As a list vendor, there are times when I choose not to list a price.  For
example, on a key that is fairly rare, or some that supply is not
consistent, I may have to adjust prices as much as 50%.  Therefore the price
this week is not necessarily the same as next weeks.  I do discount both
parts and services to list members, but I can't always give a service price,
either.  For instance, if a person wants a lock rebuilt, I can't quote a
blanket price for the job because I don't know what I've got to do to it.
If I quoted a blanket price, I'd have to have it high enough to cover all
contingencies, and that wouldn't be fair to the person who just needed a
cleaning and lubrication on a lock.
Last month, I offered the rubber-headed Vanagon keys at $4.75 each.  I used
all the blanks I had because many people had me hold 1 or 2, then ordered
more.  I honored their order, but will have to raise the price when I get
more in.  Why?  I have to go through an English locksmith who is able to
order through another English distributer, who gets them from Italy.  The
English guy has to send them to me, there is high freight and customs
charges, and my cost per key has gone way up.  Therefore I can't honor last
month's price.  I hope the list understands that we as vendors want to treat
the list members well; you're our bread and butter.  We at times, though,
can't make blanket guarantees.  I, for one, appreciate the comments.  I will
try to give pricing wherever possible and if possible, give dates that price
will be honored.
Steve Sandlin
Steve's Lock Shoppe
www.steveslockshop.com
'84 Wolfsburg Westy
'79 Transporter
'00 New Beetle