How do LHS guys feel about Marketing Agreements?

[mdamson 0]

It seems that all of the new gear comes out at exactly the same price no matter where you go. This pricing is down to the penny. It seems that all of the manufacturers are telling you guys what to price the gear at, or you will not be able to sell it. Is this the case, or are the margins so low on these products, that it makes no sense to offer it at lower prices? As an example the CCM U+, Bauer 195, and Bauer 9500 helmet are priced the same down to the penny everywhere you go. Seems a bit uncompetitive/anti-capitalist to me. I know that sometimes shops offer to throw in some sharpenings or laces to get you to go with their sale, but that really sucks from an owner's perspective to have to give up high margin sales to get consumers to buy their low margin gear. Just looking to see how you guys feel about this issue.

[jimmy 194]

We can sell gear at any price we want, just can't advertise below MAP pricing. I have no problems with that. It's a good policy.

[JR Boucicaut 3810]

Exactly - the manufacturers are setting the prices to get good margins and to stay competitive across the board.