[Simple Man]

Originally Posted by tigergto

Let me see if I’m reading this correctly. The same make and model at a big box store as I said I heard, is not the same at an independent dealer. Most people don’t compare model numbers only name. I also heard the serial number is usually one number or letter different. Again don’t know if this is true.

Many times, a box store like Lowes, or Home Depot will get a model number appliance that is exclusive to them. That way, if someone is trying to price shop with the local guy, they can't match exact model numbers. Lowes might say "well that's a different model than ours, that's why the price difference", when in fact, it's practically the same refrigerator, stove, etc.

[NeighborsComplaint]

Originally Posted by Simple Man

Many times, a box store like Lowes, or Home Depot will get a model number appliance that is exclusive to them. That way, if someone is trying to price shop with the local guy, they can't match exact model numbers. Lowes might say "well that's a different model than ours, that's why the price difference", when in fact, it's practically the same refrigerator, stove, etc.

At one time this was a shell game played by all the big box retailers in CE. I worked for Sanyo for 11 years. The TV's, VCR's. Compact Stereos and A/C were all the same but the model number was changed (a sticker on the back) so that each retailer could counter price matching since the models were different. The same base Model number was used with a "mod code" added to the end for each retailer.

WalMart was the only retailer who received "built to spec" models (Mostly TV's) that were different than the base models. Sanyo would mix and match features to reach a price point for WalMart. They were not lesser quality, just a different mix of features and sometimes a modified remote control.