Proton's Overpriced 'Original' Bumper Bummer

How much is an original Proton Iswara bumper?
Answer: RM470 if you purchase it at any of the Proton service centres - Proton Edar or EON.

But if you choose to have it fixed elsewhere, the price ranges anywhere from RM240 to RM270, depending on whether or not the person fixing it wants to charge you any more than he should. That's the price - excluding workmanship, which amounts to about RM50 to RM80.

Why I am writing about Proton's overpriced bumper is perhaps a way of rationalising why the company is not in the good books of consumers and why many prefer third party products.

I surprised by this since because of a personal experience. I was almost willing to pay RM470 (excluding duit pasang - installation fee) at a Proton Edar outlet recently when fate would have it that they did not have stock, on a Saturday evening. Instead, the mechanic fixing it decided to purchase one from a spare parts dealer and got me an original.

I wonder why the huge margin - a total of RM230 to be exact, and that's not even including installation fee. How much does it cost to order an original bumper from Proton and keep it in the godown anyway? RM230 more a piece? And you expect do business with the gullible? No wonder people say Proton parts are expensive!

When parent companies do not keep an eye on their dealers, or sanction unreasonable pricing, they lose their business in no time. And in the case of Proton, they should wisen up. They should find out what is reasonable pricing and what is cut-throat pricing. And if originals cost X amount of money, do not double it. This is bad marketing sense, and when your tricks are exposed, you you public realations image goes down the drain.