find it cheaper and we'll match the price!

[anonymous-user]

Not a real business question so posted in the Lounge, but a question to business owners and members of the public alike - what is the point in making this statement in advertising as if it's a great offer? If I've seen something I want to buy elsewhere cheaper, why would I ask you mr business owner to match the price when the other party has been good enough to price better in the 1st place, I have nothing to gain whereas you do - don't the other party deserve my business more than you?

Also, as seen on the back of plumbers/joiners etc vans nationwide 'free estimates' - again, what's so bloody great about that, do you expect me to pay you so that you can come out and quote for business from me? Does anyone actually charge for estimates, if so do you get asked to quote for many jobs or are you looking at your screen through cobwebs in a very quiet office?

[Elskeggso]

yellowbentines said:

Not a real business question so posted in the Lounge, but a question to business owners and members of the public alike - what is the point in making this statement in advertising as if it's a great offer? If I've seen something I want to buy elsewhere cheaper, why would I ask you mr business owner to match the price when the other party has been good enough to price better in the 1st place, I have nothing to gain whereas you do - don't the other party deserve my business more than you?

Also, as seen on the back of plumbers/joiners etc vans nationwide 'free estimates' - again, what's so bloody great about that, do you expect me to pay you so that you can come out and quote for business from me? Does anyone actually charge for estimates, if so do you get asked to quote for many jobs or are you looking at your screen through cobwebs in a very quiet office?

You might do, they could be able to offer a much better service depending on what product it is (after sale support, guarantees/warranties etc), especially if they are comparing themselves against cheap internet sellers

[collateral]

And don't forget*

*only other prices within 10 miles - Makes me wonder if anyone ever had a discount turned down for the lower price being 11 miles away?!

Having said that, the last pricey thing I bought from Comet did for the online price because I cheekily asked if they did student discounts - "No, but I'll do it for 300" - bang on the Amazon price

[Tyre Smoke]

Or maybe they are that confident they are the cheapest in the area, that you won't find it cheaper so you are more likely to buy it now.

[Tino]

yellowbentines said:

Not a real business question so posted in the Lounge, but a question to business owners and members of the public alike - what is the point in making this statement in advertising as if it's a great offer? If I've seen something I want to buy elsewhere cheaper, why would I ask you mr business owner to match the price when the other party has been good enough to price better in the 1st place, I have nothing to gain whereas you do - don't the other party deserve my business more than you?

Also, as seen on the back of plumbers/joiners etc vans nationwide 'free estimates' - again, what's so bloody great about that, do you expect me to pay you so that you can come out and quote for business from me? Does anyone actually charge for estimates, if so do you get asked to quote for many jobs or are you looking at your screen through cobwebs in a very quiet office?

I'd rather pay for a big expensive electrical item in a high street shop, than over the net to a small company that may or may not offer a backup service if it goes wrong. Plus I might be able to get it straight away, plus I work, so can't sit at home waiting for stuff to be delivered.
Businesses know that there will always be others who will squeeze that little bit more into their profit margin for a sale. They give the option for the buyer to decide on where to buy for convenience, and service, whilst paying the same price. I see nothing wrong with that.
As for the free estimates thing, its advice, in the same way that the Sunday paper comes with the free magazine, or DVD etc. You wouldn't expect to pay extra for these items, yet they print the facts that they are free.
Be aware, some trades do charge for estimates, especially if there is investigation involved to determine issues.

[E31Shrew]

Gets my goat that one. Saw a John Lewis ad in the rags over the weekend that said their offer was not available at any other High St retailer, on Panasonic screens. Considering we're cheaper, and for the next month or so give a FULL MANUFACTURERS warranty, not some goppy Domestic and General, seemed a bit over the top.
The Sainsburys 'Price match' with Tescos seem weird. Woopey do. You can match Tescos. Well done

[Elskeggso]

Tino said:

yellowbentines said:

Not a real business question so posted in the Lounge, but a question to business owners and members of the public alike - what is the point in making this statement in advertising as if it's a great offer? If I've seen something I want to buy elsewhere cheaper, why would I ask you mr business owner to match the price when the other party has been good enough to price better in the 1st place, I have nothing to gain whereas you do - don't the other party deserve my business more than you?

Also, as seen on the back of plumbers/joiners etc vans nationwide 'free estimates' - again, what's so bloody great about that, do you expect me to pay you so that you can come out and quote for business from me? Does anyone actually charge for estimates, if so do you get asked to quote for many jobs or are you looking at your screen through cobwebs in a very quiet office?

I'd rather pay for a big expensive electrical item in a high street shop, than over the net to a small company that may or may not offer a backup service if it goes wrong. Plus I might be able to get it straight away, plus I work, so can't sit at home waiting for stuff to be delivered.
Businesses know that there will always be others who will squeeze that little bit more into their profit margin for a sale. They give the option for the buyer to decide on where to buy for convenience, and service, whilst paying the same price. I see nothing wrong with that.
As for the free estimates thing, its advice, in the same way that the Sunday paper comes with the free magazine, or DVD etc. You wouldn't expect to pay extra for these items, yet they print the facts that they are free.
Be aware, some trades do charge for estimates, especially if there is investigation involved to determine issues.

