San Francisco Music Box Company
From LoveToKnow SanFrancisco
The San Francisco Music Box Company opened in 1978 on San Francisco’s famous Pier 39. John and Marcia Lenser, the original founders, hoped to establish top-quality, collectible music boxes for an affordable price. After the tremendous success of the Pier 39 location, The San Francisco Music Box Company grew. The Lenser couple opened a second store and found business kept growing. As John Lenser’s visions grew, they also changed. Mr. Lenser went on to create LENSER, a company specializing in the creation and distribution of high-scale mail order catalogs. Unfortunately, the shift in attention led to less strict standards and the original quality of the music boxes began to slip.
The San Francisco Music Box Company is Revitalized
In 2002, Curt Gray, former COO of Dean and Deluca, took over the helm and began restoring The San Francisco Music Box Company to its roots. Today, 85% of the company's business is done via mail order. There are over 300 stores, both seasonal and year-round, throughout the United States. Even if an interested buyer cannot find a local store, chances are there is a retailer in the area that carries at least one line of music boxes.
Special Programs
Since Curt Gray took over the reins, The San Francisco Music Box Company has implemented a number of new programs. The company now specializes in categories instead of a few single items. The goal is to attract a younger market, while still appealing to the older crowd. The company offers volume discounts to merchandisers. Website owners can also gain a commission through the company’s affiliate program.
Music Boxes and Figurines
Today, The San Francisco Music Box Company offers a number of music boxes and figurines. Shoppers wishing to find collectibles from their favorite artist, movie, or character are sure to find something with the company. There are over two dozen specialty lines including Anna Rosa, Ballerinas, Betty Boop, Carousel, Cats, Disney, Dogs, Dragons & Wizards, Fairies, Flowers, Gone with the Wind, Phantom Of The Opera, Thomas Kinkade, Wizard of Oz, and more.
Shoppers can also search for the perfect gift by browsing the company’s occasion and holiday pages. Gifts can be sent directly to the recipient for no additional charge. The company offers a toll-free number for telephone ordering and for acquiring a catalog.
San Francisco Music Box Company Pricing
Normal prices for items from The San Francisco Music Box Company range from $5 to $1550. An Italian Music Box made from Rosewood and Burlwood is the most expensive item at $1550. A tin bear Christmas ornament is a mere $5.
Discounts
The sale annex of the San Francisco Music Box Company contains many discontinued items that can be purchased for extremely reasonable prices. Today, a search of the sale annex finds a gorgeous Winter Poinsettia Angel Globe for $15. The Angel Globe plays “Angels We Have Heard On High” and originally costs $30. Items in the sale annex can be acquired for reasonable prices ranging from $5 to $25.
Shipping
Shipping rates with The San Francisco Music Box Company are very reasonable. Depending on the amount spent by the buyer, the company charges from $5 to $27 for ground shipping. Ground shipping typically takes three to nine business days.
Returns
The San Francisco Music Box Company offers a thirty-day return warranty following the purchase. Beyond that, if a music box purchased from one of their stores, online, or from a catalog ever fails due to wear, the company offers credit for a replacement item.
An Investment
The San Francisco Music Box Company’s unique line of products has thrilled many collectors. These items are sound investments as many of their values have increased over time.
Comments
Roslyn,
The San Francisco Music Box Company can be found online at www.sfmusicbox.com. They also have a toll free number 1-800-227-2190. I would check out this website and if you still can't find what you are looking for, give them a call. While the Pier 39 store is their flagship location, they do most of their business through mail order. Their customer service would be the best place to help.
Good luck!
-- Contributed by: Debbie Vaseni was on holidays from australia and went into the pier39 store an saw many plush dolls, bride and groom, french doll, sailors and many more that move and sing i cannot find them on any website although i have the business card from the owners, is their a cataloge of them and where can i see and buy them.
-- Contributed by: roslyn webbThis page has been accessed 731 times. This page was last modified 02:36, 14 September 2007.
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