Fixed pricing....

[loonybin]

Sure. I like SF, and still have three of them. But not here Unless.... BM buys SF

I think it would be more likely that SF would by BM... I'm the one the brought Oakley into the discussion because they use the same pricing model, comparing how Oakely is doing with it to how we think Benchmade will fare.

The lack of manufacturing knowledge displayed here is disturbing. There is no manufacturer out there raking in cash, lighting it on fire, then falling asleep knowing that their 3676% markup is going to be there tomorrow (except maybe those that make audiophile products, but I digress). Higher prices are indicative of higher production costs and nothing more.

Your lack of understanding of the issue is disturbing. Benchmade's production costs have not changed. Benchmade's QC has not changed. Benchmade's price selling to dealers has not changed. The only thing that has changed is Benchmade's decision to no longer allow dealers to offer discounts, resulting in about a 25-30% increase in the cost of the knife to the end consumer. We get to pay more for something that has not changed materially, nor improved in quality, fit/finish, etc.

 

[338375]

I think it would be more likely that SF would by BM... I'm the one the brought Oakley into the discussion because they use the same pricing model, comparing how Oakely is doing with it to how we think Benchmade will fare.



Your lack of understanding of the issue is disturbing. Benchmade's production costs have not changed. Benchmade's QC has not changed. Benchmade's price selling to dealers has not changed. The only thing that has changed is Benchmade's decision to no longer allow dealers to offer discounts, resulting in about a 25-30% increase in the cost of the knife to the end consumer. We get to pay more for something that has not changed materially, nor improved in quality, fit/finish, etc.

Ya, I knew why Oakley was brought into the discussion, and it is a valid point, but I am really trying to keep this thread strictly on topic, with the hopes it won't get locked. Usually once a thread starts drifting a little, before you know it, it is out of control, and loses the focus of the original topic, and then it gets locked down...

You basically mirrored my thoughts, but you were able to do it a lot shorter

 

[JNewell]

The lack of manufacturing knowledge displayed here is disturbing. There is no manufacturer out there raking in cash, lighting it on fire, then falling asleep knowing that their 3676% markup is going to be there tomorrow (except maybe those that make audiophile products, but I digress). Higher prices are indicative of higher production costs and nothing more.

There is nothing to suggest that this change in retail pricing policy has anything whatsoever to do with increased manufacturing costs.

 

[skyhorse]

Why shouldn't it be priced at almost $90.00? The cost of materials between models is practically negligible. A few cm of metal and plastic is the difference between a Grip and a Mini Grip, which is why their prices are not that far apart. There's a comparison to be made with Spyderco's Delica and Endura lines. Those aren't that far apart in terms of pricing either. Maybe ten bucks. The fact that the Benchmades are around $25 more expensive simply shows the difference in cost between USA vs Japanese manufacture and, more importantly, the additional cost of manufacturing a relatively complex locking mechanism (Axis) vs a simple lockback.

The lack of manufacturing knowledge displayed here is disturbing. There is no manufacturer out there raking in cash, lighting it on fire, then falling asleep knowing that their 3676% markup is going to be there tomorrow (except maybe those that make audiophile products, but I digress). Higher prices are indicative of higher production costs and nothing more.

Uh well their production costs haven't gone up. Their prices to the Dealers haven't gone up. Their prices to the Consumer HAVE been FIXED by Benchmade and HAVE gone up 30% .

 

[skyhorse]

Why shouldn't it be priced at almost $90.00? The cost of materials between models is practically negligible. A few cm of metal and plastic is the difference between a Grip and a Mini Grip, which is why their prices are not that far apart. There's a comparison to be made with Spyderco's Delica and Endura lines. Those aren't that far apart in terms of pricing either. Maybe ten bucks. The fact that the Benchmades are around $25 more expensive simply shows the difference in cost between USA vs Japanese manufacture and, more importantly, the additional cost of manufacturing a relatively complex locking mechanism (Axis) vs a simple lockback.

The lack of manufacturing knowledge displayed here is disturbing. There is no manufacturer out there raking in cash, lighting it on fire, then falling asleep knowing that their 3676% markup is going to be there tomorrow (except maybe those that make audiophile products, but I digress). Higher prices are indicative of higher production costs and nothing more.

