>>the notion that a manufacturer's retail list price is even valid today is 'imaginary'<<
To a large extent I agree with Jaybo although some retail prices are closer to actual selling prices than others.
As an example, I represented a company whose costs to me varied from month to month depending on their existing financial problems. Occasionally I was able to purchase new products discounted over 70%. Ultimately the used prices of their products have reached such low levels that the retail prices have become as Jaybo says "imaginary".
Disclosure: retailer
To a large extent I agree with Jaybo although some retail prices are closer to actual selling prices than others.
As an example, I represented a company whose costs to me varied from month to month depending on their existing financial problems. Occasionally I was able to purchase new products discounted over 70%. Ultimately the used prices of their products have reached such low levels that the retail prices have become as Jaybo says "imaginary".
Disclosure: retailer