I think this is a reasonable thing as long as it doesn’t result in price collusion. I mean, talking price might help you better understand the market, your business and maybe even where you can create operational efficiency. In other words, if it helps you run a better business and provide a higher level of service to the client, it is a good thing; if the reason you’re talking price is to collude, then that isn’t a super cool thing.
It depends. If it is pricing offered by the organization to its customer, there is no reason why the two could not have a discussion about it; it is public information anyways. If the pricing relates to the organizations cost with a dealer, than it would depend if the information is proprietary. If a dealer offers a customer a great price on a product, they do not necessarily want all of their customers to know. Same is true for the customer securing the contract for the product with he dealer. It is a competitive advantage for some companies to have below market value pricing and that information is proprietary to them. What are your thoughts?
I believe talking pricing and strategy can be a very good idea. It can help you know where you stand compared to your competitors. It can be enlightening.
It is a very fine line, legally speaking. Talking price is not advisable, as it can easily be perceived as price fixing and is illegal. I would not discuss my price with any other contractors at anytime. If you want to see how you stand in relation to others, check out a cost vs value report for your area by remodeler magazine, and you should know where your competition stands from seeing their bids on the table from time to time anyway.