Save Money on Allen Bradley Products: Overcoming Pricing Challenges for HMIs and Processors

Question:

Looking to save money on Allen Bradley products? We've noticed that getting better pricing from our local vendor for HMI's and processors can be a challenge. Despite purchasing a significant amount, we often find ourselves paying full price for compact logix plc's and panelviews. It seems that quantity doesn't always equal savings with AB. For example, our L306ER's are consistently priced at $1639, whether buying in bulk or as a one-time purchase. It can be frustrating, but we're determined to find a solution.

Top Replies

If you're not satisfied with your current distributor, consider asking them to improve their service or switch to a new one. In my experience working for both small and large companies, I have successfully negotiated OEM discounts and project pricing on large quantity orders. Another option is to work with a Rockwell account manager who can handle any distributor issues on your behalf. This will help ensure you receive the best deals and service.

Typically, Rockwell sets flat rates for their products, unless your company has a specific arrangement with them. Our "global" deal with Rockwell should provide us with competitive pricing, yet it remains costly. It's uncertain if putting pressure on the distributor would bring down prices. Regardless, Rockwell's rates are still three times higher than the top-of-the-line products offered by Schneider.

If your local vendor believes you are a regular customer, they may not feel the need to offer competitive pricing. In my previous experience working with an integrator, we found success using both Siemens and Rockwell products. Considering exploring Siemens products to create competition among vendors and potentially receive better pricing deals.

The saying goes, "One man's treasure is another man's trash." This rings true when it comes to purchasing industrial equipment like Rockwell PLCs, Drives, I/O, and terminals. While you may think you're buying in bulk, Rockwell's global reach and contracts may make your order seem insignificant to them. Additionally, Rockwell enforces regional price controls, which can result in disparities in pricing between locations. For example, we encountered a situation where we could obtain Rockwell products and have panels assembled in Mexico at a lower cost than purchasing the parts separately in Ohio. After voicing our concerns to both the distributor and Rockwell, they eventually agreed to match prices at the distributor level. However, it became evident that the distributor themselves were limited by Rockwell's pricing policies. It remains unclear whether this pricing discrepancy was due to market conditions or deliberate strategy by Rockwell. Nonetheless, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced when working with global companies in the industrial sector.

It seems like you're not living up to the expectations of a loyal Rockwell customer. True dedication to quality means being willing to invest in it, regardless of the cost, without any complaints. After purchasing the software multiple times, it's important to stay updated by inquiring about any new revisions. Additionally, ensure that your TechConnect subscription is active to maintain access to high-quality tech support for your premium hardware.

I totally understand where you're coming from. While I don't have a miracle answer to this, I would suggest exploring some online vendors like eBay or Amazon sometimes they can offer competitive pricing as they buy larger quantities and often on international markets. Also, if your organization is a member of any industry associations, it may be worth checking if there are any group purchasing agreements in place with Allen Bradley or their resellers. Lastly, don't hesitate to outright negotiate with your local vendor, sometimes loyalty and consistency have their own value. Hope this helps a bit!

I completely understand your frustration. It's a common issue with vendors like Allen Bradley. Some might propose negotiating your prices, but often, a more effective strategy involves exploring other vendors, especially online distributors. They often have competitive prices on the same products. Additionally, investing in programmable PLC's can lead to long-term savings. With maintenance and adaptability being integral parts of PLC's, it might be better to pay a higher upfront cost to reap potential future benefits. Let's keep each other updated on any breakthroughs.

I totally understand your frustration—Allen Bradley's pricing can feel pretty rigid. Have you tried reaching out to multiple distributors for quotes? Sometimes vendors have seasonal promotions or can negotiate better rates for loyal customers, especially if you mention your purchasing history. Also, consider checking out online marketplaces or even certified resellers; they might have different pricing structures or bundles that could save you some cash. It’s definitely worth exploring all your options!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Why is it challenging to get better pricing from local vendors for Allen Bradley HMIs and processors?

Answer: Answer: Despite purchasing a significant amount, some users find themselves paying full price for compact logix PLCs and PanelViews, indicating that quantity doesn't always equal savings with Allen Bradley products.

FAQ: 2. Is it common for Allen Bradley products like L306ER's to have a consistent price regardless of bulk purchases?

Answer: Answer: Yes, some Allen Bradley products, such as the L306ER, are consistently priced at a set amount, like $1639, whether bought in bulk or as a single purchase, leading to frustrations among buyers.

FAQ: 3. How can one overcome pricing challenges when purchasing Allen Bradley products like HMIs and processors?

Answer: Answer: Finding alternative vendors, exploring discounts through authorized distributors, negotiating with suppliers, or looking for promotions and deals can help in overcoming pricing challenges for Allen Bradley products.

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