Taking online prices to brick and mortar shop

[Jenson71]

I'm interested in knowing your thoughts on a consumer who is buying a big ticket item (e.g., a boat, an engagement ring, a home theater system), and first does research online to come up with a model and price, and then takes that information to a local, independent store to ask them if they would like to match that.

Is this appropriate? I'm going to be purchasing something soon, and I'd like to do this. On one hand, I know I can find a good price and product online, but on the other hand, I would like to support a local business.

I'm worried this might come off as rude, though, or appear like a cheapskate or too demanding.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Who cares how it comes off? I'd tell them exactly what you've told us, and that you'd like to support local, but not at the expense of throwing money away. They can make a choice from there.

[58-4ever]

Not if you approach it the right way. Tell them that you really want to keep your money local and would like to give them a chance to win the business.

[Jenson71]

Who cares how it comes off? I'd tell them exactly what you've told us, and that you'd like to support local, but not at the expense of throwing money away. They can make a choice from there.

I care how I come off because I want to build a positive relationship with the store/community.

Should I come in with my research and price and just lay it in front of them?

[mlyonsd]

Unless the local business is owned by your in-law's who cares?

[redsurfer11]

I'm interested in knowing your thoughts on a consumer who is buying a big ticket item (e.g., a boat, an engagement ring, a home theater system), and first does research online to come up with a model and price, and then takes that information to a local, independent store to ask them if they would like to match that.

Is this appropriate? I'm going to be purchasing something soon, and I'd like to do this. On one hand, I know I can find a good price and product online, but on the other hand, I would like to support a local business.

I'm worried this might come off as rude, though, or appear like a cheapskate or too demanding.



If you want to buy an engagement ring online. I have a bridge I can sell you.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

I care how I come off because I want to build a positive relationship with the store/community.

Should I come in with my research and price and just lay it in front of them?

I think I understand where you're coming from. Expect them to do the same regarding your rates should they ever need your services. Either pay their price, or buy it elsewhere.

[Jenson71]

If you want to buy an engagement ring online. I have a bridge I can sell you.

Bad experience to share?

[Jenson71]

I think I understand where you're coming from. Expect them to do the same regarding your rates should they ever need your services. Either pay their price, or buy it elsewhere.

I actually do expect this in future encounters to me. For instance, with LegalZoom, you can set up your own will for about $70. I need (and have) good reasons why I should cost double that.

But, for a product, it's a bit different, because whereas the legal industry is about service and adaptability and answer questions (and liability insurance for malpractice), the product is the product no matter where you get it.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

I actually do expect this in future encounters to me. For instance, with LegalZoom, you can set up your own will for about $70. I need (and have) good reasons why I should cost double that.

But, for a product, it's a bit different, because whereas the legal industry is about service and adaptability and answer questions (and liability insurance for malpractice), the product is the product no matter where you get it.

But should something happen with the product, what kind of service will you receive from an online store? How much hassle would there be regarding a return? How much longer would you have to wait to receive it, and if you do need to return, how much longer until you receive a new one? This goes both ways. Local business is going to give you better service, and take better care of you. Just as you will with someone over LegalZoom.

[Stewie]

I do this with contact lenses. My optometrist is happy to beat the best online price. My lenses are some of the most expensive and the online price beats her normal price by 60%. She obviously makes a killing on people that don't shop around.

[Jenson71]

But should something happen with the product, what kind of service will you receive from an online store? How much hassle would there be regarding a return? How much longer would you have to wait to receive it, and if you do need to return, how much longer until you receive a new one? This goes both ways. Local business is going to give you better service, and take better care of you. Just as you will with someone over LegalZoom.

All very good points to consider. It's another reason why I prefer local business (as well as the building relationships/community aspect).

It's also why I wouldn't mind paying a slightly higher price locally. But like you said, "not throwing money away."

[TribalElder]

I tried to get barnes and noble to price match their own website at the town center location and they refused to sell me the book at the online price.

pricks.

good luck though

[Mr. Flopnuts]

All very good points to consider. It's another reason why I prefer local business (as well as the building relationships/community aspect).

It's also why I wouldn't mind paying a slightly higher price locally. But like you said, "not throwing money away."

