Deceptive pricing in stores

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bear123

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There is a sporting goods store with two locations in North Alabama that drives me crazy. I was in there the other day looking at Spyderco knives. I have been in this store several times in the past, but today I had to ask about their pricing. For example, they had a SE Scorpius with a sticker on the box that said MSRP $102.99, our "name of store" price $89.99. I asked the sales clerk, "Why is your discount price the same as the price listed on the Spyderco site as the MSRP of the knife?" I told him what upsets me is that this store's prices reflects a highly elevated MSRP. I explained to the clerk that I understand that the store has fixed expenses and salary that an internet store does not have. I then looked at the other knives, CKRT, Benchmade, etc. and they all had the same elevated MSRP. I understand that a store can charge whatever they want to for a knife and that MSRP is a "suggested" retail, it just really makes me angry that they could take advantage of customers who aren't as familiar with knife prices as members of this forum are. I then looked at some Surefire flashlights - the same pricing policy. They were offering an E2E for the "discount" price of $99.99. They will even throw in a box of 12 Surefire batteries for the "discount" price of $25.99. Some discount! The main thing that bothers me about this is that the people who own this store are very religious. There have been editorials in our local paper about how they feel that the Harry Potter books and movies teach our Christian children paganism and witchcraft. Every Halloween, they have a "judgement" house for the kids as an alternative to the "evil and Satanic" Halloween haunted houses. It makes me upset that good Christian folks such as these have, in my opinion, a very unethical pricing policy on some of their merchandise. I guess that for these "Christians," profit is more important than high ethical standards (at least when it comes to business)!!
 
This will probably be moved to GB&U, but there are 2 'mall' stores here that are above list on many items. I dont buy there.
 
I don't think bear123 is complaining about them marking the price above list. His problem with the store is that what they mark as "MSRP" is not the real Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, but a mendaciously higher price meant to make their retail seem better by comparison.
 
Originally posted by bear123
The main thing that bothers me about this is that the people who own this store are very religious. There have been editorials in our local paper about how they feel that the Harry Potter books, etc
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That should have been your first warning.
IMHO those people are not good christians, they are religious zealots who would make good taliban.
 
Every high end department store in the country does this. How do you think they can give 50% off sales? I go a little ballistic when Marshall Field advertises cookware at 40% off only to get it a little higher than the everyday price in our store. It is a really, really common practice.
 
IMO, most retail shops focus on the shopper and not the users and out to make as much as they can. Even though I see more and more people carrying folders these days and the industry is constantly introducing products I feel that retailers still consider the knife market small and and for a select group of individuals.

There are three shops I visit perhaps once a month. One is a fairly well known outdoor/shooting shop that also has a booming online business that has a fair selection and competitive prices. Another is a small cigar and wine (two of my other habits) shop that has a small selection of "higher"-end knives (MT, MOD, etc.) at great prices due to the fact that the owner is a user and collector. The last shop is the biggest in the area and has two locations. It has the widest selection of production and customs, stocks knifemaking supplies and materials, offers free lifetime sharpening, a helpful and knowledgeable staff and the WORST (for prod. pieces) prices I've ever seen. They do offer a nice discount to LE and MIL but it doesn't do much for others.

As for the owners of your store, I would speak to them about it. As far as the possibility that they are preying on unsuspecting or naive customers, there is the possibilty that they as well are unsuspecting naive victims of an unscrupulous supplier or wholesaler. It's happened before. Confronting them will at least give you an opportunity to voice your opinion and enlighten them of thier possibly unintentional mark up. Thier reaction towards you will dictate whether or not you deal with them again. Tactfully informing the rest of the community that they've been price gouged by another member of the community might be in order if they respond to you negatively for calling them on it.

Dayuhan
 
If their advertising actually says MSRP with a higher than actual MSRP,, then I would think they're in violation of some law or at the very least some policy set forth by Spyderco. If however, their pricing simply says regular price and then a "discounted" price their doing what a large portion of all retail stores do. Most of the time I don't think we notice it as much because we're not as familiar with the other products we buy,,, like we are knives.:D
 
Originally posted by bear123
They will even throw in a box of 12 Surefire batteries for the "discount" price of $25.99. Some discount!
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Don't scoff too much at the price on those batteries. Where I work, the wholesale price we'd get from our distributor is higher than what you'd pay direct from Surefire! :eek:
 
Bear: Are you ever in the Birmingham vicinity? Visit Southeastern Guns in Trussville if you want some better than fair prices on Spyderco. They also carry Benchmade, Cold Steel and some others, and have a fairly large inventory. Good folks who will treat you right.
Very reasonable on firearms also, with a huge inventory.

I don't have any business interest in these folks, other than being a regular customer and browser in their shop.
 
Some states have "consumer protection" laws that make it a crime to knowlingly make false statements in advertising. COntact you states' Attorney General(may have a website).
 
It is not at all uncommon for the "pillars" of religion to be the biggest crooks (gossips, cheats, liars, etc.) in town. It is their cover. You will see them wave and shout their religion at every turn, but you will know them by their deeds. You know how you can tell you are about to be mugged? They're thumping you with their (insert book of preference). Sad but true.
 
Moving to TGB&U....

I think several of the people who've posted in this thread did not understand what bear123 is complaining about. It's such a surprising complaint that if you only skim the post you're not going to get it....
 
yeah, my understanding is the complainnt is the fake MSRP, which I completely agree with.

knife shop I go to has MSRP on boxes, and then gives a discount off of that. But MSRP they have matches the sites, or is lower(not sure on that, but pretty sure my Endura II box is marked 72.95, while spyderco's site says 78.95). Either way, they're marking MSRP same or lower than it really is, then marking down from there.

But to claim that it's the M SRP, and then quote a higher price then the manufacturer actually suggests, is blatantly dishonest, least in my eyes
 
When I find issues with how a store operates. . .I never discuss, complain, whine, etc. about those issues with the "clerks!" Simply, they are nothing more that working stiffs and generally can't answer or respond to the specific issues/concerns. They typically do nothing more than price tag items, stock, sweep, etc. In other words, they can't help with store policy (i.e., in this case pricing). Depending on the store (chain owned, franchisee owned, etc.) I always as to see the owner and if they're not available. . .I then ask for the manager.

Is placing a MSRP sticker above the actual "MSRP" is against the law ? All depends on your states codes.

My suggestion is to file a complaint with your local "BBB" (you can actually file a complaint on-line). They will investigate your claim (advertizing practices), make a ruling and contact you with their findings.

Retail is retail (most who have been in retail will understand what that means :p ). Dealing in retail. . .you'll discover that some outfits are more ethical than others. And "religious belief's" and "ethical standards" don't necessarily run parallel. . .especially when it comes to "frog skins."

Count your blessings and pat yourself on the back. . .for being an "informed consumer !"

File a report with the "BBB." I'd be very interested as to what they discover.
 
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