Prompter People Teleprompter Purchase Problem - Need Opinion

[chillin2345]

Hi Everyone,

First time poster here to the forum. Glad to see such a great resource exists for filmmaking on the web!

I wanted ask for your opinion on a situation I’m having with a Prompter People teleprompter.

I bought an 8” ultra light teleprompter directly from Prompter People a week and a half ago ($899) to use when producing some web videos. (I’m not a full-fledge production company, but rather, an individual with a serious interest in producing videos)

I received an e-mail just yesterday touting a 15% off everything coupon in celebration of NAB 2011, for a discount of $134.85.

Seeing as how I just bought the teleprompter 1 ½ weeks ago and that I’m within the return period, I called the company to ask if they would adjust the pricing on my order to honor the new discount. They said no because they don’t retroactively apply discounts.

I understand why they said no. I also understand that they’re not a big retail conglomerate with an official price-adjustment policy, but rather, a small business. But I can’t help but feel alienated as a new customer by their inflexibility.

As I mentioned, I’m not a production company, never have been to NAB, and work on a small budget that comes out of my personal savings; so $134.85 isn’t chump change to me. It also seems to me that by not retroactively applying the discount, the amount of negative publicity (i.e. me posting about my negative purchase experience) would far outweigh the positive benefits (i.e. me becoming a repeat customer) for the company.

I wanted to see what you guys would do? Is this a “too bad, so sad” situation and I should just eat my loss? Or should I fight for the discount? If so, what would you recommend as a next step?

Thanks.

 

[Gary Huff]

You don't have a loss. You merely picked an inopportune time to purchase the teleprompter.

I understand why they said no. I also understand that they’re not a big retail conglomerate with an official price-adjustment policy, but rather, a small business. But I can’t help but feel alienated as a new customer by their inflexibility.

You understand their situation, and that they are not Best Buy, and yet you are still upset by that fact enough to post on here. I think you should let it go.

As I mentioned, I’m not a production company, never have been to NAB, and work on a small budget that comes out of my personal savings; so $134.85 isn’t chump change to me.

I've made LOTS of web videos and having a teleprompter would be a great piece of equipment to have. I understand that money is tight and equipment is expensive, but even I don't balk at an extra $134. Hell, I just spent almost that amount for a single piece for my shoulder mount.

Do you have cable? How much is that per month?

 

[Paul Hudson]

Prices change we have all gotten caught in a transition before. Seasoned pros know manufacturers often offer discounts around NAB. They ask before the purchase about upcoming discounts or wait to NAB to pull the trigger.

I know this is not always feasible because of demand and schedule, but that is how it has been for years.