3D Store vs Online Pricing

[SoCalB6]

Every time I have visited my local 3D, in Van Nuys, there has always been an inconsistency in pricing with regards to internet/retail location. Is this normal, or were the employees mistaken? Not trying to bash, but they did seem a bit lost when I brought this issue up.

[Ben@Autopia]

Some of the stores are independently owned. They can set their own price.

[Thomas Dekany]

What were the differences?

Every time I have visited my local 3D, in Van Nuys, there has always been an inconsistency in pricing with regards to internet/retail location. Is this normal, or were the employees mistaken? Not trying to bash, but they did seem a bit lost when I brought this issue up.

[SoCalB6]

Ah ok. Yea, not even taking into account online prices, I have also experienced inconsistent prices among different employees. If feel as though they are just shooting numbers off the top of their heads.

[RZJZA80]

Are the prices even the same as the website? Even as an independent dealer, I would think the main company would have something in the contract saying to keep the prices the same, for the sake of their reputation and that of the consumer. Is this common practice in this type of business relationship?

[SoCalB6]

What were the differences?

Not a big spread, but I have bought the detailer for $13-$15, for example. Just depends who's at the counter.

[SoCalB6]

Are the prices even the same as the website? Even as an independent dealer, I would think the main company would have something in the contract saying to keep the prices the same, for the sake of their reputation and that of the consumer. Is this common practice in this type of business relationship?

No. They change depending who's working the register. There are no prices on the shelves.

[RZJZA80]

No. They change depending who's working the register. There are no prices on the shelves.

OK, sounds like an issue with that particular location I'm assuming

[SoCalB6]

Could very well be. This is one of the reasons I only go there if I need something right away. I'm planning on heading over there today so, I'll try to get a price list for future reference.

[Ben@Autopia]

Are the prices even the same as the website? Even as an independent dealer, I would think the main company would have something in the contract saying to keep the prices the same, for the sake of their reputation and that of the consumer. Is this common practice in this type of business relationship?

Have to disagree with you. You will find price difference online vs in store for alot of retailers. I have personally seen this at Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Fry's Electronics, Home Depot, etc, etc...

Prices also vary by region/availability. I have been to a Fry's Electronics in Burbank, CA and gone to a Fry's in Las Vegas, NV the next day. Several items were a different price.


We have exclusive territory for our distributors so they dont compete against each other. We give them suggested prices, which they mostly follow, but they are free to set there own or give specials. With the way gas is, most people wont drive across town to save a couple bucks on an item.






Ben

[Dan]

Glad you guys don't set that stupid minimum advertised price thing. Then every sales person will get into a holy war about selling you something under that price, they clearly don't understand minimum advertised price.

Then there is Walmart... they'll price match Target...BUT...not another Walmart!?!?!?

[Ben@Autopia]

Then there is Walmart... they'll price match Target...BUT...not another Walmart!?!?!?