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Originally Posted by Toshni
The fact that I posted from another site asking for a different strategy in no way changes the point. As I have already said, I (and many others here) do not think it is unreasonble in a competive industry to ask for a discount.
If (as has been proved on the other forum) discounts are available for long standing customers, why should'nt different approach strageties be used to try and ellicit them?
The point above about discounts assumes that NTL are just barely covering their overheads which is why they cannot discount. This is a bit naive (I am an Engineering Manager in a manufacturing company and understand all to well the relationship between, cost, selling price, and the price the market is prepared to pay) as they would have gone out of business a long time ago on that premise.
We could all argue till the cows come home, but the bottom line is if you think you pay to much, based on the price of the competition, then ask for a discount (in maybe more than one way) if you can't then leave and get a better deal elsewhere.
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I think the concept of'discounting' perhaps confuses the debate. What I want is not the cheapest product but the best value product. The proposition offered by a provider should not be determined by price to the exclusion of other factors such as reliability and service. Whilst there will always be those who will buy on price and chop and change on the marketing whims of competitors (just look at the credit card industry), companies that engender loyalty by delivering superior service will retain custom and enhance their profitability. I suspect some of, but not all, those who are unhappy at NTL's strategies for attracting new custom are upset precisely because the company has failed to deliver the constency of service that would earn their loyalty. That's why they want a 'discount'.