So is it considered collusion when dealers in a particular region all talk to each other and systematically raise prices $5-10k? I've had 3 dealers all admit this to me and even have it in writing from a few of the real smart ones.
http://www.justice.gov/atr/price-fixing-bid-rigging-and-market-allocation-schemes
"When competitors collude, prices are inflated and the customer is cheated. Price fixing, bid rigging, and other forms of collusion are illegal and are subject to criminal prosecution by the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice."
"Enacted in 1890, the Sherman Act is among our country's most important and enduring pieces of economic legislation. The Sherman Act prohibits any agreement among competitors to fix prices, rig bids, or engage in other anticompetitive activity. Criminal prosecution of Sherman Act violations is the responsibility of the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice. "
"While vendors who collude try to keep their arrangements secret, occasional slips or carelessness may be a tip-off to collusion. In addition, certain patterns of conduct or statements by bidders or their employees suggest the possibility of collusion. Be alert for the following situations, each of which has triggered a successful criminal antitrust prosecution:
-Bid or price documents contain white-outs or other physical alterations indicating last-minute price changes. (have this in writing)
-Any statement indicating that vendors have discussed prices among themselves or have reached an understanding about prices. (have this in writing from multiple sources)"
http://www.justice.gov/atr/price-fixing-bid-rigging-and-market-allocation-schemes
"When competitors collude, prices are inflated and the customer is cheated. Price fixing, bid rigging, and other forms of collusion are illegal and are subject to criminal prosecution by the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice."
"Enacted in 1890, the Sherman Act is among our country's most important and enduring pieces of economic legislation. The Sherman Act prohibits any agreement among competitors to fix prices, rig bids, or engage in other anticompetitive activity. Criminal prosecution of Sherman Act violations is the responsibility of the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice. "
"While vendors who collude try to keep their arrangements secret, occasional slips or carelessness may be a tip-off to collusion. In addition, certain patterns of conduct or statements by bidders or their employees suggest the possibility of collusion. Be alert for the following situations, each of which has triggered a successful criminal antitrust prosecution:
-Bid or price documents contain white-outs or other physical alterations indicating last-minute price changes. (have this in writing)
-Any statement indicating that vendors have discussed prices among themselves or have reached an understanding about prices. (have this in writing from multiple sources)"
