View Full Version : Big Green Egg @COSTCO
greenkm
02-28-2012, 03:55 PM
Saw a BGE Medium Size w/Nest @Costco today for $579.
There were three boxes in the package with printing on one of the boxes that read "new Model".
Is this a good price? If I purchased this item, what else would I need to make pizza on the BGE? I've never had a BGE or other manufacturer ceramin grill.
KG
manbearpig
02-28-2012, 04:15 PM
Wow, Really, does Costco and Sams have to sell everything.
Big George's BBQ
02-28-2012, 04:32 PM
Sounds like a great price if truly a BGE I did not know they were an authorized dealer. If they are not I do not believe the warranty is valid
deepsouth
02-28-2012, 04:36 PM
from rob at BGE.... (from the greeneggers forum)
"we are aware that unauthorized sales of EGGs is taking place at some costco locations, and as per BGE policy there will not be warranty coverage on these products. as legal action is being considered as a result of these unauthorized and potentially fraudulent sales, we cannot comment further. buyer beware."
greenkm
02-28-2012, 04:39 PM
It's a real BGE...no doubt about that.
Also, I'd be inclined to think if Costco has it for sale within their warehouse then the product would meet all manufacture warranty requirements...plus, the Costco return policy to boot.
KG
bander7003
02-28-2012, 04:41 PM
I'm not sure how Costco gets enough inventory to sell something like this at its stores -- even on a limited basis -- without BGE's knowledge and agreement. But somehow they do and it almost always voids the warranties. Watches is another item that I've seen this same thing with.
who cares about the BGE warranty when you can just take it back to Costco?
I despise the crowds at mine and am no longer a member, but their return policy is as good as it gets, no questions asked just bring it back and get a refund.
bbqfred
02-28-2012, 05:06 PM
How do you get service for your big green egg if you purchase from costco? I thought about doing it and I'm just wondering. If you have a crack or an issue, you would need to take it somewhere for service right? I don't think returning it whenever there is an issue is feasible.
Big George's BBQ
02-28-2012, 05:39 PM
People do have the insides replaced if cracked. I do not know if they send it back or send a picture of it. I had a broken placesetter when it came out of the box I sent a pic to the dealer and got a new one no questions asked
martyleach
02-28-2012, 05:48 PM
BGE has a liftime warranty. Costco does not. I would be very careful....
Big Ace
02-28-2012, 06:17 PM
Anybody know the price for that package from an authorized dealer?
deepsouth
02-28-2012, 06:45 PM
from rob at BGE.... (from the greeneggers forum)
"we are aware that unauthorized sales of EGGs is taking place at some costco locations, and as per BGE policy there will not be warranty coverage on these products. as legal action is being considered as a result of these unauthorized and potentially fraudulent sales, we cannot comment further. buyer beware."
no warranty.
posey's_pork_pit
02-28-2012, 06:46 PM
Anybody know the price for that package from an authorized dealer?
Medium Heavy Duty Big Green Egg
AMHD
633.29
All EGG packages include a Spring Assisted Band, Stainless Steel Draft Door, Temperature Gauge, Dual Function Metal Top, CD/DVD and Manual
Nest for AMHD
NEST-M
121.95
I would ask the folks at Costco if they're going to give you a lifetime warranty on the Egg and it's parts, since BGE says the warranty is void if you buy it from Costco. If they can't supply you with replacement parts, will they take it back and refund your money at any point in your lifetime if something breaks or has issues? Worth asking.
jimithing78
02-28-2012, 08:32 PM
Actually the Costco return policy is that they guarantee your satisfaction or you can take it back at any time. No time limit. That policy doesn't apply to TV's, computers, and other similar electronics but it applies to anything else. So they won't be able to supply you with replacement parts but if it ever cracks they should refund your money. They have a very liberal return policy, it's one of the things they're known for. Just gotta keep track of that receipt I guess.
deepsouth
02-28-2012, 08:40 PM
Do you think they will pay returns on items they can't get reimbursed for? I dunno.
MilitantSquatter
02-28-2012, 09:54 PM
I'm not sure how Costco gets enough inventory to sell something like this at its stores -- even on a limited basis -- without BGE's knowledge and agreement. But somehow they do and it almost always voids the warranties. Watches is another item that I've seen this same thing with.
likely a master regional distributor that sells to the smaller dealers looking to make some $$$
pahutchens
02-29-2012, 12:04 PM
first line of Costco code of ethics
Obey the Law. Seems a curious case
greenkm
02-29-2012, 12:56 PM
Went back to Costco today with my truck.
Talked to one of the sales people, inquired with him about BGE manufacture warranty. He said to fill out the paperwork and send to BGE.
If there was any problem registering product then I could always get a refund...no questions asked.
Further, I asked if BGE lifetime warranty was denied, what would be my recourse? He said if I had any issues down the line that it would be up to the Costco store manager to decide on remedy.
