WHAT IS MAP PRICING AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME?

MAP Pricing? Amazon Price Match guarantee?

These things sound nice, but what do they mean exactly? And how can you be sure you are getting the product you want at its lowest cost?? 

I write this piece as an experienced buyer, one-time retail store manager, and (most importantly) mother who wants to get great baby products, but not break the bank. I am here to decode what selling product at the minimum advertised price (MAP) actually means.

Minimum Advertised Price (MAP)

So, here it goes: When a retailer goes into contract to sell a brand, the brand always tells them what to sell their product at, their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).  For instance, a certain car seat may have an MSRP of $249.99, however, stores are allowed to sell as high as they want, this is just the suggested price. That seat will also have a MAP price of $199.99. The MAP is the lowest LEGAL price retailers are allowed to sell at and advertise at.  This helps protect the brand and assures that retailers don’t go into a pricing war. It keeps things fair in the retail world.

So, when I walk into a retailer, I always check the tag and see what the formatting is. It might say “Retail: $xx, Our price: $xx). This would signify that they are selling below MSRP and most likely at MAP. This means a better deal for me 🙂

I hope this helps you understand what MAP, MSRP and getting the most bang for your buck means the next time you head out shopping 🙂

THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY A GUEST BLOGGER AND EDITED BY RACHEL RISING.