Would you like to see the return of agency pricing with no discount?

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Fbone

What is your budget for gadgets?

Depends on the year. Last year I upgraded my mobiles (Nexus 7.2, Nexus 4, Fire HD7.1) for around $565 (pre-tax). I won't upgrade this year and plan to wait another year or two before I do. When I do so, it'll be a Fire 7" tablet and probably a sub $300 unlocked phone.

I also bought new computers (Dell desktop, Chromebook) last year to replace my older ones. PCs are usually on a 4-5 year cycle; so last year was big because of the timing.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by Katsunami

$5800 on coffee.... *faints*

Whaaaaat? *faints again*

My entire yearly food budget isn't even close to that. How can anyone spend almost $500 a month at a coffee shop?

[Fbone]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Depends on the year. Last year I upgraded my mobiles (Nexus 7.2, Nexus 4, Fire HD7.1) for around $565 (pre-tax). I won't upgrade this year and plan to wait another year or two before I do. When I do so, it'll be a Fire 7" tablet and probably a sub $300 unlocked phone.

I also bought new computers (Dell desktop, Chromebook) last year to replace my older ones. PCs are usually on a 4-5 year cycle; so last year was big because of the timing.

You probably can expect to pay less when your next cycle comes around.

While I spent more money on ebooks last year (and current year) than you did, I didn't buy any gadgets or 'puters. Although, I may pick up a tablet later this year to replace my aging 650.

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by Catlady

How can anyone spend almost $500 a month at a coffee shop?

Intravenously.

Or with a side order:

http://www.starbucks.com/menu/food

Twice a day on weekdays would do it.

[BearMountainBooks]

Originally Posted by Katsunami

$5800 on coffee.... *faints*

Whaaaaat? *faints again*

Coffee at those shops can really add up. My husband bought his own coffee roaster (120 and it came with 10 pounds of green beans), and an espresso machine (400) and professional grinder (65 used). He makes his own drinks now. Part of buying all this was because when mochas hit 4 dollars for a regular, it became obvious it was a very bad idea to get even one a day. He's been roasting his own coffee for over 10 years now.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by BearMountainBooks

Coffee at those shops can really add up. My husband bought his own coffee roaster (120 and it came with 10 pounds of green beans), and an espresso machine (400) and professional grinder (65 used). He makes his own drinks now. Part of buying all this was because when mochas hit 4 dollars for a regular, it became obvious it was a very bad idea to get even one a day. He's been roasting his own coffee for over 10 years now.

$20 blender from Walmart = cheap banana smoothies

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Fbone

You probably can expect to pay less when your next cycle comes around.

For sure. After using both the Nexus 7 and Fire HD7, I've come to realize that the Fire does everything I require in a media consumption device; which is the primary reason why I have a tablet. I don't need Google Play for that. And for the things I need Google Play, an unlocked phone does the job.

My future mobiles will be the latest 7" Kindle Fire + sub $300 unlocked phone + cheapest eink Kindle + Sansa Clip. The last two will only be upgraded when they bite the dust.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by HarryT

They don't. Can you give an example of an ebook that costs as much as the list price of a hardback or paperback? If a particular retailer chooses to discount a paper book, that's nothing to do with the publisher.

Okay -- but first, remember, I said "as much (or almost as much)." One of the big books on B&N and Amazon now is "The Heist" by Daniel Silva. Kindle price, $13.99, hardcover price $16.94. "Act of War" by Brad Thor. Kindle $12.99, hardcover $16.78. "Business Adventures" by John Brooks, Kindle $9.99, paperback $12.71.

There are exceptions, but it appears to be mostly with books Amazon distributes themselves (self-published).

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by speakingtohe

While I am against collusion, I feel that publishers are as free to set the prices of eBooks, just as Starbucks are free to set the price of a cup of coffee.

I feel they have the right to set the wholesale prices to retailers -- and that the retailers have the right to set their own prices to their customers. If retailers can't set their own prices (and discount, if they want) they are, more or less, just an extension of the publishers. How would a new book seller get a start in such an environment? What would they be able to offer that was different than the other retailers?

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by rcentros

I feel they have the right to set the wholesale prices to retailers -- and that the retailers have the right to set their own prices to their customers. If retailers can't set their own prices (and discount, if they want) they are, more or less, just an extension of the publishers.

Yes, that exactly what agency pricing means: that the retailer is an agent of the producer. There's nothing inherently illegal about agency agreements, although I completely agree that they aren't good for the consumer. If, however, a BPH says to a retailer "the only way we're going to let you sell our books is to be our agent", the retailer has very little choice but to accept.

[rcentros]

Deleted this post because it was redundant. I forgot that I had already posted it.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Yes, that exactly what agency pricing means: that the retailer is an agent of the producer. There's nothing inherently illegal about agency agreements, although I completely agree that they aren't good for the consumer. If, however, a BPH says to a retailer "the only way we're going to let you sell our books is to be our agent", the retailer has very little choice but to accept.

Not going to argue that point, so long as the deal is made per publisher -- instead of in collusion. That said, I'm happy that Amazon is at least trying to negotiate away from the Agency Model. And, who knows, maybe they won't agree to it and the publishers will have to blink.

[Marcy]

Originally Posted by rcentros

I feel they have the right to set the wholesale prices to retailers -- and that the retailers have the right to set their own prices to their customers. If retailers can't set their own prices (and discount, if they want) they are, more or less, just an extension of the publishers. How would a new book seller get a start in such an environment? What would they be able to offer that was different than the other retailers?

This type of pricing is common in many products, not just books. High-end cosmetics is one.

Retailers are not allowed to put these products on sale, or sell for less than the set price by the manufacturer. Different stores try to entice you to buy from them by giving you gifts with purchase, having exclusive colors or a rewards program.

I'm sure the manufacturers do this to keep the perceived value of their products high. People know they can't get these for any cheaper than set retail price on the primary market so they have a defined value. Whether the items are worth that value is an individual decision.