Fixed pricing....

Status
Not open for further replies.
338375

338375

Joined
Nov 4, 2006
Messages
19,374
I got my first Benchmade knife quite a few years ago. Back when the Mini Grip was being made with 440C. I've had quite a few different versions over the years, and have never been disappointed with one. Maybe I have been lucky, but the QC on all of mine has been outstanding, and every one of them have been very sharp, right out of the box. Heck, over the years, I have talked a fair number of people into trying BM products...

I still have a couple. A Mini Grip from the Custom program, and a 3550. A couple weeks ago, I decided to look for another addition, but really hadn't settled on a model yet. I went to the usual online dealers I have dealt with in the past, and noticed the pricing had changed.

Only after reading about the change on here, did I find out what was going on. There was already a thread started on this topic awhile back, but it got closed because a few people couldn't stay on track and keep things civilized.

My personal take on this is, I don't understand it. If BM isn't making more profit, the extra $$$ is going to the dealers. That is fine, that's what they are in business for, but IMHO it is up to the dealers to price the products, as long as they are following BM's guidelines... Maybe this fixed pricing is a good thing for some dealers though. The Brick & Mortar stores specifically. It could help them compete with dealers that don't have the added expense of owning a store, and paying employess... But then again, it is only one brand we are talking about, so that is a question that will have to be answered by a dealer.

The change will affect not only consumers, but it could affect the dealers as well. Yes the price per unit has gone up, but will it balance the potential loss of sales? It could potentially affect BM as well, if sales drop off dramatically enough....

Do I think it will put BM out of business ? No. It's not impossible, but it would take a long time, and a very drastic drop in sales. I certainly hope it doesn't...
I know there have been reports of poor QC, and customer service that is lacking. Personally I have never experienced either, and truly think these are very isolated issues. Some cases I am sure are nothing more than trolling.

So, here is my point to this thread. It just took awhile to get here :D

So, it seems the price change has been in affect for awhile now. What I want to know is, how many of you have went ahead and purchased a new BM, after the increase ? If you haven't ordered after the increase, how many of you were seriously going to buy, but changed your mind ?

If you can't contribute anything worthwhile to the thread and stay on topic, DON'T POST.... Don't post bringing other manufacturers into this either. It isn't about other brands. Only Benchmade... If you have negative comments, that is fine. BUT, keep it civilized, and mature, and be respectful while we discuss this in BM's house
 
338375 said:
So, it seems the price change has been in affect for awhile now. What I want to know is, how many of you have went ahead and purchased a new BM, after the increase ? If you haven't ordered after the increase, how many of you were seriously going to buy, but changed your mind ?
Click to expand...

I had two models I was planning to buy, and should've done it months ago. I had some left over Chritmas money and went to order them this morning but didn't after I saw the price. I haven't been to this room lately, and today is when I found out about the new pricing.

I thought they were just a bit overpriced before considering the steel used on the models I was going to buy, and their QC is no better than others in their old price range.
I now feel they are way overpriced, and they are no longer on my radar. I'll won't even waste my time looking at them again, and will never buy another at current pricing.
 
338375 said:
...

So, it seems the price change has been in affect for awhile now. What I want to know is, how many of you have went ahead and purchased a new BM, after the increase ? If you haven't ordered after the increase, how many of you were seriously going to buy, but changed your mind ?

If you can't contribute anything worthwhile to the thread and stay on topic, DON'T POST.... Don't post bringing other manufacturers into this either. It isn't about other brands. Only Benchmade... If you have negative comments, that is fine. BUT, keep it civilized, and mature, and be respectful while we discuss this in BM's house
Click to expand...


Fortunately, there was a bit of a heads-up period between hearing about the increase and it fully taking effect at all dealers. I stretched a bit and ordered one I'd had my eye on for a while (a 581) while I was still able to get it at the old price. I'd also been wanting a 470 and a replacement 943 but the cash wasn't there then and it's not going to happen with the new pricing.

Now, I doubt I'll be purchasing any regular production models at the new prices, though I don't want to speak in absolutes as it's possible 2014 is just going to be an awesome year for new products. I'll still keep an eye out for LEs; I like a little different color and steel sometimes and if pricing on the new 810 (not for me but looks beautiful) and 730s is any indicator, it's more or less on par with what LE pricing has been in the past.

