SubTHAT! Initial Reviews & Findings

[pisquee]

... Yes, but if that's you're reasoning for the pricing, then you haven't considered other factors, such as the cost of the employees time to make the blank, along with machine time, and electricity to make it, or the increased wastage/seconds rate from written off blanks which haven't coated properly, if we're doing the coating itself DIY fashion, then it should be a lot cheaper, and comparing it to ready made blanks doesn't cut it. Especially when you compare to buying blanks in bulk for large orders, and the price points needed for wholesaling sublimated products onto other businesses for them to sell in retail shops (or large commission marketplaces like notonthehighstreet and hard to find, margins are tight, and with your price point, you've created a great product which is too expensive to really be viable. It seems from what you've said, that you've gone for the how high a price can we charge for the product and get away with it, rather than what is a fair price for our costs with a profit, which will allow the product to sell well.

[webtrekker]

I particularly took issue with the product when the lady in the video said, matter of factly, that if any spots in the coating were left uncovered after pressing simply press on another sheet. It was at that point I looked up the price of another sheet!

[Customprintwales]

I think we need to realise that this is not for the mass market where there are plenty of pre-treated blanks available.

It's perfect though for dong original designs and items. I'm certainly looking forward to working with it but you definitely have to lose the mass market pricing mentality

[Justin]

I particularly took issue with the product when the lady in the video said, matter of factly, that if any spots in the coating were left uncovered after pressing simply press on another sheet. It was at that point I looked up the price of another sheet!

Yes, I've also been told you can build up several layers on an uneven surface, work that one out!

I'm afraid I have to be completely honest and say this will be a non starter in the UK at this price point. I had understood from the JDS website that the cost was around $1 per sheet which would be reasonable. Whether I mis-read that or not I don't know but the pricing and advertisement in packs of 5/10 sheets let me to believe this so possibly something has changed, I don't know.

You would have to watch the amount of waste. 3 four inch tiles couldn't be done on a 10x12 sheet for example, just 2 and there'd be waste.

As pointed out previously, import tax, handling and VAT would push this price much higher.

I'll PM you Troy to discuss this further but I'm afraid this changes my whole outlook on the process.

I would envisage sales of a few hundred sheets a year in the UK at this price for specialist application to particular one off blanks. Reduce the price to $1 per sheet and you'll sell 100,000's, I'm sure of it. Something would have to give on pricing.

[webtrekker]

It's a shame, as the idea seems sound. I wish the company every success but, as Justin has just said, some serious thought needs to be put into the pricing point. Maybe more cost-effective production methods, or cheaper sources of raw materials will make this a game-changer in the future.

[pisquee]

Wondering if there's companies in China doing similar type sheets at more realistic pricing now ... wish Alibaba was easier to search!

[socialgiraffe]

I don't think it is a non starter for the UK market, just possibly a different market.

For example I have been asked on many occasions for a one off item that my customer supplies to me. In those examples this stuff would be perfect and would come with a £50.00 price tag making it both a suitable option and a financially viable one.

Just an opinion.

[Customprintwales]

I agree, it is perfectly suitable for the UK market.

Life in the mass market is tough and competitive. This product allows us to widen the options from premium products and premium pricing.

anything to help lift profit margins and chase house prices has to be a good thing. for a small operator, the mass market is not an option to produce good profits. I can not compete with the Chinese and have no intention of doing so.

[Paul]

I don't think it is a non starter for the UK market, just possibly a different market.

For example I have been asked on many occasions for a one off item that my customer supplies to me. In those examples this stuff would be perfect and would come with a £50.00 price tag making it both a suitable option and a financially viable one.

Just an opinion.

Yes, there is market for that. But like Justin said, they will sell few hundreds for sure but not 100.000s...

[TBergstedt]

All good points being raised, and all are appreciated. Your pricing concerns will be passed along to those who need to hear them.

When I first joined the forum to chime in on some posts that showed up in the original SubTHAT thread, I assured Justin that I was here to offer technical assistance only, not to make sales pitches, so I'm going to tread lightly in the public forum in that respect to remain true to my word. For those who may decide to give it a go despite the price, I'm here to help you out in any way that I can.