I'm OK with that outcome. I believe Costco maintains a return item profile on all members. If they think that you're trying to game the system to get a new replacement item or full refund that may be problematic; but for members that play fair and reasonable I'm thinking you'll receive satisfaction.
Anyhow, I'm now part of the Egg Head community.
KG
deepsouth
02-29-2012, 01:00 PM
Went back to Costco today with my truck.
Talked to one of the sales people, inquired with him about BGE manufacture warranty. He said to fill out the paperwork and send to BGE.
If there was any problem registering product then I could always get a refund...no questions asked.
Further, I asked if BGE lifetime warranty was denied, what would be my recourse? He said if I had any issues down the line that it would be up to the Costco store manager to decide on remedy.
I'm OK with that outcome. I believe Costco maintains a return item profile on all members. If they think that you're trying to game the system to get a new replacement item or full refund that may be problematic; but for members that play fair and reasonable I'm thinking you'll receive satisfaction.
Anyhow, I'm now part of the Egg Head community.
KG
worse case scenario, one day you may have to replace your firebox out of pocket. i've got three eggs and have still yet to have a cracked firebox. that's pretty much the only thing i can think of that really happens.
congrats. you're going to love it.
Big George's BBQ
02-29-2012, 01:06 PM
Congrats You will love it Break her in with a low temp cook- this is for the gasket then have fun. When cooking esp at high temps be careful opening it Some people have lost the hair on their arms Enjoy
greenkm
02-29-2012, 01:16 PM
Thanks. I'll break it in properly. I don't plan to unbox it for another week, so I'll have time to do some research on seasoning the Egg.
Mostly wanted to get the high temperature capability to make pizza.
KG:-D
deepsouth
02-29-2012, 02:01 PM
avoid flashbacks when doing high temp cooks by burping your egg prior to opening it up.
The Carmel Mountain Costco down here in San Diego had the same BGE available for purchase. Thought about it for a minute or two then decided not to take the plunge.
Went back to Costco today with my truck.
Talked to one of the sales people, inquired with him about BGE manufacture warranty. He said to fill out the paperwork and send to BGE.
If there was any problem registering product then I could always get a refund...no questions asked.
Further, I asked if BGE lifetime warranty was denied, what would be my recourse? He said if I had any issues down the line that it would be up to the Costco store manager to decide on remedy.
I'm OK with that outcome. I believe Costco maintains a return item profile on all members. If they think that you're trying to game the system to get a new replacement item or full refund that may be problematic; but for members that play fair and reasonable I'm thinking you'll receive satisfaction.
Anyhow, I'm now part of the Egg Head community.
KG
I'd not worry in the least....Costco has about the best return policy on the planet, just save your receipt.
I could care less about BGE's warranty and would be happy to drag it back to Costco in 4 years if it broke (?) Its a ceramic cooker not a rocket launcher.
Enjoy!
Bourbon Barrel BBQ
02-29-2012, 03:44 PM
worse case scenario, one day you may have to replace your firebox out of pocket. i've got three eggs and have still yet to have a cracked firebox. that's pretty much the only thing i can think of that really happens.
congrats. you're going to love it.
I'm on my third firebox, and third fire grate. I've replaced the gasket as well. BGE was always quick with replacements all I had to do was send a picture.
I think the fellas at HQ have a bit of esplainin' to do to their network of retailers. Costco didn't just pull these eggs out of their ass. They more than likely ordered them direct from Mexico, What's the deal here? Sounds like Green Egg has essentially turned into two separate companies and the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. I am guessing you have a large marketing corp, which is essentially a holding company that deals direct with the dealers. Then you have the manufacturing company, which is a separate entity in itself... Hard to believe that new President Ardy Arani didn't give his blessing on this. Nationwide, you are looking at distribution of a thousand Eggs or better to stock Costco stores nationwide.
jimithing78
02-29-2012, 10:29 PM
I think the fellas at HQ have a bit of esplainin' to do to their network of retailers. Costco didn't just pull these eggs out of their ass. They more than likely ordered them direct from Mexico, What's the deal here? Sounds like Green Egg has essentially turned into two separate companies and the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. I am guessing you have a large marketing corp, which is essentially a holding company that deals direct with the dealers. Then you have the manufacturing company, which is a separate entity in itself... Hard to believe that new President Ardy Arani didn't give his blessing on this. Nationwide, you are looking at distribution of a thousand Eggs or better to stock Costco stores nationwide.
I'm not sure it's at all Costco's. I was at the one by my house this past Sunday and didn't see any.
Gato Gordo
03-01-2012, 03:15 PM
The problem with the Costco warranty is that it is only good while you are a member. That means if you decide to not renew, your warranty is gone. If you purchase from an authorized BGE dealer, you do not have to pay $50 a year to keep your warranty alive.
Trumpstylz
03-01-2012, 03:21 PM
The problem with the Costco warranty is that it is only good while you are a member. That means if you decide to not renew, your warranty is gone. If you purchase from an authorized BGE dealer, you do not have to pay $50 a year to keep your warranty alive.
