One way in which this tension been resolved (often to the consumer's detriment) is with MAP (minimum advertised pricing) agreements. Such agreements, as an example, permit Apple and other electronic stores such as Best Buy to peacefully co-exist in markets in which they both have presence. Both parties agree not to undercut the other, and both share the burdens and benefits of sales.
With respect to dealerships' monopoly on repair knowledge, at least one state (Massachusetts) has passed a "Right to Repair" act, and car makers have largely made it easier for independent mechanics to obtain service and diagnostic information, so this issue is basically moot now. See, e.g., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_Vehicle_Owners'_Right_to_...
Comments
One way in which this tension been resolved (often to the consumer's detriment) is with MAP (minimum advertised pricing) agreements. Such agreements, as an example, permit Apple and other electronic stores such as Best Buy to peacefully co-exist in markets in which they both have presence. Both parties agree not to undercut the other, and both share the burdens and benefits of sales.
With respect to dealerships' monopoly on repair knowledge, at least one state (Massachusetts) has passed a "Right to Repair" act, and car makers have largely made it easier for independent mechanics to obtain service and diagnostic information, so this issue is basically moot now. See, e.g., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_Vehicle_Owners'_Right_to_...
How is that different from price fixing?
It isn't. Wikipedia says this particular type of price fixing is often allowed, and called "Resale price maintenance"
It's the agreement between a manufacturer and a retailer about the price of a product, not an agreement between multiple retailers.
That should still be illegal. I thought manufacturers can only set a "recommended retail price", but retailers can set whatever price they want.
Plus, in this specific case the manufacturer (Apple) is also a retailer.
In Europe even a "recommended retail price" may be an issue in competition law.
MAPs are why you have 'add to cart to see the price' for many items.
They aren't fixing the price to the consumer. They are agreeing not to advertise a price below a certain value.