Feldman, Jack (Jack) wrote:
>
> Even if they buy them from CCC (and Ed is right about that) at list price,
> which they don't, 35% is a bit high for profit. I have had two jobs that
> have given me the experience to make that statement. One was for a
> pioneering discount broker where list price on expensive radios were marked
> up 20%, and 10 years as a Product Manger for AT&T Computer systems where we
> had to set prices to meet competition.
>
> A pricing policy like that seems to reflect an attitude that I question.
> There is no such thing as list price, but if they want happy customers there
> should be that price differential. It is the usual customer beware. Moss has
> a good reputation, but the prices they want for some items that are
> available elsewhere are laughable. Why buy from them and pay so much more.
> How does the customer feel if they buy something that costs them dollars
> more ($36 almost anywhere vs. $72 for the same fuel pump, $150 for a
> retractable 3 point seat belt vs. $90.). We aren't talking quality
> differences here, we are talking the exact same item.
> Just wanted to warn people to do some careful comparison shopping.
> Jack
Jack,
I too agree with you that comparison shopping is always important to the
consumer. Although looking at price alone is not the sole decision
maker...wants, needs, whims, all come into play. Nevermind the issue of
is it in stock..or on backorder. I have seen companies offer the lowest
prices...and when you call...sorry out of stock..on infinite
backorder..."would you like a raincheck?" Also location can be a factor.
Someone on the west coast may find that it is just a cheap to buy a
model from Moss at a higher price, lower shipping...than it is to buy
from the East Coast lower price, higher shipping. And maybe it is more
economical for someone already buying parts for a repair from Moss to
purchase the model at the higher price. CCC doesn't offer that many hard
parts, for example.
I fully appreciate your intent in your original posting. I understand
that you aren't implying that all of Moss is a "rip off".
Having been in the buying, selling end of the British parts
business-wholesale, retail, mailorder, and service for over 20 years (I
am only 35) I have seen first hand how absolutely illogical the chains
of distribution have become over those twenty years. What used to be
structured organized pricing schedules, have become a totally chaotic
situation. It is almost like a freeforall. So to me, pricing
differentials on products are going to be even more extreme in the
future. We will all continue to see situations where you may save 50% or
more for identical brand products by shopping around. And when it comes
to some aftermarket products, the savings can even be more. Good luck to
all of you in finding those bargains. Sometimes that is half the fun!
Hal Rogers
H.D. Rogers & Sons
Import Auto Specialists
3418 Barksdale Blvd.
Bossier City LA 71112 USA
(318) 742-3651 phone (318) 742-5044 fax
http://www.hdrogers.com
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