I went to Akihabra this afternoon to buy printer ink. A big public parking lot which has not been full in afternoon of business days is full today with a long line of waiting vehicles. Fortunately I could find a space at a parking lot of a big electronic store. A guardsman there said he was surprised when he observed a sudden change of the street. The congestion occurred from only a few days ago. I was impressed by customers' activities directly reflecting changes of economy.

Priceline.com announced on November 15 that the Ford Motor Company will test, beginning November 16, a name-your-own-price car buying option using the priceline.com network in the Florida market.

Florida customers who visit Ford's Web site can "virtually" shop for the exact Ford car or truck they want, then have the option to name their own price and payment method. Priceline.com distributes consumers' purchase offers directly to local dealerships, beginning with the dealership located closest to the buyer. The first dealership to accept the offer gets the sale. A price named by the customer and accepted by the dealer online can be honored by a local dealership.

When the test concludes, the two companies will decide how broadly to expand it.。

I have quite an interest in this test because a manufacturer which has supported one price sale admits flexible price sale. Ms. Marryan Keller, President of Automotive Service, Priceline com., has been of the opinion that it is wrong to have one price deal on mass produced products of high value, and that the price must be flexible due to the supply and demand relations of the products.

Automotive News magazine of November 8th issue reported an interview with Ms. Marryan Keller. She said on-line auto traders who started business recently did not know the auto trade. Some of them said e-trade of automobiles can replace auto dealers. It was wrong. The auto dealerships which have about a hundred years old history are indispensable to auto industry. They are good for customers and manufacturers. No one in the industry can neglect them or replace them in near future. Priceline.com has been making efforts to satisfy all related persons including manufacturers, dealers and customers.

Her philosophy is clear and understandable. The future of patent issues and the results of her effort are worth of our attention.

Back to Calender