Here is a good article on markup prices for cables.

http://consumerist.com/353938/monster-cables-monster-ripoff-80-markups

Here is a good article on markup prices for cables.

http://consumerist.com/353938/monster-cables-monster-ripoff-80-markups

Hmmm... The basic idea espoused in the article (the massive mark up) is quite true, but I don't have a lot of faith in whoever wrote it, since the old "digital is digital" argument is being a bit oversimplified here.

Even monoprice (great cables cheap!) sells different versions of its HDMI cables, with various prices, depending upon thickness, in-wall rating or not, etc.

My buddy works at BB and I needed an HDMI cable for my new xbox360, he hooked me up with a Rocketfish 8 footer, they were out of 4-6's. The retail price is like $84.00, his price was $7.00. That's some serious markup if you ask me.:rolleyes:

The prices in that article seem a little high to the retailer. I doubt Radioshack is paying nearly $100 for a 19ft Monster DVI-HDMI. I bet they don't even pay half of that. Like the previous poster said as a BB employee hes getting an $84 cable for $7 that seems a little more accurate.

I didnt' read the article, but monster controls their prices very well, they will be the same price everywhere (allow for exceptions online, and a possible sale), and the stores margin is 50%. ie $100 cable cost the store $50.

The cables are typically the most profitable items in the store. If you spend $2000 in a box store for a tv, and basic suround package, and then another $500 - $750 in cables, and "monster power", the store likely made more money on your cables than your equipment, and this sale would not be unusual. I have more retail experience than i care to admit, with 6+ years as management. I am so glad i am out of there.