Currently dealer markup exceeds 100%, typically 150%. Benz and Clearaudio fall into the brands with those markups. I remember the same in the 70's. I have two Shure from that ear, both still in original packaging. In buying, think about asking the dealer to throw in for free, a replacement styli, assuming it is cartridge with a removable. This would make you a 'fair' buyer.
Discount on cartridges vs. other equipment
Way, way back when I was first getting into this hobby, I recall that phono cartridges were routinely discounted at a far greater percentage than anything else. (I'm talking about the 1970s here.) Would it be reasonable to expect that this is in some ways still the same, at least for mainstream stuff?In other words, could one figure to get a Rega Exact at a greater discount (on a percentage basis) than, say, a Rega P5? And the same with an Elys and a P3, etc? I'm talking about when one is buying new from an authorized dealer, not used from someone who is changing up his system. Thanks for helping out on this. -- Howard