[tjwgrr]

Had lengthy conversation with a Franklin Mint / Armour retailer today.

I learned Franklin Mint is forcing dealers to sign an agreement in which Franklin Mint dictates the minimum advertised prices retailers are allowed to charge for Franklin Mint / Armour models. If a retailer lists, or advertises a model for less than the approved minimum, Franklin Mint will no longer sell to that retailer. This is not suggested retail, but minimum advertised retail.

The dealer I spoke with was quite agitated and felt he should be able to charge what ever the market dictates and his margins allow.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by tjwgrr

Had lengthy conversation with a Franklin Mint / Armour retailer today.

I learned Franklin Mint is forcing dealers to sign an agreement in which Franklin Mint dictates the minimum advertised prices retailers are allowed to charge for Franklin Mint / Armour models. If a retailer lists, or advertises a model for less than the approved minimum, Franklin Mint will no longer sell to that retailer. This is not suggested retail, but minimum advertised retail.

The dealer I spoke with was quite agitated and felt he should be able to charge what ever the market dictates and his margins allow.

I can understand the dealer's frustration, certainly, however this is fairly standard practice for many brands -- Orvis, G Loomis, and Winston fly rods, for example (I like to fish). Reps from these brands spot-check sporting goods stores and if their equipment is being sold below the prices they set they'll yank 'em from the shelves and never let that store sell their brand again. (I worked in a fishing department for a while).

One rep told me a story where he went into a flyshop and bought all of his company's rods that were on sale "against the rules" and that flyshop was then permanently blacklisted. Of course, this happens with all sorts of stuff.

So make hay while the sun shines -- jump on any and all FM clearance sales that hit before dealers sign on the dotted line....

[STARMAN 352ND]

I thought that might be the case since Joe Pilot is no longer offering that big discount now on their
Franklin Mint planes as they had done before.
A few hours ago you could still get a F-22 Raptor for 65 but not now..
JP

[Cardinal]

Perhaps if they were to improve the quality of their product they would have no need to 'strong-arm' retailers - just a thought mind you ...



(They could always ask for some advice from the likes of Carousel, EI & GMP .)

[skidmarksdiecast]

Originally Posted by tjwgrr

Had lengthy conversation with a Franklin Mint / Armour retailer today.

I learned Franklin Mint is forcing dealers to sign an agreement in which Franklin Mint dictates the minimum advertised prices retailers are allowed to charge for Franklin Mint / Armour models. If a retailer lists, or advertises a model for less than the approved minimum, Franklin Mint will no longer sell to that retailer. This is not suggested retail, but minimum advertised retail.

The dealer I spoke with was quite agitated and felt he should be able to charge what ever the market dictates and his margins allow.

Dealers are still able to sell FM product for whatever price they want. They just can't advertise it below FM's guidelines.

[KG_Jag]

Originally Posted by skidmarksdiecast

Dealers are still able to sell FM product for whatever price they want. They just can't advertise it below FM's guidelines.

So how does an internet dealer inform his customers that he is offering FM products at below the FM "approved" price?

If FM's legal department would have been able to approve it, FM would undoubtedly be mandating that all dealers sell at not less than its "approved" price for each product.

In any case we'll see how well they do in the market with all their customer unfriendly changes. I know that they won't be getting any of my money under the current conditions.

[FormerViperDriver]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

Perhaps if they were to improve the quality of their product they would have no need to 'strong-arm' retailers - just a thought mind you ...



(They could always ask for some advice from the likes of Carousel, EI & GMP .)

Well, CLLTR5 tells us they are going to vastly improve their products in 2008, so...

Nevertheless, I would think it would be smart to first improve the product, then increase prices, not the other way around.

I know FM's not going to get a whole lot of my money in the future unless something changes.

FVD

[Armour Addict]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

I thought that might be the case since Joe Pilot is no longer offering that big discount now on their
Franklin Mint planes as they had done before.
A few hours ago you could still get a F-22 Raptor for 65 but not now..
JP

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Darn, it wanted to buy some Hornets from joe in the next couple of weeks.

Well, at least I got the Raptor an Black Bunny for the "cheap" price. Now I hope they really arrive.

A truly agitated AA

[FormerViperDriver]

Originally Posted by Armour Addict

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Darn, it wanted to buy some Hornets from joe in the next couple of weeks.

Well, at least I got the Raptor an Black Bunny for the "cheap" price. Now I hope they really arrive.

A truly agitated AA

Don't worry, AA, they'll get here.

FVD

[Armour Addict]

Originally Posted by FormerViperDriver

Don't worry, AA, they'll get here.

FVD

Hey FVD!

Nah, I do not really worry.

BTW, thanks again!

AA