Howdy Kirstie,
I am glad you posted this review as it gives us a chance to talk about the difference between an Authorized Dealer like us and random Amazon sellers (who might send you returned pens, Grey Market or counterfeit items).
We remember your family memeber coming into the store, we showed him a lot of pens, he took pictures and enjoyed his time here.
Pilot, Sailor, Visconti and most brands tell us MSRP (recommended price) and set a minimum price (below that and we can loose our account.
Your Prera for 2025 is $80 (which we have not raised to) , for 2024 & 2023 it was $74 (our price) and in 2022, 2021 & 2020 it was $70.
Normally a dealer can go about 20% under MSRP which is why is is currently list for $64 at the following Authorized Dealers:
Goldspot
Goulet
Atlas
Fountain Pen Hospital
Nibs.com (be carefull they are in bankruptcy)
Art Brown
Endless
I hope this helps you and others understand that the Prera is not something that 'cost $25 every other place'. All Authorized Dealers (who are here for you if you ever have problems with your pens) have to follow the rules.
Now there are Grey Market Dealers who import from Japan or use a pen like the Prera as a loss leader, that just isn't us.
We are a family business who pays our newest employee $20/hr. We often work on pens for free, let folks test any pen they plan to buy (that uses up paper, ink and time) we provide gift wrapping and give you all the advice you could ever need.
Unlike Amazon we don't have anyone protesting their working conditions. We will help you with items going back for repair (even if you didn't buy from us) and we are here 7 days a week from 11a-6p just to let folks touch and feel.
Now we could be an online only biz and compete just on price, but then we can't offer the service and build the relationship we value with our customers.
You are welcome to shop on Amazon and roll the dice, just never be upset about the loss of small retail stores and all the knowledge, experience, repairs, and help we give.
I hope next time you are in Phoenix you get to visit Penchetta and allow us to demostrate how we compete on experience, not on price.
