Testing Hardware Options

[Fretworn]

The Gold and Black hardware packs are listed in Hardware Upgrades, so the prices are clearly stated ($79.95 and $49.95 respectively for the TL hardware). Chrome packs are nominally valued at $29.95, but really they are not worth anything outside of a kit. Hence the $20 difference. We effectively buy thousands of chrome packs (they come in the kits) but only a few dozen black kits. So, the black is going to be more expensive than chrome.

I'd have to agree with Metalhead on this. From a pure pricing sense I'd be increasing the price of the standard kit with standard hardware, and but keep the prices of the other options the same. It would be increasing the margin on the standard kit, but it would make the prices of the different options look more "right" to me. But I don't know how the software works, so that may not work without messing with the prices of the individual pickguards and hardware (which are look about right).

[metalhead]

Out of interest, is there any possibility of nickel and black nickel options? Easy enough to buy separately if not, and maybe not a big enough seller to be worthwhile, just curious.

[adam]

Bargeloobs, yes, the factory has been told about the poor headstock shaping and the mis-aligned holes. We'll see how this next lot turns out, hopefully we'll see an improvement.

If everyone wants non-drilled headstocks, then we can certainly request that, however, I would think that most first timers would want the holes drilled.

[bargeloobs]

B however, I would think that most first timers would want the holes drilled.

Most definitely, it'd be unfair to expect someone totally new to the world of guitar building to have to do this themselves.
Hey, at least it's been brought to their attention, that's all you can do.

[metalhead]

That would be my preference too (actually regardless of whether it's right, particularly for tuners as it gives more flexibility), but I suspect there may be a concern that it might put off some less experienced or first time builders.

[metalhead]

Haha, beat me to it.

[metalhead]

No worries, makes sense. Wouldn't stop me from buying by any means, you asked for thoughts on prices, and that was my thought when looking at it. If the chrome will still be included in all kits that you get from your supplier, are you concerned about getting swamped in leftover chrome hardware?

[adam]

No worries, makes sense. Wouldn't stop me from buying by any means, you asked for thoughts on prices, and that was my thought when looking at it. If the chrome will still be included in all kits that you get from your supplier, are you concerned about getting swamped in leftover chrome hardware?

Yes, that will happen, but then we can just order some kits without hardware.

[adam]

Hey Fretworn, I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. When you say you agree with Metalhead, what are you in agreement with?

[metalhead]

I think he's suggesting increasing the price of the kit with chrome hardware (say by $10) such that there isn't such a big gap between the cost of chrome hardware and black/gold. Win win as you increase the margin on your most common kit sales, and look like you're offering a better deal on the black, gold, and no hardware options. Makes a lot of sense to me actually!