Pat--
I'm also not trying to start an arguement here, but rather giving my thoughts about how I see how internet sales are becoming a valuable resource for both the dealer and consumer. And as stated, the dealer can benefit greatly from this outlet if certain issues are addressed.
First,I am in no way stating that a protected territory should in fact be taken away from any dealer! Reputable dealers work hard for their money! In most cases internet sales are simply an alternative way for people to buy, and most still purchase a majority of their products from their local shop.
As far as returns, that will happen regardless of whether there is internet trade or not. Just the volume of sales will be higher, is all. If a product is defective, it's defective, doesn't matter whether you buy it from me over the counter, or thru the net, it's simply a case of "spin the wheel" and which one comes out of the box. Warranty cost to the manufacturer is only heightened by the additional cost of shipment back to the customer after repair,($13) but let's not forget that the customer also had to pay that same $13 to get it back to the factory for that repair. To me, this issue is a wash. The dealer makes out only on the sale itself, he loses time and effort by being the middleman and having to send the item each way. Sometimes the return shipping even comes out of his pocket instead of the customers'.
If my next door neighbor bought from Larry or Skip instead of me, then there would be a reason for that, wouldn't there! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> I have no issues with any of the other Merlin dealers as we all have our territories. If they open up internet sales, (and some have, no "dictatorship"
then so be it. I merely pride myself on my experience with the bows, and the fact that Merlin feels the same and puts enough faith in me to name me their "factory-recommended" internet contact. If people cannot read between the lines and what Merlin are trying to say with that statement, that is of no consequence to me. I sell many bows each year, and cannot worry about those that I do not. Again, most people are going to buy from their local dealers like Larry or Skip anyway. That's fine.
I know you side with Bowtechs' policies on this issue and that is OK, that is your choice. My feelings are genuinely biased also, I like my Merlins and like to make money!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> As stated before this business is my life and livlihood, not just a hobby, and it's in my best interest to cater to those that will in turn do their best to help ME. Any avenue of sales-approach to the public that in turn will promote growth of our sport which in turn will help my business(es), is where I want to be. The manufacturers all make their substantial profits, there is no reason why we dealers shouldn't be able to also, especially when the manufactuers get overzealous and overflood an area with dealers, and lots of time well within any "protected territory" one dealer may have been promised! I have seen this scenario time and again with many different dealers in my area, from more than one manufacturer also. "Protected territories" aren't as "protected" as they once were, IMHO.
With everything else in the world now being sold via the internet, and billions of dollars in profits being made by those who use it as a dealer outlet, doesn't it seem very strange to be having this discussion at all? Has anyone ever used E-bay? Did you feel bad for doing so? That's what I thought... I can give credit to those manufacturers who feel they are doing the right thing by not allowing internet sales, but that only holds so much water and tells me that some manufacturers in the Archery industry simply haven't given it that much thought towards a viable (and mutually profitable!) solution. Eventually this avenue must be discussed intellegently by those manufactuers, and conclusions and decisions made towards their overall retail future.
Just how I see it. Good shooting! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> Pinwheel 12