Re: A word of 'Shed' caution

["Mark McCall" <mark@xxxxxxx>]

> I've been following the shed-threads with interest.
> The news that 'The Sheds' are selling X10 products at low prices may
> seem on the surface like great news, but for small companies like
> ourselves it's not so great.  I'm all for competition but there has to
> be limits to it.  In fact this isn't competition it's anihilation!

While I totally agree with you Andy, it's very hard to ask someone to pay
60
quid extra just to "do the right thing".

Surely if these companies are selling below your cost then it's time the
independents in the UK got together and had a meeting with X10 Hong Kong.
As you rightly say UK prices are high due to the low volumes (compared with
the US).  If HomeBase and the like are now selling modules then surely the
volumes should rise, and costs fall.

I don't really think this is any different to most other types of business.
I work in our family firm (clothing retail).  Over the years the
competition
from the major multi-nationals has grown yet we have a good niche in areas
like quality, service and specialist sizes and products that keeps our
business growing year upon year despite the "Big Boys".

I think Keith is right when he says the sheds will only be interested in
the
volume lines - lamp and appliance modules, leaving all the other stuff to
the "specialists" like yourself.

Companies like ISCAM that provide innovative products, like Comfort, and
the
top technical support supplied by you Andy will always have a place in the
market!

Regards

Mark

http://www.ukha.demon.co.uk
(New URL coming soon!)



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