From the Who's-gonna-know? Dept.

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3 commentsFriday, December 21, 2007

'Tis The Season For Price Gouging

From the Who's-gonna-know? Dept.

2 Comments

By Bulk Vending Guy (WPN reader) - Wed, 04/02/2008 - 15:45

I Say Blame the Manufacturer, not the Retailer

Now before anything else is said I have to admit that I am a big time free-market avocate. If free and open trade is present then how is any price "unfair". Look at eBay, no one forced people to bid (althought I will agree that many bid were pure shills, people seeing if they can boost the price higher for fun). How can that be "bad press"? I look at it and say that the retailer is smart. The retailer maximized his profit on an item by selling to the hungriest crowd.

Now let's take a look at the manufacturers. I have to admit I do not understand their actions. How could you be so far off on consumer demand? And so consistently? This situation does nothing for them, they look foolish and incompetent. What is their motivation?

OK, I'll get off my soapbox now ;-)

Charles

By Taylor Nursing Scrubs (WPN reader) - Thu, 04/10/2008 - 21:56

No, they are both to blame.

No, they are both to blame. First, you have a manufacturer who loses money on every sale of a given gamebox - but they make good money on game licensing. So they hype the machines, understock their suppliers and then flood the market at the hieght of the mania.

Second, you have retailers who have a responsibility to their customers. But instead of doing what is in the best interest of the customers or employees they rip-off all in the name of making a quick buck.