Jackpoint Jackstands ???
#391
Rennlist Member
From a quality control point of view I'd pass on offshore. I hope that's not a crushing blow.
#392
Burning Brakes
Quality control would not be our problem. Jackpoint Jackstands would not be selling the offshore product. Nor would it be sold under the "Jackpoint" name or trademark. I'm trying to determine whether the availability of an inexpensive imported product would eliminate the market for the original US made Jackpoint Jackstands. I suspect the import product would be in the price range of the Esco jack stand - still not HFT cheap - but half the Jackpoint price or less.
#393
Rennlist Member
I'm trying to determine whether the availability of an inexpensive imported product would eliminate the market for the original US made Jackpoint Jackstands.
#394
Burning Brakes
That's true. There are very few US made jacks or jack stands. To my knowledge Brunhoelzl is the only US made jack by a US owned company. They make a beautiful product that cost about $800 and more, but it's the platinum standard. The racing jack imitated by "racing jacks".
My question - in your case - now that there are many jacks out there for $250 and less - would you buy the $800 jack or go for the cheaper one that gets the job done? Right now there is no cheap alternative to the Jackpoint Jackstand - if you want that particular functionality. However, we don't charge $299 because there are no alternatives. The price is dictated by costs of production and the Rennlist discount - small as it is - is a big chunk of the total margin in stands. The imported stand I'm discussing here would NOT be our product, but it would require a license from us.
My question - in your case - now that there are many jacks out there for $250 and less - would you buy the $800 jack or go for the cheaper one that gets the job done? Right now there is no cheap alternative to the Jackpoint Jackstand - if you want that particular functionality. However, we don't charge $299 because there are no alternatives. The price is dictated by costs of production and the Rennlist discount - small as it is - is a big chunk of the total margin in stands. The imported stand I'm discussing here would NOT be our product, but it would require a license from us.
#395
Burning Brakes
I think it would be serious competition, except for the most demanding buyer. I can see the "Post" now: "Hi all, I need jack stands for track day tire changes. Should I buy those high priced stands for $1000 bucks, or the same things, but made in China, for $250? Please Vote:
$1000 Stands 30 Votes
$250 Stands 300 Votes
You get the Idea? But the decision, for you should depend on what the total net revenues will be from each alternative.
Much more complicated than this so think it thru. Good luck, Allan
$1000 Stands 30 Votes
$250 Stands 300 Votes
You get the Idea? But the decision, for you should depend on what the total net revenues will be from each alternative.
Much more complicated than this so think it thru. Good luck, Allan
#396
Nordschleife Master
John, the beauty of your stands is the concept. Unfortunately the onshore production cost is too high for you to conquer the world I think. Monetize the concept as best you can by getting the best licensing deal possible, and then come up with the next great idea.
My cynical side thinks that with or without your permission, someone will replicate your stands and "flood" the market, well maybe. You might as well benefit from it.
As far as choosing between yours and an offshore copy, it would come down to price differential. I am always willing to pay a premium for "Made in Canada" or "Made in USA", but sometimes, I just don't need an $800 jack, or can't afford one with all the tires and upgrades to finance.
You might no longer be under the radar, so join it, or get ready to fight it.
Good luck.
My cynical side thinks that with or without your permission, someone will replicate your stands and "flood" the market, well maybe. You might as well benefit from it.
As far as choosing between yours and an offshore copy, it would come down to price differential. I am always willing to pay a premium for "Made in Canada" or "Made in USA", but sometimes, I just don't need an $800 jack, or can't afford one with all the tires and upgrades to finance.
You might no longer be under the radar, so join it, or get ready to fight it.
Good luck.
#398
Rennlist Member
I won't be crawling under a car held up by a set of Jack Stands made in China.
#399
Burning Brakes
And I won't be selling any. We just did the brakes on my son's Mazda and one rotor just would not come off. With all the yanking, pulling and beating while the car was up on stands I was reminded just how solid these things are. I never worried about his safety or my own.
#400
Burning Brakes
My hunch is that the vast majority of buyers would flock to the cheaper alternative. A few buyers would be willing to pay some premium ($50 - $75 ??) for the domestic product, but they'd be greatly outnumbered by those seeking the lowest price product with equal functionality.
BTW, I love the ones I bought from you a few months back.
BTW, I love the ones I bought from you a few months back.
#401
Burning Brakes
My hunch is that the vast majority of buyers would flock to the cheaper alternative. A few buyers would be willing to pay some premium ($50 - $75 ??) for the domestic product, but they'd be greatly outnumbered by those seeking the lowest price product with equal functionality.
BTW, I love the ones I bought from you a few months back.
BTW, I love the ones I bought from you a few months back.
And thanks - I'm glad you like them.
#402
Rennlist Member
That's true. There are very few US made jacks or jack stands. To my knowledge Brunhoelzl is the only US made jack by a US owned company. They make a beautiful product that cost about $800 and more, but it's the platinum standard. The racing jack imitated by "racing jacks".
My question - in your case - now that there are many jacks out there for $250 and less - would you buy the $800 jack or go for the cheaper one that gets the job done? Right now there is no cheap alternative to the Jackpoint Jackstand - if you want that particular functionality. However, we don't charge $299 because there are no alternatives. The price is dictated by costs of production and the Rennlist discount - small as it is - is a big chunk of the total margin in stands. The imported stand I'm discussing here would NOT be our product, but it would require a license from us.
My question - in your case - now that there are many jacks out there for $250 and less - would you buy the $800 jack or go for the cheaper one that gets the job done? Right now there is no cheap alternative to the Jackpoint Jackstand - if you want that particular functionality. However, we don't charge $299 because there are no alternatives. The price is dictated by costs of production and the Rennlist discount - small as it is - is a big chunk of the total margin in stands. The imported stand I'm discussing here would NOT be our product, but it would require a license from us.
The offshore jack stand analogy is not quite the same since there is a safety factor involved. Even though I could probably buy two or three offshore sets for the equivalent JackPoint price I'd not buy them primarily for this reason since potential product failure of the jack stands is a worse outcome than failure of the racing jack. To me the cost of that potential failure is much greater than the price delta with the JackPoints. So on a risked basis, I think the Jack Points would still be a better value.
#403
Burning Brakes
Good points. Unfortunately lots of folks don't see that value. It's similar to the notion that having your car slip off a jack stand and getting the rocker panel dent will certainly do more than $300 worth of damage, but spending that much to avoid the damage doesn't compute. Seems its more often an insight gained from a near miss or bad experience.
#404
Rennlist Member
Right. Anyone who has experienced a jack stand failure will buy safety next time, assuming there is a next time. I've had SUV's wobble on poor stands with small footprints, even had the back end slide off while getting the 4th corner stabilized. Same goes for ramps, buy safety. I was so impressed with the JackPoints that I bought four right from the start. No need to screw around with the other two corners.
#405
Jpoint. Why don't you get them manufactured in China or Japan. Isn't that what Apple do etc.
I remember back at school Chinese violins were a joke, now their instruments are equal to the master makers.
Don't underestimate there ability to manufacture a good product.
I remember back at school Chinese violins were a joke, now their instruments are equal to the master makers.
Don't underestimate there ability to manufacture a good product.