Aev
03-05-2014 | 09:29 AM
#11
JK Jedi
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 107
From: missoula,mt
I mean it's great for them that they've built brands so strong they can dictate their price to their retailers, I just disagree with it. I know there are pros and cons, not saying there's no benefit to it. It can be a huge disappointment to see a great discount code out there, get excited that that you'll finally get a deal on something you've been waiting for and then realize the fine print excludes that brand. I know most know about the no discount on AEV, but when I first got into Jeeps I didn't know about it and it was disappointing finding myself in that situation. Now hearing that Warn is the same way has got me wondering who else doesn't allow their retailers to set their own prices?
03-05-2014 | 09:33 AM
#12
Sponsoring Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 6
not to derail this thread anymore than we already have but....
Most of the MFG's are forced to do the pricing the way they do so that retailers can make any money at all. Nobody wants to sell a product they make nothing on . Everybody is in business for a reason .
Most of the MFG's are forced to do the pricing the way they do so that retailers can make any money at all. Nobody wants to sell a product they make nothing on . Everybody is in business for a reason .
03-05-2014 | 09:59 AM
#13
JK Junkie
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,262
Likes: 1
From: Des Moines, Iowa
Another bonus to AEV setting the MAP for the retailers is that it avoids a lot of hassel for the retailers. They aren't always trying to undercut one another on pricing just to sell an item (I am sure that NR and Q-Tec get calls saying vendor X is willing to sell me part # for $, can you beat their price, then calling vendor X and saying Q-Tec is at price $, can you beat them).
In my experience buying stuff for my JK, I have quit trying to call around for the best price. I have about 2 or 3 vendors I buy all of my stuff from and they always take care of me. I do ask them for their best price, and if they can't do any better, then the price is what it is. I tend to be loyal because in the end I am willing to pay for service.
03-05-2014 | 10:08 AM
#14
JK Jedi
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 107
From: missoula,mt
AEV does keep their dealer pricing held very close to the chest, and I doubt you would ever get a distributor, or AEV to disclose the pricing willingly. The 4x4 manufacturing business has very tight margins for the retailers, and ultimately they are in the business of making money. Usually the discounts you see on products from companies like Warn or AEV are on items that are discontinued, and the discounts come straight from the manufacturer.
Another bonus to AEV setting the MAP for the retailers is that it avoids a lot of hassel for the retailers. They aren't always trying to undercut one another on pricing just to sell an item (I am sure that NR and Q-Tec get calls saying vendor X is willing to sell me part # for $, can you beat their price, then calling vendor X and saying Q-Tec is at price $, can you beat them).
In my experience buying stuff for my JK, I have quit trying to call around for the best price. I have about 2 or 3 vendors I buy all of my stuff from and they always take care of me. I do ask them for their best price, and if they can't do any better, then the price is what it is. I tend to be loyal because in the end I am willing to pay for service.
Another bonus to AEV setting the MAP for the retailers is that it avoids a lot of hassel for the retailers. They aren't always trying to undercut one another on pricing just to sell an item (I am sure that NR and Q-Tec get calls saying vendor X is willing to sell me part # for $, can you beat their price, then calling vendor X and saying Q-Tec is at price $, can you beat them).
In my experience buying stuff for my JK, I have quit trying to call around for the best price. I have about 2 or 3 vendors I buy all of my stuff from and they always take care of me. I do ask them for their best price, and if they can't do any better, then the price is what it is. I tend to be loyal because in the end I am willing to pay for service.
I do the same, 4wd.com, Northridge and rockridge have been the three I always ask a quote from. 8 out of 10 times 4wd wins out. They misquoted on an item and honored it tho they said they could get in trouble, Northridge has responded a couple of times they did not wish to compete with them which is no big deal. I know they need to make money and 4wd is the walmart of the off road business but I guess money in my pocket is important to me. I have no local shop to support so I go with the cheapest. If there were a local place I would pay a bit more to support them.
03-05-2014 | 10:53 AM
#15
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach, FL
About 15 years ago I worked for a manufacturing company in another industry and we had MAP and fixed retail pricing. We found out a large online retailer was discounting our products and sent a letter to all distributors to stop selling to the retailer.
The retailer filed lawsuit and my company lost the suit and ended up negotiating a pay with product deal that almost bankrupted the company. Took quite a few years to put the whole thing behind the company.
We were a much smaller company than AEV so probably couldn't access the legal team they could. But companies should be careful because the MAP can backfire.
The retailer filed lawsuit and my company lost the suit and ended up negotiating a pay with product deal that almost bankrupted the company. Took quite a few years to put the whole thing behind the company.
We were a much smaller company than AEV so probably couldn't access the legal team they could. But companies should be careful because the MAP can backfire.