I use costco for about a million other things anyways and 50 a year for 2 people is a very fair price for the great items and prices I get there.
But wouldn't it work if you resigned on the membership after letting it lapse if something did go wrong?
sincitydisciple01
03-01-2012, 09:51 PM
I just happened to be flipping thru the Costco Connection that arrived today. On page 77 in the "What's new at Costco" section, item G... A Kamado Classic Grill. No price listed. Details in pic.
sincitydisciple01
03-01-2012, 09:52 PM
Here's the pic.
thenicksfam
03-01-2012, 11:10 PM
If you choose, Costco will take back flowers and replace them when they wilt. They take back anything, no questions asked. Replacing parts, that's another matter all together. Probably won't happen.
Abriels
03-04-2012, 10:07 AM
You'd have to be crazy to think that Costco one of the biggest and fastest growing retailers in the world would work with anyone but the manufacturer.
And here's a little something from WA!
redvert05
03-04-2012, 10:20 AM
Has anyone ever taken note that we don't have to have these questions/concerns about the Lowly Weber Kettles or WSM's when making a purchase??? :becky:
Sorry I just could not resist! :heh:
expatpig
03-04-2012, 12:45 PM
The BGE snobs can't be happy about this. Exclusivity is overrated anyway.
TTNuge
03-04-2012, 01:26 PM
You'd have to be crazy to think that Costco one of the biggest and fastest growing retailers in the world would work with anyone but the manufacturer.
http://www.biggreenegg.com/support/internet-policy/
Authorized Dealer and Internet Sales Policy
Big Green Egg does not distribute its products through discount clubs or discount chain stores, or through internet or e-commerce sites, and any such entity offering Big Green Eggs is an unauthorized reseller any may have obtained the merchandise through fraudulent or other improper means. Like many companies, BGE does not extend warranty coverage to products purchased from unauthorized resellers, and consumers are advised to check the Dealer Locator to verify the legitimacy of any reseller before making a purchase.
http://www.biggreenegg.com/locator/
Regardless of what location I used I could not get a single Costco store to show up in the search.
The only "semi-official" information we have is from from rob at BGE.... (from the greeneggers forum)
"we are aware that unauthorized sales of EGGs is taking place at some costco locations, and as per BGE policy there will not be warranty coverage on these products. as legal action is being considered as a result of these unauthorized and potentially fraudulent sales, we cannot comment further. buyer beware."
I would love to hear any factual information you can share with us to the contrary. I am very interested in this deal but will not be buying via Costco based on the information at hand regardless of the Costco return policy.
Drh7003
03-04-2012, 02:09 PM
Back when I first was looking for a smoker, I saw an listing on Sam's club website for BGE's. Unfortunately, none were available in my area at the time. I guess they used to do the same thing?
thillin
03-04-2012, 03:08 PM
What is to stop people from buying at Costco and filling out the warranty card and marking gift under dealer info? Joe Blow on the street doesn't know the warranty is invalid due to not being an authorized dealer. So in these cases with Costco and Sams, BGE should bite the bullet and honor the warranty and follow up on how they got the Eggs wholesale. What does it really cost them in the long run? More people talking about how great their product is???
Nomo4me
03-04-2012, 03:12 PM
Does BGE require the SN off the bottom for registration? Could be a known series of SN's were alloted to Costco.
What is to stop people from buying at Costco and filling out the warranty card and marking gift under dealer info? Joe Blow on the street doesn't know the warranty is invalid due to not being an authorized dealer. So in these cases with Costco and Sams, BGE should bite the bullet and honor the warranty and follow up on how they got the Eggs wholesale. What does it really cost them in the long run? More people talking about how great their product is???
Grant968
03-04-2012, 03:39 PM
Would like to have a large BGE. If purchased used, does/can the warranty transfer to the new owner?
Leeper
03-04-2012, 03:56 PM
Costco has a long history of selling gray market goods. They routinely buy product from liquidators and wholesalers to resell in various regions in the US. While their own return process is very nice it is never safe to assume their stuff carries a manufacture warranty.
Baby Back Maniac
03-04-2012, 04:10 PM
http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/justinwallraven/f9b535fa.jpg
I took this yesterday.
Plano, TX (suburb of Dallas)
deepsouth
03-04-2012, 04:13 PM
Would like to have a large BGE. If purchased used, does/can the warranty transfer to the new owner?
it doesn't, unless they changed the rules.
thillin
03-04-2012, 04:36 PM
Does BGE require the SN off the bottom for registration? Could be a known series of SN's were alloted to Costco.
Not that I recall.
JS-TX
03-04-2012, 10:18 PM
Pretty surprising to see BGEs at Costco, seems like there's gonna be a lawsuit. I bet Costco has better lawyers though..
Sort of interesting timing with Lowes selling a $299 Chargriller Kamado too..:pop2:
Smoothsmoke
03-04-2012, 10:25 PM
So tempting!