Sometimes I can understand why people charge for estimates, or more specifically site visits/surveys which are done to see if the job is actually feasible. If it isn't feasible then they have wasted time that could have been spent on another job. We don't charge for site visits though, so I'm not saying I agree with it, it's just understandable sometimes.

Totally agree with the internet thing though, we get a lot of people who ask us if we can match the price of an internet seller. The standard response is yes we can match it, but only if we lower our service to their standards. Some things are cheap for a reason

[Mr Will]

I can see the point in the "Find it cheaper within 28 days and we'll refund the difference" offers - Encourages people to make impulse purchases.

[10 Pence Short]

Mr Will said:

I can see the point in the "Find it cheaper within 28 days and we'll refund the difference" offers - Encourages people to make impulse purchases.

I would have thought the main aim was to stop people shopping around once they'd decided on a specific item, impulse or not.

[Tino]

Elskeggso said:

.

yes we can match it, but only if we lower our service to their standards. Some things are cheap for a reason

I like that, shall be using that soon...

[Elskeggso]

Tino said:

Elskeggso said:

.

yes we can match it, but only if we lower our service to their standards. Some things are cheap for a reason

I like that, shall be using that soon...

It actually works, and makes them think. It's better than waffling on about how you are different to an internet retailer anyway

[anonymous-user]

With regards to the 'free estimates' I wasn't referring to an estimate which requires any sort of in depth survey, more like tarmac-yer-drive type building firms, the kind of firm that will come out to your house for 5 minutes and come up with a price off the top of their head.

I do get the price match promise on the basis of service, but as someone suggested most price matches don't include internet prices, don't include promotions or sale prices, have distance restrictions etc, a local car dealership near me is advertsing price match, given that no two cars (unless new) are identical in terms of trim and mileage, I bet they'll worm their way out of those on the basis that it's two slightly different products.

[anonymous-user]

I'd suggest that instead offering to price match meaning as suggested above that they are confident their prices are cheaper, it suggests 'we might be more expensive, but we'll try and get away with selling at a higher price unless the odd person questions that U.R. Rival down the road sells it for cheaper, then we'll price match and still get the business.'

[E31Shrew]

Elskeggso said:

Tino said:

Elskeggso said:

.

yes we can match it, but only if we lower our service to their standards. Some things are cheap for a reason

I like that, shall be using that soon...

It actually works, and makes them think. It's better than waffling on about how you are different to an internet retailer anyway

Banner will be up tomorrow! You cant beat PH!

[Cactussed]

Game theory.

http://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2007/08/28/why-p...

[10 Pence Short]

yellowbentines said:

I'd suggest that instead offering to price match meaning as suggested above that they are confident their prices are cheaper, it suggests 'we might be more expensive, but we'll try and get away with selling at a higher price unless the odd person questions that U.R. Rival down the road sells it for cheaper, then we'll price match and still get the business.'

It only tends to work if you have either an existing excellent reputation for service which makes people think you will be more expensive even when you might not be (think John Lewis) or that you are already considered a bucket-shop and want to make sure you're not caught out.

Those in the middle aren't going to have the reputation for service or cheap prices to carry it off.

[Oakey]

Elskeggso said:

Tino said:

Elskeggso said:

.

yes we can match it, but only if we lower our service to their standards. Some things are cheap for a reason

I like that, shall be using that soon...

It actually works, and makes them think. It's better than waffling on about how you are different to an internet retailer anyway

I'm sure Derestrictor would have something to say about that

ETA: Why do high street retailers live in their own little world where they think they're superior to internet retailers?

I've had far better customer service from the likes of Scan than I have PC World or a local independent.

Edited by Oakey on Thursday 4th June 17:03

[AndyAudi]

From what Ive seen of John Lewis, much of the stuff such as TV's etc that they sell is extremely similar to offered elsewhere on the high street but not exactly the same model number.....

[Elskeggso]

Oakey said:

Elskeggso said:

Tino said:

Elskeggso said:

.

yes we can match it, but only if we lower our service to their standards. Some things are cheap for a reason

I like that, shall be using that soon...

It actually works, and makes them think. It's better than waffling on about how you are different to an internet retailer anyway

I'm sure Derestrictor would have something to say about that

ETA: Why do high street retailers live in their own little world where they think they're superior to internet retailers?

I've had far better customer service from the likes of Scan than I have PC World or a local independent.

Edited by Oakey on Thursday 4th June 17:03

I don't want to sound like a tt, but I mentioned before that it depends on the product. If you want to buy something that can be very complicated (for example a fireplace), what would you rather do, spend less on a fireplace from the internet that you don't get advice prior to the purchase, you don't get to look at what you want to buy in showrooms, you don't get to see the fires working in showrooms, you don't have the installer come round to your house to do the site visit, you don't get any after sales support, you don't get to organise when you want the delivery to take place etc etc, or would you rather spend - sometimes only a little bit - more to get all these things? Some of us retailers are superior to the internet sellers, but as I said, it depends on the product.

[Simpo Two]

The current obsession with 'cheap' is not healthy. People want it cheaper and cheaper and cheaper - but try cutting their salary and they squeal like pigs.