HRE Wheel group purchase

Hey guys, I've been looking for the best price on a set of HRE 542r's, and found out through my local America's Tire dealer that HRE has a discount program if multiple sets are ordered. As per our conversation, the HRE 542R's will cost $3,788 per set if we order 5 sets. If we can get 10 orders together, then we are looking at $3,598. This does not include shipping to prospective owners. Payment must also be made in full at the time of order if the wheels are to be shipped. The contact at America's Tire in Gilroy, California is Bob. His number is [phone removed]. The quoted wheels would be 19x8.5's for the front and 19x11's for the rear. The rear wheels have a 4 inch lip for both 993 and 996 Turbos as well as 996 C4S models. The centers will be brushed aluminum. For an added $400, we can get the Porsche crest center caps. The crests would be either silver or colored. Let me know if there's anything else that you need. I'm hoping for 10 orders! I can be contacted by email or you can call me on my cell phone at [phone removed]. I'd like to place the order by Friday, March 28th so please let me kow if you're interested. Robert

Is that the package price or just for the wheels? Would I be able to substitute the 540R?

Actually, the price is off by $1000. I just spoke with BOB, and he said with 10 sets it would be $4598.

I would be interested in the 19" 541R 8 1/2 front and 10 1/2 rear. I will contact Bob and see what the price is for these. Did you request the clearcoat protected finish as well?

I do not know if you have looked at Ray Racing Volk's, but they are the lightest racing type wheels with very high quality (especially TE-37s). And the whole package with tires would be less than $4K.

Hey Guys, Sorry to burst your bubble, but it looks like HRE wasn't too happy about this "group purchase". They contacted America's Tire and basically said you can not do this. If you're reading this, HRE, I had no intention of taking away from your profits, I just wanted to see if we could all get a better deal on your great wheels.

FlyingToaster, no disrespect, but I just took a look at those Volk wheels and I don't think I'd put them on a Porsche.

Screw HRE. Why should they have any say over what price their distributor sells their products? This is a free market system, and HRE's actions seem silly to me.

I agree, but there are some companies that have price protection. It sucks, but other than not buying their products, there really isn't anything that can be done. Any opinions?

The logic of price protection is to first protect "brand equity". In other words, HRE probably believes there is inherent value in the exclusivity of their brand due to relatively higher prices than competing brands. The business argument is that if one leading retailer offers lower prices than "market", others in order to remain competitive will follow. Initially, the wholesale prices remain as is--however, I would guess that distributors receive volume based discounts depending upon how many sets they move. Eventually, enough retailers have joined the fray--there is now the leverage necessary to pressure the manufacturer into lowering wholesale prices. Essentially, the retailers have become the "market maker" for the brand and associated products. This dynamic of retailers setting wholesale prices has been deemed the "Walmart effect". In the case of Walmart, their footprint is so big that even as a single retailer they have the muscle to establish wholesale prices. Of course, the good news is that they really do pass the savings on to consumers. The suppliers,however, do suffer somewhat. However, they're also intersted in increasing volume and maintaining margins through economies of scale. Unless they are providers of exclusive brands--notice that for the most part, "exclusive" brands are not offered in discount retailers. Increased volume at the cost of brand equity is not their top priority. For them, the tradeoff of increased volume and market presence for less leverage and possibly lower margins is not worthwhile. I am neither endorsing nor criticizing HRE's business strategy. . .I am. . .well, I'm not sure what I'm saying. Basically, I want the lowest price! Who are we kidding!

So who on this board has been able to get the best price on these wheels? Regardless of HRE's intent on keeping their prices at a certain level, I still want a set! HRE, how about a Rennlist discount?

Since the people at HRE don't care for the business of Rennlist members, why not look at a group purchase from a different manufacturer? Does anyone have a connection with Tire Rack, and get them involved on some discounts for rims and tires. Comments?

Fellas....may want to check the accurate info on this.....the original price in this thread was 'off' (not correct)...ie if you wanted to buy them for that, I doubt they'd sell em...........seriously doubt it had anything to do w/price protection, brand equity, etc, etc.

GreggT, I disagree. I had already worked out the price with America's Tire prior to making this post. It was when HRE got wind of this group purchase that America's Tire was contacted and told that they could not sell us the wheels at that price.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Redlinerobert: <strong>FlyingToaster, no disrespect, but I just took a look at those Volk wheels and I don't think I'd put them on a Porsche.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">No not all, LOL. We all have our own tastes I personally think they are nice, and seen couple C2s with them that I liked. But, again, its a personal choice <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />