Crutchfields pricing is MAP pricing, not MSRP, Ive noticed this along time ago from working in a shop, knowing what dealer cost is on products as well as the map, and msrp prices, and over time searching for product we are dealers of and checking online prices. Just to work with a customer and give him any price break we can to make the sale without pissing off our products companies and distributors.
Most companies selling products under Minimum advertised Price, are not going to be an Authorized dealer, because by most companies contracts you sign to become a dealer selling below MAP is terms for cancellation.
Just because an online retailer says they are an authorized dealer dont make them an authorized dealer....
But yes Amazon is sooooooo much cheaper...
Pioneer AVH-P4300dvd:
Amazon price $495.00 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-P4300DVD-Double-DIN-Receiver-Control/dp/tech-data/B004HW6F7Y
and Amazon offers nothing but free shipping...
Crutchfield price $499.99 Free Shipping
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-QS1krS1so6E/p_130AVHP43/Pioneer-AVH-P4300DVD.html
So Crutchfield is a whole $5.00 more expensive
However your getting a free:
Wiring harness that sells for $7-$20.
Also heavily discounted adapters(sometimes even free) if you are working on a newer dodge or something with canbus and you need an expensive harnesss.
Dash Kit that usually sells for $10-$40.
Free vehicle spec sheet with step by step instructions including pictures (sure you think your this great installer.... But there are some very tricky cars out there that are a pita to change a radio, any lil bit can help educate you before you break a panel or some plastic clip).
Also the 7days a week free technical support.
But yes, Fuck the legit autorized online detailers, fuck the mom and pop shops that are open to you and can fix something asap if your too dumb to fix it yourself, or are there if you need a piece of wire you forgot to order, or the competitions that they host... we dont need any of that..
All we care about is saving $5.00...
If I was Crutchfield, Id almost make their "outfit my car" database only for paying customers and tell everyone else to screw off. Kind of how directechs is, however for that you need to work for a shop and be a dealer to access their vehicle databases. But damn they came in handy so many times wiring remote starts, alarms, and finding locations for factory amps, and what each electrical wire is inside the car.