TO: KR NET Yesterday I posted my response to a readers posting about obtaining pricing on the Garmin 296 from a local dealer, and I have read some responses to my posting.
I want to make it clear that the $1695 price is the minimum-selling price dictated by Garmin. Aircraft Spruce and other Garmin dealers have no say in what we can sell this unit for; it must be sold for $1695 (regardless of qty) or we lose our Garmin dealership. In fact, Aircraft Spruce fought long and hard with Garmin on when this fixed price policy was put into effect by Garmin, as we have always discounted all the products that we sell, including all Garmin products. However, the legality of the minimum selling price has apparently been upheld in some court cases, we and all other dealers have no choice but to comply with the policy if we wish to offer Garmin products to our customers. Some other manufacturers have begun to adopt this policy as well, but fortunately on Garmin products is currently affects only the 296. I personally object to this policy, as I believe competition among dealers which will set a reasonably discounted selling price. We will continue to honor the distributor agreements we signed with Garmin and will play by the rules outlined in that agreement. If their policy changes, I can assure you that Aircraft Spruce will offer a discounted price the same day. Thanks to everyone who posted their comments on this subject. Jim Irwin President, Aircraft Spruce __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Check out the new Yahoo! Front Page. www.yahoo.com
