oldravendale
Western Thunderer
As far as prices are concerned you have to remember that costs have increased enormously over the last year for manufacturers, both of kits and RTR. In fact brass etches have increased by around 50% and nickel silver etches by between 79% and 95% depending on the size and thickness of the etch. It's difficult to function without passing at least these costs on. Then consider the return. The return has to be worth the effort so although I don't suggest that anyone would consider a 50% to 90% price increase the balance is a fine one.
I've also worked with some excellent accountants and some really bad ones. The good accountants will make a business thrive as they study to understand what they are working with. Those who simply follow "rules" tend to do much less well and have a tendency to try to pare the product back - in our market let's say, simplistically, changing brass castings to white metal. Good accountants also recognise the importance of investment and in our hobby that means looking at and incorporating things like 3D printing and how and when it's appropriate and keeping up with the market. Many large companies have failed because they didn't do that and assumed that a good product would continue to sell without considering the way technology is changing.
I strongly believe that there will always be a market for a well produced product at the right price, and that's far from the cheapest. In fact remember that "cheap" and "inexpensive" are two entirely different descriptors. It's sad, and as been debated many times previously in these columns, that people entering this hobby find the cheap kits most attractive - after all, why pay twice as much for the same thing? But, of course, we know they're not the same thing. When moving up to 7mm I, personally, was so lucky to decide on a Connoisseur kit - inexpensive and with Jim's great customer service to back it up. Perhaps not the most detailed of kits but they go together really well.
At the end of the day please remember that most of our manufacturers are small businesses who are in the market because they are themselves enthusiasts.
Brian
I've also worked with some excellent accountants and some really bad ones. The good accountants will make a business thrive as they study to understand what they are working with. Those who simply follow "rules" tend to do much less well and have a tendency to try to pare the product back - in our market let's say, simplistically, changing brass castings to white metal. Good accountants also recognise the importance of investment and in our hobby that means looking at and incorporating things like 3D printing and how and when it's appropriate and keeping up with the market. Many large companies have failed because they didn't do that and assumed that a good product would continue to sell without considering the way technology is changing.
I strongly believe that there will always be a market for a well produced product at the right price, and that's far from the cheapest. In fact remember that "cheap" and "inexpensive" are two entirely different descriptors. It's sad, and as been debated many times previously in these columns, that people entering this hobby find the cheap kits most attractive - after all, why pay twice as much for the same thing? But, of course, we know they're not the same thing. When moving up to 7mm I, personally, was so lucky to decide on a Connoisseur kit - inexpensive and with Jim's great customer service to back it up. Perhaps not the most detailed of kits but they go together really well.
At the end of the day please remember that most of our manufacturers are small businesses who are in the market because they are themselves enthusiasts.
Brian
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