SFBayLaser
Member
Re: Are Intensity Sails Faster?
I presume that when you say "direct from PSE" you mean from www.lasersailing.com, which is the "Laser Centre" in Northhampton. My understanding is that this is a retail outlet owned by PSE. So, I'd expect all their prices to be equal to the dealers... and in any case if they are to support their dealers in such a small geographical area it would not make a lot of sense to undercut them.
When Vanguard took over Sunfish/Laser they also tried this, for example the "Vanguard Superstore" in Orange County. I don't know for sure, but I think they decided this wasn't working for them and got out of it. Probably someone from SoCal (who, hopefully, is still in their home!) can let us know...
Unfortunately it would not necessarily have a good effect. In the UK you buy your sails direct from PSE (the builder) and they are a lot more expensive than in the US. Thus, eliminate one set of delivery and profit charges and the price to the customer goes up.
I think it is an issue of the modern economy - no longer "a fair product for a fair price" but as much profit as possible. Shareholders/owners often clamour for ever increasing profits and they have to come from somewhere.
Ian
I presume that when you say "direct from PSE" you mean from www.lasersailing.com, which is the "Laser Centre" in Northhampton. My understanding is that this is a retail outlet owned by PSE. So, I'd expect all their prices to be equal to the dealers... and in any case if they are to support their dealers in such a small geographical area it would not make a lot of sense to undercut them.
When Vanguard took over Sunfish/Laser they also tried this, for example the "Vanguard Superstore" in Orange County. I don't know for sure, but I think they decided this wasn't working for them and got out of it. Probably someone from SoCal (who, hopefully, is still in their home!) can let us know...