Part of the reason this is done is to reduce the number of price match situations. Price Match is only applicable for products with the same model #.

 

Actually Dukk, it's the other way around when it comes to Pioneer.

National accounts can sell "Pioneer" mobile electronics products ONLY but we can offer certain independent retailers "Premier" products. Premier has products that are not only up-featured versus their Pioneer brothers but also some exclusive products that aren't available to "Pioneer only" dealers.

Hope this makes it as clear as mud for you, ludsubz.

 

See...the problem with Premier (as far as I see it ) is that the independant *must* carry Pioneer speakers, amps and subs - correct me if I'm wrong - but if the store has another good brand in that pricepoint and doesn't want to push the Pioneer products other than the decks, why can't they just get Premier decks?

For example, we have a dealer locally that has multiple stores, sells the Pioneer speakers, subs, etc (although, NOT much volume) and has Premier. Another independant doesn't sell the speakers, etc and primarily sells only Pioneer head units. The independant must now sell the same as Visions and FS. We all know competing with them isn't easy. Especially on head units.

 

i have managed a big box store and this is what i thing.
they donot sell lesser quality,but they do have simmular models as the independents with one or more fewer features.with this in mind it also gets them away from there lowest price waarranty.you can't buy that model anywere else!
they also tend to carry the lower end of most lines and tend to stick to the lines with major name recanition mainly because they are more order takers then sells people.many of the fs and BB have a very high turnover rate on there sales staff so they do not develop the skill and product know how that the independents have.
just because it is a well known name does not mean it is the best item for you.

 

don't forget to ask about return policies and warrenties too. some of those places will offer a better warrenty or have different specs on how you return it if you don't like it.

also, ask if you get a discount on install or a free pair of speakers with the purchase...most places will arrange for that just to get your sale.

but yeah, the decks are all the same as long as the model number is the same and it's not refurbished.

 

In regards to the concerns about Pioneer, here's my response:

Pioneer does offer derivative model CD players from time to time to national accounts. Dukk, you brought up the example of the DEH-XX. For example, for 2004 the entry level CD player for almost all accounts was called the DEH-1600. However, there was a DEH-16 available to select national accounts. This was NOT a lesser quality model but a lesser FEATURED model. It did NOT have MOSFET50 power & it did NOT have the lastest tuner in it. Premier is a whole separate ball game.

When it comes to deciding whether an account is "Pioneer" or "Premier" there are no "rules". There may be an issue with distribution already in certain areas, support of key models, etc. Obviously Pioneer would like to see support in as many product categories as possible from an account but this does not make or break a deal for a store to be "Premier".

I hope this sheds some light to those concerned & please feel free to respond with any other questions.