IMRG investigates dual pricing

Following yesterday's IMRG Senate meeting, the IMRG has issued the following statement on ‘dual pricing’, a mechanism recently introduced by electrical consumer goods manufacturers whereby their dealers pay more for goods if sold online.

“IMRG recognises that dual pricing is an important issue for its membership to consider. The IMRG membership is comprised of multi-channel retailers, pure play online merchants, and facilitators, whose common interest is efficient e-retailing.

“IMRG recognises the complexity of the arguments for and against dual pricing practices, but IMRG, on behalf of its membership intends to ensure that any such practices, should they persist, are lawful and not unduly prejudicial to smaller reputable online retailers.

“IMRG will, in cooperation with the Office of Fair Trading and European Commission, establish a process whereby the implications of dual pricing can be fully assessed, with a view to establishing principles and trading guidelines, in order to optimise e-retailing's sustainable commercial development. All relevant parties, including manufacturers, will be invited to participate in and contribute to the IMRG input to this process.” See also.