November 1948 Leica dealer prices

[x-ray]

I thought some of you might get a kick out of this. My birth month and year is November 1948 and I found a Leica dealer price list from that date. I’m amazed at how much markup there was.

 

[AgBr]

You don't see profit margins like that today. Pennies on the dollar now. And if you don't move it fast it will be obsolete. And by the way thanks for sharing.

 

[Dralowid]

Interesting, that comes from a time when many European countries were prioritising export and the earning of the US Dollar above all else and at the expense of their home markets.

Such a markup makes for attractive business and encourages retailers to buy for stock!

 

[x-ray]

Leica used to forbid dealers from discounting. If Leica caught a dealer discounting they would revoke their dealership. There were lawsuits filed and Leica lost which stopped that practice. When I bought my first Leica in 1968 Leica was still dictating prices. Dealers tried to get around that by giving big trade ins but on an outright sale Leica kept their hands tied.

 

[Dralowid]

Leica used to forbid dealers from discounting. If Leica caught a dealer discounting they would revoke their dealership. There were lawsuits filed and Leica lost which stopped that practice. When I bought my first Leica in 1968 Leica was still dictating prices. Dealers tried to get around that by giving big trade ins but on an outright sale Leica kept their hands tied.

Hence the 'ex demo' special offers.