Can the LDS set the price themselves?

[all4scuba05]

Here's the quote from ScubaToys...

The big thing most point out with LP products is that for many of the brands they carry they are not authorized dealers, so there is no manufacturers warranty. An authorized dealer has restraints on them because of the "MAP" policy - (Minimum advertised price). That means if a product has a "MAP" we must show a certain price on our web page. Now, if someone calls us up - we can match any price - and extend a full manufacturers warranty... we just can't advertise it.

Actually the legality of MAP programs is before the Supreme Court now, and a ruling is expected in the fall. Some feel that with a heavy republican appointed court - normally ruling in favor of business instead of the consumer, the MAP policy will be upheld - but it could go either way. Until it gets abolished, we will have to run our business showing the MAP price on products, and folks have to call for additional discounts... but heck... that's ok. We like talking to our customers anyway!

That was post #25 in this thread...http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=192918

My question. Is an LDS allowed to sell a product like regs, bc's, fins, and tanks at whatever price they want, as long as they advertise the higher price(set by the manufacturer) first?

 

[ReefHound]

As predicted, that court case upheld MAP. There are actually two variations, MAP refers to advertised prices and MARP refers to advertised AND retail price. It has been explained in much better detail previously here than I could ever do. The store can advertise and sell their product for anything they want, and the manufacturer can choose whether or not to retain them as an authorized dealer. So technically, the manufacturer cannot stop the store from selling product already purchased at below MAP prices but they can react by not selling the dealer any more gear.

 

[philmayer]

Manufacturers don't like dealers selling below MAP and some have been known to threaten not supply the dealer any longer. Whether it actually happens I don't know.

It would certainly be a stupid thing to do to the guys at ScubaToys. No matter what price they charge, they help the manufacturer's reputation with their wonderful customer service.

But a little mom and pop store.............

 

[scubadobadoo]

The rules are made by the manufacturers. The rules are enforced by the manufacturers...when it is convenient for them. The rules have even been proven to be broken/ignored by some manufacturers. And, some manufacturers sell stuff and allow the LDS to set any price they see fit and don't set strict rules that "help" the LDS. The answer is it depends on the manufacturer.

 

[scubatoys]

There are only a few companies that fix the selling price - like scubapro - but we don't carry them anymore (for that and other reasons). So yes... when it comes down to it, I can sell an Oceanic HUD mask for a dollar... but don't bother call me up and ask me to!

When we put together a package - you will see it's never at a map price - after someone is on the phone, or in the store, we can sell for any price that works for us and the customer.

 

[all4scuba05]

So when are you moving to New England?

 

[D_B]

West coast West coast West coast

 

[ClayJar]

So when are you moving to New England?

West coast West coast West coast

I thought they already were... everywhere... :biggrin:

(Just a bit harder to get air fills long distance. )

 

[scubatoys]

So when are you moving to New England?

We're in New England 4 days after you call.. Unless you need it sooner!

 

[RadRob]

glad I'm around the corner right by plano!!