It's doubtful that most consumers ever think about what's required to manufacturer ANYTHING. Also, the number of units sold makes lower prices possible, so a one-off or limited production manufacturer who buys many components is at the mercy of the manufacturer of those components. If the components are discontinued, the design must be changed to allow using a suitable replacement and that takes time, resources and money. Also, more people involved in the manufacturing process costs more, just like more advanced robotics and other equipment. Fine furniture can be made in a basement shop, but not in huge quantities and not quickly. Then, there's the question of how something is finished- some people like to use specific materials but in order to manufacture products in fairly large numbers, the EPA mandates that it be done in a way that doesn't allow VOCs and other compounds to be released. That costs a lot of money.
How is the cost of conception, design, prototyping, testing/redesign or modifying quantified? Is it exact, or should someone just not consider it at all, to avoid being required to justify the cost of the first pairs, which may be limited as a way to avoid a high amount of financial loss?
And now, EMP is owned by RBH- I would bet that if Salk were to be bought, the prices could drop but I would also bet that EMP was purchased as a way to reap the rewards of their sales volume by RBH and to eliminate EMP as a competitor.
I am curious - why would consumers even consider manufacturing cost? Without any doubt, the economy of scale COULD allow lower consumer prices - just look at Andew Jones Pioneer speakers (not the new Elite) - Best possible example I could possibly think of, other than mass produced low to mid end receivers. I
Every manufacturing business small or large has cost involved with R&D, materials, personnel, marketing (if any) etc... Based on their cost they decide on product prices. All of which is absolutely standard process.
My post was not questioning the manufacturer cost to produce an item - I honestly don't give a damn. In fact I would gladly buy a product if company is loosing money on it - it's a win for the consumer.
I question the end result price and product - I don't care how company A got there compared to company B. I don't support fair trade or similar notions - I highly doubt that coffee farmer in 3rd world county cares much about me.
In same logic, if company A is smaller (thus higher costs) and promotes locally
assembled products - I see no reason to support them based JUST on these criteria. Neither of them absolutely guarantee a better product.
On unrelated note: I could be wrong, but I thought EMP Tek was not bough by RBH, but rather founded by them in order to sell products designed and priced for common folk and not to upset their dealer network.
The latter is the likely reason, while it's known fact (on forums) - EMPTek doesn't exactly shout from top of their lungs on the public website.
Lately accusation flying around and fan boys shouting on top of their lungs. Let me be very clear: I'm no body's fanboy. I base my purchases on value (see above). I don't always get it right - it's not always easy or clear , but I strive toward this goal anyhow.
