ZT LE's to be Consumer Direct only

Status
Not open for further replies.
ToddM said:
Here's an idea, do a random lottery for them, that would be completely fair, everyone would have plenty of time to put their name in the hat and the same chance/opportunity to get one for MSRP. ZT could also do a better job of ensuring that someone isn't trying to work the system. Everyone that enters the lottery gives credit card info, and anyone that's selected and the payment doesn't go through, looses their slot and it's offered to the next name on the list.

I just don't see this proposed process (and it might change we haven't see how it will really work) actually fixing much. Most people cannot monitor ZT's website 24/7, and if they only release a few at a time with no notice, most people are going to miss out anyway and still be paying secondary market prices. Add to that my guess is now we'll be competing with dealers too which is going to make it even harder. You can bet these are going to go way over $500 on the secondary market, probably pushing $750+ depending on numbers, so dealers are still going to want to get in on that profit margin.

My guess is if ZT only releases a few at a time, even if it's 100+ they are only going to last minutes not hours once word gets out, and we've seen other sites that can't handle that kinda online ordering traffic rush. If ZT releases them during the day, people with day jobs have no shot, at night those that work night shifts are screwed, do a pre-order and anyone that wasn't on their site within 5 minutes of that opening misses out. A random lottery gives almost everyone a fair shot.
Click to expand...

How and why do you make sooooo many assumptions when the system hasn't even been put into effect yet???

No one except KAI/ZT know exactly how it is going to work.

Seriously?????
 
Most of the threads on this response are speculation on how things are going to work and the consequences now that all we know is that they won't be sold through dealers and will be sold directly in some unknown method. If you don't like them, don't read them.
 
I think it'll be good for everyone. The way it's going isn't working anyway hence ZT is steping in. In general, the secondary market benefits no one but the scalpers. I for one am happy that ZT is doing something about it.
 
ZT sold 10 0454's consumer direct at Blade Show. Looks like 4 have been put up on the Bay with 3 sales and 1 no sale due to the crazy price: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=zero+tolerance+0454&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc

I think one also sold here on the Exchange so that's 5 out of the original 10 flipped off/put up for sale.

If ZT's intent was to "try and do something" and "put a dent in flipping" it seems like they are off to a pretty crappy start IMO..
 
Yes. And there will be more. So what? ZT gave them a chance at owning one, and if they chose to sell it, and someone thought it was a fair price, then it's on them. At least now, their chance to do it over and over is lessened.
 
ToddM said:
Here's an idea, do a random lottery for them, that would be completely fair, everyone would have plenty of time to put their name in the hat and the same chance/opportunity to get one for MSRP. ZT could also do a better job of ensuring that someone isn't trying to work the system. Everyone that enters the lottery gives credit card info, and anyone that's selected and the payment doesn't go through, looses their slot and it's offered to the next name on the list.

I just don't see this proposed process (and it might change we haven't see how it will really work) actually fixing much. Most people cannot monitor ZT's website 24/7, and if they only release a few at a time with no notice, most people are going to miss out anyway and still be paying secondary market prices. Add to that my guess is now we'll be competing with dealers too which is going to make it even harder. You can bet these are going to go way over $500 on the secondary market, probably pushing $750+ depending on numbers, so dealers are still going to want to get in on that profit margin.

My guess is if ZT only releases a few at a time, even if it's 100+ they are only going to last minutes not hours once word gets out, and we've seen other sites that can't handle that kinda online ordering traffic rush. If ZT releases them during the day, people with day jobs have no shot, at night those that work night shifts are screwed, do a pre-order and anyone that wasn't on their site within 5 minutes of that opening misses out. A random lottery gives almost everyone a fair shot.
Click to expand...

I agree with you.

some ppl failed to understand that being a LE knife means not everyone who is interested in it will get it, no matter how the distribution channel is designed. this is a basic supply and demand issue. as soon as the demand is larger than supply, there is and will be someone is willing to pay a higher price in secondary market in exchange of lost buy opportunity

I also failed to see how this new police will drive down secondary market price. Below is an example
LE knife xyz released qty is 10, MSPR $100, but there are more than 1000 ppl want it. if you are lucky enough to get one of the 10 but decide to sell it later. you tell me you are going to sell it to person A who wants it but can pay no more than $100 or to person B who wants it as much as A does but is willing to pay $1000.

This new police won’t affect the secondary market price.
 
You are right. It will not prevent you from selling it for whatever price you want, but you are less likely to be able to hoard a bunch and sell them later like you can right now.
 
bigmark408 said:
Sounds like ZT is cashing in.
Click to expand...

I think they are doing this for the exact opposite reason. Too many dealers are jacking LEs up 2, 3, 4 times and more that of MSRP and time has demonstrated that it is much easier to reinforce minimal retail pricing than it is maximum. One AD is currently selling the 0454 for over $1,200 (without having actual stock).

I wish Rick Hinderer would do this with their knives because the amount dealers jack up the pricing detracts from the brand IMO.
 
nwmetalbug said:
they never claimed it would effect the secondary market.
Click to expand...

Yeah, and it has been reiterated ad nauseam throughout this thread. In fact, many acknowledged that here already and agree that affecting secondary market pricing isn't a goal.

To get an even clearer picture on their position, Thomas is active on another site and he discusses it there. One (of several) worth mentioning is his displeasure for "bro deals" from individuals in kahoots with dealers. Again free market blah blah blah but it sure affects fairness for such extremely limited pieces. It is more so an attempt to cut abuse than anything.
 
Unless your a dealer, flipper, or hoarder I don't see any reason to complain. It levels the playing field and makes it easier to find the knife your looking for. Yes some ppl will miss out and some with end up on the secondary market. Nothing will ever be able to stop that. Those mentioned above did it to themselves. And in this day and age...most companies do sell directly to the public. And a lot of business are thriving with the ease of customers shopping online. And the limit to one per customer will help curb flipping. Yes most dealers already do this. But us buyers have relationships with many dealers. So one person can get these LEs from several different dealers. I have no problem with a person taking their one LE and doing what they want with it. Keep it. Sell it. Use it. Put it in a safe. The choice is yours. However you only get the one chance at MSRP.
 
Stays Sharp said:
Yeah, and it has been reiterated ad nauseam throughout this thread. In fact, many acknowledged that here already and agree that affecting secondary market pricing isn't a goal.

To get an even clearer picture on their position, Thomas is active on another site and he discusses it there. One (of several) worth mentioning is his displeasure for "bro deals" from individuals in kahoots with dealers. Again free market blah blah blah but it sure affects fairness for such extremely limited pieces. It is more so an attempt to cut abuse than anything.
Click to expand...

not anymore...

Thanks for helping ruin it.
 
I wouldn't blame Thomas' actions on anyone. He may be a great employee for ZT - I have no way of knowing - but I do know that he has very poor people skills. Him getting out of the user interaction business was just a matter of time and probably an excellent move on his part. Nothing against him at all as he did the right thing. But blaming others for his decisions isn't appropriate, IMHO.
 
Once again, a ZT/Kershaw/KAI thread devolves into whining about...not knives.
I thought this was general knife discussion.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top