I contacted StihlUSA on that subject and here is their response:
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Dealers are privately owned, and they have total control on how pricing is set. STIHL Inc. sells equipment and parts to only 12 companies in the U.S., those being our branches and distributors. They in turn sell to the dealers in the territories they service. Once the dealer purchases the equipment or parts, they own them, and can price them at whatever they feel is feasible. The branches and distributors provide an MSRP list to the dealers, which is different for each territory. However, as the dealers are privately owned, they can choose to follow the MSRP list or price the items at their discretion.
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So it seems to me that the dealers can do as they seem fit to sell Stihl equipment. Soooooo..... Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate if you are in the market for a new tool Stihl makes. I am a fan of Stihl, but realize they need to stay connected to the new world pricing. I think they will.