Bad news, prices are going up

[SolarSet]

Kite companies would probably save a load of money if they didn't insist on having a whole line up of new gear every year. Lets face it, its mostly minor tweaks and colour / graphic changes at this stage.

I introduce you to Core, renewing their line up every couple of year and also the most expensive brand.

This isn’t true, their prices are same as other companies but it’s better to repeat misinformation that check RPP prices by yourselves?

[Zen_Rider]

I introduce you to Core, renewing their line up every couple of year and also the most expensive brand.

I wasn't actually aware established any kite brand did this yet, but then I only really look at new kites every 4-5 years when I'm ready to upgrade. Of course a companies savings on not doing a new model every year may or may not be passed on to consumers. Core do a shit ton of marketing and comp representation that must eat a chunk of budget, + I think they always went for the premium product business model...

Some small to medium size snowboard brands are starting to buck this trend. Instead of bringing a new colour and selling old stock at discount every year they are keeping models for a few years. It's more sustainable and I think this is the way forward. As retailers we are very happy with this trend.

(with very little insight in how the biz actually works) I feel it would take some pressure off shops to try and sell this years gear, before September when next years gear comes out... Also imagine some people delay purchases to see if they want next years gear or wait to get a discount of the current kit...

Added bonus for the kite companies would be they can time the release a new line up of gear into a marketing vacuum and create much more buzz. Currently every brand is shouting about their new kit at the same time and the biggest spenders are the only ones heard.

[Matteo V]

Kite companies would probably save a load of money if they didn't insist on having a whole line up of new gear every year. Lets face it, its mostly minor tweaks and colour / graphic changes at this stage.

Some small to medium size snowboard brands are starting to buck this trend. Instead of bringing a new colour and selling old stock at discount every year they are keeping models for a few years. It's more sustainable and I think this is the way forward. As retailers we are very happy with this trend.

I can tell you for a fact that most snowboard models don't change year to year besides colours, and I bet its the same with many kiteboard and even kites. It's ridiculous to bring new models every year with so little progression.

Yup, a new market model! And they are hoping this makes them more money by supporting the failing supply chain. How nice of them (sarcasm).

[Matteo V]

Core do a shit ton of marketing and comp representation that must eat a chunk of budget, + I think they always went for the premium product business model...

The old Core was very much focused on image and hype. To be fair, some decent products came out of that by either design or happy accident. But the old Core sold the brand.

The new Core seems to push less of the "d----- baggery" and hype. Maybe I'd even consider buying a new one now.

[UKSurf]

As prices rise the incentive to undercut by cutting costs will increase. Brand sponsored riders on a salary are probably going to be the first thing to get cut. I think it is very questionable if sponsored riders increase sales.

[LePhasme]

Kite companies would probably save a load of money if they didn't insist on having a whole line up of new gear every year. Lets face it, its mostly minor tweaks and colour / graphic changes at this stage.

I introduce you to Core, renewing their line up every couple of year and also the most expensive brand.

This isn’t true, their prices are same as other companies but it’s better to repeat misinformation that check RPP prices by yourselves?

Yeah too bad but I checked, core xr6 10m is 2500 new without discount, XR 7 is 2550, duotone rebel 2021 10m is 2200 ( all is in AUD)

[UKSurf]

Does anyone know what the approximate mark up shops put on kites (before taxes). I am guessing it must be 30% +

[romainlp]

I introduce you to Core, renewing their line up every couple of year and also the most expensive brand.

This isn’t true, their prices are same as other companies but it’s better to repeat misinformation that check RPP prices by yourselves?

Yeah too bad but I checked, core xr6 10m is 2500 new without discount, XR 7 is 2550, duotone rebel 2021 10m is 2200 ( all is in AUD)

I guess it depends of the country / currency. Here in the Netherlands, the Core is 30 euros more expensive. 1709 euros / 1679 euros. Both are just too expensive in my opinion

[rnelias]

here in Brazil, any kite is super-expensive due to currency exchange, however, Duotone and Core are about 10% more expensive than other brands like F-One, Cabrinha or Elev8.

The most present brand is Duotone. You'll find Duotone dealers in any city that has kitesurf activity in Brazil.

[rnelias]

Kite companies would probably save a load of money if they didn't insist on having a whole line up of new gear every year. Lets face it, its mostly minor tweaks and colour / graphic changes at this stage.

"But this year's model will be a game changer!"........said every kite company about almost every new model of kite they make.

It takes a bit of gullibility to support and justify modern advertising.

Thanks to capitalism (that I'm in favor with some consciousness), "the show must go on" or "the wheel should keep rolling"

People like this short 1-year "life cycle" even if there's nothing actually different in the kite's design.

For some folks it's kind of a status have the "latest and greatest". Humam psychology is weird...

and companies know and take advantage about it. They save in R&D, since the kite is basically the same, change some colors and charges a little bit more to pump their profit.