Retailer vs Direct from Manufacturer

[RemoteOutpost]

I was looking at Schecter's website and saw that you can buy direct from them and that their return policy is more or less the same as Sweetwater's or Musician's friend. I think MF gives you 45 days instead of 30 but there are still restocking and shipping and handling fees for returns. Is there an advantage beyond a slightly better returns policy to ordering from a retailer?

 

[DWBass]

Usually less expensive. Retailers mark up prices. Direct is typically at cost......usually......

 

[Es-La-Una]

For all three entities: (1) buying directly from the manufacturer Schecter, (2) on-line retailers, and (3) buying in person at a retail store: Consider the following:

Check what the sales tax will be. Check what the shipping charges will be for Schecter and the on-line retailer. Check the availability and wait time if the model no., no. of strings, and color that you want is not in stock.

 

[JTE]

Sales tax will be the same. Now sales tax is collected by the retainer regardless of whether they have a physical presence in the state to which they deliver the product.

A manufacturer would be IMO reckless to sell product directly for less than their dealers can sell it. They would have to sell a lot more products directly to make up for sales lost because they are in direct competition with their dealers. Why would anyone be a Schecter dealer if the customer can buy direct for less than a dealer can sell for?