Philadelphia ABC Affiliate Station Questions
Safelite Pricing
November 15, 2011
An ABC affiliate station based in Philadelphia ran a television
news
report yesterday questioning Safelites pricing policy,
alleging that the company charges different prices based on ZIP
code, even in cases of in-shop work. The story asks the following
question of consumers: Is it fair for a company to charge
you more for its services based on where you live? (Click
on the below video to view the report in full.)
The story cites an example in which the reporter allegedly attempted
to obtain pricing for a windshield replacement on a 2003 Nissan
Xterra in several different ZIP codes on the Safelite website in
the area of the company's Cherry Hill, N.J., shopin each case
noting on the website that the vehicle would be brought into the
company's facility. ABC alleges that it obtained prices ranging
from $258.95 to $338.95, based on a change of ZIP code.
Safelite spokesperson Melina Metzger offered the following statement
to glassBYTEs.com/AGRR magazine in response to the ABC report.
Pricing strategies are confidential, she says. This
is a case of an investigative journalist attempting to create scandal
where there is none.
She adds, Like all businesses, Safelite uses a dynamic consumer
pricing model that fluctuates based on many variables, such as what
other competitors the customer might choose to repair or replace
your vehicle glass, the availability of a technician in [an] area,
and the availability of the right part in [an] area. At Safelite,
we believe our consumer pricing model to be fair and offer value.
Do you calculate quotes based on proximity for in-shop work?
Please email your thoughts to pstacey@glass.com.