I personally talked with John Gaines yesterday by email and here is what he had to say about it:
Ebonite does not sell direct to any on line retailers. Nor is there any special pricing for any of the internet sites. Ebonite has a Minimum Wholesale Pricing policy that is strictly monitored. bowlers paradise is buying Striking Motions at the same price you are. $132.88. If he chooses to lose $40/ball that is his prerogative. The company you may want to direct your questions to are his distributor. bowlers paradise is doing this to all manufacturers, not just Ebonite.
Clarke, Ebonite is having 2 product showcases. One in Atlanta on the 21st and one in Orlando on the 22nd. They both start at 10AM. This is one of the topics that Bob Reid will be discussing. This is the place to VOICE YOUR OPINION! You need to be there and say something. We have already had several of these shows. It's the same topics ahead of time and none of the shops ever speak up. Show up and say something. Otherwise not much is going to change.
John Gaines
Ebonite Southeast
Sales Manager
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Clarke Hill
King Pin Pro Shop
$5,000 scratch tournament January 10th & 11th 2009