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Is it Price Fixing?

By William Feela

Real Estate Broker/Owner with WHISPERING PINES REALTY 20398180

March 22, 2012 04:52 AM

I have been shopping around for a new camera and what I have found is very normal as of late it seams.

I finally decided on the one I want. I checked 8 store and internet outlets and found 6 to have the identical price. 1 had the same price but a less desirable feature and one was a regular price. (From what all the others called regular price.)

I shopped for a chain saw last fall and found all 4 dealers with the same price. At one store I was told that this was the price it was to be sold at per the Manufacture.

So, has our free market system gone by the wayside.I know, we can make a big argument on areas that are not this way, but I seam to be seeing a trend here.

I have talked with some people and the blame some of the large retailers.

I don't know if that is true, but I do know that it is interesting that I can go to a store and expect to pay the same price in all of them.

Again...Grocery stores and small items don't seam to have this trend, but larger ticket items do.

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Laura Giannotta

Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore - Little Egg Harbor, NJ

Your Realtor Down the Shore!

I can usually find a better price online for cameras, TV's etc.

Mar 22, 2012 04:58 AM

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN

Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

I am not sure where you are shopping, Bill. Or for that matter, what you are looking for specifically, but later today, I will send you some websites where you might find some better pricing!

William Feela

WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN

Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Laura...I was looking on line and I am not fond of larger purchases on-line. I want to be able to talk to the seller when I am not happy.

Suzanne...I have several internet sites and the priced was the same, but like I told Laura, I like to be able to talk to the seller face to face when things go wrong.

But Thanks.

Mar 22, 2012 05:02 AM

Steven Cook

No Longer Processing Mortgages. - Tacoma, WA

Bill -- the "Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price" (to quote The Price is Right) is beginning to look more and more like the only price. Though if you go into a reputable store, they might be able to get you some extras at no charge, which makes it cheaper in the long run. The US is not like so much of rest of world where listed prices are only a starting point.

Mar 22, 2012 06:04 AM

Chris Smith

Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON

South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Bill, it might just be that competition is so fierce that everyone is selling it near cost... normally a good websearch will verify this.

Mar 22, 2012 06:11 AM

Cameron Wilson

Labrum Real Estate - Murrieta, CA

The Short Guy - Murrieta,Temecula,Menifee Californ

I have noticed the same thing Bill.Maybe with this economy the retailers are trying to maximize profits per sale as sales are down.Frustrating.

Mar 22, 2012 06:46 AM

I also believe that retailers are not making as much and doing what they can. Also, many manufacturers also understand the importance of keeping a healthy bottom line for it's retailers and keeping the Discounter out of it by mandating a price if you want to sell their product, keeps more retailers viable and makes it so retailers WANT to sell their products.

Mar 22, 2012 07:04 AM

Vern Eaton

Askov, MN

Realtor 651-674-7449

Bill, I think your 2nd comment hit the nail onthe head. If Retailers can't make any money why carry the product.

Mar 22, 2012 07:39 AM

Randi Brammer

Randi Brammer, Acctg. - Hinckley, MN

Accountant & Tax Preparer

Interesting. I had not noticed, but then again, I shop a small town and don't have time to trvel to far to buy something.

Mar 22, 2012 11:17 AM

Lindsey Hasford

Edina Realty - Elk River, MN

Bringing you home...

So true. so true. Prices are fixed often at the manufactorers end of the line. I have more than one family member in retail and they could tell you all about it. Even in stores like Burger King and McD's the prices are fixed. Doesn't matter who owns them - they have to follow corporate lead. My point? Even in the small stuff the pennies count.

Mar 22, 2012 02:48 PM

Mike Carlier

Lakeville, MN

More opinions than you want to hear about.

Everything's negotiable, if you want to take the time and expend the energy.

Mar 23, 2012 02:03 AM

Is it Price Fixing?

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