This thread was inspired by one particular post in another thread but is a theme I am seeing more and more often.
The statement in the other thread, paraphrased, was "I won't pay anything more than 20% off, 30% off if it's cables."
Now, when I read something like that, and if I'm not exactly up to speed on real world pricing, I think to myself "That guy must know something and I sure as hell don't want to be the fool who does pay full price!" In other words, a statement like that has the potential to snowball.
So before the question, lets start with a given. I think it can be plainly stated that, especially with cables, some of this pricing IS just plain ridiculous. For proof, I offer the fact that at least three of the biggest names I know of are 75 to 80 point items. (Ie. the dealer keeps 75%-80% of the "retail" cost.) And, obviously, anyone who understands this will demand a significant discount.
But! Not ALL gear in this hobby is priced that way.
So.... two line of questions.....
1) Once this "game" becomes common practice, does it not force ALL manufacturers/retailers to play the game? What if one company offers pricing that does not leave room for such big discounts. But enough people assume that they can/should demand one. What to do? (from both perspectives, manufacturer and consumer)
2) How do you determine what a "fair" price is? Or, if you care, how do you determine which companies are playing the game? Does ANYONE pay full price, ever?
P.S. There is no motivation in these questions. I am not slamming ultra expensive gear or making a judgment call on the right to price items in the stratosphere. Just curious as to how most people navigate the landscape.
The statement in the other thread, paraphrased, was "I won't pay anything more than 20% off, 30% off if it's cables."
Now, when I read something like that, and if I'm not exactly up to speed on real world pricing, I think to myself "That guy must know something and I sure as hell don't want to be the fool who does pay full price!" In other words, a statement like that has the potential to snowball.
So before the question, lets start with a given. I think it can be plainly stated that, especially with cables, some of this pricing IS just plain ridiculous. For proof, I offer the fact that at least three of the biggest names I know of are 75 to 80 point items. (Ie. the dealer keeps 75%-80% of the "retail" cost.) And, obviously, anyone who understands this will demand a significant discount.
But! Not ALL gear in this hobby is priced that way.
So.... two line of questions.....
1) Once this "game" becomes common practice, does it not force ALL manufacturers/retailers to play the game? What if one company offers pricing that does not leave room for such big discounts. But enough people assume that they can/should demand one. What to do? (from both perspectives, manufacturer and consumer)
2) How do you determine what a "fair" price is? Or, if you care, how do you determine which companies are playing the game? Does ANYONE pay full price, ever?
P.S. There is no motivation in these questions. I am not slamming ultra expensive gear or making a judgment call on the right to price items in the stratosphere. Just curious as to how most people navigate the landscape.
