Poll Question #3! What would make you pay retail markup?

[jekostas]

Alright, poll question #3!  Again, this might be difficult for some members due to local availability, but the question is essentially - what factors would make you willing to pay retail markup as opposed to saving money and buying online?  If you answer other, please give your reasons in a response!

[Sazabi]

Alright, poll question #3!  Again, this might be difficult for some members due to local availability, but the question is essentially - what factors would make you willing to pay retail markup as opposed to saving money and buying online?  If you answer other, please give your reasons in a response!

I typically have sources to help with that kind of thing, where I pay non-retail-markup prices for current knives, and most of the time can handle the items prior to purchasing; with that said, I really have been trying to limit my purchases, though I did clear out a small cache of Brokers and StayGlo Classics as eventual backups for when my current ones die on me.  Still don't know where my original Broker is. :/

[jzmtl]

Instant gratification, BUT, that is assuming the mark up isn't too high compare with online price.

[Millhouse]

There are 2 factors that will make me buy from a retail outlet.

1. Immediate need.
2. If the retail price is not too different from the online price.

[Outback in Idaho]

Laser engraving, with more than just a block font, something like a Segeo Script being offered for a reasonable price on the marked-up tool.

[ronemca]

I voted "OTHER".  It is the corellation between 'how-fast-do-I-want-it' versus the degree of markup.

Admittedly there are things that I want right bloody now; car parts, items of specialized clothing, batteries etc. etc..  And I resign myself to the inescapability of higher prices in those cases.  However...

Items such as those suggested in this poll are those that I would tend to research anyway.  And that takes time.  So -- once I've made my decision -- I don't mind waiting in order to get a fabulous deal.

But with regard to the aforementioned corellation...if I can get something that really isn't a panic -- but which I am eager to have -- I'll pay a modest markup.  This group of things would be the minority for sure.

[Bill.H]

"Other"  I'll pay extra to support a good brick and mortar shop, such as Freehold Knife. Otherwise I'll mail order or sometimes get it at a show.

I'll also spend a few $ extra to get ammo locally to support my local gun shops, unless it's a really big difference.

[Jubal]

If the item is in stock or can be ordered in without a shipping fee, at a LOCAL retailer who sells quality domestic/european manufactured items, and has good post sale service. 

If they have all that then I will pay retail markup.  Extra plus if its a small/family business.

otherwise I would probably get my purchase off the net.

[bryan11]

1. Knowledgeable sales staff: Can they describe pros and cons for the tools and help me find what fits my needs?
2. Ease of returns and  Post-sales service: If it breaks or just doesn't work well for me, can I return it easily for refund or exchange?  That can be an advantage over internet stores.

I'll pay a markup from internet prices for this, probably around 15%.  Depending on the price and percentage of markup, there is a limit, of course.

[cerbera147]

For me it has to be the instant gratifaction of getting it there and then 

I have bought many things [not multi's, etc.] in the shops when I could have got it cheaper online. I weighed up the instant buy vs searching for the best price and the wait.

When it comes to multitools the price in the UK of Leathermans is extortionate so I can happily wait for an online purchase  For example I bought a new Charge TTi from a member here for $96 / £60 delivered; the best price I could find in the UK was £100 
With that kind of saving it makes perfect sense to buy online and wait it out

If there wasn't much in the price and it was a smaller, family run business I would pay the retail price. Especially if I shopped there regularly 

[Sazabi]

Err, I think I misread the question, too. :/

With the exception of a few sources, I don't tend to purchase in-person, but instead purchase online; the only reasons why I would make purchases in-person would be because I trust and like the seller, or the item is difficult-to-find, or simply because it's a rare time when I actually need something quickly, though this last reason hasn't been the case for the last couple years.

[Gareth]

It's really got to be the instant gratification, I guess.  As other have said though there is a limit on just how much extra I'm willing to pay for that gratification. 

For example: I saw a Vic Pocket Pal for sale in a shop for £10 decided to picket it up.  I could have got it on line for about £8, but who's going to argue over a couple of pounds?

However I saw a Vic Spirit for sale at just under £100 and knew I'd never spend that on a tool, not when I could get it delivered from the US and only pay £65.

[Mercury]

Another Other here. 

It is definitely instant gratification here.  I usually order stuff online, but last christmas I wanted a Swisschamp so bad I couldn't stand it.  I was given $100 as a gift from a relative so I went to the only place around here that had one and paid $95 for it!  I know I know, nearly twice what they go for online, but I wanted it!

Kinda wish I hadn't traded it now, I miss that knife.  Luckily that store sucks and never restocks so I can't waste $40 this time, I have to order it online.

[Paracord Junky]

Post-purchase service. 

Of course, there's a limit on how big a mark-up i'll go with, regardless of customer service, and i'm not above buying online after fondling the item in-store if the price difference is great. 

[jekostas]

Alright, this poll's been closed for voting.  I really do appreciate all the responses - you can read the reasoning behind it in this thread - http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,24052.0.html