Mr. Wilson wrote -
> So: since there are more than a few custom shot gun
> makers that continue to thrive in the world, custom
> bike makers ought to look to them for inspiration in
> how to price and market...unless they want to lead in
> technology, which they apparently do not. A superb
> custom shotgun easily costs $10K.
Last time I checked, the entry level H&H(Holland & Holland) was about
$75,000USD, and the price of a Purdy is in the realm of thin air.
Who needs a $75,000 shotgun, $4,00 suit, $7,000 dress, $12,000 watch, $65,000 sofa, $500,000 car, $50,000,000 house, $28,000,000 yacht, or a $10,000 bike. Nobody. But a lot of people want one of each. There in lies the key.
As for KOF and pricing, I am very tired of hearing the whinging and whining. Only charities ever get more money by gaining sympathy. In the business world, such actions only create an air of desperation around the said enterprise, and normally only drives prices lower. The loudest complainers, Gordon, Starck and etc, seem to be the most jaded and almost bitter members of the KOF. I have heard no complaints from say, Sacha of Vanilla, who is too busy building frames and pushing the limits by building tricycles.
So my advice is if you are not happy with the income of your preferred trade, either charge more and expend less, or change occupations.
Lynn Miller
Sydney, Australia