DuHa says NO (?) to group buy
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,042
Likes: 1
From: Clemson, SC
I agree with everyone else---50% off is too much. If it were a large group buy--say 20 people or more, the lowest I'd sell them if I were him would be $150.
Just as another comment, his reply:
"It's hard to believe that someone who spends 35-50 thousand dollars for a
Pick-up would complain about a $200.00 storage unit..."
is a little off-base. I seriously doubt most of us bought our trucks brand new. I'm willing to bet most of us bought used and they were nowhere near 35-50 thousand dollars.
IMHO, those are nice storage units. Worth $200? Well, I personally don't think so. There are many other ways to gain storage in our trucks without spending near that much.
Just as another comment, his reply:
"It's hard to believe that someone who spends 35-50 thousand dollars for a
Pick-up would complain about a $200.00 storage unit..."
is a little off-base. I seriously doubt most of us bought our trucks brand new. I'm willing to bet most of us bought used and they were nowhere near 35-50 thousand dollars.
IMHO, those are nice storage units. Worth $200? Well, I personally don't think so. There are many other ways to gain storage in our trucks without spending near that much.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
From: reston va
I agree with everyone else---50% off is too much. If it were a large group buy--say 20 people or more, the lowest I'd sell them if I were him would be $150.
Just as another comment, his reply:
"It's hard to believe that someone who spends 35-50 thousand dollars for a
Pick-up would complain about a $200.00 storage unit..."
is a little off-base. I seriously doubt most of us bought our trucks brand new. I'm willing to bet most of us bought used and they were nowhere near 35-50 thousand dollars.
IMHO, those are nice storage units. Worth $200? Well, I personally don't think so. There are many other ways to gain storage in our trucks without spending near that much.
Just as another comment, his reply:
"It's hard to believe that someone who spends 35-50 thousand dollars for a
Pick-up would complain about a $200.00 storage unit..."
is a little off-base. I seriously doubt most of us bought our trucks brand new. I'm willing to bet most of us bought used and they were nowhere near 35-50 thousand dollars.
IMHO, those are nice storage units. Worth $200? Well, I personally don't think so. There are many other ways to gain storage in our trucks without spending near that much.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: East TN
I agree with everyone else---50% off is too much. If it were a large group buy--say 20 people or more, the lowest I'd sell them if I were him would be $150.
Just as another comment, his reply:
"It's hard to believe that someone who spends 35-50 thousand dollars for a
Pick-up would complain about a $200.00 storage unit..."
is a little off-base. I seriously doubt most of us bought our trucks brand new. I'm willing to bet most of us bought used and they were nowhere near 35-50 thousand dollars.
IMHO, those are nice storage units. Worth $200? Well, I personally don't think so. There are many other ways to gain storage in our trucks without spending near that much.
Just as another comment, his reply:
"It's hard to believe that someone who spends 35-50 thousand dollars for a
Pick-up would complain about a $200.00 storage unit..."
is a little off-base. I seriously doubt most of us bought our trucks brand new. I'm willing to bet most of us bought used and they were nowhere near 35-50 thousand dollars.
IMHO, those are nice storage units. Worth $200? Well, I personally don't think so. There are many other ways to gain storage in our trucks without spending near that much.
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: NW Louisiana
OK - to bring this to a close, I sent the following email to Mr. Ouren this morning...
"Mr. Dan Ouren
Du-Ha Inc.
Re: Proposed F150 group buy
Dear Mr. Ouren:
First, allow me to offer a sincere apology if my initial query to you offended in any way. That was never my intent.
Second, I've attached copies of the original comments about the DuHa storage unit and its pricing that led me to contact you so you can see that my approach to you was based on truthful information and so that you will know this was not just some scheme on my part to wrestle a 50% discount for myself or anyone else. Note: any and all identifying information - forum i.d., screen names, emails, etc. have been removed - only the actual comments are included to protect the identity of others.
I shared your reply with the forums I subscribe to and I am also attaching those comments, again after removing any and all identifying information. Consider it perhaps a very unscientific focus group. As would be expected about any product the comments were both pro and con as you will see.
Finally, and most important, please know that I do not represent any Ford Truck online forum, group of members or individual member in any way. This query about a group purchase was my idea and executed solely by me. If offended, it would be wrong of you to direct any ill will toward any such forum, group or Ford truck owner other than myself. I was simply trying to explore what I hoped would be a win/win idea for all parties that now, in hindsight, does not appear to have been one of my best ideas.
Likewise, please know that this email and apology is also of my action only and is also being posted for all to read. If at any time you would choose to offer a group discount purchase on the DuHa F150 models, at whatever priding works for everyone, I would be happy to bring this to the attention of the forums to which I subscribe.
Thank you for taking time to reply and consider my request."
I'll advise if there's a reply and thanks all for your input...
"Mr. Dan Ouren
Du-Ha Inc.
