Why are BKPs cheaper when you buy elsewhere rather than directly?

[mbchepburn]

Why are BKPs cheaper when you buy elsewhere rather than directly? You can buy BKPs from music stores for like Ģ85 each but from Tim, they're like Ģ119 each. Anybody know why?

[Nolly]

Because Tim can't undercut his own dealers. He sets a suggested retail price and follows that himself, if the dealers decide to eat into their own profit margins to lower the cost then there's not much he can do about it.

[BigB]

I'd be really happy to find BKPs cheaper at my local music stores... Not that they aren't worth the price, but well, I'm not that rich neither ;)

[Shag101]

It's cheaper for me to buy from Tim as these dealers in the states have higher than suggested prices..:shock:

[mbchepburn]

Because Tim can't undercut his own dealers. He sets a suggested retail price and follows that himself, if the dealers decide to eat into their own profit margins to lower the cost then there's not much he can do about it.

I just don't understand why they would do that. Unless Tim sells them Wholesale price in bulk?

[PhilKing]

I just don't understand why they would do that. Unless Tim sells them Wholesale price in bulk?

The dealers do get a wholesale price, that's why they sell the pickups.  I used to work in music retail and many times you take a much lower markup to move more product.  Most things the music shops sell are way less than the retail price.

[Keven]

that's how business works yeah. you buy stuff at wholesale. there's the retail price, there's the street price, there's the real life price. and there's the ''but the interwebz has it cheaper'' price nowadays.

[Afghan Dave]

...and there's the ''but the interwebz has it cheaper'' price nowadays.

(I'm guilty  :?) but that does result in the "going out of business" price, followed by the "I can't try gear anywhere" post!

[Keven]

I've been a retail store manager for 5 years. i know how that goes. the market is definitely changing and good stockists are about to become a rarity.

[drawnacrol]

I noticed this the other day aswell while googling for reviews. I'd always feel more comfortable sending Tim the specs/model of the guitar though since your guaranteed the pickup is going to fit even if it costs more.

[Crunch]

I am willing to take the price hit as I can get EXACTLY what I want directly from Tim.
Plus, I'm across the pond.

[Kiichi]

I want to order from Tim himself even if it costs me more cause: a) I get exactly what I need b) the profit goes where it does good.
Problem is I can order from him since I donīt have a credit card....wish he had paypal.

[gueorgues]

It is natural that dealers get wholesale prices - why would they bother to sell pickups in the first place.
Ordering directly from the BKP gives you many options to choose from, while if you buy from dealers you don't always have the same options like finishes and other customizations.
Besides the great customer services, you get one more thing - you can consult Tim directly. What's more to ask for...

[Telerocker]

I ordered my last HSS-set (VHII/Mother's Milk) directly from BKP, bec I had special wishes. Unfortunately they send the wrong sc's, which can happen. They will send my new ones asap  :)