We have heard this from numerous people with detailed knowledge of Hikvision's American operations.
Normally, manufacturers have set maximum discounts that salespeople are allowed to extend. Then there are reviews for special situations but still fairly hard limits about how low the manufacturer will go.
What we hear about Hikvision is that these standard rules / practices do not apply. How much margin is made is far less relevant than winning the deal, even if it is at an extremely low price / high discount.
To be clear, this is about the Americas. Surely, in China, where they have inside track on massive government projects regularly, this may be different. But it appears to be a key tactic in Hikvision's rapidly expanding overseas operations.
What do you think?