AZScott
03-04-2012, 11:24 PM
It seems the last time this happened it was another crappy year for the economy, 2008 or 09 but at Sam's Club. I doubt many if any distributors have enough eggs on hand to supply either company with as many as they are selling. I'd be willing to bet a hundred that this came from the top but in order to keep dealers happy the rogue distributor story gets hauled out and they say that the warranty is voided. We didn't hear last time that the distributor got cut off nor did we hear on any forums people having issues with warranty items from the eggs they bought at Sam's Club.
LoneStarMojo
03-04-2012, 11:48 PM
Okay...from an unsuspecting customer's point of view there are things about all this that kinda bug me. I don't really know all the facts of how Costco got hold of BGE inventory so I can only speculate as I ramble on below:
Is it written anywhere on the box/crate that the BGE products come in that there's no warranty if you buy it at Costco? If not, how would the average joe that's buying one at Costco know this to be true? If you manufacture a product and believe it's truly worthy of a lifetime warranty why punish an unsuspecting customer for buying it at the wrong store? It seems to me that they are punishing the wrong people.
Maybe they should make it more difficult for the non-official stores selling the BGE products to get their hands on BGE products. It's not like the people buying them at Costco are buying them out of the back of someone's van. Somehow Costco got their hands on some sizable inventory. Be interested to know how BGE let that happen. if Costco's BGE inventory actually came from the manufacturer, my guess is the BGE makers aren't complete innocents here.
Then, again maybe some official distributor got greedy and made a big sale to Costco without telling BGE. If that is the case then honor the customers warranty and yank the distributors right to sell BGE products.
Just sayin....
jimithing78
03-05-2012, 12:23 AM
I took this yesterday.
Plano, TX (suburb of Dallas)
Is that the one on 75 or the DNT?
DevineSwine
03-05-2012, 06:14 AM
Here is my thing they made a product and if it should be defective what difference does it make where it was sold? Its theirs they made it its defective fix it!!!!! Sounds to me like they ( BGE ) are trying to weasel out of taking care of their issues. My other thought is what if BGE purposely sold these units to Costco knowing they were defective to "OFF" there mess ups ya know maybe they had a badd run.
Smoothsmoke
03-05-2012, 12:00 PM
$750 for a large with a nest at Costco. What would one be paying for this setup elsewhere?
deepsouth
03-05-2012, 12:10 PM
from the bge website....
http://www.biggreenegg.com/locator/
Big Green Egg does not distribute its products through discount clubs or discount chain stores, or through internet or e-commerce sites, and any such entity offering Big Green Eggs is an unauthorized reseller any may have obtained the merchandise through fraudulent or other improper means. Like many other companies, BGE does not extend warranty coverage to products purchased from unauthorized resellers, and consumers are advised to check the Dealer Locator to verify the legitimacy of any reseller before making a purchase.
(http://www.ultimatelocator.com/)
deepsouth
03-05-2012, 12:25 PM
here is another statement from rob from the bge website....
In light of the recent sightings of EGGs at discount club stores, and the misinformation and speculation that has sprung up on this forum and other sites, a bit of clarification might be helpful –
This is the BGE statement about discount clubs and chains, and it is posted clearly on the company website:
Big Green Egg does not distribute its products through discount clubs or discount chain stores, or through internet or e-commerce sites, and any such entity offering Big Green Eggs is an unauthorized reseller any may have obtained the merchandise through fraudulent or other improper means. Like many other companies, BGE does not extend warranty coverage to products purchased from unauthorized resellers, and consumers are advised to check the Dealer Locator to verify the legitimacy of any reseller before making a purchase.
Occasionally, an unauthorized reseller manages to obtain BGE products and offers them for sale to an unsuspecting customer. There are websites and retailers who may claim to be a BGE dealer, but they are not. Products sold by these sources do not carry a warranty from BGE. We try to prevent it from happening in both unauthorized stores and on the internet. Unfortunately, we do not catch everyone. Please protect yourself by ensuring that you purchase Big Green Egg products from an Authorized BGE Dealer. BGE does not knowingly distribute products into unauthorized channels, so please disregard any nonsense suggesting otherwise.
Please note: When you buy from an unauthorized source, even if it is operating as a legitimate business (but unauthorized dealer) selling products in sealed, unopened boxes with blank warranty cards, you are buying, by legal definition, used products. When you buy from unauthorized dealers or online you're almost always buying unwarranted items regardless of the claims of the seller. This is the policy of many brands and companies, not just BGE.
Authorized Dealers provide the following benefits to our customers:
Access to purchase genuine BGE products, supplies and accessories
Authorized Dealer access to specialized customer support services
Authorized Dealer staff who have knowledge to offer product education
Assurance that product has not been dropped, cracked or mishandled
Authorized service and repair facilities
Comprehensive support for BGE product warranties
We recommend that you purchase your Big Green Egg products, supplies and EGGcessories from BGE Authorized Dealers who are required to meet our high customer service and support standards.
