V-Stabi price

[jmiceli11]

I was looking around and found the V-Stabi for about 470 British Pounds. That's like $950 US! Did I get a bum conversion? Or are we in the USA finally getting the shaft? By the way it's at Revolution Models. Of course you add the VAT and our pals in the UK/EU get the shaft too.

Still to rich for me.

John

[OICU812]

Revolution gets some good deals no doubt. I have bought from Dave in past good experiences for sure. I can not understand how he could be 900 when vendors here are in the 1200 mark though.......you may want to email for clarification. Yes it is expensive but it is also cutting edge stuff too, you do not see anyone else doing it right now which gives them the go ahead to charge what they want, also do not forget that price either way does not include the head parts you need yet either..... :WOW

[jmiceli11]

This more of an FYI than an I'm gonna get it. Just couldn't believe the big difference in price. So what's the head cost?

John

[loopzilla]

It is concerning to everyone that the price you reference is that low. If you knew how low that is to a US dealer, you would be surprised. Things happen in Europe we just can't explain, but I am sure Mikado is aware of the issue. Also, there are a few different versions of the V-Bar system, some cheaper, some more expensive, and I wonder if it is the same one.

I think the Logo 14 head conversion (MIK4053) will be selling for around $179 USD, and the Logo 10 head conversion (MIK4052) for around $159 USD, but please don't take these numbers to the bank. There are also part numbers allocated for complete heads (including grips, etc.), but no firm pricing yet.

I am positive the US distributor for Mikado is doing everything they can to lower the prices, and make this system more affordable to the US market. Firm demand will certainly dictate the pricing structure, as the manufacturer will need to recover their development costs, amortized over predicted sales volume. So, keep the inquiries up...

[MrMel]

Note, buying in the EU you need to pay 17% sales tax on that price, so I paid something like $1030.

On the other hand If I bought it for $1200 in the US I had to pay 25% sales tax (importing) here to sweden, so that would end up as $1500.

Ouch!

[jmiceli11]

Here's a link to what I'm referencing:
http://www.revolutionmodels.co.uk/acatalog/Top_MIKADO_ELECTRIC_HELIS_57.html

Just scroll down. Even if the exchange is 1:2 the price is still cheaper than in the US/Canada.

Maybe the US importer is trying to get a little extra out of us? MrMel paid roughly $1000 with the VAT. Still less than $1200.

It's been my experience that if you're outside of the UK/EU the VAT is not applied.

My original intention was show people that it was available for less than $1200 which might be too steep of a price for someone on the fence to try out, but at $950 it might be a go.

John

[loopzilla]

I really don't think it is the US Distributor. Something does need to happen or the US dealers will loose the sales, but be stuck with all the support issues (it is already happening). That could drive V-Bar out of the US market.

I own two units myself, at US retail pricing, because I need the benefits from the system for the work I do. As with anything, you can always justify the price base on demand.

Have you researched other prices from Europe? If they are comparable to the US pricing, and the site you reference is low, then they may be undercutting to get a piece of the early action. I can't imagine they are making any reasonable profit, but don't know the whole story.

[OICU812]

It can be justified because it is simply so cool! LOL. Loop have any pics of your bird with the v-bar?, I remember your footage Colin showed me quite awhile back, it was pretty cool :)

[loopzilla]

I'll post some of our new bird as soon as it is ready. It does look like a 'real' helicopter though. Be prepared for a shock...

[WillJames]

The other reason it is priced high here in the US is because the US Dollar is worth so little these days compared to the EURO or Pound and pretty much all the other currencies used in the EU.