Harry Potter Marketing?

Why are they doing such a bad job marketing the last Harry Potter book, and why would you sell a "must have" product at discount prices? Isn't that against the basic law of supply and demand? Apple doesn't drop the price on the Ipods, but people still buy them. This goes against what I have learned about marketing.

You are forgetting another key in Economics and that is volume. There are more pre-orders for this book, then any other book in history. So with so many books, you can afford to sell them cheaper and you will make up your profit in volume. I do however think you should not have it as cheap as it has been. With these internet companys under-cutting other major book sellers they are hopeing to make there money in volume, and not just in the price alone.

That is absolutely insane. Especially because it has obliterated the records in pre-ordered sales

Go look on yahoo.com they have an article on this and they basically said the same thing as u it is STUPID. The stores in the end aren't earning money so they will eventually lose money cuz they have to pay workers.

Apple has dropped it's prices. New Ipods when they come out start at $300, but they soon drop to $170.

PS, Why would JK Rowling make it hard for people to get her books?

This is a blatant and effective move for big box discount storefront and internet stores (Walmart and Amazon) to continue weeding out the small family owned competition. You are right, it is ridiculous, and completely against the laws of supply and demand, but a brilliant strategic move. Walmart and Amazon don't need the profits from this year's most anticipated book release to have record growth, but the smaller book sellers count on "events" like these to sometimes make their year. But, if the box sellers offer it at no profit, there will be no reason for anyone to go in to see their competition. Half price is enough incentive to convince a lot of people to forego the experience of shopping with their community business owners, and what is the incentive for these owners to sell the book if they can't compete for any profit?

This just continues the trend of big corporations steamrollering over the smaller family owned businesses. All this said, though, there will be stores who find a way to stand up for themselves...creative marketing is going to be key!

One can't ignore Business Economics. It is volume, a number game. There are more pre-orders for this book, then any other book in history. So at such high volume, one can afford to sell them at lower prices and still make up their
profit in volume. You should not have it as ............. as it has been.

How about enjoying, an offer !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!