This thread has taken a different path from what I expected or intended. I mean this in a positive way as it is the feedback and comments that are being mentioned that secure my reasoning to stay with Audio Circle and offer better incentives to it's members.
I might add that another thing I enjoy around here is the cross participation of Circle owners in others Circles. If you pay attention, you start to see who the real players are and who knows their stuff. I might also add, that everyone around here are not only experts in their field but are also passionate about what they do.
As mentioned previously, life is much easier when you work
with others rather than against. Yes, there are a lot of great industry participants here at AC and many of them are a pleasure to work with. Working with them feels more like a family atmosphere rather than dull business dealings. A lot of the participants here at AC consider themselves friends rather than competitors.
You expect the makers of products to toot their own horn, some do this better than others. But when you see the comments of people who put their faith and their dollars where their mouth is, that helps a lot
.
I would love to be able to toot my own horn but I am one who realizes there are a lot of great products out there and I can only offer a small fraction of products. I can talk to you all day about my products and I will admit I will be biased. I know what I like, I have my own ides and theories and my products reflect them. I would much rather see my customers talk about them from an unbiased standpoint. This is what provides other with an idea of what to expect. Many people will read consumer feedback on any given product and come to the conclusion that it isn't for them. Less buyer's remorse. I have always believed in "Let the product sell itself".
Now you as a small manufacturer do have a part to play though and can affect the overall picture in your micro economy. You can start to push back on some of the obscene inflation in boutique parts.....
.
I agree but it is much easier said than done. I personally don't have any control on the pricing of these parts. I have to pay what the manufacturer ask. I will tell you that I have and still do absorb a lot more of this cost than many might realize. Almost 100% of every part I used in my products has gone up in the past several months. Some more than others and some a ridiculous amount. If I adjusted my prices to reflect all these increases......well, you get the idea.
I will maintain my prices for a long as humanly possible but I do have a business to keep going and a family to feed. I do love what I do but like any business owner, I do have to make some money along the way. My goal is simply to remain fair and continue to provide good value.
One last aspect that is becoming more important on a daily basis is customer service. I think this is where the small businesses, such as those on AC strive. People are starting to get tired of automated phone messages and lousy internet service. They want to be able to call a company and actually speak to a human being.....and not one in India.
A reputation is a horrible thing to waste and I for one will not sacrifice mine for a few dollars.
It's all we have these days.
