pageoneresults - 5:35 am on Jun 16, 2009 (gmt 0)

Perfect timing for this topic!

We just implemented a Price Match Guarantee not long ago to combat a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) challenge. We had our first match last week. But, ours is a little different. Read on...

We're forced into MAP by the manufacturer and we are one of the more prominent Mom and Pop distributors. The manufacturer wasn't enforcing it's MAP policy to the level required. So, to combat this issue which has affected sales, we now let the consumer find the offending distributors not adhering to MAP restrictions.

Has it worked? Too soon to tell. We have uncovered another distributor who is violating the MAP, that was part of the Price Match Guarantee solution, weed out the MAP violators and level the playing field. We offer Free Shipping in the Continental U.S. on those MAP products which usually equates to a 12-20% discount depending on the item. It's a tough sell although the Free Shipping has been proven to be an effective selling tool. Especially when prices are NOT padded to recoup shipping costs, that is foul play if you ask me and many do it.

Does it make a difference? Personally speaking? Yes. I've called Circuit City on their Price Match Guarantee a few times. Before they went out of business. ;)