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They Almost Never Quote A Price , Why?

Have you ever noted that most expensive audio gear web sites from manufacturer to retail stores withhold prices for most items.  I find this annoying, I can afford a certain level of expense but not any.  I know you can look for sales of used gear etc. etc. but I really want to see the regular retail price, it gives me something to think about or put money aside for. what are your thoughts abut this.
mechans
maril555
619 posts
 
I'm with Mechans on this one.
its extremely annoying and unnecessary 
Do you see pricing on luxury cars, watches, jewelry, houses? 
Of course you do.
why not stereo equipment then? is it a secret, or privileged information?
and that saying " if you must ask the price, you can't afford it" is hardly applicable to audio.
Do manufacturers only tend to ultra wealthy, for whom a difference of $100 K and $200K don't matter?
hardly.
i find this policy not smart and counterproductive 
mechans OP
3,048 posts
 

I really resent that old cliché hackneyed saying " if you have to ask" .

 Do those of you who "don't have to ask", just get a bill and pay whatever it says never knowing until then what it costs.?..... I explained that I am not infinitely wealthy unlike the non askers and don't like surprises. 

Yes you can go through the "enquire" route, leave your contact info etc. but I like the instant knowledge better.

I was looking at a well known manufacturer site the other day who used to have good USA wide distribution.  I Asked for my local dealer and was told the manufacturer was it. I have seen this often where there aren't any/many dealers.

I often go to reviews to find prices but why be round about.

Why be secretive I think it is a question of some concern over value as Ipretiring said.

Now I have to get me a better watch "?Richard Mille?" at least I'll know the price.

soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
I agree. It is annoying to see these ads with no pricing indicated. 

What is more annoying is those drug commercials on the TV. Almost every on that advertises on national TV costs about 1K per pill. 

The next time you see a pharmaceutical ad. google the drug name an cost. 
For example:  google this opdivo cost 
This is what comes up:

How much does Opdivo cost?
The cost for the initial 12-week phase of the combination is about $141,000, and then $12,500 a month for Opdivo alone, totaling roughly $256,000 if a patient stays on therapy for a year, according to a Bristol-Myers spokeswoman. Subsequent full-year costs of therapy would be about $150,000 for Opdivo alone.

So you get 12 weeks for $141,000. 
Theres a deal for you. Complain about the cost of hi fi gear and get ripped off by the " drug dealers" 

Well thanks for letting me vent. 

pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,610 posts
 
Reason is that manufactures with world wide distribution sell at different retail prices in different regions.  A product that sells in the US for $5000 can in a country that sells through distributor then dealer easily have a msrp of $7500 or more to allow for distribution cost. With the transparency of the internet the end user in the country will have a hard time understanding the price difference. 


Good Listening

Peter 
uncledemp
717 posts
 
I usually get an idea of prices from
reviews, too.

It should be/is a common business practice to communicate the features and benefits of a product or service before discussing cost to avoid being viewed as a commodity and judged solely on price. Easier said than done, though, plenty of challenges.

The old, 'if you have to ask' saying seems like a quote from a Tuborg Gold beer commercial. Like, 'your perception is your reality'. Cute saying until your perception is pitted against gravity or other non-fluffy things.

I know a few guys with money, and they ask price, compare, and are respectful negotiators. They volunteer and give money away to charity- but not by spending carelessly. 

Sorry for the long post, quiet night on the farm.

gary
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