"Please call for price"

[conundrum]

What is with companies refusing to let their prices be listed over the internet, especially when the USA arm of the company has no problem with it? eg Roland Canada and Yamaha Canada. What does it gain them, except frustation for potential customers?

[elpezpr]

They figure if you really want to buy it you will call. And usually get a better deal that way.

[conundrum]

Then why don't USA companies do it that way? And a better deal for who, them or the customer, and how so?

[WashburnBasser]

US companies have a Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) that they are allowed by the dealer to advertise. If a website says "Call for Price", then they are probably selling the product for under the MAP. This is the case with RMC Audio, although they do it with email.

[My name is Mudd]

It's also an old marketing trick to get potentials to phone in so the advertiser can collect info...been there, done that.

[Hawaii Islander]

Rickenbacker allows USA companies to show MSRP but not retail prices. You can request that the price be emailed.