Lonnie Clemens Posted February 26, 2017 Posted February 26, 2017 Hi Folks, I am all for supporting privately owned businesses and would like to see them succeed. But Walmart prices keep dropping while the local boat shop prices remain the same or go up. I will give you an example: The local boat shop is charging $167.00 for a 40# Minn Kota trolling motor. Yesterday Walmart was charging $153.00 for the same motor. Today I was shopping at the Walmart on Dirksen Parkway and the 40# Minn Kota was $124.00. I know the local boat dealership is always there for me, if I have a problem with my boat, have questions, or need something worked on. But sometimes the Walmart prices tempt me to cross over. Two days ago I went to Gander Mountain and looked at Vinyl boat seats. They were $49.00 each. At Walmart the Cushioned Vinyl seats are $30.00. Pretty much the same seat. The seats are cushioned and vinyl. Very comfortable seats. Lonnie Quote
Chowderhead Posted February 26, 2017 Posted February 26, 2017 16 minutes ago, Lonnie Clemens said: The local boat shop is charging $167.00 for a 40# Minn Kota trolling motor. Yesterday Walmart was charging $153.00 for the same motor. Today I was shopping at the Walmart on Dirksen Parkway and the 40# Minn Kota was $124.00. Will refrain from taking sides on this one: Good deal at big box/online v. supporting your local stores. My Omaha Walmart store has the same $124.00 price. Looking at the display and talking with staff, that is a clearance (closeout) price. 1 Quote
Lonnie Clemens Posted February 26, 2017 Author Posted February 26, 2017 If it is a closeout price, maybe they won't be carrying that particular model. Quote
Ski213 Posted February 26, 2017 Posted February 26, 2017 I generally try to support the local businesses but sometimes you have to look out for your bottom line. You can buy some things from a big box store and still continue to do business with your local folks as well. Nothing wrong with that in my opinion. 3 Quote
Super User slonezp Posted February 26, 2017 Super User Posted February 26, 2017 Any "authorized" dealer is contracted to charge msrp which is why you won't see deals unless there is a factory promotion. I saved $400 on a Minn Kota buying it off amazon vs buying it from an authorized dealer. It is what it is. 3 Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted February 27, 2017 Super User Posted February 27, 2017 A few of the dealerships around me are absolutely insane on their prices. It's not just big box stores that they're higher than either. Given where I live though (lots of vacation homes) I think they keep them higher given that people come in and want something fixed right away so it doesn't ruin their vacation and they don't really even think about the price. 1 Quote
Hawkeye21 Posted February 27, 2017 Posted February 27, 2017 I use to run an appliance/electronics business so I try to support local businesses as much as I can but I know how hard it is to pass up a great deal or convenience. My way of thinking is if it's a product that I would need service or help with after the purchase then I'm buying it from a local place. If it's a one and done type item then I'm going for the cheapest price. On 2/26/2017 at 1:42 AM, slonezp said: Any "authorized" dealer is contracted to charge msrp which is why you won't see deals unless there is a factory promotion. I saved $400 on a Minn Kota buying it off amazon vs buying it from an authorized dealer. It is what it is. That doesn't sound accurate. Any product I've ever seen has a MSRP that they recommend selling it at but you are not required to. Then there is MAP pricing which they are required to advertise at that price or higher or they could lose that product line. Usually any retailer is allowed to sell a product at any price they want as long as they are not advertising the price. It's up to them if they want to make or lose money. 1 Quote
contium Posted February 28, 2017 Posted February 28, 2017 On 2/27/2017 at 10:22 AM, Hawkeye21 said: I use to run an appliance/electronics business so I try to support local businesses as much as I can but I know how hard it is to pass up a great deal or convenience. My way of thinking is if it's a product that I would need service or help with after the purchase then I'm buying it from a local place. If it's a one and done type item then I'm going for the cheapest price. That doesn't sound accurate. Any product I've ever seen has a MSRP that they recommend selling it at but you are not required to. Then there is MAP pricing which they are required to advertise at that price or higher or they could lose that product line. Usually any retailer is allowed to sell a product at any price they want as long as they are not advertising the price. It's up to them if they want to make or lose money. Minn Kota will drop a dealer if they sell under MSRP. And they find out from the required sales receipt when you send something in for warranty repairs. "In the case of a dealer pricing below our suggested levels (including e-commerce add to cart lower prices, the offering of effective discounts in the form of associated premiums, free goods, gift certificates, rebates or other vehicles), or if suggested retail prices are not listed individually within a combination package or bundle, Minn Kota reserves the right, at our discretion, to suspend product shipments covered by this pricing policy to that account." http://www.***/showthread.php?t=782118 Quote
Hawkeye21 Posted February 28, 2017 Posted February 28, 2017 44 minutes ago, contium said: Minn Kota will drop a dealer if they sell under MSRP. And they find out from the required sales receipt when you send something in for warranty repairs. "In the case of a dealer pricing below our suggested levels (including e-commerce add to cart lower prices, the offering of effective discounts in the form of associated premiums, free goods, gift certificates, rebates or other vehicles), or if suggested retail prices are not listed individually within a combination package or bundle, Minn Kota reserves the right, at our discretion, to suspend product shipments covered by this pricing policy to that account." http://www.***/showthread.php?t=782118 Interesting. So they only have one price for their products and no Minimum Advertised Price? If so then they are very different than the majority of companies. Good for them for trying to keep things even. It's gives local shops a chance to compete then. Selling appliances and TVs was a huge pain in the butt. So much competition out there. Quote
Super User Spankey Posted March 3, 2017 Super User Posted March 3, 2017 You know what's best for your wallet and your family. I understand all about the local business and do what I have to do. Buy from Wally and don't loose any sleep over it. It will be on the other shoe for something else. Quote
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