Prices at different TSCs - what gives?

[TerryinMD]

Yes, you guys are noticing that the stores adjust prices depending on location - to an extent. The Sams stores here in Hagerstown and Frederick, MD charge slightly different prices for some of their items. In some cases, the prices are cheaper in Frederick. The population base there is larger and the income level is appreciably higher. Now go figure!!! /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

I have trouble figuring out the pricing models for any retail store now days. It's just impossible. Just like Bird mentioned, you just need to shop around.

Terry

 

[duanet]

I'm going to give TSC and others a little break here. I wonder if part of the price difference is the cost of shipping to different locations. I know freight is expensive, even in their own trucks. Think of this - I inquired into the cost of freight for a 5' box blade and a subsoiler from Northern Tool, and it would have been $208 on top of the catalog price. I picked up the same items (KK, not Howse) at TSC at a similar cost as Northern's catalog price, but no freight added on. That's a substantial savings.

<font color=green>Duane</font color=green>

 

[JohnS]

Both Cortland, NY and Vestal, NY have the same pricing on KK 5' rotary ($595) and 5' Boxblade ($315). Depending how big of an area the analysis of income is done, I would expect Vestal to be higher than Cortland. But, given what others have posted for TSC prices on the rotary cutter, this pricing maybe maxed out on the high end, anyway. TSC might stock everything at centraly located warehouses, and draw weekly shipments from them. The cost would be substantially less than frieght to your place. I have had small time dealers tell me that they couldn't get 5' cutters for the old QFF price of $500. Small quanities and shipping makes it much more expensive. Even though it is more pain in the wallet, I'm still glad that TSC has moved into town.

PS: I did use their credit option to bring the price down 10% /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[BTI]

Chain Auto-Parts stores do this also. The problem is there are still alot of poor people in a college town, and guess who NORMALLY works on their own cars(out of neccessity).
Sad man sad.
BTI

 

[TonyC]

If you go to the Tractor Supply Web Site, the first thing they ask for is your zip code when you try to view the current sale prices. I think that speaks for itself. And don't forget...if you're checking around, don't forget our store here in Lynchburg. That shouldn't be too long of a drive for you. I do agree that you should ask your local store to match the price though.

Good luck!

 

[TerryinMD]

Tony,

The use of the ZIP code is to display the stores in your area and for marketing purposes.

Retailers are using this information in many ways now days. Why pay a marketing survey company when you can gather the information in your store and off of you Web site.

Terry

 

[TonyC]

<font color=blue>The use of the ZIP code is to display the stores in your area and for marketing purposes.</font color=blue>

I know this is true but if you keep putting in different zip codes you will get different pricing.

 

[Ozarker]

Competition

If you have a $50 difference in the same item in stores within a few miles off each other, the cheaper item is in a store that is in direct competition with another retailer in his immediate area.

The profit loss is being absorbed by the corporate office in the form of a "Price Protection Voucher" issued to the retailer by the corporate office.