So after asking around my new workplace, the hospital, I ascertained that my sap gloves were essentially a no go, and so headed down to my local security supply store to procure a more appropriate pair. Figuring that since I work in a health care setting, gloves that afford needle stick protection, in addition to the usual cut and impact protection, would be a wise choice, I picked out a pair of Hex Armour's and was shocked when I got to the checkout, with a duty belt carrier, these bloody gloves set me back just under $80, Christ am I glad that I get reimbursed. Anyway, my question is, is this relatively normal pricing, or, more accurately yet, how severely inflated was the price on these?

There are a number of different way retailers establish prices. First on percentages. Normally those percentage are between 20%-100% + sometimes 100% + depending on the item. One example is if you buy an item from a Canadian distributor for $10.00 and you retail it for $18.00 you have added 80% onto the price. If you buy that same item from a manufacturer in China (same place the distributor purchased it from) you may pay $2.00 and still sell for $18.00. The issue for the retailer is they must buy 1000's to get that price.

The other way they do it is whats called MAP (Minimum Advertised Prices) That means the manufacturer will tell the retailer there is a minimum price and a maximum price they can sell the item for. For example a manufacturer can set a wholesale price of eg $30.00 and say to a retailer our minimum price for you to sell is $56.90 and the max price is $62.90. The retailer can them establish what price he wants to sell the item at but must keep the price between $56.90 minimum and $62.90 maximum or risk losing the ability to sell the item. This keeps the market fair for other retailers selling it for the same item. That allows retailers in outlying areas who have higher shipping charges the ability to make a bit more on the item to account for increased transportation costs.

The retailer will also take into account cost in getting the item to his store as well as other consideration such as overhead, employee's and any duties taxes etc. Most consumers don't understand that when bringing in a product from another country most times the retailer will pay duties up to 18% duty, That adds 18% of the cost. If the item is made in the U.S or Mexico there will be no duties because of the free trade agreement between Canada, The US and Mexico. The other cost in bringing items into the country are the costs that are associated with customs clearance by couriers such as UPS and Fedex etc. These can be VERY expensive as I believe in some cases its a minimum $100. So if your order is small you may double the cost from wholesale.

In some cases prices are determined by the manufacturer. The manufacturer will set a retail price and allow the retailer to sell for whatever the retailer wants but anyone buying the item from the manufacturer will pay that price but may get better prices from a retailer in their area.

If you are reimbursed for the glove be thankful as most people aren't. $80.00 is a smalll price to pay considering the costs of being stuck with a needle on your health, relationships and life can be much bigger. Gloves are an essential item everyone should be carrying. From personal experience I can tell you this. A number of years ago while searching for contraband I found a pair of shoes I was convinced had contraband in them. I took them to a safe area and with a carpet cutter began taking them apart. As I was taking them apart (gloves on) I slipped with the carpet cutter and cut my left hand gloves outer layer but did not cut my hand because of the layer of dynema. That cut would have been a REALLY bad and would of needed many stitches to close and more than likely nerve damage. So next time anyone complains about the price of safety equipment remember you may have saved yourself $80 but you are now paying a different price.

For all of you who don't know 911 Gear will give any of the members of this site a discount on gloves or any other items we sell. Go to our site find the items you want and then call us 866-218-5883 speak with Toni or Jason and tell them your a member of this forum and they will give you a discount. If you ever want to do a group purchase for members on the site MSG me and I will set it up.

The 911 Gear Team

Originally Posted by Corporate Goon

So after asking around my new workplace, the hospital, I ascertained that my sap gloves were essentially a no go, and so headed down to my local security supply store to procure a more appropriate pair. Figuring that since I work in a health care setting, gloves that afford needle stick protection, in addition to the usual cut and impact protection, would be a wise choice, I picked out a pair of Hex Armour's and was shocked when I got to the checkout, with a duty belt carrier, these bloody gloves set me back just under $80, Christ am I glad that I get reimbursed. Anyway, my question is, is this relatively normal pricing, or, more accurately yet, how severely inflated was the price on these?