[Collins] Poll

Fred Neff [email protected]
Tue, 14 Jan 2003 22:30:52 -0500


Gentlemen Please!!!
     Rather than debate concepts that have little bearing on what Collins 
collectors would, should, or could get away with doing to each other...let's 
not loose sight of the purpose, or intent of the pursuit.
     Is this an endeavor intended to finance Dave's (or anyone else's, 
except the manufacturer's) retirement?  I seriously doubt it.
     One of the most refreshing aspects of my experiences in the short time 
I have been involved in amateur radio in general, and the Collins group(s) 
specifically, is the altruism, the spirit of generosity, and the generally 
good nature of the vast majority of the members of this group.  What kind of 
mean-spirited misanthropy motivates a person to say "if you don't want the 
product, don't buy it"?  This is a service driven more by courtesy to fellow 
members of common interest than profit motive, especially since there is not 
much in the way of "innovative contribution" or some special trade secret, 
or what ever it was that was being alluded to there...the "utility and 
fitness for use" has to do with the fact that we want something we can't get 
unless someone is willing to take the initiative and the time, and make the 
effort to provide it.
     I think manufacturing costs are a very valid basis for determining a 
starting point.  At the same time, Mr. Knepper is entitled to be compensated 
fairly for his time and effort in negotiating details that most of us would 
certainly wish to forgo, especially since he is in a somewhat privileged 
position by his knowledge, contacts, market, etc. Although I have only had 
limited correspondence with Dave for a very short period of time, I think 
any of us who have had any dealings with him know that his motivations are 
not primarily fiduciary as regards anything with a Collins logo on it.  If 
anything, he deserves something better than derogatory accusations.
     I have never been one to avoid controversy, and argumentation is often 
a necessary catalyst to rational thought, but "...neo-socialist concept...", 
and most of the rest of that rant are little more than provocatively 
argumentative without purpose, and have little place, if any, within this 
forum. Otherwise, we start debating Laisse-faire capitalism vs.The New World 
Order...isn't this about Collins restoration and operation?  If you have to 
start debating what is "fair" or "excessive" as if you didn't already know, 
well...all I can say is get to your doctor and see about getting your Prozac 
dosage readjusted.
     And THAT is MY "two cents", although I suppose we could debate whether 
I'm entitled a consultants* fee.  If so, you all owe me $500.00. Lighten 
up!!!

73's
C. Fred Neff
KB9RMT
* (CONSULTANT: A man who knows one thousand ways to make love to a woman, 
but doesn't even have a girlfriend).









>From: "Lawrence Mayhew" <[email protected]>
>To: "Bruce J. Howes" <[email protected]>,"'David Knepper'" 
><[email protected]>, <[email protected]>
>Subject: RE: [Collins] Poll
>Date: Tue, 14 Jan 2003 09:03:10 -0800
>
>On the subject of pricing..........
>The difference between the cost of producing an item and its selling price
>represents the value, and hopefully, the inovative contribution, added by
>the maker. Some folks can't get anything more than their costs, and it is
>simply an example of business that shouldn't exist. A product that
>represents a significant improvement in utility and fitness for use may
>bring a very high profit indeed, allowing the seller to engage in further
>development and to advance the product's utility even further.
>Pricing based on cost is a very old idea. When I joined Tektronix in 1961,
>they were counting the tube sockets and multiplying by $25.
>The idea of a "fair profit" is a neo-socialist concept and is valid only to
>the individual who is judging the price as "fair" or "excessive".
>If you don't want the product, don't buy it.
>Larry in Seattle
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: [email protected]
>[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Bruce J. Howes
>Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2003 7:05 AM
>To: 'David Knepper'; [email protected]
>Subject: RE: [Collins] Poll
>
>
>David,
>
>I am bit confused here.
>
>Shouldn't the selling price be something that you determine? Your poll
>almost sounds like an open ended question.
>
>A manufacturing firm should quickly be able to calculate the cost of
>producing such devices, you add a reasonable profit for your efforts,
>and thus establish the selling price. I can understand asking to gauge
>the interest so you can calculate production quantities, and hence
>reduce cost for a high volume run.
>
>In essence you are asking the list members to set the price "spread" for
>you.
>
>For example if it cost $35 for the 270G-1 (and given my background, I
>can state that would not be an unrealistic cost), and the majority of
>members think it is worth $180, you can now fix your retail price at
>$180, rather than taking a fair profit (to which you are entitled).
>
>I would suggest we need to think carefully on this one, it sounds all
>too much like a visit to the car dealer.
>
>On the Collins Collectors Board, a recent production run of 4:1 knobs
>was handled in a different, and more equitable manner. I would much
>rather you do the cost analysis, and come back with estimated selling
>prices for the items based on quantity order points. Such a process
>would allow a more accurate count, and not inflate the selling price to
>the end user.
>
>And that is my two cents.
>
>
>73 Bruce W1UJR
>
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: [email protected]
>[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of David Knepper
>Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2003 7:02 AM
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: [Collins] Poll
>
>
>Before proceeding to reproduce the larger winged emblem that is used on
>the 75A-4, etc. and the winged emblem on the KWS-1, the 270G-1 speaker,
>S-Line weighted knob would you email me back the form below.
>
>Instructions:  Fill in the number of items that you would wish and what
>you would be willing to pay.
>
>Quantity                Reproduction Item
>Suggested Price
>
>                             75A-4  Winged Emblem
>
>                             KWS-1 Winged Emblem
>
>                             270G-1 Speaker
>
>                             Weighted Spinner Knob
>
>
>Also please indicate what other Collins items,  you would like to see
>reproduced by Advanced Optics Ltd.  If you unfamiliar with their product
>line, go to the CRA website and click on the scolling line on the left
>side of the homepage.
>
>We should be able to have these items available by Dayton or sooner.
>
>Thank you.
>
>David Knepper - W3ST
>Secretary to the Collins Radio Association (CRA)
>Publisher of the Collins Journal
>www.collinsra.com
>CRA station call - W3CRA
>
>
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>
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>http://www.collinsra.com


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