We will meet or beat any advertised offer

I hear these words every day on the radio and TV. I refuse to shop at those stores if possible. You may know I am a salesman. I work hard to determine the market price, examine our costs and profitability targets and offer the customer a quotation at the best price possible. That means I make the most profit I can, and still get the business.

In recent years it has been a trend in the industry I work, that there are multiple rounds of bidding for business. That often means the buyer gives my pricing (of course minus a little) to the competitors as the "target price". That move lowers the market price and profitability for all concerned. It does offer the customer a lower price. It forces me to make concessions to get business I should have received on the first bid.

Retail stores offering to match the competitor pricing tells me that they are out to maximize profit. That is fine, but why should I do their legwork? The store should be aware of the current market price and adjust accordingly. I will shop for the best price, but I am certainly not going to help a store get business when they are higher than the business across the street. A salesman should be after my business.

The last car I purchased I was in the unique position that I did not have to buy a car. I knew what I wanted. I did a little research and determined a ballpark price for the vehicle. I went to several dealers offering the same conditions. I wanted one final price. If they had to "see the manager" they should do it now. I told each upfront I would take the best offer for the vehicle in question. They were free to throw in rebates, stereos, and options, but they only got one chance to bid for my business. Oh how they screamed, how they complained. Several offered to give me a better price, to match the competitor when I walked out, telling them they were too high.

I have no problem with a business maximizing profit. Sales people should understand as a customer I want the best price. For me, best price is the best value in cost, service, and quality. I offered each of the dealers an equal opportunity to give me the best price. All but one failed. I ask the same from my customers. If I lose business on merit fine, but I really hate the Chinese taking my designs, my engineering and my prices and low-balling me. I do not blame my customers, but I do not have to like it.