So, the Canadian dollar is now at par or almost, and we still have pricing that doesn't reflect that fact. I know, we've heard all the stories, you know, old inventory, lag in the supply chain, smaller market, Aquarius in descent, yadda yadda, yadda...
Well, what can a poor Canadian stained glass retailer do when there's only one Canadian distributor and we have to contend with pricing that makes us now totally uncompetitive when we compare to the American market?
How about we suggest that you consider making all your grinder and bandsaw purchases in the States! That's right folks. We can't sell them to make a living and it seems that only the distributor is making any money on them, so why continue?
Here's some facts-
a Glastar Superstar II- on sale at Yglass for $89.99- our cost is 30% higher and we sell it at $148.99. Anything in Stained glass is selling a Wizling for $67.95- a lot less than what we're charged from the Canadian distributor.
Considering buying a saw? Yglass has them on for $338.78, Anything in Stained Glass for $329.95. Our cost is again more than 30% higher (I'd love to tell you exactly how much we pay, but I think we've already ruffled enough feathers for today). We had them on sale this month at a couple of bucks over our cost at $488.88. Want a blade for that saw- $81.95- about what it costs us here in Canada).
I know, you still have to pay shipping (no duty as they're U.S. made and are exempt) and there is the warranty issue, but to save 33% or more, I would consider doing it.
But now what about stuff that has no need for warranty coverage? Glass cutters ($21.99 for a Toyo vs $40.99 at FIG with our cost again greater than the American retail),Edco copper foil- $3.99/roll retail in the States versus our cost again which is higher than $3.99.
You know what? We'd be better off with paying retail and buying our supplies from the American retailer it seems!
Any comments from our fellow retailers?
9 comments:
We have the same problem in Montreal....a quebec apple costs .50 cents....
So glass is not that far behind....
Mikey, oh how you speak the truth. You seem to be the only one with any guts to mention this and I thank you for your courage. There are alot of us out there that feel the same but are powerless (or maybe a little scared?) to say anything. Thank you for at least speaking for me. I hope you hear from more of us!
G.
You are my hero Mikey!
I think I'll take a bus down to Buffalo, buy a new car at a great savings and then fill it up with some stained glass supplies! Do you think that the wholesale source you buy from has any idea that this short term profit taking they're involved in can only hurt the industry as a whole in the long term as more and more people realize how much they can save by not buying in the Canadian market!!!
Read the paper today and Porsche Cars in Canada has taken heed and lowered their prices to reflect the changing currency values in Canada. Now I can go to the States, buy a whole bunch of stained glass tools and glass and finally buy that Porsche with my savings. Thanks Mike.
Mike, too many posts today. It's a shame because your rant might get lost. It needs to be kept front and centre. I suggest you repost daily as this is a very contentious issue for our industry. I've had my doubts for some time now about how this industry will (or will not) progress given the monopolistic market we now find ourselves in.
Wish I had the courage to leave my name. Sorry.
just got home and read your latest writings. Wow, I checked out yglas's website as well as a few others close to us in the U.S.A. and boy are we getting ripped off. I feel sorry for you Mike because this can't be good for your business, or the Canadian market.
Mary F.
oh my god!!! Only 7 entries- maybe it's still too early! Mike needs to know that he's not fighting the battle alone! It's about time that someone pointed out that it's not just the wholesaler that's intitled to make a living. After all it's stores like Fantasy In Glass that are growing the business, not the 'sole Canadian wholesaler that likes to wrap itself around the 'we can do better because...' propoganda flag! And I will post my name- Joe Chase (in and out of the business for over 25 years)(no email posted because I'm happily married)
Luv you Mikey
Hi Mikey,
Love your rants – and this one truly hit home.
As one of the endangered species known as “American Manufacturer”, we look for Darwinian loopholes wherever we can.
Foolishly we mused a few years ago as our dollar plunged and the cost of our imported raw materials (cryolite from Germany, refractories from the UK etc) went through the roof “Well, at least the collapsing dollar will help our export market…”
Example: We watched our pathetic greenback tumble from $1.40 to $2.05 in the UK. Certainly a 46% drop in the cost of our glass would make Bullseye hugely more appealing to the cost-conscious Brits. Who knows whether it would have or not – the benefits of the dying dollar never got past the distributors.
Our response? We put up a UK website and offered some of our glass at US prices + shipping and duty. It’s not the ideal solution, but it’s been well-received and will have to do for now.
Like our opening a Resource Center, it also helped to insure our #1 ranking at DistributorFatwa.com.
Adversity breeds its own game plans. I like yours – humor. Keep it coming. We love you.
Lani
Partner in Bullseye Glass Co.
Post a Comment