briankelly63
Active Member
In these difficult economic times I thought it might be interesting to have an exchange and gather thought regarding HA equipement and its relative cost.
Too high? Too Low? Just Right?
Some things to consider:
Your average UPB switch can run $60 to $180 dollars yet you can buy a complete Microwave oven, bare bones PC, DVR player or a small air conditioner for less. A split phase UPB or X10 repeater can cost as much as half an M1G system. Automated thermostat $250?. Beyond the minimal parts count in some HA devices what drives the cost...
Assuming we are not in the startup phase of a product and have recovered some initial research, design, marketing investment are we getting a reasonable cost value proposition?
Does passing on the price to a client or using a strategy of 'whatever the market will bear' make this a non-issue?
Too high? Too Low? Just Right?
Some things to consider:
Your average UPB switch can run $60 to $180 dollars yet you can buy a complete Microwave oven, bare bones PC, DVR player or a small air conditioner for less. A split phase UPB or X10 repeater can cost as much as half an M1G system. Automated thermostat $250?. Beyond the minimal parts count in some HA devices what drives the cost...
Assuming we are not in the startup phase of a product and have recovered some initial research, design, marketing investment are we getting a reasonable cost value proposition?
Does passing on the price to a client or using a strategy of 'whatever the market will bear' make this a non-issue?