IMRG to investigate 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.