londonfire Loc: NY to NC

Hershel, thanks so much for responding when I know you're a lot busier than I am.
The answer from your marketing guy sounds a lot like a response from a government agency. I know of the minimum price regulations and so on but if taken at face value his statement would seem to indicate that you and Amazon were selling the Sony at below minimum pricing and you were just told by Sony to raise the price to another level. It doesn't hold water but it's time to put this to bed. I'll keep looking and when the camera is selling at what I think is a good price I'll buy it. It won't stop me from making B&H my first stop when in Manhattan...

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Thumbs up to Hershel and B&H.

However, the marketing response ( Govt. agency equivalent) is the appropriate one. Also, your conclusion that it doesn't hold water potentially leaks like a sieve.

Just because there is a minimum unilateral price agreement in place does not mean that the supplier - Sony in this example - can't alter that price upwards or downwards at their discretion for their own purposes. If they want to move inventory then dropping the minimum price for a period might be appropriate. A B&H or Amazon may be able to take advantage of that while it is in effect. The local photo store may not have the same degrees of freedom.

Is this any different to a company offering rebates or discount bundles to stimulate business? An organization such as B&H may not be contractually allowed to discuss these things except in the most general terms, which is what may have just been done.

Cheers

Hershel Loc: New York City

I can assure you that Henry would not commit to print anything less than the truth as he knows it to be. The comment above by Peterff is pretty much on target insofar as the part where the manufacturer holds all the aces and has free reign over Authorized Dealers who cannot waver from their Retail Agreements.

When next you plan a visit to B&H let me know in advance as I enjoy meeting UHH'ers when they come by.

HERSHEL

Jerry Kos Loc: Milwaukee, Wi

The one thing I learned after all this is I'll be looking at B & H as well as Amazon from now on. Thanks.

Hershel Loc: New York City

Jerry,

We would be honored to count you among the many loyal customers we have the pleasure of serving from the UHH

HERSHEL