How often, getting acquainted with the assortment of a particular store and leafing through the price lists of trade organizations offering various products and components, we are surprised to come across an OEM or RET mark and compare identical product descriptions with very different prices for them.
Why is this happening, how do the seemingly identical products differ, and is the choice of the more expensive justified? Let's try to understand what the type of delivery of RET means and what is its difference from the type of OEM.
Accepted world markings and their designations
The designation OEM (Original equipment manufacturer, i.e., manufacturer of original equipment) in the world community means the actual assembly of the product by a specialized company from components manufactured by third parties. In today's conditions of the domestic market, this abbreviation has become a symbol of the minimum factory equipment, only theoretically intended for product collectors and their subsequent sale. Although in Russian trading houses products with a similar labeling are adjacent in the display cases with goods marked with the RET sign (Retail - retail sales). This abbreviation means goods that are ready for retail trade and, accordingly, for final operation. Note that in many countries only products whose form is quoted as a delivery type RET are allowed for retail sale.
Features of the domestic market
The Russian market is not inherent in the scrupulousness of foreign retailers. Therefore, it is possible to compare both options of the goods in terms of the benefits of the potential buyer. Let’s try to find out how the OEM and RET delivery types differ.
Consider both of these options, for example, when buying electronics or accessories for it. OEM delivery is extremely modest and consists of antistatic packaging, the product itself and an envelope with media (disk, driver, etc.), if software is provided. RET delivery is noticeably more generous. Here you must have a strong colorful box, accompanying software, instructions, a set of accessories - cables, adapters, depending on the type of product. There is a rule: the presence of a packing box suggests the type of delivery of RET, and the absence of any necessary complementary items in the kit means dishonesty of the manufacturer.
Cost difference
The price set by the manufacturer for the delivery type RET and OEM is always different. Everyone is familiar with the situation when the price tags for one product in a store window are very different from each other. A product labeled RET is by definition more expensive, and it turns out that the consumer pays for the box and, in a sense, for ease of use, because the manufacturer attracts the attention of a potential customer with additional bonuses and colorful packaging. This circumstance is extremely important for buyers who are not able or unwilling to overpay for additional (by the way, not always necessary for them) equipment.
Warranty
Usually, OEMs do not give warranty claims on OEM deliveries or give, by putting forward certain and rather stringent conditions.
As a rule, they transfer responsibility to assembly companies and trading companies. If there is software for the product, technical support is provided by the developers, but often significant restrictions are contained in license agreements and they are valid only for one specific installation method. Transferring OEM licenses as a non-retail product is prohibited in the vast majority of cases. The delivery type RET in this regard is significantly more loyal to the buyer, guaranteeing the possibility of free after-sales service, technical support and fulfillment of obligations to return the product if necessary.
It is necessary to take into account the fact that during OEM delivery the goods may be damaged during transportation, since the factory packaging is not durable. It is worth taking into account modern Russian realities, where OEMs often give out products that were previously rejected and repaired.
Finally
So, the difference between RET and OEM shipments is as follows:
- OEM is not intended for the end user, but domestic retailers launch in retail sales;
- OEM is noticeably (20-40%) cheaper than RET products;
- RET supplies are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, the consumer is provided with favorable licensing conditions;
- RET delivery products are protected by strong packaging, supplemented with necessary accessories, instructions, bonuses;
- The theoretical possibility of detecting defective or damaged goods in OEM deliveries is significantly higher.
We listed the main differences between the supply of goods in the Russian market and found out what the type of delivery of RET and OEM are. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. You have to choose based on your preferences and capabilities.