How do you tell if a Dealer is Authorized?
It is easy - check the BGE website Dealer Locator or contact BGE Customer Service.
Simply put, unauthorized resellers lead to unhappy customers.
We have seen many cases of unauthorized resellers causing damage by improperly assembling the EGG; breaking or cracking the product by mishandling it or dropping the carton; and even placing the dome on backwards! There is no telling what you are getting, and in most cases there is nobody with any specific product knowledge employed at these discount locations to assist in any way. Hope this helps. Thanks.
(rob a/k/a EGGzillaJr is a BGE employee, posting on behalf of the company)
33Posse
03-05-2012, 01:06 PM
I just left the Costco at 12221 blue vally parkway in Overland Park, KS to see if they had any of the BGE. Unfortunately they do not. The customer service lady Lynn was trying her best to locate some in the KS region but couldnt. She did say that they would be getting 6 of these cookers on March 25.
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=61435&stc=1&d=1330660343
LoneStarMojo
03-05-2012, 01:49 PM
here is another statement from rob from the bge website....
In light of the recent sightings of EGGs at discount club stores, and the misinformation and speculation that has sprung up on this forum and other sites, a bit of clarification might be helpful –
This is the BGE statement about discount clubs and chains, and it is posted clearly on the company website:
Big Green Egg does not distribute its products through discount clubs or discount chain stores, or through internet or e-commerce sites, and any such entity offering Big Green Eggs is an unauthorized reseller any may have obtained the merchandise through fraudulent or other improper means. Like many other companies, BGE does not extend warranty coverage to products purchased from unauthorized resellers, and consumers are advised to check the Dealer Locator to verify the legitimacy of any reseller before making a purchase.
Occasionally, an unauthorized reseller manages to obtain BGE products and offers them for sale to an unsuspecting customer. There are websites and retailers who may claim to be a BGE dealer, but they are not. Products sold by these sources do not carry a warranty from BGE. We try to prevent it from happening in both unauthorized stores and on the internet. Unfortunately, we do not catch everyone. Please protect yourself by ensuring that you purchase Big Green Egg products from an Authorized BGE Dealer. BGE does not knowingly distribute products into unauthorized channels, so please disregard any nonsense suggesting otherwise.
Please note: When you buy from an unauthorized source, even if it is operating as a legitimate business (but unauthorized dealer) selling products in sealed, unopened boxes with blank warranty cards, you are buying, by legal definition, used products. When you buy from unauthorized dealers or online you're almost always buying unwarranted items regardless of the claims of the seller. This is the policy of many brands and companies, not just BGE.
A. I don't know anyone who makes sure every single item they purchase in their life is from an authorized distributor. But in light of corps ducking their responsibility to unknowingly duped consumers I guess that may be what we all have to do in the future.
B. If Costco is not an authorized distributor can BGE explain to us how Costco can get their hands on so many units? And why not still honor the warranty? If these are genuine BGE products and not illegally manufactured copies then BGE still made the wholesale profit. No matter what the BGE official stance on all of this is, it still just makes me go...."Hmmmm". Lots of unanswered questions.
C. My guess is that there will be little-to-no legal action unless the units are illegally produced replicas. If they are, that would be taking money out of BGE's pockets. That'll get some action going.
deepsouth
03-05-2012, 01:50 PM
A. I don't know anyone who makes sure every single item they purchase in their life is from an authorized distributor. But in light of corps ducking their responsibility to unknowingly duped consumers I guess that may be what we all have to do in the future.
B. If Costco is not an authorized distributor can BGE explain to us how Costco can get their hands on so many units? And why not still honor the warranty? If these are genuine BGE products and not illegally manufactured copies then BGE still made the wholesale profit. No matter what the BGE official stance on all of this is, it still just makes me go...."Hmmmm". Lots of unanswered questions.
C. My guess is that there will be little-to-no legal action unless the units are illegally produced replicas. If they are, that would be taking money out of BGE's pockets. That'll get some action going.
don't shoot the messenger. i was just sharing some information i got off the bge forum.
LoneStarMojo
03-05-2012, 01:59 PM
Hey not shootin anything but the breeze :-D
I was just using what you posted as a re-quote...not meaning to hold you responsible for BGE's stance. I should have just cut and pasted instead of using as a quote. My apologies....:sad:
deepsouth
03-05-2012, 02:01 PM
Hey not shootin anything but the breeze :-D
I was just using what you posted as a re-quote...not meaning to hold you responsible for BGE's stance. I should have just cut and pasted instead of using as a quote. My apologies....:sad:
no worries.
cheers.
