No more kits?!? That's a definite downer. Back in 2001 when I decided to
get into modular fun, the reason I chose MOTM was 1) the large format, and
2) availability of kits. I had no idea about the excellent quality I would
end up with, so that did not enter the equation. I really liked Modcan, but
no kits were available, so my decision was made.
Kits are great because they are relaxing, teach you something, and give you
a sense of accomplishment when you look at and listen to the results. The
ability to modify them is also interesting. And if that isn't enough, they
are usually less expensive. I have bought one or more of every module that
Paul has offered in kit form (~50 modules). I had planned to continue to do
so into the future.
I am another one that has not bought kits recently, alas. Paul is right
about module assortment; I have a good enough collection of basic modules at
the moment and am looking forward to the more esoteric modules coming out.
That is why I had set aside some $$$ and placed orders for all of the new
modules, even though most are not kits and are 2-3 times the cost of prior
kits. That being said, Tom F. hits the nail on the head regarding
discretionary cash. There have been a few different factors that have
reduced my budget and forced my regular orders into submission. Gas,
stocking up on non-RoHS parts, rising kit prices, etc.
I respect Paul for what he has accomplished and appreciate the hard work
that is maintaining/growing a personal business. His little hobby has made
my little hobby possible - for which I'm thankful. He must make hard
decisions that will affect his future, hopefully for the better.
That being said, I still want kits, damit. Trust me, the demand for kits is
not dead. Kits put a number of manufacturers on the map, and keep them
there. Kits are why I chose MOTM. Paul is a sharp dude. I believe the
real reason for his stopping kits is because he'd rather spend time
designing new cool stuff than stuffing parts in bags. He has to have fun
too. I respect that.
In any case, the lack of available kits will redirect much of my interest in
other directions. There of course will be some MOTM modules which I will
just ∗have∗ to have. And I wouldn't trade the modules I already have for
anything. But it's looking like the face of my ever-growing modular will be
changing, which I guess is inevitable.
Regards,
George Kisslak
PS: Tom - your idea in the spirit of Electronotes is excellent.
----- Original Message -----
From: "mbedtom" <mbedtom@...>
To: <motm@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 2:30 AM
Subject: [motm] Re: More on kits
> Paul S. said in part...
>
> Sadly, it's a ∗business∗ decision, pure and simple. The orders for
> kits are in ∗severe decline∗ and I think the main reason is most MOTM
> users have all the "regular" modules they need and want cool new
> stuff. As far as new customers coming on board: it's true that every
> year about 30 new MOTMers sign on. But, and this is the frustrating
> but.....about 40 people "drop off" never to be heard from again. The
> most sobering statistic: only 22% of the first ∗300∗ MOTM customers
> have bought a module from me in the last 18 months.
>
> ----snip----
>
> When I first bought MOTM kits, gasoline was $1.43 a gallon. Today,
> the same gas costs me $3.18 per gallon. For me, MOTM products were
> purchased with discretionary dollars. Those dollars have been eroded
> by many factors beyond the scope of what I am willing to say for the
> sake of brevity. The kit business is what put SynthTech on the map.
> The death of Larry Hendry and the demise of "Stooge Industries" were
> major "hits" as both comprised the best MOTM sales/support machine you
> could have ever had. The "lifetime" point system died an early death
> and kit prices climbed 35% since I came on board. Now, the kits are
> on their last leg. The "main" reason kit sales are on the decline, in
> my opinion, has little to do with a need for "cool new stuff" and much
> to do with other factors. For your sake Paul, I hope I am dead wrong.
>
> I can appreciate the necessity for profit-centric business decisions,
> for which I have no complaint. Maybe kits really are dead. Maybe kit
> prices have risen to the point that the size of the market has shrunk
> to unsustainable levels. Finding the sweet spot is the holy grail of
> business and I understand that.
>
> On the other hand, I think that the DIY spirit is still alive. I
> think that if boards and proper documentation were made available at
> inexpensive prices, people would buy them even if they had to get
> Front Panel Express panels and buy their own parts. If you believe
> that the kit business is of no further value, let me have copies of
> the PC board Gerber files for the through-hole boards and I'll get
> them made at my own expense. I have no business aspirations and if I
> shipped out boards at a break-even price that would be okay by me.
> For about $25 each any MOTM PC board could be shipped anywhere in the
> US and not lose money. I would do this in the spirit of Electronotes,
> back in the days when they would sell essential components at very
> little margin. The buyers of assembled units would be unfazed and you
> would get a market segment in-waiting for the really cool,
> assembled-only modules with which I could not help them.
>
> This is just an idea I am floating out there, and I could easily be
> out of my mind. (My wife knows I am out of my mind. Still, she has
> hung around for 30 years so she must be crazy too!)
>
> Peace.
> Tom Farrand
> <engage lurk mode & duck>