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ZALHERA
843
Jun 19, 2016
We are running into this problem where prices are already competitive for computer parts in the regular market, but people are still requesting them on Massdrop expecting magical discounts, then blaming Massdrop for not doing better.
fizile
4
Jun 19, 2016
ZALHERAAn entire 4.7% off vs amazon, AND they ship it in a month?? Wowee deal of the century!
Rath
85
Jun 19, 2016
ZALHERAIt's true that margins on electronics -- specifically computer components -- are wire-thin. I'm sure that people are requesting these products on Massdrop because they either don't understand the realities of the market, or they're hoping that Massdrop's contacts will allow them to find that super deal no one else can find.
While I don't think that it's wrong for Massdrop to make any offer, even if it's at a higher price than competitors, I do think it dilutes your reputation for providing significant discounts in exchange for potentially 'massive' shipping delays, when the best you can offer is $9 on a $300 sale (after shipping, taking into account free and relatively fast shipping from other sources).
Also, as others have pointed out, the way you use MSRP is misleading at best. Let's be honest: the whole concept of showing the MSRP to customers and using it to calculate savings has always been rather sleazy. No one will sell this product at the MSRP unless they're deliberately price gouging. At best you're showing exaggerated numbers to people who will recognize it (but think less of you for it), and at worst you're taking shameless advantage of those too naive to understand how meaningless it is.
All of your marketing is designed to present these offers as extremely good deals. Sometimes they just aren't that competitive. I'm sure you understand that, and you choose to present them as if they were -- probably because it's profitable. That's fine, but you're selling these products on a website, in an age where you can get global price comparisons with a few minutes of googling. Are you really surprised when people point it out?
ZALHERA
843
Jun 19, 2016
RathI'm not a Massdrop employee, I want to clarify this. They have an M next to their name. When I said "we," I meant it was the community's problem, our problem, that we have set our expectations high because of the previous deals in MD.
I say problem because this is not the first time we got computer parts offered here, and it wasn't the first time the community was disappointed either. Yet time and time again, we, the community, make polls for the GTX 1080, we make requests for more computer parts. I'm trying to point out this mistake to fellow members, because again, I am not an employee of MD.
ZALHERA
843
Jun 19, 2016
fizileThat's kinda my point. :l
Rath
85
Jun 19, 2016
ZALHERAMy mistake. I do know about the M -- it was a combination of how you phrased your message and my not paying particularly good attention.
To rephrase my point however: The market is the way it is, but that doesn't mean people should stop requesting these products, because sometimes a great deal does come along and members should communicate what they want to buy. The fact that people request these products doesn't necessarily mean it's a good idea for Massdrop to offer them as drops, if they can't get a good price.
ZALHERA
843
Jun 19, 2016
RathThat is fair, it just gets old and annoying the way people react to these things so I wanted to say my piece.
Rath
85
Jun 19, 2016
ZALHERAI completely agree with that.
Teslenkon
13
Jun 20, 2016
ZALHERAMost of the people that react this way are fairly new to this site (yes, I am guilty of this a well). But Rath makes a very good point of saying that there is no need to put out a drop if massdrop isn't able to find a decent discount. Also, as fizile said before, waiting an extra month for a 13 dollar discount (on an already expensive product) is actually a worse deal if I may say so.
What I want to say, do not be surprised by people reacting this way. They are new and with time they will understand that there is no point in doing so. As well, I am becoming more patient and calm with the (bs) offers and ignoring them until something nice comes up. FOR THAT I respect massdrop, the other deals-which-aren't-really-deals, they can profit off of the people that don't know any better. Technically they aren't even ripping those people of if the price isn't much differet from the average lowest selling price found elsewhere.
In conclusion, nothing should change. Smart people buy when they know is right, the others buy whenever they see the discount is high (average customer) and massdrop can earn money to make the discounts even better for us. I believe we are only winners in this scenario. Just gotta pay attention to actual deals and let everything roll as it rolled before.
Storm41
5
Aug 25, 2016
ZALHERAAgreed. If it's even a little cheaper, then take it or leave it but don't complain. Your choice where to shop.