiation on prices?
A. Unlike other sellers, we don't set my prices insanely high hoping
for the occasional "sucker," but generally expecting the prices
to be bargained down. Prices are set fairly for a quick sale. BCB takes
smaller margins than the average seller, so there isn't an enormous
window for negotiation there. But if there is a particularly slow-moving
item or one you genuinely feel is priced above market value, then ask!
Sometimes we have to cut our losses, but that is a rare occurrence.
There is definitely more room for negotiation on the terms of the transaction,
rather than the price alone.
Q. Is there discounts for buying multiple items at the same time?
A. Yes. Due to the convenience you would provide by doing this, something
could be worked out.
Q. Why should I buy from you?
A. See the "About BCB" section for what sets us apart and
"Testimonials" to show that we are serious about our claims!
Q. Why should I sell to you?
A. See the "Sell gear" section for how you can benefit by
selling to The Broadcast Baron.
Q. What is the best way to reach you?
A. Kevin Ross believes in obsessive e-mail checking, so that will get
you the quickest response (often within minutes after receiving the
e-mail). Calling on the phone or sending a fax will get you a prompt
response as well, just not lightning fast like an e-mail would.