Spyderco retailer question?

[The Deacon]

I'm all for Bm stores. I buy local often. The store I speak of as been around for 40 years with the same owners. Everything in there store is full MSRP. I don't know there financial background but would think there building would be paid off. Taxes and utilities are a given as they are with internet stores.

If they own the building outright it still costs money to maintain it, and many businesses rent. The building also needs to be larger and in a decent and accessible location, all things which often result in higher tax bills. On the other hand, I strongly suspect a few internet knife shops are the owner's garage, basement, or spare bedroom. I know there are at least a few that carry no inventory at all, they're merely order taking fronts for a distributor who then drop ships to the dealer's customer. In those cases, the dealer's only overhead is the cost of the website, a computer, a phone, and an 800 number.

[jossta]

Isn't it a requirement to have a BM location to be a Spydie dealer? I mean, I know you can get them from distributors, but Spyderco def isn't dictating price.

[Blerv]

Isn't it a requirement to have a BM location to be a Spydie dealer? I mean, I know you can get them from distributors, but Spyderco def isn't dictating price.

It depends on what is considered a storefront. I have a feeling (and only that) there are quite a few flying under the radar but that's the nature of the internet biz.

It doesn't mean the companies are any less valid. It just means the storefront is a garage which technically could be open if someone was to drop-by.

[.357 mag]

If they own the building outright it still costs money to maintain it, and many businesses rent. The building also needs to be larger and in a decent and accessible location, all things which often result in higher tax bills. On the other hand, I strongly suspect a few internet knife shops are the owner's garage, basement, or spare bedroom. I know there are at least a few that carry no inventory at all, they're merely order taking fronts for a distributor who then drop ships to the dealer's customer. In those cases, the dealer's only overhead is the cost of the website, a computer, a phone, and an 800 number.

Does the Spydero outlet sell at MSRP? I'm sure they run it as a separate business from the factory.

[Blerv]

Does the Spydero outlet sell at MSRP? I'm sure they run it as a separate business from the factory.

Never been there. As far as I know the streets are lined with gold and tiny singing elves.

Still, word on the street is the MSRP is on the website for online purchasing. You can save 25% (I think) on the next purchase online by registering a Spydie. I recall reading that SFO pricing, when you are in-store, is lower than online but still a bit higher than most online stores.

Someone will have to confirm this.

[HighDesertSpyder]

Yes,
the streets are lined with gold, rainbows, etc!... did not see the elves. That doesn't mean they aren't there.

The store and the business offices of Spyderco are in the same building. The manufacturing end of things is "connected". So, the store sells at a slight discount from MSRP (25%).

Confirmed... I will be in the area again for business in April and I will check on the existence of small persons in residence. :eek:

[Blerv]

Thx for the confirm! Avoid the chocolate river and blueberry gum .

[The Deacon]

Does the Spydero outlet sell at MSRP? I'm sure they run it as a separate business from the factory.

SFO is "the exception that makes the rule". They sell at full MSRP online and at a discount (although not as deep as most online retailers) in their B&M store.

[BAL]

Has anyone tried to "haggle" over the price? Everyone knows you don't pay sticker for a new car. Maybe the stores who have a MSRP pricetag on the knife will come down a little if you ask. Also mention the inet prices. I've heard several people say they got a good deal at the local store they frequent. Especially if you get more than one knife. For people who only own one or two knives at a time just to use it wouldn't matter as much as it does for folks who are more enthusiastic about knives.

I've never bought a knife in a store. Well, not lately I mean. I bought a knife once in a while at Wal Mart, Lowes and stores like that but they were about $20 so it wasn't a big deal. In fact most of my knife purchases (prior to the past 5-6 years) were before there was an internet. I would love to have a local store with a nice selection and good people to talk to. I'd never pay MSRP, but a little higher than inet prices would be ok for the ability to hold a knive before buying, service, etc. After all, the stores do have electric bills, employee salaries, and a lot more expense than the inet sites have.

Jack

Jack is right. Heck, I have even haggled at Best Buy for a camcorder. You have to get a manager, but it doesn't hurt to try. Tell them that you can get it cheaper somewhere else, but you are here and ready to buy it now for X dollars. Tell them that they may make less profit, but if you leave they don't make any. It doesn't work all of the time. HyVee is pretty set on the price of a loaf of bread.

[Hector Castro]

Thank you for all of the replies! This particular store just sent out 25% discount coupons. I will be making a purchase with this coupon!