Question about buying from "non-authorized" re-sellers

[jeckyll]

Tridacna: I don't think you have a good handle on 'competition'. There is no price fixing between manufacturers. There are plenty of regulator manufacturers, with all types of different policies.

For instance, my current regs (Atomic) can not be purchased online at discounted prices. I have no big problem with this.

My next set (for a stage) will be a Salvo. They have very different policies regarding service kits, which I really like. So I am voting with my dollars.

In a free market, where you are not forced to purchase from a specific manufacturer, or oligarchy, you should do the same

Who thought I'd get to dig through my Economics background here on SB

 

[Damselfish]

Yes, the manufacturers are not price fixing between them, price fixing may not be the right term using the classic definition. And to a certain extent I agree the manufacturers are entitled to sell their stuff however they want and customers are entitled to take it or leave it. But IMO the statement that it's good for the consumer, and most of the other arguments made for the practice, are simply ridiculous and cannot pass without comment.

 

[jeckyll]

.... But IMO the statement that it's good for the consumer, and most of the other arguments made for the practice, are simply ridiculous and cannot pass without comment.

I said that where exactly? Given your reply did not include a quoted post, I have to think that this was directed at me.

I never said this was best for consumers or in any way most advantageous. However, when people are for choice and then in the same breath want the government to interfere in the market in which there is no collusion between manufacturers, you have to wonder what goes through their heads.

If you want a free market, it has to be free for the manufacturers to chose how to sell, just as consumers are free to purchase whatever they like. To me, given my small amount of knowledge in the regulator market, that certainly seems to be the case. You have a good number of competitors engaging in differing marketing practices.

As the consumer, you have every right, some would say the responsibility, to make choices based on the information available and the purchase according to your preferences. So purchase at your LDS, purchase online, purchase any product line you want once you've educated yourself as to how they operate and how their product performs, what your interaction is with their representatives etc etc etc.

Go purchase from a company that represents the qualities that are important to you. If enough other people do the same thing, the practices of the other manufactures will change as they will lose market share. But, please, quite complaining and wanting the government to interfer in a market that seems to be functioning as designed.

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

 

[Damselfish]

I said that where exactly? Given your reply did not include a quoted post, I have to think that this was directed at me.

I did not say you said that. See post #6.

 

[jeckyll]

I did not say you said that. See post #6.

Thank you for the clarification.

I agree that consumers really are not being protected by the policies. And I hope you read the rest of the post

 

[dannobee]

...Consequently, most brand name manufacturers do not allow online sales. Some companies, such as LeisurePro, purchase products from Europe and market them in the US over the internet. They are not authorized dealers and cannot offer manufacturer's warranties.
And any dealer caught selling below the MAP price will lose his authorization for the product line. Manufacturers are really protecting the consumer with this practice and I applaud them for being strict in effectuating this policy...

So you DO applaud the fact that they have different prices on different continents? Where's the fairness in that? If prices weren't cheaper in Europe, LeisurePro, among others, wouldn't be able to arbitrage the price difference. Similar to the drug companies offering drugs at cheaper prices to those in lesser developed countries while making everyone else pay with higher prices.

And Price Fixing (i.e., "MAP") IS illegal in this country. Once someone with deeper pockets than mine takes them to court, the practice will stop. But in the meantime, vote with your wallet and don't support those companies who pull these stunts.

 

[tridacna]

>>For instance, my current regs (Atomic) can not be purchased online at discounted prices. I have no big problem with this.

You should have a problem because you overpaid. LeisurePro sell them. I bought a B2 there.

You are correct. What the manufactureres do is not price fixing. It's price blackmailing.

 

[PhilEllis]

Manufactuers set a minimum sales price called the MAP price. Manufacturers do not want a price war with dealers trying to sell cheaper than the other guy. In the long run, that would be bad for the dealer, the manufacturer and ultimately the consumer. Consequently, most brand name manufacturers do not allow online sales. Some companies, such as LeisurePro, purchase products from Europe and market them in the US over the internet. They are not authorized dealers and cannot offer manufacturer's warranties.
And any dealer caught selling below the MAP price will lose his authorization for the product line. Manufacturers are really protecting the consumer with this practice and I applaud them for being strict in effectuating this policy.
If the product has to be sent to the manufacturer for repair, they simply will not repair it IF serial numbers indicate the product was not sold by an authorized dealer.
IN SHORT, support those who support you. DO NOT BUY from unauthorized dealers and do not buy products from dealers who are not authorized dealers.
You can still purchase many products from LeisurePro and other such online marketers but not regulators, BCDs, etc made by most brand name manufacturers.
LASTLY, ScubaToys is no longer a ScubaPro dealer. Must have been a big falling out because as I recall, they have this huge ScubaPro logo in the middle of their floor.

Actually, only a few remaining manufacturers in our industry prevent retailing on the internet. Those that do stand apart from the majority of the industry.

I would be a real stretch, by ANYONE, to put together an intellectual argument as to how CONSUMERS benefit from price controls designed to keep the retail prices at a high level. If keeping prices at a high level to the consumer is good, the next time you are in a shopping center or the WalMart, just pay them double for whatever you buy! That should then be good for you as a consumer and it certainly will be good for them. Thanks.

Phil Ellis

 

[jeckyll]

>>For instance, my current regs (Atomic) can not be purchased online at discounted prices. I have no big problem with this.

You should have a problem because you overpaid. LeisurePro sell them. I bought a B2 there.

You are correct. What the manufactureres do is not price fixing. It's price blackmailing.

Have you tried that lately? they've been 'out of stock' on Atomic's for a very long time...

 

[emmagee]

Thanks to those that responded. I wasn't trying to create a debate, just ask a question, so sorry if I stirred up a hornets nest.