Big Kahuna
03-05-2012, 02:21 PM
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark, the old saying goes. The greater Toronto area in Canada is selling a large BGE and nest for $899. I have been watching a "deals' website that has been covering this and last Friday one of the members called around and found that each store had between 8 and ten units. Today most are sold out, with one manager saying more are coming in May! One lucky shopper got the floor model for $700. Their are 15 stores within the greater Toronto area @ 10 units per store equals 150 units. BGE cannot sit there with a straight face and not know anything about this and then turn around and tell us warranty will not be honoured??? :crazy: Can anyone say class action lawsuit? If I was a BGE dealer I would be furious. They are the ones who will take the hit on this. Unfortunately where I live the local Costco is not selling any. Heading down to TO this weekend, they have Basque Lump Sugar Maple for $12 a bag, yee haa.
My 2c worth.
Grain Belt
03-05-2012, 03:14 PM
It seems to me that the idea of "authorized" dealers is so that the price remains very consistent wherever eggs are sold. I have seen this with many products where the producer will take away delearship licensing from dealers who charge below the set retail price. Some products that I have seen in the sporting goods world that use this practice are Alumacraft boats, Leaupold optics, and Browning firearms. This practice keeps the wholesale price constant and forces the dealers to keep the retail price constant. The wholesale cost and profit margin on many things are quite small. I once sold firearms and was always amazed how close the wholesale price of Browning firearms was very close to the retail.
It is my guess that Big Green Egg really tries to reign in its dealers in order to keep the prices very consistent. Also you will tick off the ma and pa hardware stores if a big box down the street has the product for a substantially lower price. It seems like the way to make a profit today in the retail world is to either try to go huge with the big box guys and make your profit on volume or find a small niche market and defend it for all it is worth to try to control sales and profit. I don't think the Big Green Egg co. can play on both fields so to speak
Trumpstylz
03-05-2012, 03:42 PM
It seems to me that the idea of "authorized" dealers is so that the price remains very consistent wherever eggs are sold. I have seen this with many products where the producer will take away delearship licensing from dealers who charge below the set retail price.
It's always with more differentiated products with a large markup- rolex is notorious at this.
Trumpstylz
03-05-2012, 03:50 PM
B. If Costco is not an authorized distributor can BGE explain to us how Costco can get their hands on so many units? And why not still honor the warranty? If these are genuine BGE products and not illegally manufactured copies then BGE still made the wholesale profit. No matter what the BGE official stance on all of this is, it still just makes me go...."Hmmmm". Lots of unanswered questions.
I agree. Shady.
redvert05
03-05-2012, 04:09 PM
I don't own an Egg so I really am only speaking from a general consumer point of view. But when things get so complex and "sole-sourced" as this appears to be from the statements from BGE, it makes me want to buy something else from someone else. Lifetime warranted or not.
I can sure understand if they were to get their panties in a bunch over counterfeit units, but these all appear to be original units in new condition. That being the case, I will bet some cash that the "big box stores" are getting them from a wholesale source for BGE and I would not be surprised if someone at BGE knows that!
I don't know, guess for me, if it gets to complicated I move on and let the company survive or not without me. Just my opinion on how I roll. As a caveat, I don't have anything against the Egg, just have never had a desire to have one in the collection.
Baby Back Maniac
03-05-2012, 04:45 PM
Is that the one on 75 or the DNT?
Sorry. I just saw this. The one on 75.
GreenDrake
03-05-2012, 06:21 PM
Seems like they copied the Traeger Road show idea. Bypassing distribution, screwing the dealers and getting them into Costco on a limited basis. I bet that's the angle of the dangle.
Corky
03-05-2012, 06:38 PM
I saw some Traegers in the downtown Spokane Costco this weekend. Prices looked decent.
greenkm
03-05-2012, 06:43 PM
I bought a Traeger @ Costco roadshow around 18 months ago, and have now bought the medium BGE @ Costco.
If not for Costco there would have been one less of each BBQ sold; I definately wouldn't have bought those anywhere else.
So, just whose margin was squeezed BGE or Costco. Likely they're both happy to sell more units.
KG
jrtexas
03-07-2012, 07:45 AM
My wife sent me a text from Southlake, TX Costco yesterday afternoon asking if I wanted the Med BGE....I replied, "GET IT"....2 hours later....assembled and ready for Prime Ribeyes (also from Costco) tonight for dinner:
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc93/jrtexas50/BGECostco.jpg
GreenDrake
03-07-2012, 07:56 AM
I think it's rather funny that BGE sent out the letter to all their dealers stating that this mistake was a rogue distributor and that they are not selling to Costco.....yeah, but in the same month BGE shows up across the entire USA and Canada....sure it was a distributor, wink wink. They showed up here in north Idaho too, sitting on the floor at Costco, saw it myself yesterday. Same in Spokane. What do you want to bet these go away for a while then accidentally show up once they realize the money they are making using the Traeger model of road showing it to skirt the dealer contracts? Oh the mighty dollar baby.
kihrer
03-07-2012, 08:49 AM
I, for one, am not happy about this at all:evil: I had no intentions of buying a BGE because I invested in a different area. But now, every time I go in to Costco I am going to be looking at these BGEs and when it comes to stuff like this I am weak! I don't need a BGE but something tells me I will probably soon own one:redface:
Costco in Canada just started selling the Large BGE with the nest, shelving and cover for $899, roughly a $300 savings. Picked one up about a week ago.
david
03-07-2012, 09:25 AM
If not for Costco there would have been one less of each BBQ sold; I definately wouldn't have bought those anywhere else.
