Looky here
Guest
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Here is a true story from when I worked at an independant. The store owner was talking to a rep,the rep was grilling the owner for a big order. I mentioned that the brand was going into a chain, the rep berated me, swore they would never do that. He ended up getting a $50K order from the owner. Two weeks later the brand was in a chain store. I told the owner to cancel the order, he didn't. He couldn't sell the stuff as he was priced out of the market. I told him to sell the stuff at cost to recoup his investment and take the chain out of the market on the stuff. He didn't do that either, he believed everything the rep said and is now out of business. It's the same game as the retailer, there are honest reps and dishonest reps, I like to think that most of the time when a rep seems dishonest it's because they are working with the information they have, and are not trying to lie. But sometimes you will run into one who does, and I would cut all ties to anyone like that as soon as possible.
My two bits:
There is no such thing as suggested retail. It's illegal in Canada...its called price fixing.
Maybe you should you at yourself "Audio...", you lost a deal over $20.00. You could not place any more value in your store than the $7.00 an hour part time sales staff at Future Shop. There are lots of ways to get around chain stores, and they are here to stay. Defro is a great example, he is within 7 kms of FS, Visions, and A&B. And he contines to make money, Alpine is in Visions and A&B, he sells it...he sells the idea of his store. Makes car audio fun. Audiolines in Burnaby, same idea...Speaker City same thing. Ask yourself why are these businesses sucessful. I do not believe a public forum is the place to voice your opinion.
As many as you know, I work for Automobility. I do not know what was said to you by my reps. I understand your frustations, I agree with you on some aspects of your rant. But they do not carry the full line.
Also think of this, the advertising that FS is doing for the eclipse product is well worth the $20.00 you lost. Because people like to shop around, maybe you with get 3-5 more customers from the ads...maybe you will get a chance to "sell" your store to a customer. The salesman at FS sold the idea of "FS" to the customer.
I will do anything in my power to help you out, I have lots of ideas to make you money. Both your reps in your area are very knowledgeable and are willing to help. Call them, if you can't get a hold of them, call me...1-877-4-westec.
[ May 02, 2005, 01:15 AM: Message edited by: Westec ]
There is no such thing as suggested retail. It's illegal in Canada...its called price fixing.
Maybe you should you at yourself "Audio...", you lost a deal over $20.00. You could not place any more value in your store than the $7.00 an hour part time sales staff at Future Shop. There are lots of ways to get around chain stores, and they are here to stay. Defro is a great example, he is within 7 kms of FS, Visions, and A&B. And he contines to make money, Alpine is in Visions and A&B, he sells it...he sells the idea of his store. Makes car audio fun. Audiolines in Burnaby, same idea...Speaker City same thing. Ask yourself why are these businesses sucessful. I do not believe a public forum is the place to voice your opinion.
As many as you know, I work for Automobility. I do not know what was said to you by my reps. I understand your frustations, I agree with you on some aspects of your rant. But they do not carry the full line.
Also think of this, the advertising that FS is doing for the eclipse product is well worth the $20.00 you lost. Because people like to shop around, maybe you with get 3-5 more customers from the ads...maybe you will get a chance to "sell" your store to a customer. The salesman at FS sold the idea of "FS" to the customer.
I will do anything in my power to help you out, I have lots of ideas to make you money. Both your reps in your area are very knowledgeable and are willing to help. Call them, if you can't get a hold of them, call me...1-877-4-westec.
[ May 02, 2005, 01:15 AM: Message edited by: Westec ]
Thread Starter
50 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 253
Mr nelson and I have chatted many times if I need something done I will speak to him. Thanks for the offer though. And again this is not about 20 dollars and this is the industry part of the form. If I want to rant I will it is your choice to read my thread, I dont see anyone saying all threads mus be read. You dont like it don't read the damn thing.
[ May 02, 2005, 05:52 AM: Message edited by: AudioVault ]
[ May 02, 2005, 05:52 AM: Message edited by: AudioVault ]
Guest
Posts: n/a
Sorry you feel burned.. Here in Regina I've been on both sides of the fence and sold against the chain stores, It didn't surprise me in teh slightest that FS put it on sale, But $20 is nothing.
What going happen in Dec when it goes clearance for $50-60-80 off?
What going happen in Dec when it goes clearance for $50-60-80 off?
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,692
defense:
not all reps are aware of what big picture is regarding who is being chosen for sale or not. reps are usually the last to know. and decisions are made well in advance and without any warning to reps.
offense:
reps make money of selling. there are very good ones and very bad ones. a rep that tells you one thing and does another isnt always properly informed. i get calls from reps all the time telling me that they promised something to a dealer that wasnt even available. it is miscommunication but it happens alot i guess. bad rep well no not really, uninformed? absolutely. miscommunication can lead to false statements. seen it happen way to many times.
not all reps are aware of what big picture is regarding who is being chosen for sale or not. reps are usually the last to know. and decisions are made well in advance and without any warning to reps.
offense:
reps make money of selling. there are very good ones and very bad ones. a rep that tells you one thing and does another isnt always properly informed. i get calls from reps all the time telling me that they promised something to a dealer that wasnt even available. it is miscommunication but it happens alot i guess. bad rep well no not really, uninformed? absolutely. miscommunication can lead to false statements. seen it happen way to many times.
Originally posted by AudioVault:
I wonder how many of you actually own a business.
I wonder how many of you actually own a business.
True that!
The problem is that alot of times the Canadian Distributor is at the mercy of the manufactor. It is hilarious when someone gets the local rep. or even the owner of the Canadian rep. firm to promise "x" product will not go into "z" store or stores.
If you are a little guy, the only way to make money is:
a) be service oriented and smart
b) sell exclusive lines (hint: if it is in a box store, or even a strong regional chain it isn't exclusive)
I do not want to hear anymore crying about bias, thus I will refrain from suggesting any brands.
[img]graemlins/2xblown.gif[/img] c) remember the cliche -- "screw me once, shame on you -- screw me twice, shame on me" -- when you get burned by someone, take a number and tell a buddy -- at least you save them the hassle.
0 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 33
This is all great reading with alot of great points from everyone. I agree with never letting a customer walk and I also agree that dealers maintain margin,however I would just like to point out that I spoke to rob today after this thread was posted over the weakend (I can feal the frustration)and after looking into this for him as his rep back in april we had a price drop on this unit that he and every eclipse dealer was emailed including future shop back in april and the price they are advertising it at is correct retail.So as of yet no need to panic but i bet it felt good for everyone to vent on this topic. 
CHEERS [img]graemlins/beer.gif[/img]
CHEERS [img]graemlins/beer.gif[/img]
0 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 33
We didnt post a thread before checking out the situation and we didnt let your customer walk out your door but seeing as you want to hash this all out here what really is the problem cause that is what your doing turning this into a problem.
