From: dwl%ttardis@cfctech.cfc.com (Dave Lillard)
Subject: Pricing/Sales: Setting the record straight
Reply-To: dwl@deep.mi.org (Dave Lillard)
Organization: Wayne State University, Detroit Mich.
Distribution: na
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 1992 15:54:15 GMT

In a recent article posted here and elsewhere, Mr. Jim Cowling said some 
things about me that were unflattering - to say the least.

I would like to set a few things straight that were in that article and 
related email.

First, before putting it in my posting, I verified with *two* executives
at SKYBOX the rumor that they were out of the Gold Enterprise Hologram.
I was informed that, indeed, all 10,000 were gone, that *no* more were
going to be made, and that all requests were being returned. 
 
Second, my prices are NOT higher than *most* Retail.  I cannot, and *will*
not attempt to compete with the *big* Retailers and Mail Order Houses. 
Hell, it seems that I can't even compete with Mr. Cowling's prices! 
(So why bother posting?  Because I have something I want to sell/trade.)
When I determine a price, I usually take into account these factors: 
A) My Cost of the Item; B) What I *perceive* to be the "going price";
C) How badly I want to get rid of the item.  Sometimes this will result 
in an extremely low price (like Excaliber Special #1 for COVER price, or 
all those comics, which I pubbed, that I *gave* away to netters last year)
and sometimes it doesn't.  At NO time have I EVER set out to "mislead" or 
take advantage of a customer - even when I owned or managed a store.  
And I'm *not* about to clear my prices with Mr. Cowling - or ANY one else -
before hand.  At *all* times I *try* to make my customers happy (Steve, 
I'm still waiting for you to return the Batman #400, so I can send you a
better one).

Third, Mr. Cowling works in a Retail Comic Store.  By his admission he gets
paid a salary (an excellant one, IMHO) to do so.  BY DEFINITION, this makes
him a "Professional Retailer" - regardless of his claims otherwise.

Fourth, I have *no* problem with his distribution of the names & addresses
of companies that have given him good deals.  Especially, as long as he 
*also* gives that same list to all of the customers who come into "his" 
store.  An expression I heard at a show, I believe, can apply here. "If 
you're not willing to p*ss in your own water, don't come p*ss in mine."
(I'd have to be in a "Dream World" to believe he'd *ever* do this! 8*)  )
 
Fifth, I do not own or work in a Comics Shop - and haven't for over two
years.  Nor do I regularly set up at shows or operate a thriving Mail 
Order business in Comics or related items.  Thus, I am not currently a 
"Professional Retailer" - though I *hope* to be again in a year or so.
 
Sixth, arbitrary numbers like 65% of Guide (which guide?) or generalizations
like Flea Market Prices (have you *looked* at these prices lately?) don't
belong here, IMHO.  Otherwise, you'd be forcing someone to sell something
like HARBINGER #1 (which, IMHO, isn't worth cover) for $15, when it "goes"
for $75.  It makes no difference how far below *any* guide an item is priced. 
If a person - even Mr. Cowling - advertises a price that is too high,
it won't sell (at least, I *hope* it won't  8*)  ).
 
Thanx for the Forum.  Your response(s) are welcome - by me, at least.
Take Care, Dave Lillard.  dwl@deep.mi.org    ...ttardis!dwl