Bill,
Thanks for the tip. I wrote the email address you provided and received a reply that appears to say that PCS is *NOT* setting a minimum selling price, just a minimum advertising price. Now how that works, I'll never know. Does this mean if I call you direct you can sell them to me for a lower price?
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Powerline Control Systems, Inc. (PCS) is not controlling the price of our switch. We are merely protecting all PCS Authorized Distributors with implementation of an M.A.P (Minimum Advertised Price). This price is not the price the switch must or will be sold for. After extensive market research, PCS determined that the M.A.P. better reflects the current median retail single-piece price. Yet each Authorized Distributor has complete autonomy to sell PCS switches at whatever price they determine to be appropriate considering all relevant market factors and conditions. This is only the Minimum ADVERTISED Price.
PCS' decision to implement an M.A.P. program is designed to affect distributors, not dealers. We feel that it is improper to force a distributor to sell at a specific price. By negotiating with your distributor, you may be able to obtain a lower price. If not, feel free to contact another distributor that may be willing to offer you a deal.
Our website will continually be updated with new distributors for your assistance. Please feel free to contact PCS with any comments or questions you may have. Thank you for your interest in PCS.
Ernesto Natera
Sales Manager
Powerline Control Systems, Inc.
[email protected]P: 818-701-9831
F: 818-701-1506
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I went ahead and purchased a lot of switches before the price increase, but what PCS is saying to the customer does not appear to be what PCS is saying to the distributors. I have also noticed a site selling the 600 watt dimmer for $68.85. This was an increase of their previous price of $56.35 prior to July 1, 2001, but lower than $74.95.
I'm still confused, but gratefull for the warning.