Our price levels HAVE NOT changed. Our dealer base and customers of all shapes and sizes are of the upmost importance to us and we will continue to pursue the best possible avenues to support them. Please know that we are listening and appreciate your feedback.

~Benchmade Knife Company

Check out Benchmade via our community forums for the latest testing videos and special projects!
http://benchmadeforum.com/eve/forums

 

[skyhorse]

Standard $65 Mini Grip > Before price fixing

Benchmade Mini Griptilian Knife 556 (2.91" Satin Plain)
Benchmade Mini Griptilian Knife 556 (2.91" Satin Plain)
Benchmade Mini Griptilian Knife 556 (2.91" Satin Plain)
MSRP: $105.00
Our Price: $89.25 > After price fixing
In Stock!

 

[sjerquinn]

I've had my eye on a 275 Adamas folder for a while. Gonna be a lot tougher to justify it to the lil lady at the new price. I would still love one, so I might continue to save my pennies to get it, but there are other manufacturers that will get higher consideration now.

 

[knife2Agunfight]

I've had my eye on a 275 Adamas folder for a while. Gonna be a lot tougher to justify it to the lil lady at the new price. I would still love one, so I might continue to save my pennies to get it, but there are other manufacturers that will get higher consideration now.

Just wait until a used one comes up for sale on the forums.

 

[uofaengr]

Long time lurker, first post here.

I really only got into Benchmades a few months ago. I originally wanted a 940 and 710, both classics. Got both of them, then kinda got bit by the bug and the wish list grew. Every knife on that list I felt was a great price for the quality with the discounts, without them, not as much. When I heard about the deadline to drop the discounts, it forced my Benchmade wish list to become somewhat expedited because I felt like some of them weren't worth the non-discounted price, only in my opinion. Honestly, if it wasn't for Jeff from CS, I'd never known about the deadline and would've been looking around like WTF a couple weeks later at these new prices and even more disappointed. The day I heard about it, I ordered my first Mini Grip for $63, a price I thought was good for what you get and overlooked the off center blade I received (which I've since fixed), the near non-existent bevel, and the awfully sticky lock which gave me a good thumb blister for the first couple days, and is still sticky. I felt like once they went up to $85, I'd never get one, though my original want was a sand/black MDP, those are now basically $100, and I just can't. So I settled for a standard black/satin, which I like very much especially for the price I purchased it. The rest of my BM wishlist was urged to wife/family as gifts and "please order it before this certain date to get the discount" (I'd still feel sort of bad if someone else bought it for me at a higher price, that's just me personally). So I was able to receive a Ritter Mini Grip (currently not affected by the price change..yet) and a 707 as gifts, and I love them (though the Ritter is off center and I can't fix it, but the 707 is outstanding). I would have eventually liked to acquire a full size Grip and maybe a 943, but just can't really justify it now. A full size Ritter Grip may be more appealing now at its price compared to a standard Grip, I don't know.

I will say one thing that may change my mind is BM's customer service. I've never personally had to use them, but have heard outstanding reviews. I also like the fact that if I screw up my blade or just wear it out, I can send it to them and have it replaced for $25 (might try to haggle with them on the price if it was a small 154cm blade rather than a hunk of M4 or S30V, lol). Either way, their blade replacement and customer service makes me feel good about the Benchmades I own, almost an odd sense of relief, though who knows if they'll still be replacing blades in 10 years from now if I need one. I suppose there are pros and cons of every purchase you make, you just have to decide what your personal definition of value is.

 

[sjerquinn]

Just wait until a used one comes up for sale on the forums.

Great Idea!

 

[338375]

Uh well their production costs haven't gone up. Their prices to the Dealers haven't gone up. Their prices to the Consumer HAVE been FIXED by Benchmade and HAVE gone up 30% .

^^^ This

Standard $65 Mini Grip > Before price fixing

Benchmade Mini Griptilian Knife 556 (2.91" Satin Plain)
Benchmade Mini Griptilian Knife 556 (2.91" Satin Plain)
Benchmade Mini Griptilian Knife 556 (2.91" Satin Plain)
MSRP: $105.00
Our Price: $89.25 > After price fixing
In Stock!

Weird. It looks to me like the price went up. Almost $25... Must be this new math

Just wait until a used one comes up for sale on the forums.

Great Idea!

