Vähimmäisjälleenmyyntihinnat

Vähimmäisjälleenmyyntihinnat, often referred to as resale price maintenance (RPM) in English, is a pricing strategy where a manufacturer or supplier sets a minimum price at which its products can be resold by retailers. This practice aims to prevent retailers from selling goods below a certain price, thereby maintaining a certain level of profitability and brand image for both the manufacturer and the retailer.

RPM can take various forms. It might involve a contractual agreement between the manufacturer and the retailer, or it could be a more informal understanding. The intention is often to avoid intense price competition among retailers, which can sometimes lead to a "race to the bottom" in terms of price, potentially damaging the perceived value of the product and impacting the long-term viability of retailers.

However, vähimmäisjälleenmyyntihinnat are a subject of significant legal and economic debate. In many jurisdictions, including the European Union, RPM is considered an anti-competitive practice and is often prohibited or subject to strict regulation. The rationale behind these restrictions is that RPM can limit consumer choice, prevent discounts, and stifle innovation in retail distribution. Authorities often argue that it artificially inflates prices and reduces overall consumer welfare. There can be exceptions, particularly for certain types of goods or under specific conditions, but the general trend in competition law is towards scrutinizing and often prohibiting such arrangements.