Firstly, I don't recall saying anything about my involvement in international arms trade, nor is this a pissing contest, nor is it an advertisement for a $200 M305, nor did I suggest that I could perform a better negotiation--------
However, what I am inferring is that faulting the strength of the Canadian Dollar is the only issue with the price increase is not true. I don't dispute that 99% of customers are understanding of the prima facie price increase --- I am, however, suggesting that that customer base has seen a linear reduction by the value vs price point argument alone.
I've seen "overpurchases," and "underpurchases" too ---- and I suspect the current market supports the former, not the latter --- depends on what happens in the next little while determines that outcome.
Maybe CIF with PRC manufacturing would have been a better choice ---- don't know, I didn't do the sit down! But, efforts being a "bulldog" with potential customers is better spent with the manufacturers, no? Just a thought, from a customer service point-of-view. Perhaps you disagree??
Are all 33 of your posts in this one thread?
Did you just take a community college business admin course? I know Economics 101 is really interesting, but showing up to CGN and throwing out every term you have learned in the last 6 months to protest the increased M305 prices makes you sound obnoxious.
I will point out that you omit many other important pricing factors in regards to market value of products (probably because you have yet to take Economics 201).
1) Availability of substitutes: are there any other .308 MBR military style firearms for a
comparable price point? NO. Are there any other M14 options at a better price point : NO. Forgoing alternatives, pricing can be increased due to a lack of cheaper substitutes for that product. If you have no other choices to substitute within a reasonable amount of money, then the price is deemed to be fairly reflected (up to/and in consideration of point 2).
2) FMV is determined by what someone is willing to pay for a item, therefore if people are buying at $550 then the price is justified. I would say that based on the EE prices for USED M305's, $550 for a new M305 is a good deal. All factors considering, if costs have gone up and this is the first price increase we have seen in a decade, then you should be thankful that M305 prices have been so well insulated for so long.
3) If Vendors can sell out all their inventory units in a matter of days at the $400- $450 price point, then the guns are UNDERPRICED and the market value of M305's needs to be adjusted. Pricing is important for REGULATING supply and demand, good deals are nice, but low prices are supposed to STIMULATE sales when product turnover stagnates, it should never be the total purchase driver for a variety of reasons.
Price should never be so low that you could clear your inventory in a week without maximizing returns. Clearly we have had it very good for a long time as it has been next to impossible to score a M305 for a while.
4) Don't cry about what they used to cost, if the value was so amazing at $399 and again at $425 then you should have bought 2 like the rest of us. The price has changed by %36 yet they are still great value. The EE has already had a healthy dose of above market prices for a while, people have been selling M305's for a mint all during the time Vendors were dry so that is a big flag that the new price is
5) Arguing with customers is fine, particularly if they are being unreasonable. Everyone wants something for nothing or in their maximum interest, but he is in Business to make money, not to cater to your budget.
You are complaining about his prices and attacking the reasoning for why they have been adjusted to the $550 mark... the truth is he doesn't need to give you a reason he can charge what he wants and you can either pay it or go buy from someone else. At the end of the day, the new price is still very fair, if you don't like it you have the option to not purchase, but he doesn't have to pacify you, nor does he have to justify his prices to you.
