Can a reputable online retailer charge more for the same item with 'free' accessories?

cymruchris

Manxman_in_exile said:

I'm interested that it's Start Fitness.

I've been buying stuff from them for years and years and never had any issues at all with them.  In fact I've always found them very helpful and their prices generally very competitive (although perhaps not as good as they once were).

I think I can understand why they've priced them as they have, but if you aren't happy with their response I can see why you'd want to spend your money elsewhere.

(I think the problem here is their use of the word "free" in the advert.  As others have said it ought to say "bundled with" or suchlike.  I'm surprised they would say "free" which is, of course, confusing.  Funnily enough I was going to post earlier and use Start Fitness's pricing model for shoes as an example.  They will price identical models of shoes differently according to colour and what sizes are available.  Obviously based on popularity as to what colours are in demand (or not) and what sizes are left.  They simply appear to be saying here that they are getting rid of both old and new stock that they bought at different prices and are therefore selling at different prices.  But I agree that "free" is misleading)

Yes - I was tempted to write back and say that it would be better if it was referred to in a way that it didn't say 'FREE' - but there's no point as they've already lost my custom. Terms like 'Promotional bundle including items worth £110' might be better, or even 'Old stock to clear' on the reduced item.

As a consumer we don't see items as 'new stock' and 'old stock' if they are the same item. If there'd been a spec change, and the Flux 2 was 'new and improved' or in some way changed - it would make sense - but for an identical item - not really on... But it is what it is - and Start fitness were happier to lose a sale than some margin - which as a business is their call to make.

I've seen examples of the way shoes are priced in the way you mention as well. Although my background (many years ago) was retail to a fairly senior level - I was never involved in the 'buying' process - but do find it interesting that the same item of different sizes can vary so wildly in price for a couple of centimetres more or less of a material. (And of course I'm sure many more size 8's 9's and 10's would be sold than 12's and 5's.)

TELLIT01

The retailer has explained the logic behind their decision.  If anybody then wishes to take their custom elsewhere that is their decision.

biscan25

Start Fitness are a solid outfit. They don't run on big margins.

I can give you discount code if you can't find one on google

Manxman_in_exile

biscan25 said:

Start Fitness are a solid outfit. They don't run on big margins.

I can give you discount code if you can't find one on google

That's been my experience over the years too.  If I want to buy running shoes etc online they're the first place I check.

I placed a c. £400+ order with them yesterday, but couldn't get the 15% discount voucher that I had accepted online, and they sorted it all out for me in a matter of minutes, with free delivery tomorrow.  And as you say, it's not that difficult to find discounts from them.

I'm sure if they and the OP can't come to some mutually agreeable price then it just isn't possible.  

cymruchris

biscan25 said:

Start Fitness are a solid outfit. They don't run on big margins.

I can give you discount code if you can't find one on google

I don't doubt they do run on big margins, but if smaller outfits can offer the same product at a lower price, then a bigger outfit like them should be able to have a bit of flexibility

I've ordered a new unit now with a free heart rate monitor from another big player for less (even when taking into account discount codes).

I'm not so bothered about who charges what - but more the fact that a retailer can say this one is £650 and this one that's exactly the same is £700 with some free accessories. (And that would apply to any retailer doing the same kinds of promo - not just Start Fitness - they just happened to be the one on this occasion)