What seems to be happening with the variance in pricing relates to Minimum Advertised Price (MAP). In some cases the larger shops can find various ways to go under the MAP price. But w/o the size and associated leverage, the smaller shops can't always do so.
You can see a clear example of this with the Warn M12000 I've been shopping. Amazon has it for $1286.75 (with free shipping!), but you can't see that price until you put it in your cart. And they go so far to say they do this because of MAP. And from what I've seen, none of the small shops can touch this price locally, and especially when you consider shipping.
So while smaller shops have the right to sell lower, they also have to answer to the manufacturer about why they sell below MAP. And I think some may find themselves in a quandary.
I guess it comes down to how much is the difference and is the personal service and or quality of work worth the premium you may have to pay.
If you're going to DIY wrench an item in your garage, maybe price is the deciding factor. If you're integrating things into a more complex solution, maybe the extra cost for full service makes sense.
I know this has been a tough call for me over the years and I usually wind up somewhere in the middle trying to balance low price with good service. But it's tough and frustrating. It probably is too for the smaller shops.
Rant over.....
You can see a clear example of this with the Warn M12000 I've been shopping. Amazon has it for $1286.75 (with free shipping!), but you can't see that price until you put it in your cart. And they go so far to say they do this because of MAP. And from what I've seen, none of the small shops can touch this price locally, and especially when you consider shipping.
So while smaller shops have the right to sell lower, they also have to answer to the manufacturer about why they sell below MAP. And I think some may find themselves in a quandary.
I guess it comes down to how much is the difference and is the personal service and or quality of work worth the premium you may have to pay.
If you're going to DIY wrench an item in your garage, maybe price is the deciding factor. If you're integrating things into a more complex solution, maybe the extra cost for full service makes sense.
I know this has been a tough call for me over the years and I usually wind up somewhere in the middle trying to balance low price with good service. But it's tough and frustrating. It probably is too for the smaller shops.
Rant over.....
Probably gone. I will keep waiting...
