Re: NEW SADDLE!: Beddes\'TreeMotionSaddle\'
Rupe
Interesting points you make there...the first that I note is that you talk of 'branding'. The three products that will reach the market before the end of the year are our first. True, we have been working on them for some time, but we have no established 'brand' that allows us to manipulate prices to our advantage. Nor would we do that, partly because that is just not our way of doing things, and partly we operate in an industry that wouldn't allow it either!
You will have noted that the reason the harness is relatively expensive in the US is because of factors that have nothing to do with production costs (import tariffs and freight). In the UK and the rest of Europe (where all the products are produced) the harness is priced much the same as other tree work sit harnesses, but is certainly not the most expensive.
I would suggest that our margins are lower than others, not higher. For years, harnesses have been put together using standard parts in much the same way. To use just one area of the design as an example, treeMOTION has three different bespoke hardware parts, each one has gone through a design, prototyping and testing process. The 'front D's' are a thing of beauty, but they are also very difficult to make and have pushed DMM to the limits of their hot forging abilities. Harnesses that incorporate the normal range of hardware quite simply do not have these costs. Yet (I repeat) the price is in line with others.
I sincerely hope that not a single harness is sold simply because it is the 'Beddes' harness. treeMOTION was evolved by a team of people because of a perceived need for a harness that was, above all, comfortable. There has been input by so many people, from numerous countries, that it would be unfair to those folk if it was only known as the Beddes harness. It is true however that Beddes was the project leader, and that he has put a huge number of hours into what is now a product. I think the harness will become known for the ease of work postioning that the new configuration allows, as much as for its comfort. But as you say....let's see.
I think you are incorrect when you say that if you designed a product it wouldn't sell. If it's crap then of course it doesn't deserve to sell! But if you identify a need, a niche, go through a thorough design process, choose your manufacturer carefully and do loads of testing, you will have a 'fit for purpose' product. Then you must market it effectively. Anybody with commitment can do that, and I would encourage everyone with an idea to consider moving it forward somehow, but remember to sidestep the corporate thieves along the way..... But Rupe, before you get involved with product development, make sure you've got plenty of time, a bit of spare cash and an understanding partner....otherwise it could all end in a horrible mess!
Chris
P.S. You should be able to put the harnesses side by side at APF (Honey Bros and Treeworker for treeMOTION). Interesting times for the harness world. We were due a step forward though weren't we?!
