In a market that is often marred by hidden markups and inflated discounts, Swisstek, a leading tile adhesive brand in Sri Lanka, is leading the way forward for transparency and consumer fairness. It is a known fact that some segments of the local hardware trade engage in questionable tactics of inflating Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) on product packaging, which allows for what seem to be large discounts. In lieu of these malpractices, Swisstek is championing efforts to prioritize integrity and genuine value for customers and retailers alike.
Over the years, consumers have grown accustomed to seeing products with unusually high MRPs that are sold with discounts as generous as 30%, 40% or even 60%. However, the reality is that what appears to be a great deal is actually a pricing illusion. The MRPs are strategically inflated, which allows dealers to adjust discounts arbitrarily and take-home large margins. For example, a customer may receive a 35% discount on a product, that another customer would pay a 15% reduction on. This is simply due to the vast margin between the dealer’s cost and the inflated MRP. This practice has left consumers unclear about the real value of the product they are purchasing.
Swisstek stands against practices like this and operates with a core belief that ‘Integrity is doing what is right, even if it may not be the most profitable option”. This principle is embedded in the company’s pricing strategy, and Swisstek’s Tile Adhesive MRPs are currently among the lowest in the market, setting it apart from prevailing industry pricing practices. As per their most recent price reduction, Swisstek Super Adhesive now carries an MRP of Rs. 1,699, which is in stark contrast to market alternatives with MRPs often exceeding Rs. 2,000.
Daminda Perera, the Managing Director of Swisstek Ceylon PLC, stated, “We believe that when a customer pays for a product, they should primarily be paying for the product itself, with a reasonable portion allocated for retailer, distributor and manufacturer’s margins. The current practice of offering excessively large, often misleading, discounts dilute the true value proposition for the consumer. At Swisstek, we guarantee that when a consumer purchases our product, they are paying for the quality and reliability of a Swisstek product, not for an artificially inflated margin.”
The company also extends this transparent approach to its retailer relationships. Swisstek ensures that dealers operate under a fair and ethical framework, unlike certain market practices that involve manipulated pricing structures and excessive margins. This results in customers receiving consistent pricing and full confidence in what they are purchasing.
Swisstek acknowledges that challenging these long-standing practices is not an easy path. However, for a brand built on trust, it’s the only path worth taking. The company urges customers to stay informed, question any unusually steep discounts, and look beyond the price tag to understand the products true value. As the Sri Lankan hardware sector continues to evolve, Swisstek’s leadership in transparent pricing is helping reset expectations and build a healthier market for everyone.
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