Yeah, I just think you should really examine what that point is because if not presented perfectly you'll just look like another asshole lawyer. I wouldn't go near it over a hundred bucks or two, but if it was much higher than that I would just buy it somewhere else. I wouldn't even try to haggle too much. I don't see how you can win this to be honest. Morally you're in the right place, but you gain to lose more than money here.

[Jenson71]

I tried to get barnes and noble to price match their own website at the town center location and they refused to sell me the book at the online price.

pricks.

good luck though

Well, there's no doubt store-wide policy that doesn't allow for much flexibility. I figure with an independent local store, there is more.

[Cornstock]

Just tell them you prefer to keep your business local but are looking for the best price. They should at least respect your decision. After all, you both have to do whats best for the bottom line (as well as considering any guarantees or extended service).

[Cornstock]

I tried to get barnes and noble to price match their own website at the town center location and they refused to sell me the book at the online price.

pricks.

good luck though

Exactly why their brick and mortar stores have been doing so poorly in the past couple years. What's the point of having them if they won't off some friendly service? I can get better service and a price match guarantee from a sales rep in India.

[Cornstock]

Places like Best Buy get around that by being able to buy online and get that price (which is often cheaper than the in-store price) but then being able to drive down to your local store where they have it all ready to pick up for you, instead of waiting for it to come in the mail.

[Valiant]

I'm interested in knowing your thoughts on a consumer who is buying a big ticket item (e.g., a boat, an engagement ring, a home theater system), and first does research online to come up with a model and price, and then takes that information to a local, independent store to ask them if they would like to match that.

Is this appropriate? I'm going to be purchasing something soon, and I'd like to do this. On one hand, I know I can find a good price and product online, but on the other hand, I would like to support a local business.

I'm worried this might come off as rude, though, or appear like a cheapskate or too demanding.

B&m stores generally list who they will price match. Generally only online sited of local competitors. Bbuy does more now as of March 16th I think.

Do not showroom a b&m store by asking thier people for help. Its rude.
There is more overhead at a b&m. So if you go there and have them guide you then buy from them or make them pricematch a local competitor.

Not joeys discount electronics from asia.

[Chief Roundup]

Just go to the store and ask them how close they can get to the price online. If they get close enough for you great if not then purchase it online.

[patteeu]

Just go to the store and ask them how close they can get to the price online. If they get close enough for you great if not then purchase it online.

This

[Namor40]

This is my 5 cents as a small business owner. I always try to keep my prices as low as possible, but there's a certain percentage of profit that I NEED to make otherwise there's no money for overhead...keeping the lights on in the business.....paying my employees.....product servicing issues, dealing with all the nonsense from the manufacturer on behalf of the customer, marketing...etc.

I've never been offended when someone asked me to match an online price for something, and if I can do it, without losing my shorts, I will. There have been times I've done it to hold on to a loyal customer, even though I was essentially losing some money in the deal. But there's a lot of cases where I simply can't do it. The online store is either buying significant amounts of volume to give them a better overall purchase price.....or they have tremendously reduced overhead on a percentage basis.

For a lot of things, I find that if you tack on the cost of shipping for those merchants that charge it, the price tends to end up in the same ballpark. Although I get customers that refuse to acknowledge that point far too often.....:banghead::banghead:


The one thing that REALLY annoys me, is when someone comes into my business, looks around, goes and buys the items online......AND THEN comes back to MY business and seeks help with them because the online merchant isn't responding quickly or not quickly enough for their liking. What kind of jackass does something like that?

:cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss:

[BlackHelicopters]

Always buy local at Mafia run shoppes.

[Jenson71]

Always buy local at Mafia run shoppes.

Their payment plans are terrific!

[DaFace]

If you want to buy an engagement ring online. I have a bridge I can sell you.

Not sure where this is coming from, but I think that's pretty silly as a blanket statement at least. I bought my wife's online and couldn't be happier with it.

[Phobia]

Not sure where this is coming from, but I think that's pretty silly as a blanket statement at least. I bought my wife's online and couldn't be happier with it.

Purest diamond I ever saw...

[ReynardMuldrake]

Purest diamond I ever saw...

Diamonds are for suckers. The diamond industry is one of the biggest scams around.