Originally posted by Docrwm Again, from what I have read these policies are followed by the BIG TWO and not by Pentax. From a success in the marketplace perspective which approach is doing better? __________________
Your question is ultimately akin to "Chicken or the Egg - Which Came First". However - I would seriously doubt that Canikon in anyway *built* their market share selling on consignment - rather it was a natural progression on certain models once volumes offset such an approach - if it occurs at all (as I said - I'm dubious).
Selling on consignment alone is not going to push more stock... it might assist in a retailer holding more stock - but it isn't going to get them to sell more.... I'd be looking more at what ROI does Pentax offer a retailer over the other two... How does their margins and rebates to retailers compare... what *incentive* is there to move Product A over Product B....
The holding of consignment stock is only going to *potentially* assist in moving larger volumes - it most certainly wont *establish* those volumes....
As stated - establishing a trade account is akin to selling on consignment - if you're prepared to *sell* the product that is and not let it languish on store shelves.... so I just dont see the impost you are with regard to whether Pentax do or dont sell on consignment.. If I want to sell Pentax - I'll get an account, manage my inventory, and make damn sure I pedal my wares...