Before anyone gets too wild with the numbers - I think it is irresponsible to be posting wholesale prices from any manufacturer and not mentioning that a dealer doesn't just call up and order a case and get a $2.49 price tag.

Dealers have to qualify with certain criteria which usually involves overhead of some sort as well as an established clientele.

All of the manufacturers require mimimum orders or total orders per year. Some $5,000 comitments, others it can go to $10,000 or more, in some instances 10,000 pieces. In some cases (JL) you have to comit to their other lines in order to get the diecast line. Meaning, you may be buying product you don't generally sell or want to sell. There is also freight charges on top of the price which would actually, on a case of 48 up the price another $.25, roughly, per piece. This is also the responsibility of the buyer.

All of this needs to be considered when looking at the wholesale price. It is not just a cut and dry $2.49.

What is amazing is that the big box retailers ARE getting better pricing then the general price lists, reduced shipping or self-shipping and are still hitting the $5 per piece price point - at least in my area. Shows where their margin is.