Plus, I trust Costco with taking care of me, much more than the crappy little grill/propane dealer down the street. The guy sells everything marked up, way too high.
ThomEmery
03-07-2012, 02:51 PM
insane guest count on this thread
JediDog
03-07-2012, 03:24 PM
Went to Costco yesterday and indeed saw a med Big Green Egg. I wanted it, but the medium size is the only thing that stopped me from buying it.
Grabnabber
03-07-2012, 04:45 PM
Sorry for the double post (in the other thread), but any XL BGE's out there at these low prices?
jestridge
03-07-2012, 04:58 PM
Sounds like good business , Weber does ok selling to the large box stories
MrWenzel
03-07-2012, 06:37 PM
Just checked out Costco they are getting them in the near future, but it's just the medium. If it was a large I would look at getting 1 maybe 2.
Grain Belt
03-07-2012, 07:40 PM
Weber does well in the big boxes and has for years but they only let them close out old models once a year and if they undercut the new model price in the spring they will pull their dealer ties and not ship to them. How many higher end webers do you see at Walmart? Where I'm from they might have a smokey joe and maybe a 22 inch silver for 89-99 bucks which is the same as everywhere else. That's it. No WSM's, Golds, Performers, etc. They own the market and do not let stores deviate from their retail mission of keeping their prices as consistant as possible throughout the land. Oh, and they keep their warranty on everything they make. Period. End of story. None of this "rogue distributor" BS. You call in with a chipped kettle lid and the date on the vent is within the warranty, they send you a new lid with a smille.
I respect the Eggs and their owners. However I have a working man's salary and lower middle class scrappiness about me. I love fixing up a $10 weber and cooking up on it. It may not be better than from an Egg but I guarandamntee that it will be just as good and because I have 20+ years under my substantial belt cooking on kettles, many times it will be better.
In my simple little world nothing is better than a kettle puffing out some sweet blue with a kingsford applewood mix on some 39 cent a pound chicken quarters. Next to that beautiful cooking tool is a cooler filled with Grain Belt Premium beer from New Ulm, Minnesota and a bunch of my friends and loved ones quenching their thirst while they wait for the kettle to do its magic. That is barbecue to me. The same scene is repeated on lake cabins, campgrounds, and hunting shacks where I have donated fixed up side of the road/craigslist/garage sale kettles across the great state of Minnesota.
Sorry about the pro-Weber rant. I have had a few Jim Beams this evenin' and I'm feeling nastalgic and superior to those who have spent $1200 of their hard earned money on a very nice egg and accesories. I am also sick of the almighty dollar that seems to have no moral obligation to working class folks that are trying to run a little ma and pa store that sells a few unique items to keep their head above water. In fact I contacted my local ma and pa hardware store today to let them know that they may be undercut by hundreds of dollars on the eggs that they have carried for 15 plus years.
JS-TX
03-07-2012, 08:06 PM
Yea, I smell a rat with all this rogue distributor stuff. If it was just a few regional Costcos it would be believable, but most of the US and Canada? Maybe they got some new leadership in BGE HQ and/or are hurting for business.
Abriels
03-07-2012, 11:12 PM
Just checked out Costco they are getting them in the near future, but it's just the medium. If it was a large I would look at getting 1 maybe 2.
I don't know how many Costco's you have in your general area, but around WA, they either have the med or the large, but not both. If you have more than one Costco in your area, I would call them and ask which stores have what...
Smoking Bruin
03-08-2012, 10:44 AM
Went to Costco yesterday and indeed saw a med Big Green Egg. I wanted it, but the medium size is the only thing that stopped me from buying it.
You and me both.
early mornin' smokin'
03-08-2012, 11:10 AM
personally, let the big box stores carry it. Set prices=happy customers. Nothing worse than getting home and finding out someone else paid less than you did, got more than you did etc. . I just went thru this receiving one as a gift. I know my girlfriend overpaid, even if slightly. It would have been nice to know that there is, or should be a set price for these great pits.
Trumanj
03-08-2012, 11:49 AM
personally, let the big box stores carry it. Set prices=happy customers. Nothing worse than getting home and finding out someone else paid less than you did, got more than you did etc. . I just went thru this receiving one as a gift. I know my girlfriend overpaid, even if slightly. It would have been nice to know that there is, or should be a set price for these great pits.
That's one of my problems with things like this. I mean its 2012. I want to look online see that MSRP is x amount of dollars and buy accordingly.
I have no problem with the price being above or below MSRP. I'll pay whatever I can if I want the item bad enough, and I understand the rules of supply and demand. I just want to know before hand.
El Ropo
03-08-2012, 12:43 PM
I'm a huge opponent of price fixing.
