Defense of Sticker Shock

[Mike]

In Defense of Sticker Shock | Stereophile.com

There are faster ways to start an online fight, but not many. Say "$10,000 DAC" and watch audio-forum commenters descend like pigeons on a dropped hot dog, flapping and furious. They'll tell you the designers are crooks, the buyers are dupes, and anyone not DIY-ing with AliExpress kits is a poseur.

www.stereophile.com

I have the unique perspective of being in retail, distribution, manufacturing and trade show.

This article really does a good job explaining things.

 

[brad225]

I always wonder how many of the people making the derogatory comments about designers and prices ever started their own business or created their own product?

 

[Michaels HiFi]

I always wonder how many of the people making the derogatory comments about designers and prices ever started their own business or created their own product?

For sure. When you read many of their comments, they think the only costs are the actual component costs and they usually post something silly like "I can buy the parts and make it for less". LOL

 

[Mike]

I always wonder how many of the people making the derogatory comments about designers and prices ever started their own business or created their own product?

Being on the manufacturing side, I can tell you it’s eye opening.

 

[nc42acc]

Buy used........We all know how fickle us audiophiles are......

 

[Mike]

Buy used........We all know how fickle us audiophiles are......

But then it breaks and they cry.

 

[nc42acc]

But then it breaks and they cry.

Not everyone Mike but you and Bart probably get a lot of that don't you? You should sell extended warranties for used gear like the car market.

 

[Mike]

Not everyone Mike but you and Bart probably get a lot of that don't you? You should sell extended warranties for used gear like the car market.

Will never happen. There isn’t the dollars in the used gear to extend warranty. Most of it we LOSE money on. We take it on trade, it sits, and then it loses value. Nobody will pay a premium for a warranty, they just want it.

 

[W9TR]

I thought that was a very good article.

I’ve been in product development and manufacturing for my entire career. I started in radio broadcast equipment design. If you listened to FM in the 80’s chances are you were listening through something I designed.

I know what it takes to get a successful product to market. I never went into high end audio because the market is very fickle. One bad review and your’e pretty much screwed.

I respect the many talented designers and company owners who have created the successful products we enjoy And business owners who manage to remain profitable in a very difficult environment. Bravo!