Re: [APML] A Pricing Question

[Gene Horr <genehorr@texas.net>]

Aplanatic@aol.com wrote:

>  I don't really know how to fairly price this OTA.  If you are willing
> to help I would appreciate it.  Here are the specs:
> 
> Type:  Schmidt Cassegrain
> Clear Aperture: 11.5"
> Focal Length:  80"
> Primary Diameter: 12.5"
> Secondary Diameter: 5"
> Tube: Carbon Fiber, less than 6ppm/C TCE
> Tube Diameter:  15"
> Tube Length: 47"
> OTA Weight: 40 lbs.

Well, I doubt that you will get custom pricing.  I would
compare it to "mass" produced items.

At least a couple of years ago market price for a 12.5" RCT
(steel tube) was ~$7.5k.  Your unit is smaller, so lets allow
$7,000.  2.7" field flatteners start at
~$500, 4" ones can run up to $2k.  Let's call the field flattener
$1k.  Add $500 for a carbon fibre tube.  Add $1000 for the
film holder/OAG.

This assumes that a 4" focuser is included.  Subtract $1k if
not.

This gets us to $10.5k plus whatever the filter set is worth.
The problem is that I don't know how many of these you could 
sell at $10k+.  The Tak BRC runs $10.5k and you theoretically
get an established company to stand behind it.

How much do you enjoy making these?  If your thoughts are 
"ok, I'll do it if you _really_ want one" then charge $10k.
If you had a blast making it and want to do more just for
the fun of it then IMO you get a decent demand at $8k, 
especially if you add an electric focuser.  I would not
charge any less than $6k.

Gene Horr
genehorr@texas.net

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