Laptop prices online

lebaron

New Member
When I go to stores like Radio Shack, Staples, Office depot, Compusa, Best Buy, etc, I understand that I'm paying a full price that includes the store's rental place, heat and AC, maintenance, other utilities, employes' salaries, taxes in general and similar.

For this reason I know that the manufacturer prices of the items are in many cases multiplied 3, 4, 5 or more times.

But, I don't see the reason why the same online stores charge the retail store's prices when selling online only apply the procedure where the items are in main storage places and are sent directly from these places to the customer and lots of intermediary costs to the seller are avoided.

Circuit City closed its stores to sell online only, and I can't see the reason why still charging for items as if they were sold in retail stores.

I thought that online sales should be always more cheaper because the seller is saving money when no physical store is run in shopping centers, but this is not happening.

A laughable event is also found in Ebay where many sellers who won't offer the manufacturer's warranty are charging similar prices as retail stores do, and that retail stores provide not only warranty but service for the products. For sure I won't buy a laptop from Ebay that will cost me the same as a regular store price with no guarantees and warranties available, even if the price is 50 dollars less. The reason is that when a laptop fails after three months for any reason I can return it to the store and receive another one in brand new condition, while in Ebay you can't have such a privilege, unless you buy a warranty from squaretrade or similar which I know by experience is very good.

I have found myself buying online products that I can't find in retail stores around, or products online which reveal an understandable price against the regular price found in stores. Otherwise, I won't buy online products with the same price found in retail stores because I feel that I am paying too much for an item that should cost much less due to the savings made by the seller.

I guess that I might be the only person who feels this way.

My regards.
 
When I go to stores like Radio Shack, Staples, Office depot, Compusa, Best Buy, etc, I understand that I'm paying a full price that includes the store's rental place, heat and AC, maintenance, other utilities, employes' salaries, taxes in general and similar.

For this reason I know that the manufacturer prices of the items are in many cases multiplied 3, 4, 5 or more times.

I wouldn't say they are multipied by 3,4,5 times, well they certainly arn't in the UK, not sure about US. Staples UK matched an offer I found on the internet once, and I saved myself a little, then again I did work for them a couple of years before so I know it can be done, so it would be worth printing out the laptop you find on the internet, taking it into a store and seeing how close they could match it. Store managers and team leaders normally have the power to discount items if they see fit... I did as team leader of staples a few years back.
 
You obviously don't know anyone who works at best buy. They often don't make any money on their laptop sales. They make most of the store profits off of accessories. Sometimes people go in and buy a 50" tv and the store makes more profit off the hdmi cable they buy. Just look at their headphones for example. I have seen headphones there for $80 and the exact same ones on amazon for $30. (Not to mention their $3 hdmi cable with a $60 price tag)
 
Back
Top