In general

Pembroke

The article says it's talking about 9 'regional' business-links not the main 'country wide' one.

TUS

What's your item then? ;-)

martindow

If these retail at 20 pounds why sell them wholesale at 6? I would wholesale at 10 pounds as that still leaves a good markup to retailers. This would also limit your competitor's ability to heavily cut their prices.

StaffsSW

patman99 wrote: »

Bet all those knobs who voted DumbDumb Cameron in are now regretting it.

Get rid of Businesslink, then no new business will be able to get any help, end up going bust and then up goes the unemployment figure. Really helps the economy that ehh?.

As for the OP's problem, if you stop wholesaling the product and become the only seller on Ebay, then the other seller will soon get the message. If he is still selling the item after a couple of months, then you will know one thing, he is importing them himself.

I think you may need some advice on constitutional matters - only DC's constituants voted him in as their MP. The Tories elected him as their leader, but in the overall general election, far less than half of the vote went to his party, resulting in the current coalition government.

On the flip side, if GB hadn't made such a monumental hash of his tenure, as both Chancellor and PM, then maybe things would have been different...?

The Business Link quangos were nice, but in times of lean every £ spent by the government, whatever colour they are, should be justified. The returns on investment from the BL functions were just not there, hence there has been a restructure to offer the same services and advice from an existing quango more efficiently.

theonlywayisup

Ive had a response from the seller after detailed emails which he could verify my 'Vero' rights and potential pitfalls to him, should I enforce. My market for this item was always wholesale and never Ebay, but as Ebay dictates! My customers require this item as a secondary product. Ebay is one of the places you may try to find it, as it is scarce.

We have come to an arrangement where the other seller buys direct from me. He has agreed a minimum RRP, which is what I was worried about. I have agreed to sell above this RRP as my market is mostly repeat buyers rather than first time. We are both happy. I supply him direct, he gets a greater profit, the price remains stable.

Whilst it would explain all, if I revealed the item type, it wouldn't be practical. Thanks to all those who replied.

Haffiana, I have a very clear business strategy and market, but realise any market is flexible. If you knew the product it would be self explanatory, but I appreciate on the outset the question may have sounded naive. It wasn't. My market is virtually 'cloaked' and apart from the buttons, I own the cloak! Our business on Ebay is large but minor (in terms of our import and redistribution). However, I would not want to stand on the toes of our end sellers/users. Likewise I need overall control over this item. I hope in the future to be the manufacturer, not just the importer. Hence the need to take control of the end price of this particular item.

theonlywayisup

martindow wrote: »

If these retail at 20 pounds why sell them wholesale at 6? I would wholesale at 10 pounds as that still leaves a good markup to retailers. This would also limit your competitor's ability to heavily cut their prices.

Wholesale is a much easier market. People buy in full carton size, no splitting, no messing with packs.

Sell an item at say 400 per carton at £1 ea and it works out considerably cheaper than 100 people buying 4 each at £2. Keep it 'carton volume' cheap and it will sell.

On wholesale you are always aware of your two markets, those who pay VAT and those who don't. Makes a difference on the price you sell for. Price points are massive and £10 is a huge one.

martindow

theonlywayisup wrote: »

Wholesale is a much easier market. People buy in full carton size, no splitting, no messing with packs.

Sell an item at say 400 per carton at £1 ea and it works out considerably cheaper than 100 people buying 4 each at £2. Keep it 'carton volume' cheap and it will sell.

On wholesale you are always aware of your two markets, those who pay VAT and those who don't. Makes a difference on the price you sell for. Price points are massive and £10 is a huge one.

Retailers generally are looking at a 100% mark up. If as you suggest these items sell well at 20 pounds I don't think 10 pounds (8.51 + VAT) is massive. What you are paying is irrelevant imo in determining your wholesale price.

Make hay while the sun shines. Situations with such a large profit margin don't last for ever so make the most of it. Don't undersell!

Rotor

stevew8975 wrote: »

Oh - and nobody wins in a race to the bottom!

err - consumer

Rotor

Pembroke wrote: »

You don't say if the seller in question is buying direct from you or from the wholesaler you sell to ?

I'm sure the easiest solution though is the amiable one, contact the seller, tell him you're the importer and that the RRP (I know that doesn't exist anymore) is £20 and that it's in both your best interests if he sticks to that. Point out that there are loads of customers for the product and that a price war isn't in either of your interests.

If he plays up, or tries to act tough then you could point out to him what the minimum you could sell them for if you wanted to and see if he wants to have a price war.

And if he won't play ball PM me and I'll sell them at the price you want

Careful. Unlimited fines for price fixing/market collusion. Especially as you say you are sole importer

grintricha

vive la competition!