Also much less likely that I'll be purchasing any more BMs for gifts, which is a shame - recently got my girlfriend a 586 for her birthday and she loves it, and my dad likes to carry his 730 when he wants something a little more substantial.

There's just not that many of the regular production models that I think are worth an arbitrary 33% increase.
 
As a small business owner for over 30 years I have watched as product pricing has jumped, in some cases, 150%. Gas pricing, health insurance, liability, have caused me to cut my income as customers just can't afford to call on me. Also, others have come in with a cheep product, and I have lost long time customers because of it.
I have bought BM knives and will continue to as long as I feel the quality and design are what I want. Anyone that thinks that in this time, under these conditions with internet pricing and large box stores able to buy in bulk and price others out of existence, that costs will stay the same has not been on the other side of keeping a business running. I understand that the fixed pricing is a way to supporting the line across it's vendors regardless of it being an internet site or a store. Am I happy about it, no, but is it a fact of life when maintaining a business, I am afraid so. At some point I had to pass on some of the price increases that I had been absorbing to my customers. It was that or close the doors and get a job. Just my view and I do not think for one second that others will see it my way but there are always at least three sides to every story, this is just one.
 
I will continue to support benchmade and their products, even tho I don't agree or like the new pricing policy. I bought a m390 contego with zero hesitation because I know the product will be made to great standards. I'm noy happy about it, but ill still support an American made product and company.
 
Sadly, these are the responses I expected to read. I am sure there are others.

I have to wonder what the response from the General knife consumers, those that aren't members here, has been ? Will people new to BM look at the knives, and move on because of the prices ?

We have all read of people that want a Benchmade knife, but because some don't have a lot of extra money to spend on knives, they have to save up for quite awhile before they can afford one.... Now that they have to save even longer because the prices have went up 33%, will they look to different manufacturers ?

I'm not saying the knives aren't worth the price, now that they have gone up, but a 33% hit all at once, seems a little absurd. Everything in life has become more expensive, but usually increases are made incrementally. It's not as noticeable that way. Granted there are exceptions. Gas and diesel is the first that comes to mind, and actually the worst offender. It's a little different situation though, because people have to have fuel. They don't have to have a nice new knife...
 
"Still alive? Check.
Still got lots of knives? Check.
Still less grumpy than plenty of other people? Check."

Well said. I agree with all three parts. :D
 
Jastab said:
I will continue to support benchmade and their products, even tho I don't agree or like the new pricing policy. I bought a m390 contego with zero hesitation because I know the product will be made to great standards. I'm noy happy about it, but ill still support an American made product and company.
Click to expand...

I have no doubt there will still be those that chose to continue buying BM products. Like you, there are still certain models I want to buy, but I'm not happy about the big increase either....
One of the things I like about BM, is that the factory is in the same State I live in. They are only about 160 miles from my house. However, if they were to continue raising prices, that would certainly not mean as much
 
jkarp_53 said:
"Still alive? Check.
Still got lots of knives? Check.
Still less grumpy than plenty of other people? Check."

Well said. I agree with all three parts. :D
Click to expand...

LOL.. This issue certainly isn't as important as many others in life. As far as grouchy goes, in my case it depends on the day :D This issue certainly hasn't caused my blood pressure to elevate.

Much :D
 
Doubtful I'll be purchasing any new Benchmades unless they put out a personal must-have knife in 2014. I don't agree with the price policy and I can't imagine Benchmade is in any danger of going out of business. There have been QC issues in the past, my Benchmade 707 out of the box was plagued with blade play and a non-existent factory edge. Hopefully they will see the negativity that comes with forcing retailers to not sell their product at a discounted price. My opinion, this policy is going to drive business into their competition's hands (mostly spyderco and kershaw who excel at CS, CQ, and are priced to compete).

I don't know if Benchmade is trying to create a more exclusive brand and maybe market to the less-knowledgeable, but the price (now, after a recession) seems odd to me.
 