Re: Proposed F150 group buy
Dear Mr. Ouren:
First, allow me to offer a sincere apology if my initial query to you offended in any way. That was never my intent.
Second, I've attached copies of the original comments about the DuHa storage unit and its pricing that led me to contact you so you can see that my approach to you was based on truthful information and so that you will know this was not just some scheme on my part to wrestle a 50% discount for myself or anyone else. Note: any and all identifying information - forum i.d., screen names, emails, etc. have been removed - only the actual comments are included to protect the identity of others.
I shared your reply with the forums I subscribe to and I am also attaching those comments, again after removing any and all identifying information. Consider it perhaps a very unscientific focus group. As would be expected about any product the comments were both pro and con as you will see.
Finally, and most important, please know that I do not represent any Ford Truck online forum, group of members or individual member in any way. This query about a group purchase was my idea and executed solely by me. If offended, it would be wrong of you to direct any ill will toward any such forum, group or Ford truck owner other than myself. I was simply trying to explore what I hoped would be a win/win idea for all parties that now, in hindsight, does not appear to have been one of my best ideas.
Likewise, please know that this email and apology is also of my action only and is also being posted for all to read. If at any time you would choose to offer a group discount purchase on the DuHa F150 models, at whatever priding works for everyone, I would be happy to bring this to the attention of the forums to which I subscribe.
Thank you for taking time to reply and consider my request."
I'll advise if there's a reply and thanks all for your input...
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Nicely put 
. Coming from a small business I know where there coming from (since I work for one), but it sounds like you got some wiggle room. It's not like the economy has turned around and is back to the good ole' days so hopefully they'll cut a deal.
Another option though if you can't wait. I've seen these on E-bay with woofer and non-woofer options for $180 shipped. Comes with instructions and hardware to install, as well as other accessory add-ons for gun racks, storage divider's, etc for an extra price.
Two: If you are buying a Cap/Shell or cover for you truck or buying something from your truck accessory dealer/store, chances are they carry these (Also Huskyliners has a similar storage unit for cheaper, but doesn't look as nice). I'm bundling a Du-Ha unit with an ARE CX topper package and getting a pretty good discount because of it (Paying in full has some extra benefits to get more of a discount + theres a rebate for the topper
). So, theres another way to look at is as well.
. Coming from a small business I know where there coming from (since I work for one), but it sounds like you got some wiggle room. It's not like the economy has turned around and is back to the good ole' days so hopefully they'll cut a deal.Another option though if you can't wait. I've seen these on E-bay with woofer and non-woofer options for $180 shipped. Comes with instructions and hardware to install, as well as other accessory add-ons for gun racks, storage divider's, etc for an extra price.
Two: If you are buying a Cap/Shell or cover for you truck or buying something from your truck accessory dealer/store, chances are they carry these (Also Huskyliners has a similar storage unit for cheaper, but doesn't look as nice). I'm bundling a Du-Ha unit with an ARE CX topper package and getting a pretty good discount because of it (Paying in full has some extra benefits to get more of a discount + theres a rebate for the topper
). So, theres another way to look at is as well.
Global Moderator &
Senior Member
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 26,080
Likes: 85
From: Burleson/Athens/Brownsboro, TX
You need to keep in mind that any group buy on the site needs Rockpick's approval. If this goes any farther, you need to PM him.
__________________
Jim
Jim
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: NW Louisiana
Thanks Blue Jay - I didn't know that - looks as if in trying to do good I sorta stepped in it. No reply so far - if it does progress, I'll certainly just pass it on to the site admins to deal with.
And good ideas Gunmetal - thanks.
And good ideas Gunmetal - thanks.
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 2
From: Pearl Harbor
$200 is crap. and so is their claim that is costs soo much to produce this unit.
sorry, but that is uncalled for, and frankly rude. They will never even recieve a nod from me for that statement.
I've installed $3,000 mods and $5 mods on my vehicles. But I always look for a good deal. And if I think I'm getting gouged, I go elsewhere. Especially when an attitude like that is presented.
some products are worth their weight in gold. this storage bin can be extremely useful, but when I can buy something at Walmart for $30 that will do "roughly" the same job...I'll go there.
btw, at Walmart you can buy a black plastic Battery Box in the Auto section. $7-12. A little trimming and it fits under the seat perfectly. For Under $40 you can fit 3 in there quite easily and nobody the wiser. That was my method on my old FX4
back in 2004 the company originally had some start-up cost. things like renting a truck for test/fit, the time 1-2 employees took to fabricate molds, the molding process to ensure a decent reproduceable mold
but after 4-5 years, their costs have been covered. the material they use to make this bin is relatively cheap. especially when bought in bulk.
producing these units in bulk drives price down as well. I wouldn't be surprised if they spent even $25 per unit to produce. to be a viable product, they are likely producing hundreds of these at a time. I doubt if they are making them to order...and if so, stupid business decision.
