Knuckling under to MAP pressure

Off-topic Chatter
1

I’m becoming more and more disappointed to see these these types of group buys appear, where all we have is the name of the item and a request to PM for pricing. There is no info on the device, even a link or 2 to reviews or other BLF threads and at least the current MAP pricing so prospective buyers can have some minimal information. For some, knowing whether MAP is $40 or $400 can speed up the decision making process immensely. While the lack of product information can easily be remedied and likely help to drum up more interest leading to a more successful group buy, I’m wondering if this whole charade to get around the MAP police is worth it.

As far as I can tell, with few exceptions, manufacturers want to sell as much of their products as possible. MAP is there to help protect their dealers’ margins, but would they still care as much if they stand to lose a substantial amount of sales in the process? The best recent group buy example I can think of is the Gearbest Opus C3100 charger. It started out well with an post that described the product along with lots of helpful information and links as well as the actual sale price. Even with the doubts about the new and improved model, it drummed up quite a bit of interest and there were lots of early buyers because the price was right. Later, the other dealers complained and the manufacturer basically tried to impose MAP by threatening to stop distribution. Then after some background negotiations by the seller, and I assume common sense on the manufacturer’s part after seeing the overwhelmingly positive response and sales, they allowed the GB to proceed unabated. Honestly, that’s the best thing I’ve seen so far. A seller that is genuinely interested in getting us a good product at a reasonable price and willing to go to bat for their customers. Maybe this will continue to work for them in the future or maybe not, but I’m happy to see them trying instead of simply capitulating at the first knock from the MAP police.

Honestly, I have not PMed anyone on any of these MAP hide & seek deals. If a manufacturer isn’t willing to set realistic pricing or let the dealers and market work it out on their own, then I don’t really need their product. Maybe they’re happy with only getting 20% of their inventory to market at 200% markups, and that’s fine for them, but I’m not here because I want to help them protect inflated margins. If I were, I’d be over at that other forum. And if a dealer isn’t willing to fight for their customers by showing the manufacturer that it might be more preferrable to sell 80% of their inventory at only 100% markup, then I don’t need them either.

Yeesh, I typed that in as a few paragraphs, but it just ended up being a wall of text. Edited to add some separators.

KuoH

2

thanks for the rant

we all needed that

3

Well, at least it will let me know if I’m the only crazy in town.

KuoH

4

I think part of the purpose of MAP is to hold a market niche and a reputation for quality, to hold prestige.

Once a prestigious or highly rated brand name which can charge premium prices because of it’s quality, starts becoming discounted and on sale regularly, it loses it’s place in public perception, and it’s over all price and perceived value are lessened, and the brand name forever, is less than what it first was.

Some can make that up in profits based on more gross sales, but that might not always be worth it, or the best long term strategy.

The price is part of the image for just about everything, we can all come up with examples that we can mock, like buying the same brand of something at Macy’s instead of Walmart, but most of us can think of examples that make sense to us as well.

5

I just wait for the clones, there's always clones, send in the clones.

6

I can agree with that, but with the prevalence of MAP deal kills lately, it sure seems like more and more manufacturers think they’re a highend brand. If the trend continues, then eventually only the *fire brands will be left in the open pricing market.

KuoH

7

“Prestigious brands” turn out not to be worth it or no market for it, get discounted…
:slight_smile:

8

I too, would prefer the GB price be clearly posted. Having to respond to multiple PMs about pricing is not what I would like to do, however, I have benefitted from recent group buys and recognize the hard work that the organizer of each GB has put it. By organizing a GB on the Thrunite T10T, it is my way to contributing to the community, and not just wait for someone else to organize it.

Generally speaking though, when I am interested in a GB, it is because I know about and wish to purchase the light. I suspect a lot of people think the same way, and I suppose that is why I may not have included MSRP and a link to a review.