VTKilarney
Well-known member
I've been looking at ski boots, and I'm starting to wonder if the pricing has much more to do with marketing than with cost of production.
There is no doubt that there is a difference between low-end boots and high-end boots. High end boots have more features, and presumably incorporate more expensive materials into the boot. But it doesn't seem to me that the difference in craftsmanship comes close to justifying the difference in price.
An even clearer example is a line of boot that is exactly the same between models except for a higher flex. The higher the flex, the more expensive the boot. Is there really that much required to stiffen the boot that requires $100 for every 10 points in flex?
My suspicion is that the price is based primarily on what the market will pay. Beginners aren't willing to pay much, or are sought to be enticed so they will become life-long customers. It would not surprise me if there is very little money, if any, made on entry level boots. Experts are willing to pay more in order to get more performance. Boot manufacturers are willing to take advantage of that.
On the other hand, it could be a function of economy of scale. More beginners are buying boots than experts. Everyone must start, but not everyone will stick with it and progress.
What do others think? I have no problem with capitalism at work, but at the same time capitalism works best when there is sufficient competition. Or is the problem that a cheaper boot will automatically be seen by the consumer as being inferior - even if it isn't.
There is no doubt that there is a difference between low-end boots and high-end boots. High end boots have more features, and presumably incorporate more expensive materials into the boot. But it doesn't seem to me that the difference in craftsmanship comes close to justifying the difference in price.
An even clearer example is a line of boot that is exactly the same between models except for a higher flex. The higher the flex, the more expensive the boot. Is there really that much required to stiffen the boot that requires $100 for every 10 points in flex?
My suspicion is that the price is based primarily on what the market will pay. Beginners aren't willing to pay much, or are sought to be enticed so they will become life-long customers. It would not surprise me if there is very little money, if any, made on entry level boots. Experts are willing to pay more in order to get more performance. Boot manufacturers are willing to take advantage of that.
On the other hand, it could be a function of economy of scale. More beginners are buying boots than experts. Everyone must start, but not everyone will stick with it and progress.
What do others think? I have no problem with capitalism at work, but at the same time capitalism works best when there is sufficient competition. Or is the problem that a cheaper boot will automatically be seen by the consumer as being inferior - even if it isn't.