28-Mar-2020, 02:51
I think the original poster has some misconceptions about the reality of high end audio pricing more generally. In a world where the typical dealer markup on high end gear is 50%, there will always be someone willing to sell way under suggested retail. Many high-end audio customers don't care, because their time is worth more than the discount, so they will be happy to buy at full (or near-full) retail. Others will hunt around, spending time on forums and emailing dealers to find a deep discount. They have more time than money. That's fine, too. And then there's the used market, where the discount starts at 33% from retail and usually settles around 50% within two years.
I have been all of these customers at different times in my life.
But I don't understand how the feeling about the product should be tied to whether the manufacturer adequately polices suggested retail price. Whether you pay full retail is your decision. But after that, it's all about whether it sounds good and fits your needs.
After all, that Mercedes that you mentioned, the S-class, is among the fastest depreciating cars. It will lose 33% of its value in 3 years, 50% in 5 years. I hope that doesn't make new buyers unhappy. Used S-series Mercs are great values in the used market for those who weren't willing/able to pay the suggested retail. Great! Those who chose to buy them new shouldn't feel bad about that -- presumably they were in an income bracket where they can afford not to care.
What I don't understand is how my feeling about the car should depend upon the ability of Mercedes to police the new price among its dealers.
I have been all of these customers at different times in my life.
But I don't understand how the feeling about the product should be tied to whether the manufacturer adequately polices suggested retail price. Whether you pay full retail is your decision. But after that, it's all about whether it sounds good and fits your needs.
After all, that Mercedes that you mentioned, the S-class, is among the fastest depreciating cars. It will lose 33% of its value in 3 years, 50% in 5 years. I hope that doesn't make new buyers unhappy. Used S-series Mercs are great values in the used market for those who weren't willing/able to pay the suggested retail. Great! Those who chose to buy them new shouldn't feel bad about that -- presumably they were in an income bracket where they can afford not to care.
What I don't understand is how my feeling about the car should depend upon the ability of Mercedes to police the new price among its dealers.
Devialet 1000 Pro Core Infinity, Magico M3, Nordost Frey 2 speaker cable, PS Audio P15 Power Plant, Shunyata Alpha EF AC cable, Mac Mini running ROON.
