Wholesale Pricing for Everyone

Time and time again I read posting from people who have gotten screwed by different suppliers of computer parts on the net. I think this happens because of a number of factors.
1.) Mistakes in pricing (such as the buycomp deal)
2.) Misrepresentation of products for sale that are not what is reported to be.
3.) Blatant misuse of customer's credits cards for the purpose of ill-gotten gains.
4.) A lack of respect for the customer and his or her needs.
Over the years I have found that we are steadfastly moving from a true service oriented society to one
that states we are service oriented but really is not. The fact of the matter is that being service oriented
is hard work and costly, especially when it comes to putting the customer first. The fact is, the lowest price rarely equals quality products and never puts the customer first. These types of sellers are not customer service oriented even though they might report to be. Time and time again they prove this especially when it comes down to getting your product repaired or replaced. Do you think they are going to put your best interests first when you are faced with these types of problems? I think not.
My wife and I have owned 4 computer stores for nearly 5 years. I have been in the computer industry for many years. Recently we had to close our stores because of illness. Although we still sell from our home we have been trying for years to come up with a concept of selling computers that is truly customer oriented. Over the years we have taken pride in servicing customers and "doing the right thing" when a customer is faced with a problem. We have always put our customers first, even if it cost us money to keep them as a customer. From experience I can tell you that this was a thankless job. Many sleepless nights because we took to heart that our customers were our life's blood. We treated all our customers the same way we would want to be treated.
Another factor I see rising from the depths of the internet are large wholesale distributors opening up retail sites on the internet and selling products at near cost. As a reseller I have worked hard to make a fair competitive profit only to be undercut by our own supplier so he can make a buck. I liken this to fraud. If you report to sell only to registered resellers how can you do retail too. You cut out your reseller for the sake of profits. Soon there will be no more Mom and Pop stores. Only a couple giant stores where you will be forced to buy and live with their terms. Soon we will all be left to their mercy or lack of it. Thankfully we have found suppliers who refuse to retail their products and sell only to authorized resellers.
This problem could be easily avoided if manufacturers refused to do business with distributors like Tech Data who have done this sort of selling. Instead they have taken a see no evil stance which again leaves the end user lacking any power to change the situation. I would like to tell all resellers to not deal with the likes of the Tech Data's of the world. Yet I can see that this is not an easy thing to do. We are all trying to make a profit and for some this would mean closing their doors.
Since my wife and I are in this unique situation of starting over, we intend to change some of these problems by starting an Internet based buying system that benefits you, the customer the most. Here's the plan:
1.) Sell everyone products at exact wholesale prices. No profit generated by the product itself.
2.) Charge a $5.00 fee for each order (not each product). That's where we profit.
3.) By combining the buying power of many, you can purchase products at the lowest price possible. In essence you are the company. If your combined buying power purchases 100 pieces of the same product you get a lower quantity price which realizes savings for everyone. For example, you want a Creative Labs SoundBlaster Live OEM. The quantity 1 price is $58. However, if 100 other people want the same part , you then move into a quantity 100 price which may be $48. The more people who join the process, the more savings you will see. It is important to note that in order for this to work we need to generate an extensive customer base. Also, you may have to pay a couple of bucks more at first but if you support the concept of buying in this manner, tell everyone there is a new way to buy and promote it every you know how , then this business plan will work exceptionally well.
By implementing this type of program we have to build a trust relationship. This is by far the biggest obstacle to overcome. Many of you have probably already had a bad experience purchasing products. Considering this we need to start on the right note. Here's our promise to you.
1.) We promise to never sell a product for more than the actually wholesale quantity price.
2.) We promise to never share or sell your personal information.
3.) We promise to promote this buying concept in every forum possible and to fight for your right to be treated fairly as an integral part of this company.
4.) We promise to stand behind our warranty and to repair or replace defective products by the fastest means possible.
5.) We promise to put you first, even if it costs the company money.
To start things rolling we have already emailed price sheets to many. The pricing on the sheets is quantity 1 pricing. Which means it will be higher than some other places you might buy from. Remember that this price changes minute by minute as others place orders for the same products. By the end of the day you see that quantity 1 price change by as much as 20, 30 or even 50%. So look at the price sheet, as more of a guide to what products are available rather than an exact price. Once the day's orders are tabulated we will get an exact price, email you that price and give you the opportunity to buy the product then. If you choose to buy it, then you will receive confirmation of the price including shipping and directed on how to pay for the product. For now, all payments are check, certified check or money order. Your funds must clear the bank before the product is shipped. If you order, you must follow through with your timely payment. Remember that your dropped order can effect the pricing for everyone else. Eventually we hope to add credit card acceptance. But for now accepting credit cards reflects up to 3% price hike which doesn't save anyone money. As we grow, accepting credit cards will be instituted when 3% won't make or break a deal.
We look forward to seeing this grow for everyone. It may even change the face of selling once and for all. I hope so for everyone's sake.
Our web site will be up in the next few days. www.purplehipposystems.com
Our email address until then is purplehipposystems@yahoo.com Once the site is fully implemented you will be able to get up to the minute pricing, view products, tech support, RMA requests as well as special offers on notebooks and other products as they become available. We look forward to serving you!!!
Thanks
Jeff & Debbie
Purple Hippo Systems