Love Maui Jim sunglasses, but their company policy in regards to dealers selling at a minimum retail price is not to my liking.
Hence, I buy renegade fishing sunglasses from Academy for $20.00.
This whole ordeal stinks like a day old roadkill skunk. I feel sorry for any BGE dealers, yet I think the price gouging they practice in this lousy economy is counter productive to their cause.
rolfejr
03-08-2012, 07:09 PM
Love Maui Jim sunglasses, but their company policy in regards to dealers selling at a minimum retail price is not to my liking..
After losing +/- $600 worth of Maui's I'm down to the Wal Mart equivalent and I think I am better off!
Smoothsmoke
03-08-2012, 07:16 PM
So, has anyone that purchased their egg at costco sent in their warranty card? Heard anything back from bge?
JD McGee
03-08-2012, 07:35 PM
Saw the Medium BGE today at the Costco in Woodinville, WA...idiots put the lid on wrong...lol! :loco:
MrWenzel
03-08-2012, 07:51 PM
I don't know how many Costco's you have in your general area, but around WA, they either have the med or the large, but not both. If you have more than one Costco in your area, I would call them and ask which stores have what...
They checked 3 stores for me and all of them where getting Med. I will go back and check to see if locations in the next state over are getting larges. thanks for the info that med. and large are in the same area.
hellrzr
03-08-2012, 07:57 PM
Set prices=happy customers.
Set prices= illegal. I use to work for a company that sold handheld computers and they would "suggest" what dealers should charge but couldn't tell them what to charge because that is not legal. Now if a company charged less than suggested they were no longer dealers and received no more product but you still cannot tell them what to charge. I can't quote the law but it is in place. That's why companies like Apple (or BGE) charge a certain amount for their product and everyone sells it for that amount, because if they don't they no longer sell it. They could sell for less but they wouldn't be selling for long. That makes me think that this Cosco debate is something that the BGE folks know and are either ok with or are having trouble getting them cut off.
greenkm
03-11-2012, 05:07 PM
I assembled my medium BGE purchase this morning; then went online and filled out the warranty card.
The required data fields included check boxes for Authorized Dealer (I checked the box), and fill in the blank to insert where bought--especially if bought at big box discounter--I put COSTCO. The serial number under the lid was required.
The warranty request was accepted, meaning all the necessary data fields were OK, doesn't mean BGE is going to honor the warranty request though. I expect to hear back from BGE soon...via email.
Keep you posted on further feedback as it may surface.
KG
greenkm
03-12-2012, 04:48 PM
Perspective: :thumb:
Today I went to a authorized BGE dealer. The owner greeted me and asked if I needed help; I replied yes I sure hope you can, I just bought a BGE medium from COSTCO and needed a plate setter. He quickly responded that the deal from COSTCO wasn't so good because you only get the ceramic grill and nest.
Just as quickly I said, I thought the COSTCO deal is great and that if it weren't for my COSTCO purchase I wouldn't be in this store to buy all the accessories that I now wanted. In the end I bought the plate setter, pizza stone, pizza peel, cover, ash tool, roast rack, BGE charcoal, and wood chips. Upon departure, I said that COSTCO deal isn't so bad afterall...he smiled and thanked me for my purchase...everyone happy!
KG
Smoothsmoke
03-13-2012, 10:58 AM
Perspective: :thumb:
Today I went to a authorized BGE dealer. The owner greeted me and asked if I needed help; I replied yes I sure hope you can, I just bought a BGE medium from COSTCO and needed a plate setter. He quickly responded that the deal from COSTCO wasn't so good because you only get the ceramic grill and nest.
Just as quickly I said, I thought the COSTCO deal is great and that if it weren't for my COSTCO purchase I wouldn't be in this store to buy all the accessories that I now wanted. In the end I bought the plate setter, pizza stone, pizza peel, cover, ash tool, roast rack, BGE charcoal, and wood chips. Upon departure, I said that COSTCO deal isn't so bad afterall...he smiled and thanked me for my purchase...everyone happy!
KG
Great post bro, great post.
Side note, not an egg found at my Costco.
I assembled my medium BGE purchase this morning; then went online and filled out the warranty card.
The required data fields included check boxes for Authorized Dealer (I checked the box), and fill in the blank to insert where bought--especially if bought at big box discounter--I put COSTCO. The serial number under the lid was required.
The warranty request was accepted, meaning all the necessary data fields were OK, doesn't mean BGE is going to honor the warranty request though. I expect to hear back from BGE soon...via email.
Keep you posted on further feedback as it may surface.
KG
Any word back from BGE on your warranty? You are seeing BGE's pop up everywhere. They are now at Freidman's here in Northern California, a chain of hardware stores.
Believing the official Company position that they do not authorize these sales is about like believing the USSR back in the 70's when they claimed the Soviet Premier had "a cold"... yeah, right.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t18/ross939/aaaaaaaaa.jpg
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