production cues

[oldroller]

I contacted a well known cuemaker about a price list of cues on his site.He was very helpful and provided the information.Out of curisoty I looked at some other cue dealers,it seems that I can buy from them cheaper than the maker.Is this usually the case?I don't own or buy a lot of cues so I appreciate any suggestions.Also there are no local dealers where I live so these prices are from the internet.
THANKS

 

[shinyballs]

Dealers

Sometimes the dealers might get a deal from the maker for ordering bulk, so their markup might be lower than the suggested retail from the cuemaker. Also, they might lower their prices over time if the cues aren't selling. I'd also venture to guess that if you contact the cuemaker, they would match the lower price in many cases.

That's my best guess anyway.

-Shiny

 

[cubswin]

Can certainly get Joss cues cheaper through retailers than direct. Not sure about schons. I ordered a shaft direct from schon and didn't pay more for it. I would guess that most of the productions builders prefer customers to go through their retailers just to cut down on the amount of phone calls throughout the day. Just a guess though.

 

[AuntyDan]

Absolutely this can be the case. Any dealer is buying their goods from the manufacturer at a wholesale price lower than the recommended retail price (RRP) by definition, otherwise they cannot make a profit. Depending on the market the wholesale price may be scale up or down by the size of the order.

The manufacturer themselves sets the RRP so are likely to stick to it even if dealers choose to compete by undercutting it and reducing their individual profit to gain sales volume. Also unless they have set themselves up spefically to both manufacture and sell direct to the public it may actually cost them more than the dealer in terms of admin staff time to pack up and ship an individual product.

A lot of people will still pay the full RRP for the convenience and peace of mind of buying "direct from the factory" so removing any chance a dealer may be selling them old or returned stock without their knowledge.

 

[pete lafond]

Absolutely this can be the case. .

Yes. I manufacture a software product. I am required by resellers contracts that I may not sell my products for a less price than they do. Theyalso get a 30% discount on my product. This is the cost of marketing. If you get enough quality dealers you should attain a much higher volume of sales. Not to forget the exposure you will ge through their advertising.