Just an observation: I have yet to buy anything from either TrainWorld or St.Aubin, I much rather buy from a dealer that
a) shows what’s in stock
b) shows the price quite clearly (no hidden surprises)
c) has nice service
A dollar up or down for peace of mind, sure sounds good to me.
Stan Ames said:Are you speaking for one manufacturer in specific?
Several large scale manufacturers have begun policies of minimum advertised pricing. Stan Ames
Here we go again.
Stan is probably speaking for his consultancy client (one only?).
Hans-Joerg Mueller said:
Just an observation: I have yet to buy anything from either TrainWorld or St.Aubin, I much rather buy from a dealer thata) shows what’s in stock
b) shows the price quite clearly (no hidden surprises)
c) has nice service
A dollar up or down for peace of mind, sure sounds good to me.
I would like to challenge the owner(s) to come on here and explain this to us.
Do they think by printing a huge ad in GR makes them look like they are the biggest LS dealer in the world?
RRS usually has a 1/3 page ad and I bet does a thousand times more business than St Aubins.
jb
JB
I don’t know how much business RRS does compared to St.Aubin, but I know that they’re my preferred dealer.
Hans-Joerg Mueller said:For what it worth, I have no clients but I do provide help when asked to a number of manufacturers to help the hobby.
Stan is probably speaking for his consultancy client (one only?).
Several dealors have shown me letters from a number of manufacturers to their dealors stating their minimum price policy. At first this was only the smaller ones but lately the big ones have begun to enforce this as well. Typically it is 20-30% off of full retail.
I have been told that the reason for this is that at times the price we see on the internet and in the press are lower then what a normal dealor can get it for and that this discourages stocking product. We shall have to wait and see how far this practice extends and what change such a policy causes.
When you see in a magazine words such as “call for price” or “price to low to print” that is because of these policies.
Based on the latest letter I saw, I expect we will all see some changes in the next two months.
Stan Ames
John Bouck said:Hans-Joerg Mueller said:
Just an observation: I have yet to buy anything from either TrainWorld or St.Aubin, I much rather buy from a dealer thata) shows what’s in stock
b) shows the price quite clearly (no hidden surprises)
c) has nice service
A dollar up or down for peace of mind, sure sounds good to me.
Absolutely, HJ!
I do not understand why St Aubins can’t set up a website that shows in stock items.
I think they are all hype and no action.
They show everything all the manufacturer’s have and I’ll bet there is a fraction on the shelves.I would like to challenge the owner(s) to come on here and explain this to us.
Do they think by printing a huge ad in GR makes them look like they are the biggest LS dealer in the world?
RRS usually has a 1/3 page ad and I bet does a thousand times more business than St Aubins.
jb
In Australia we call fixing minimum prices, Retail Price Maintenance which is not legal to do.
Dealers are free to set whatever retail price they wish.
Another requirement is that all dealers must be offered the same buying and trading terms. Even if this those terms show bigger discounts for quantity and prompt payment. I guess the point is to have a transparent level playing field. Even if the benefit ends up mostly for those that can afford to buy and stock in quantity.
TonyWalsham said:Tony, we simply call it "price fixing" and it's not legal here either. However, "minimum [b]advertised[/b] pricing" is legal. It is designed to level the playing field between the big and small sellers in print, radio and TV advertising.
In Australia we call fixing minimum prices, Retail Price Maintenance which is not legal to do.
Jack Barton said:"level the playing field" Would that be considered a form of Socialism ? Or is it only a form of Socialism when a government does it? RalphTonyWalsham said:Tony, we simply call it "price fixing" and it's not legal here either. However, "minimum [b]advertised[/b] pricing" is legal. It is designed to level the playing field between the big and small sellers in print, radio and TV advertising.
In Australia we call fixing minimum prices, Retail Price Maintenance which is not legal to do.
Ralph,
Socialism has nothing to do with the “field”. It has to do with how the best players are hindered to make it better for the poorest players. Under MAP, anyone can sell for any amount, they just can’t advertise below an agreed price.
Jack
I know the principle, Jack.
It goes against the "free market " principle the conservatives are so hawkish about.
A free market would include the right to advertise the price of your goods.
Ralph
Just ran across this at Amazon.
“Why Don’t We Show the Price?
Manufacturers sometimes ask that retailers not display a price if it drops below a certain amount. The “click here to see price” message indicates that the price of the item is so low that the manufacturer requested that it not be advertised (that is, displayed). In a brick-and-mortar store, you would probably have to ask a salesperson what the price of the product is. At Amazon, by clicking on “click here to see price” you are essentially asking to see the price, at which point we show it to you.”
Once you have decided on what you are looking for or want, and are ready to buy, get they’re best price for that day, shop around, and make you’re best decision based on what you have researched that day. After you have researched you’re item, Use the telephone, talk to a live person, and ask them how long the price they quoted you is valid. Make a purchase based on you’re research, be informed, and ask about if you find it somewhere else at a lower price guarantee. Most places will do this if you are able to show them the lower priced ad price and it’s legitimate. If they won’t don’t do business with them. Its kind of a Wal Mart mentality world now. UNFORTUNATELY! The Regal
St. Aubin is a rudderless ship since Pat passed away…none of the staff are train-heads so it’s all business.