Cost...Internet vs dealer

[trumpster]

Hello.
Anyone else have a DRASTIC price difference from internet vs dealer? Just got a quote from a reputable dealer to replace an old zero clearance fireplace and solid chimney liner. When cross referencing prices...using exactly the same parts...everything was right inline (plus or minus a couple dollars) except for the fireplace unit. This is a zero clearance, heating unit with MSRP of $4,223. Dealer is offering it for $3,589.55. I can buy it online...from more than one place...with free delivery for $1,549. This is a $2,040.55 difference!

The installation charge on the quote from the dealer is $1,250.

Do I negotiate with the dealer by telling them that I'll purchase the unit online but everything else I'll buy from them plus the $1,250 install charge of course? (This would save me $1,955.24 which is no small change.)

Am I missing a bigger picture here? Is this I big "no, no" in the dealer & customer relationship?

There's only one dealer in my area.

Dealers, installers, consumers, please offer your opinion/advice.

Thanks.

 

[webbie]

I think negotiation is fruitless. You have to decide if you want to be the general contractor, accept deliver, etc. and save the money.

I recently had a family member who needed a new roof. I told him we could save 5K+ by hiring a smaller contractor and getting the shingles ordered and the dumpster set ourselves. He said no thanks...would rather pay the bigger bucks.

Most people are not capable of dealing with 500 lbs items, fire, etc.

But as to the dealer, you can be sure that he or she does not have the price flexibility to come down more than about 10 or 15%. The online dealer has almost no overhead - they usually drop ship from a warehouse and may also be buying at distributor (lower) prices.

As to whether the dealer would install a unit bought online - our shop would never have done this because installation was not a profit center for us. It is possible that some very small dealers want ANY business and would install anything....but usually not so among the better dealers and the busier times of year.

That price difference is so large it makes me think something is wrong. Even in the best of circumstances, a unit with a $4200 list price might sell in quantity (truckload) at wholesale for 1/2 of that. To pay freight, make a profit, etc. the online guy has to be buying this thing at $1,000 - a hard figure to believe. But who knows???

 

[BrotherBart]

Yeah we need to know what unit we are talking about here.

 

[Paulywalnut]

I'd be a little concerned of that real low price. I would talk to the dealer and let him know about the online price.
If you want to use him let him know that. I'll bet he wants your business also and might consider a reduction in labor or product cost.

 

[Slow1]

If that price is genuine, I wonder why the dealer can't get it for that too... these things just don't make sense to me you know?

Anyway - my first thought is are you sure you are comparing apples to apples? I.e. is the online stove not including a door kit or some other critical part that the dealer is including? I've never understood why some stoves are sold like that but other products do it too (I bought a faucet once and had to add the handles to it (for almost as much as the base unit) - even though there was only one choice of handle type... umm.. ok, whatever)

 

[Dave A.]

I'd be a little concerned of that real low price. I would talk to the dealer and let him know about the online price.

I agree with this and mostly because it's a good way to test whether the online price is for the one you want or not.

 

[gdk84]

You can always buy stuff on the internet cheaper, we all know that. But this seems to be extreme and would raise a red flag. Also, buying from a dealer, they will take care of you if a warrenty issue arises. Thats a big issue for me and thats why I'll pay the little extra (not this much though usually), I like to have the support after the sale.

I bought a washer machine from Lowes because it was 50 bucks cheaper than the local appliance center. The motor had issues and eventually died, After all the BS calling this 800 number and blah blah blah it took almost 2 months to get it fixed, and even then it still acts up sometimes. Prior to that I bought my dishwasher at the local appliance center. The pump failed and it was 4 months out of warrenty. One phone call, The next day it was fixed and I was back in business, they even covered it under warrenty for me too. So there you go... I'll spend the extra 50 bucks next time.

 

[trumpster]

Thanks to all for the responses.

The unit is a Supreme Plus with a black door.
All other components are DuraVent and I've matched part numbers for an apple to apple comparison. The components are not an issue as most were quoted at a lower cost than what I've found online.

I am sure that it would be a benefit to myself and the dealer if I were to purchase locally however it's hard to justify almost $2000 more.

The unit will be replacing an old Preway zero clearances that was probably never up to code and it will be installed in an A-frame style home. It's pretty much an all open floor plan.

My next question is does anyone here have any knowledge regarding the Supreme fireplaces? I've checked the ratings for reviews but found none. Can anyone recommend this brand or perhaps another.

I could possibly remove all and put in a freestanding wood stove instead. Heck, it might be cost effective.

 

[Grisu]

My next question is does anyone here have any knowledge regarding the Supreme fireplaces? I've checked the ratings for reviews but found none. Can anyone recommend this brand or perhaps another.
.

I was getting curious and searched a little bit. Found this old thread about the Volcano Model: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/supreme-volcano-plus-insert.24213/ Mixed experiences I would say.

 

[trumpster]

Thanks. Read the thread. Found another sight also giving mixed reviews however two homeowners claimed the installs were not proper and that after complaining about their units a representative and a tech from Supreme came and fixed the problems and they were then satisfied with the unit. I think both were the Supreme Volcano models.