as for profit margin...I personally think they are operating more on a 300-400% profit margin if sold directly from them...and easily a 150% margin when sublet to a reseller (and that subsequent profit markup)
but after 4-5 years, their costs have been covered. the material they use to make this bin is relatively cheap. especially when bought in bulk.
producing these units in bulk drives price down as well. I wouldn't be surprised if they spent even $25 per unit to produce. to be a viable product, they are likely producing hundreds of these at a time. I doubt if they are making them to order...and if so, stupid business decision.
as for profit margin...I personally think they are operating more on a 300-400% profit margin if sold directly from them...and easily a 150% margin when sublet to a reseller (and that subsequent profit markup)
From: Dan Ouren // DU-HA
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:18 PM
To: 'Order Dept. // DU-HA, Inc.'
Subject: RE: du-ha.com-DU-HA Website Form Submission
It's hard to believe that someone who spends 35-50 thousand dollars for a
Pick-up would complain about a $200.00 storage unit that is designed specifically for each truck model.
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:18 PM
To: 'Order Dept. // DU-HA, Inc.'
Subject: RE: du-ha.com-DU-HA Website Form Submission
It's hard to believe that someone who spends 35-50 thousand dollars for a
Pick-up would complain about a $200.00 storage unit that is designed specifically for each truck model.
I've installed $3,000 mods and $5 mods on my vehicles. But I always look for a good deal. And if I think I'm getting gouged, I go elsewhere. Especially when an attitude like that is presented.
some products are worth their weight in gold. this storage bin can be extremely useful, but when I can buy something at Walmart for $30 that will do "roughly" the same job...I'll go there.
btw, at Walmart you can buy a black plastic Battery Box in the Auto section. $7-12. A little trimming and it fits under the seat perfectly. For Under $40 you can fit 3 in there quite easily and nobody the wiser. That was my method on my old FX4
Last edited by Tylus; Jan 22, 2010 at 05:29 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,869
Likes: 0
$200 is crap. and so is their claim that is costs soo much to produce this unit.
I've installed $3,000 mods and $5 mods on my vehicles. But I always look for a good deal. And if I think I'm getting gouged, I go elsewhere. Especially when an attitude like that is presented.
some products are worth their weight in gold. this storage bin can be extremely useful, but when I can buy something at Walmart for $30 that will do "roughly" the same job...I'll go there.
btw, at Walmart you can buy a black plastic Battery Box in the Auto section. $7-12. A little trimming and it fits under the seat perfectly. For Under $40 you can fit 3 in there quite easily and nobody the wiser. That was my method on my old FX4
back in 2004 the company originally had some start-up cost. things like renting a truck for test/fit, the time 1-2 employees took to fabricate molds, the molding process to ensure a decent reproduceable mold
but after 4-5 years, their costs have been covered. the material they use to make this bin is relatively cheap. especially when bought in bulk.
producing these units in bulk drives price down as well. I wouldn't be surprised if they spent even $25 per unit to produce. to be a viable product, they are likely producing hundreds of these at a time. I doubt if they are making them to order...and if so, stupid business decision.
as for profit margin...I personally think they are operating more on a 300-400% profit margin if sold directly from them...and easily a 150% margin when sublet to a reseller (and that subsequent profit markup)
sorry, but that is uncalled for, and frankly rude. They will never even recieve a nod from me for that statement.but after 4-5 years, their costs have been covered. the material they use to make this bin is relatively cheap. especially when bought in bulk.
producing these units in bulk drives price down as well. I wouldn't be surprised if they spent even $25 per unit to produce. to be a viable product, they are likely producing hundreds of these at a time. I doubt if they are making them to order...and if so, stupid business decision.
as for profit margin...I personally think they are operating more on a 300-400% profit margin if sold directly from them...and easily a 150% margin when sublet to a reseller (and that subsequent profit markup)
I've installed $3,000 mods and $5 mods on my vehicles. But I always look for a good deal. And if I think I'm getting gouged, I go elsewhere. Especially when an attitude like that is presented.
some products are worth their weight in gold. this storage bin can be extremely useful, but when I can buy something at Walmart for $30 that will do "roughly" the same job...I'll go there.
btw, at Walmart you can buy a black plastic Battery Box in the Auto section. $7-12. A little trimming and it fits under the seat perfectly. For Under $40 you can fit 3 in there quite easily and nobody the wiser. That was my method on my old FX4
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Being an owner of a small business and a consumer I can definitely see both sides of the issue.During this economy I had to be creative in my pricing to offer my customers value at a fair price.I guess what ticks me off about this is the response from the company.IMO this is an example of an overpriced product,but hey we all paid 35 to 50 thousand for our trucks...so screw them they have the money.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Santa Fe, Texas
I work in a chemical plant and I know that one pound of ethylene goes for around .20 to .30 cents. That's the raw product before being turned into a finished product but the markup is huge for plastic products. DuHa can charge whatever they want because people will pay it.