On Sun, Jan 9, 2022 at 07:31 PM, W0LEV wrote:
Even doubling the cost for new ordered parts for the preamp from Digikey, that's still nowhere near approaching the cost of ready-made receiving loops.? Let's hear the excuses for the expense of ready-made receiving loop antennas.? I don't get it!!!
This is a common theme in amateur radio circles too, if you have ever been to a hamfest or similar you will often hear "I could make one of those for a fraction of the price".
Amateur constructors, building stuff in their shack and? selling a few items for pocket money don't have to follow the same rules as proper commercial enterprises.
It all seems very easy, until you actually try to make real money, and are confronted with paying for test kit, tools & materials, consumables, taxes, insurance, legal and accountancy fees, advertising, trade shows and direct sales events, rental of premises, power, heating water, vehicles (inc. servicing, running costs, and replacement), employees, shipping, returns, customer support, repairs, R&D on new products, illness, holidays, leave etc... the list just goes on and on.
From my experience, providing after sales customer support in a predominantly 'hobby' market is the one thing that can really sap your profits (and willpower) more than almost anything else, as it absorbs valuable time and effort that could be much better utilised.
Regards,
Martin
