Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

You can't even get a pack of smokes, gallon of milk, or a gallon of gas for 2 bucks.

I want to move to where this type of pricing exists so I could live out my days in a castle

Hi
just to step in here, as it was in response to my mentioning the cost of replacement parts here in the UK that set Simon away...

I think the main issue was why do UK dealers mark-up so much? For example, the rubber grommets for pickguards etc are 75c each in US, but 75pence over here- about $1.30.
In fact many of the smaller parts cost the equivalent amount of pounds as they do dollars (ie $5= £5).
Sometimes though, the differences become a bit, well- stupid. A 'genuine' Rickenbacker stereo jack in the Rick boutique costs $7.50, but by the time it gets over here it is £12.99, or $22.50...
...The trapeze tailpiece costs $60, which I do not object to in the slightest- compared to replacement parts for cars etc, it is not unreasonable- what does strike one as a bit unfair is the fact that this $60 translates to £115- 120 over here, about $200, or if you want, 333% mark-up... which I think is really the point Simon should have been trying to make.
Personally, I think manufacturing costs are largely irrelelevant- as always, if you need something, you buy it anyway. But 333%? Thank heavens for this forum!
Anyway- I hope that doesn't sound too much like complaining... it's merely observation!