Mike Nicholes wrote:Just for the record; the use of a matrix, in light of the ability of just about any customer with a lick of sense and computer know how can find out the factory price to you and the suggested List, a matrix can cost more money than the customers that it drives away. With the entry of State Farm and Allstate into the 'price fixing' (rather demanding) actions now going on, it is my opinion that a matrix is not, for anything over $25 a good idea. Yes, it was the brain child of a consultant, now long gone and my he rest in pieces, but it is not an effective tool to raise profit at the cost of overall business.
1. Know your market before playing with a matrix. Any domestic dealer probably has competition on every corner and someone will be selling at straight MSRP or even less. Imports, particularly smaller imports tolerate it better although they tend to have more tech savvy customers.
2. Know your parts.
Some proprietary parts will allow for a "reasonable matrix" where as very visible, available everywhere kind of parts won't. Those parts may need to be sold below MSRP just to be competitive. Again, knowing your market thoroughly will help you decide.