[guest48077]

OK here is the deal: I built a DIY record cleaning machine about 6 months ago, it works really well, and it looks pretty good.

Considering Record Cleaning Machines are expensive, and hard to find in TORONTO CANADA I have come up with an Idea................................... ............. Build them and sell them.

I would have a few in Local Used and New record shops for advertisement maybe on Consignment, I would advertise on the internet and Local Forums.
Enough about advertising............................ ...

This RCM goes spins both ways with a motor, just like a VPI, and it has enough power to suck all the liquid out of the groves on the record. The motor is strong enought to withstand scrubbing.

My purpose for this post is to get an idea of what Vinyl loves would pay for such a Product.

I would offer 4 or 5 different Stains to chose from,
I would offer 3 or 4 Different Hardware choices
And a choice to insulate with Sound dampening for an extra fee.

So..........What would you Pay for this product, please be honest it is pretty hard to offend me. Would you even by it, is it too Big.

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION IS WHAT WOULD YOU PAY FOR IT
[/u]
SEE PICS BELOW:

[guest48077]

Any thoughts are appreciated.

This machine does work just as well as a VPI. All the Liquid is sucked up, the record is dry, clean and plays noise free depending on how the record was treated before cleaning. The only difference is that you have to hold the "wand" and it is larger. I will be working on how to shrink it in the future.

[nrenter]

What is your "competitive advantage" over a VPI? Does it clean better? Is it easier to use? Is it significantly cheaper? Higher WAF? Quieter? Support a multi-step cleaning process through multiple fluid pumps? Better extraction method / more suction?

[Stu Pitt]

Its very obvious that you take pride in your work.  Its a very nice and well thought out machine.  A couple of questions/suggestions...

I'm assuming it has a vacuum in it.  How about making them without the internal vacuum?  Customers attach their own, kind of like the KAB USA EV-1.  It'll save on shipping and reduce the amount of labor, price, and overall size.  Most people have a vacuum at home.

The liquid dispenser looks classy.  The only thing is that a lot of people use a few different cleaners in multiple steps.  Maybe make them an option, with multiple dispensers possible too?

I think VPI sells the vacuum tubes and assemblies.  Maybe offer this as an option?


What makes me hesitant, regardless of price -
I live in the US
If something were to break, is it easily replacable?
Would you talk me through fixing it?
Warranty?
It's too big (That's what she said)

As far as price goes, I have no idea.  I don't know how much it cost to build or how long it took to build it.  Only you can determine what your time is worth.  The VPI 16.5 sells for $550.  The KAB USA EV-1 (no internal vac) sells for $160.  I'd evaluate those factors.

nrenter makes some very good points too.

[Stu Pitt]

A few other little things...

Move the switch away from where it could get wet.

Some sort of water resistant matting for the top - the finish could get ruined and look bad.

A cover for the top - maybe raise the edges up and have a hinged clear plastic cover, similar to the VPI 16.5.  A dirty record cleaner is a bit contradictory.

[kingdeezie]

I love it!

I think I would most certainly purchase one, but I don't think at a price that would make it worth your while.

The VPI is less pretty, but it is built like a tank, and is proven to last for decades even when used for intense cleaning. Also, the VPI is tried and true.

I don't know how I feel about placing a plastic tube, even if it is velvet lined, right on top of my vinyl. I imagine you have about 50 to maybe even 100 dollars in parts in that thing, plus labor, and shipping.

I imagine you would have to charge at least 200-300 dollars for it; and at that rate a used VPI seems to be the more secure purchase.

[guest48077]

The liquid dispenser looks classy.  The only thing is that a lot of people use a few different cleaners in multiple steps.  Maybe make them an option, with multiple dispensers possible too?



What makes me hesitant, regardless of price -
I live in the US
If something were to break, is it easily replacable?
Would you talk me through fixing it?
Warranty?
It's too big (That's what she said)

Thanks for your suggestions.The multiple dispensers option is a wicked idea. I am noting all of these ideas as this Venture is in the VERY VERY early stages.

Just to clarify: this Machine would only be sold LOCALLY (In Tornot0 Ontario) the buyer would literally pick the product up from my house. I would hope to make 10 to 20 per year if they are needed. After reading the feed back from the other forum i posted on I would sell the machine for about 200 dollars Canadian. Also the unit can be somewhat customized

no shipping cost, no advertising cost
Just materials and time

[Baranyi]

First of all it is quite nice looking.  You should consider shipping them because I would be interested in Chicago.  BOb

[guest48077]

First of all it is quite nice looking.  You should consider shipping them because I would be interested in Chicago.  BOb

Thanks for the compliment. I would possibly ship these but I think they would be shipped in parts and the buyer puts them together. The Wood would be all stained, but it would be like a DIY kit at that point. This is not set in stone and I am still researching and thinking about this whole endeavor.

[Gopher]

at $200 CAD, the ONLY thing that would hold me back is its size--and that probably wouldn't stop me anyway.

At that price you would basically be competing with the KAB unit and Record Doctor III.  I'd much rather have an attractive machine with a motor, vacuum and fluid dispenser than a functional box.

I can't imagine it's worth the time you'd put in at that price though...

[Baranyi]

it is really nice Eye candy at those prices or more I would rather have  the machine completed and pay for the shipping. Some of us have no ability to go the DIY route.  Even if you choose to go in a different direction the best of luck to you and your venture. Bob

[Hank]

Why don't you post a kit price and see how many of us express interest?
Thanks.