That's a good idea, but you better be quick, because a lot of other people have the same idea

 

[austonh]

The rhetoric that they devise in boardrooms is quite laughable. It's true that they haven't raised advertised prices, just threatened dealers who offer discounts and increased street prices.

 

[JNewell]

Just wait until a used one comes up for sale on the forums.

Great Idea!

Used/secondary sale prices seem to be increasing to keep up with the new pricing policy.

 

[MrMember]

I wasn't aware of the price increase, and tonight I had a BM51 in my cart at BladeHQ, ready to buy but wondering why it was still showing $230 instead of the $180 I was expecting.

I own several Benchmade knives (a BM42, BM32, an Adamas folder, and most recently I bought a Volli). I love all of them, but I can't see myself buying another. They've always been on the edge where the quality was high enough to justify the cost, but with the price increase that's no longer true for me. The Volli I bought for $100 less than a year ago now costs $140! That's nearly a 50% increase!

 

[skyhorse]

Lol,well at least they have a sense of humor. Hurry for the one cent discount !
V
Benchmade Knives: 586-141 - Mini-Barrage - Gold Class
$700.00 $699.99

 

[338375]

Lol,well at least they have a sense of humor. Hurry for the one cent discount !
V
Benchmade Knives: 586-141 - Mini-Barrage - Gold Class
$700.00 $699.99

That's a steal

The Gold Class knives are another thing I haven't been able to figure out.... $600 and up Really ? The first time I saw the prices of the Gold Class knives, was the first time I questioned Benchmade's pricing. Actually, up until the recent change in pricing, it was the only time I ever questioned the prices of their knives.
I've always thought they were great knives. Still do, and I always thought they were fairly priced.

Some of the Gold Class knives are very cool looking, and I've seen a couple I would really like to own, but not for the prices they charge for them. I'm actually really surprised they still offer them. Maybe they sell more than I think.

 

[338375]

I think I may have seen my first casualty of the new pricing structure...
Today the wife and I went to one of our local "Mart" stores. Not the W Mart, but a locally owned chain of stores here in Oregon, that has been in business for years...

They don't have a huge selection of knives, but they do have a decent selection. For as long as I can remember, they have sold Benchmade, Buck, Gerber, Kershaw, and Leatherman.
I have bought a couple Benchmades from them over the years. They always had the Mini Grips, and the full size Grips, and every once in awhile, they would bring in a couple other models...
Well, today while the wife was shopping, I walked back to the sporting goods department, and stopped at the knife case first.
At first I thought I missed them, but as I looked closer, the Benchmades are now gone.

Wow... As soon as I noticed it, the first thing that came to mind was, the new pricing structure had claimed it's first casualty in my area.
And so it begins.

 

[RSpies]

I think I may have seen my first casualty of the new pricing structure...
Today the wife and I went to one of our local "Mart" stores. Not the W Mart, but a locally owned chain of stores here in Oregon, that has been in business for years...

They don't have a huge selection of knives, but they do have a decent selection. For as long as I can remember, they have sold Benchmade, Buck, Gerber, Kershaw, and Leatherman.
I have bought a couple Benchmades from them over the years. They always had the Mini Grips, and the full size Grips, and every once in awhile, they would bring in a couple other models...
Well, today while the wife was shopping, I walked back to the sporting goods department, and stopped at the knife case first.
At first I thought I missed them, but as I looked closer, the Benchmades are now gone.

Wow... As soon as I noticed it, the first thing that came to mind was, the new pricing structure had claimed it's first casualty in my area.
And so it begins.

I've contacted/checked out 6 local businesses that have knives in stock, mostly hunting/sporting goods stores or WM that had benchmade, spyderco, Kershaw and some cold steel in stock. The only model I found from benchmade in any of those stores was some sort of discontinued fixed blade that had been collecting dust. :/ and all the other Canadian dealers are either out of stock and not bothering to restock or have quit dealing with BM all together.

 

[338375]

I've contacted/checked out 6 local businesses that have knives in stock, mostly hunting/sporting goods stores or WM that had benchmade, spyderco, Kershaw and some cold steel in stock. The only model I found from benchmade in any of those stores was some sort of discontinued fixed blade that had been collecting dust. :/ and all the other Canadian dealers are either out of stock and not bothering to restock or have quit dealing with BM all together.

That's not a good sign

 

[skyhorse]

That's not a good sign

Not a good sign indeed Mike, unless their goal is to downsize the Company.