Originally posted by: Idontcare
Demand meets supply, the mediator is price.
The logical extremes of supply and demand are usually not seen in retail establishments, though, especially not when an MSRP is attached to the item in question.
Examples include the PS3 and Wii, both of which generated demand greater than initial supply could fulfill. Retail establishments still sold the items according to standard pricing policies despite this demand. Of course, many turned around and sold units at inflated prices on auction sites and internet marketplaces, buet the retailers thmselves held to the MSRP.
Retailers usually opt to stick to the MSRP on manufactured retail items to avoid alienating the consumer who expects to pay prices at or below the MSRP regardless of supply/demand dynamics. After all, in the case of high demand, manufacturers are supposed to be able to meet demand through increased production. Any consistent failure to meet demand on the part of the manufacturer is held to be the result of incompetence or dishonesty.
In NewEgg's case, whatever profits they reap from gouging on QX6700 prices will not likely be worth the ill will they generate in the process. It is better for them to sell out while charging the MSRP than it is for them to make a few extra thousand dollars while tarnishing their reputation.