Nvidia price fixing?

[michaels39]

I'm sure any PC gamers out there are aware that the next generation of graphics cards are being released today.But if you have started shopping for one and are wondering what's up with the hidden prices at most major e-tailers,you might find this interesting: [H] Enthusiast - NVIDIA Dictates Advertised Video Card Pricing

I seriously question the legality of what Nvidia is doing here.

[RobRich]

The advertised pricing policy as described is a common practice used by manufacturers for authorized resellers. Many large electronics manufacturers have been using similiar policies for years.

The difference here is nVidia is the originating base product manufacturer, with branded partners essentially acting as the "middle-man" manufacturers for the end-user products. As noted by the article, it could simply be a move to protect authorized channel partners in their respective regional markets.

Is the policy beneficial to the consumer? That would be open to interpretation. Is the policy representative of what is traditionally identified as price fixing? Given the current information available, not likely, IMO of course.

[frostbitetwice]

Originally Posted by michaels39

I'm sure any PC gamers out there are aware that the next generation of graphics cards are being released today.But if you have started shopping for one and are wondering what's up with the hidden prices at most major e-tailers,you might find this interesting: [H] Enthusiast - NVIDIA Dictates Advertised Video Card Pricing

I seriously question the legality of what Nvidia is doing here.

Thanks for posting this thread, Michaels..I read the entire article and it appears
to me, that the only thing that NVIDIA is interested in is to limited consumers ability to shop by price...

As a long time supporter of this company and its products, they have how be placed on my Ping-Ding-Aling list... I will no longer purchase their videos cards and will make my first choice, ATI...

[Atomic Rooster]

No hidden prices here: EVGA | Products | Product List | GeForce GTX 200 Series

[frostbitetwice]

Hear is an example of NVIDA's helf, for the shopping public..

[Atomic Rooster]

No hidden prices here either: Newegg.com - GeForce GTX 280

[RobRich]

Originally Posted by frostbitetwice

I will no longer purchase their videos cards and will make my first choice, ATI...

Do you also intend to boycott numerous major electronics brands? For better or worse, it is a rather common industry practice.

[Atomic Rooster]

I guess these guys have never heard of "suggested retail price".

[michaels39]

When the cards were initially released,Newegg refused to follow this policy,but gave in when Nvidia threatened to withhold orders to them,yesterday you had to put the cards in your shopping cart to view the price.Nvidia may have backed down since then,there's been a huge negative reaction to this policy.It could be that they are feeling pressure for the first time in a long while,ATI's new 4000 series cards are shaping up to be real competition at lower prices.Nvidia's image isn't what it used to be,they've made some questionable moves of late.

[frostbitetwice]

Originally Posted by RobRich

Do you also intend to boycott numerous major electronics brands? For better or worse, it is a rather common industry practice.

Master Rich, I do not shop any store and product whenever the price is not available on demand..

The practice of NVIDA is design to limit price competition and only action by the consumer will change this..

Excellent points, Michael!!!