Price Fixing ???????

[chrisbee1]

I'm in the process of changing my van and need a new awning. I've considered having my existing one altered but to be honest it's seen better days. I'm looking for the same make and model as my current one but in a larger size. On searching the web every awning sales outlet I can find, including the manufacturer, quote exactly the same price to the penny. I get the distinct feeling that the manufacturer is dictating the price outlets must charge. Whilst this may not be illegal, it certainly stinks of sharp practice.

The wheel lock and hitch lock prices vary, healthy competition between sales outlets, as it should be.

I think I'll vote with my feet and research other makes.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Chris,
It is illegal for product manufactures to set retail prices. However manufacturers/importers can suggest a receommended retail price (RRP) for goods. but ultimately it is the retailer that has to weigh up the costs of purchasing and holding stock and the proffit they want to make that deceides what they ultimately charge.
Retailers also want to be competative, so it is likley they will settle on a retail price that is close or even the same as their competitors.
Shops that sell the same goods at the same price, may have slightly different trading terms that may swing customers their way. Or perhaps they belive that a customer will buy the product from the most convenient (i,e, closest) store.

But I certainly agree that there is nothing lost by looking at alternatives

 

[Parksy]

In 2010 we bought a brand new Outdoor Revolution Compactlite porch awning for £120 inc p&p which was a significant saving on the usual price at the time.
I'd been looking online for a couple of weeks and I was lucky enough to stumble upon an end of line sale at Caravanstuff4u
The awnings were advertised on E-bay and the description stated that the awning may have been used for display purposes.
I don't know if ours had been a display model but if it was it looked brand new.