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It's coming...! 1UP Arcade sneak peek :)

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quarterback:

I think this machine looks freakin' awesome.  

I do admit that I was surprised that the cab kit without computer, monitor or even controls was $3k, but I think that's primarily because I naturally visualize the guts (all the electronics) and the assembly as being more 'valuable' than the box it goes into.

So that's why (to me) paying $3000 for the cab parts and 'only' $2500 for the controls, computer, monitor and assembly seems odd.

But, while $5499 for a complete item is a little too steep for my blood, I'm sure there are people out there who would pay that for what sounds like a really great setup.

My only other question is when you say "And shipping costs quite a bit on something this heavy".  Are you implying that shipping is included in these prices?  If so, I think you should mention that.  Otherwise people look at the $5,499 and think that it'll probably be closer to $6,000 when it's all said and done (and more if there are taxes involved)

One last thing to ponder (maybe for the future, maybe for now).  If you were to set up some kind of 'referral' bonus/credit/whatever, you might be able to utilize the DIY community to your benefit.   My guess is that even those who won't buy this machine MIGHT know people who would.  And with some kind of incentive, they might even beat the pavement/make some calls for you.

spidermonkey:

This squabbling about the price is obsurd. If people saw 1-UP'S stack of bills for this project they wouldn't be whining about the price and those who do whine have absolutly no idea what it costs to design and market a unique product like this. There's currently *nothing* on the market that even comes close to this type of design. Every other prefab cab out there looks like any typical run of the mill conversion cabinet and yet they all charge an arm and a leg for it. I think 1-UP'S prices are justified when you consider the alternatives. Just look at the glorified book shelf that X-ARCADE is selling. I don't think I've ever seen a new product announced here where there isn't a few people who complain about the price. I'm sure 1-UP knows that this site won't be his target marketplace for his new cab but this is a good place to get the word out since their are many guests who stumble onto this site and lurk around for alternatives. Some of the hardcore do-it-yourselfers around here will squabble about a five dollar price difference on a florescent light fixture for their marquee. Its just human nature for the "do it yourselfer"  to seek out bargains for their project since they're trying to make their project for less then it would cost to buy a premade unit in addition to having the freedom to built it to suit their needs myself incl.  BUT there's alot of people out there who don't have the time,knowledge,patience,room and motivation to build their own but still want a cab that stands out over the typical prefab MAME cab designs that are currently out there. Where else can you find a cab kit with a three sided rotating control panel that has enough room to *tastfully* house enough types of controls to play probably 80 to 90% of the games offered in MAME ? The answer is..nowhere ! Don't be discouraged 1-UP as I'm sure you'll do just fine. If there wasn't money to be made then all the other prefab companies out there would close their doors. Keep in mind that most of the prefab cabs out there all look very similar in that they're pretty much based on a standard cab design yet their seems to be enough buyers out there to keep most of these copycat companies in business. You on the other hand have *no* competition when it comes to cabs with rotating control panels so if someone has their heart set on this design then they either build it themselves or they buy it from you. Enjoy it while it lasts as I'm sure their will be copycats but right now you're on top of the heap :) so good luck with your unique design.

Crazy Cooter:

I think since it's his product, he can charge whatever he wants.  1up in no way should have to "justify" his prices.  He knows what the bills are and what he needs to make off each one to make it worthwhile.  Nobody bugs Ultimarc (Andy) to justify his prices.  You just buy it if you justify your expense vs. time equation.  A keyboard is like 1/10 the cost of an ipac. ;)

Anyhow, any chance of getting a peek at each of the CP's?  Did you stick with a similar setup to what you had on the original?  I've got a two panel modular type design I'm working on and want to see what I won't be able to do. ;)

Excellent work 1up, wish you the best.  If I had the cash, I'd buy one fully assembled.  You do great work and have inspired several of us.

Pilot143:

the biggest thing to keep inmind here... is that this isn't one of those 'wall-unit' snap together cabs... this is a REAL cab... something that is quality design.  

and even ontop of that... who else sells a rotating panel cab?  nevermind of this quality.

RayB:


to all:
If you want a Porsche but can't afford one, don't ---smurfette---.

I'm in the business of making and selling Flash games. I get similar reactions as 1up got here sometimes. I name my price to license a Flash game and when it's a serious customer, they don't flinch. We work out details, maybe tweak the costs and tweak what the game needs and in the end I get my costs covered plus profit. This customer is usually related to marketing for a company or brand. They understand the value of the product for their purposes.

But then there's the other kind of customer, the one who will actually reply with comments like "are you insane!?". They expect Flash games for $50 each. They typically are owners of those sites with hundreds and thousands of Flash games on them. They think my prices are ridiculous because THEY CAN'T AFFORD IT. My attitude to them is "you are not my target audience".

I would rather sell 1 copy of my game for $1000 than 20 copies at $50. The less my game is out there, the more value it has. Also the less tech support I have to provide. Tech support eats into profits.

1Up will surely have to eat into his profits every time a shipment arrives damaged. Every time he has to get on the phone and help someone too dense to understand the assembly instructions, and every time someone screws up and 1Up has to ship out a replacement part out of customer courtesy.

The bottom line, is if you think the cost is ridiculous, you are not 1up's target audience. But it's to be expected when posting on a Built It Yourself website. We are all making our own "street cars" while 1up will be selling luxury cars.

~Ray B.






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