Like others I bought one I'd had my eye on (a 710 D2) before the discounts disappeared. I disagree with their new policy and agree with you that it will hurt not only their consumers but their dealers as well. Regardless, I respect their right to follow whatever business model they choose. More power to them and I sincerely hope they do well. But it's my right to vote with my wallet and I can say for a fact that will not be buying another BM for quite a while. Contrary to their stated goal of "increasing their market value" I feel they've done exactly the opposite. I just don't see the value in their knives at full MAP prices.
 
I know we will never know, and the results could vary because of other issues, but it would be interesting to know the total number of knives BM has sold since the change in pricing, and what the total number was for the same time last year....
I guess the relevant thing to know would be if dealer orders have dropped. The increase shouldn't affect the dealer orders if there is no change in price to them, but they may order less if they notice a downturn in sales.

Then again, it may still be to soon to really tell....
 
338375 said:
Maybe this fixed pricing is a good thing for some dealers though. The Brick & Mortar stores specifically. It could help them compete with dealers that don't have the added expense of owning a store, and paying employess... But then again, it is only one brand we are talking about, so that is a question that will have to be answered by a dealer.
Click to expand...
One flaw with your argument: all Benchmade dealers are required to have a storefront, even if their primary method of selling is internet-based. There are no more authorized internet-only Benchmade dealers, and haven't been for a few years now. Knifeworks.com is probably one of the largest Benchmade dealers, and beside his website, Roger has a store as well, with several employees. Yet he was still able to offer a non-advertised discount. The problem is that so many of the B&M-only stores keep selling at MSRP or above and complain that they can't compete with the internet. Well, duh!

What I want to know is, how many of you have went ahead and purchased a new BM, after the increase ? If you haven't ordered after the increase, how many of you were seriously going to buy, but changed your mind ?
Click to expand...
I've changed my mind on buying new vs. used. I won't buy new now. Not only that, but some competitors' models are more appealing to me now that there is a $60 price difference instead of the $20 price difference before the pricing change.

Skimo said:
My purchases will be limited to buying used knives.
Click to expand...
jkarp_53 said:
Yes, but at least you know how to sharpen them. :cool:
Click to expand...
Everyone should know how to sharpen their knives, and since Benchmade's warranty covers knives we buy on the secondary market, there's no reason for me to buy a new one unless it's a limited edition (like the 810-1401).
 
338375 said:
I have no doubt there will still be those that chose to continue buying BM products. Like you, there are still certain models I want to buy, but I'm not happy about the big increase either....
One of the things I like about BM, is that the factory is in the same State I live in. They are only about 160 miles from my house. However, if they were to continue raising prices, that would certainly not mean as much
Click to expand...

That's a big reason I support spyderco. I live like 60 miles away from the factory and I love to support colorado based companies first, then American made products.
 
jkarp_53 said:
Yes, but at least you know how to sharpen them. :cool:
Click to expand...

It probably does factor into my decision pretty heavily. Being a quasi-collector with only users and not caring about blemishes does limit my choices even on the secondary market.
 
loonybin said:
One flaw with your argument: all Benchmade dealers are required to have a storefront, even if their primary method of selling is internet-based. There are no more authorized internet-only Benchmade dealers, and haven't been for a few years now. Knifeworks.com is probably one of the largest Benchmade dealers, and beside his website, Roger has a store as well, with several employees. Yet he was still able to offer a non-advertised discount. The problem is that so many of the B&M-only stores keep selling at MSRP or above and complain that they can't compete with the internet. Well, duh!


I've changed my mind on buying new vs. used. I won't buy new now. Not only that, but some competitors' models are more appealing to me now that there is a $60 price difference instead of the $20 price difference before the pricing change. .
Click to expand...

Rogers is one of my favorite stores. He like many others, carry so many different brands, I wonder if the change to BM pricing will really make much difference in the end. Even if he sells fewer BM knives per year, he is making more money on each item, so perhaps it will not make much difference.
It was actually KW's website that I first noticed the change. Before you just clicked on the knife, and the actual price would pop up in the cart. I know others were the same way, or they would e-mail you the actual price immediately...

Jastab said:
That's a big reason I support spyderco. I live like 60 miles away from the factory and I love to support colorado based companies first, then American made products.
Click to expand...

It is cool having a major knife company close to where you live. In Oregon, we have a lot of the big makers.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top