Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Meridian Opens Online Store

From Meridian's Facebook page:



It doesn't appear to be active just yet.

Looks like the wrong URL is in the Facebook post; remove the word basket and at the bottom of the page you can add an explorer to purchase.

I don't suppose they're selling DSP8ks online as well, are they?

A couple of observations:

Where does one go to for support/advice if one buys direct from Meridian?

This move seems to fly in the face of the 'strategy' intended to always direct the (prospective) buyer to a Dealer. I know I'd be pretty upset if I was a Dealer and the opportunity to up-sell is removed at a stroke. Not to mention the commitment to line stocking, training, bricks & mortar etc.

I wonder if this new direct sales strategy has been properly thought through...

Zander

I suspect the online store will be limited to the Explorer and the Director, and any future consumer friendly, low cost devices which don't require any hand-holding.

Got to agree there - Meridian dealers here are a credit to the brand, personally I've found dealing with Rick to be invaluable in every way.

I wonder though if this is just for the lower priced Explorer/Director type range, which don't require much in the way of installation? It's possible (although you'd have to ask them) that dealers don't want to deal too much in simply posting these out in their thousands?

Manufacturers have got to decide what they are, they are either suppliers or retailers, they can't have it both ways.

I would be fuming if I was a dealer.

Bread and butter products like the above are what keep the till ringing, being able to buy it direct from the supplier is a right kick in the knackers for them.

I have had a few suppliers that have started their own online stores and we just drop them. I don't want my biggest competitor to be my supplier. It really is that simple.

I think one is looking at this incorrectly. Personally, I think this is a benefit to dealers. There is a finite number of Meridian dealers, and in some markets, the number is declining. What better way to expand Meridians brand awareness. I think it expands their marketing list, allowing them to promote other products, products that are sold only at their network of dealers. If every 100 Explorers sold converted into a sale of another Meridian product, I think the company and the dealers would be ecstatic.

Remember that Meridian turned off the ability for end users to upgrade equipment without a dealer, something that alienated some customers. I know I wasn't happy at first, but I found my way to Rick, and I think he would agree the end result has been positive for him.

Meridian may also have done a deal to compensate dealers withing a range of the online purchaser.
They may have systems whereas the participating dealer fulfills the order as a reward for holding certain stock levels.
This could easily be organised behind the scenes.
They wouldn't cut out their dealers, that would be madness.
Thoughts, Chris

Yes but where is the line drawn? Suppose that Meridian releases a replacement for the F80/M80. This needs minimal installation etc. but at the �1500 price point. I'm sure a lot of dealers were happy to get those products to sell.

I'd always use a dealer for the more expensive item where there is potentially some flexibility regarding the price.

I know several online stores on manufacturer's websites where the order is in fact fulfilled by the nearest dealer, which presumably gets their normal markup. This could also be the case here.