FreeLists / access-uk / [access-uk] Re: In Touch: Why do we pay so much

["Colin @ New Vision" <cph.newvision@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Ray

I guess the thread will only be closed when people get the answers to all
their questions regardless of it going round in circles. It maybe the case
that someone could not answer these questions or at worst dug their head in
the sand in the hope that the thread would go away un-answered. I for one
have no problem in trying to help people understand where access technology
providers are coming from, (if that is the right terminology).

On two final notes:
No one mentioned Roger Wilson-Hinds who was also on the programme. Roger
provides and continues to research into a full range of low cost software.
These being alternatives to the more expensive screen readers etc. He and
his colleagues need a pat on the back for their efforts in this field.

I personally, have always found Alan Davis and his colleagues from Pulse
Data to be professional in their approach to this industry and one of the
better companies to deal with. They have a diverse range of products
including Braille notetakers etc. Having had very little experience with
Braille devices I am not in a position to comment on their pricing structure
but can imagine the cost of development / production to be more than say the
typical CCTV. Even the cost of replacing the battery in one of their units,
£120 in your previous posting, seems reasonable when compared to a battery
unit for the Reinecker Maxlupe (portable CCTV) at £325.

I am sure prices could be forced down if people are prepared to fight for
it.

Regards
Colin


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ray's Home" <rays-home@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 9:47 PM
Subject: [access-uk] Re: In Touch: Why do we pay so much


> I hope some will read what follows, as I initiated this thread on Tuesday.
I
> posted most of what appears in this message a couple of days back, and
> anticipated then, as you will see, that the thread was running its course.
> Nonetheless, although the discussion has bean circular at times, some of
the
> facts behind what goes on in this small market have been worth airing;  at
> least, I think they have.  I didn't see my post on the list, so maybe it
> fell fowl of the file length for the list.
>
> I am glad that Colin's firm has tried to provide affordable alternatives
in
> the CCTV field, and I for one will be using my consumer choice in most
> likely buying one of his products, rather than the ghastly overpriced
> offerings of some of his competitors.  And in many ways, my message is
about
> consumer choice, which aught not to be thwarted by unprincipled
> protectionism, if that's what's going on.
>
> Probably Adrian Rowe is right that nothing, or next to nothing can be
done.
> Nonetheless, it would be intriguing if some disability activists were to
> mount a public protest at the rather cosy jamborees we've become so used
to.
> Just do not call on me to join in:  I simply do not have the stomach for
> that sort of thing.  So, without more ado, here's my original message.
>
>
>
> Well folks, this thread seems to be fading to a close, and let's face it,
> we've been here many, many times before.  I am glad we have had some
candid
> and informative, and well reasoned contributions on pricing of access
> software and hardware.
>
> Seems to me that, it always comes down to market forces, or who can
dominate
> or work the market to their advantage.  My fault is maybe to forget that
> business has never, necessarily, been linked to integrity fairness or any
> finer feelings, although in some instances traders may be disposed by
> inclination to be more or less 'fair' according to their lights, and how
> much the imperative of staying in business will allow.
>
> In closing, I would only suggest that we all ask ourselves:  as desirable
as
> this bit of gear is, am I prepared to go along with the asking price?  Is
> there an alternative that may not do all we would like, but nonetheless is
> more affordable and comes close to what we desire.  Maybe too that the
> competitor will improve their offering in due course. That's just good
> consumer common sense.  So I say, do not let PDI or whoever get away with
it
> if you can help it.  Without suggesting we should cut off our noses to
spite
> our faces, I'd suggest taking this course, even if it is the Government or
> some trust footing the bill.
>
> Ray.


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