Hillbanks Pricing

[Igofastr]

Mark IV,

+1

The market sets the price. Econ 101, as you say.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Igofastr

Mark IV,

+1

The market sets the price. Econ 101, as you say.

True, unless of course, there's collusion amongst manufacturers and dealers. Collusion is more commonly seen in markets or industries where there are a limited number of sellers, say for example, like Cobra manufacturers. Although I'm not saying there's any evidence of collusion in the Cobra manufacturing industry and dealer network. That's Econ 101 too.

[ACademic]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Collusion is more commonly seen in markets or industries where there are a limited number of sellers, say for example, like Cobra manufacturers.

While the overall market for Cobra sales is limited, the variety of active manufacturers is quite robust (Kirkham, ERA, Shelby CSX, Superformance, BackDraft, Hurricane, FFR, etc.). Yes there are apples and oranges in that list. But for any of them to collude on pricing would be extremely difficult to accomplish and the risks would certainly not outweigh the rewards. The inherent beauty of this small, niche market is that there are several segments (price points) to work with. Choose your poison and act with your wallet.

Hillbank provides a service for those that are less-inclined to understand what they are buying from a private seller. And if they get premium pricing for offering those assurances, then great for them. In my view, that premium pricing (or perception of same) raises all the boats in the resale market.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by ACademic

While the overall market for Cobra sales is limited, the variety of active manufacturers is quite robust (Kirkham, ERA, Shelby CSX, Superformance, BackDraft, Hurricane, FFR, etc.). Yes there are apples and oranges in that list. But for any of them to collude on pricing would be extremely difficult to accomplish and the risks would certainly not outweigh the rewards. The inherent beauty of this small, niche market is that there are several segments (price points) to work with. Choose your poison and act with your wallet.

Hillbank provides a service for those that are less-inclined to understand what they are buying from a private seller. And if they get premium pricing for offering those assurances, then great for them. In my view, that premium pricing (or perception of same) raises all the boats in the resale market.

As I said, there's no evidence of collusion, and I'm not accusing anyone of it, but there is only ONE major manufacturer of aluminum Cobra bodies and two sellers.

Also, if you want to purchase a new KMP, ERA or CSX, for buyers that desire a more authentic replica, then the waiting periods are LONG.

Addtionally, if you want a complete fiberglass roller, then it's CSX, ERA, BDR and SPF only. IMO, Hurricane appears to sell very few replicas. The major "roller" players can dictate where market pricing goes. So I'll disagree.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

True, unless of course, there's collusion amongst manufacturers and dealers. Collusion is more commonly seen in markets or industries where there are a limited number of sellers, say for example, like Cobra manufacturers. Although I'm not saying there's any evidence of collusion in the Cobra manufacturing industry and dealer network. That's Econ 101 too.

I can remember a few "specialty dealers" manipulating the 80's Ferrari 308 market in the 90's. The lawsuits followed, two of the four in collusion actually saw a little jail time as well as the loss of their assets due to the personal lawsuits.

I can also remember one particular dealer in NC attempting to do the same with 93,95,2000 Cobra "R" models in the 2K's. Never did hear about what the outcome of those lawsuits were, but I know he has yet to recover all he lost in both monetary, as well as his public reputation.

There have been others that take one particular car and do the same, take it to auction, shill it up to a higher than current market value, mark it as sold. Do the same at one or two other auctions in an attempt to "make the market"....Funny thing is, those cars end up back on their showroom floors, or those of their friends with the same old for sale information and no change to the ownership records.....

I won't even mention the two or three "specialty dealers" who created the current feeding frenzy for the Ford GT's....There are however plenty of folks here who know exactly who I am speaking of..

Not pointing any fingers, but I do still hear bits and pieces of what happens behind the public scene and party lines in this and other collector car circles.

I'll leave it at that.....

Bill S.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

True, unless of course, there's collusion amongst manufacturers and dealers. Collusion is more commonly seen in markets or industries where there are a limited number of sellers, say for example, like Cobra manufacturers. Although I'm not saying there's any evidence of collusion in the Cobra manufacturing industry and dealer network. That's Econ 101 too.

He!!,

We can't even get our own group of dealers to talk much less collude!

I understand the idea and the image but if you never believe ANYTHING else I ever say or post, believe that we are nowhere organized enough to collude!!!!!

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

He!!,

We can't even get our own group of dealers to talk much less collude!

I understand the idea and the image but if you never believe ANYTHING else I ever say or post, believe that we are nowhere organized enough to collude!!!!!

Now that's funny... Probably because it is true.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

He!!,

We can't even get our own group of dealers to talk much less collude!

I understand the idea and the image but if you never believe ANYTHING else I ever say or post, believe that we are nowhere organized enough to collude!!!!!

Rick,

For the record, you were not included in my statements above...


Bill S.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

Rick,

For the record, you were not included in my statements above...


Bill S.

Bill,


No offense taken as one was directed at me but to even imagine that SPF dealers "collude" is proof that the accuser knows NOTHING about the SPF dealer sales "system!"