In general, I think perception trumps reality when it comes to market demand. This is what makes marketing so key for success.
I have left the marketing of my offerings up to the community for the most part in the spirit of letting the lights speak for themselves. Obviously they don't speak but they do perform certain tasks which users can comment on.
As things have turned out, I now have good inventory of what I think are two of my best lights, to date, and the interest in these lights is soft right now. I have no doubt that this is due in part to the time of the year and likely to a much greater extent due to a troubled and tight economy that is likely effecting all of us to some extent or other. Here on Maui, where the tourist trade is the backbone of the economy, things are very grim for many of my friends and acquaintances. If anyone gets up against the wall and finds they need to sell their house for instance, they are really in a bind!! :sick2:
I would guess for some, their discretionary income is limited at the moment. For others, income itself may be uncertain. It's certainly a time to prioritize needs over wants.
I think Pez is correct that it is a storm at present and many of us simply need to ride it out, best we can. It is a buyer's market right now in the realm of flashlights but more significant in the greater market and economy at large. There will be some good deals available for those in a position to buy being offered up by those who need to bail out and sell. The health and prosperity of the market is up to the market and the perceptions of those active in the market, IMHO.
Until recently, my lights would typically sell in the B/S/T for prices greater than the original price. I would attribute this to limited supply as well as a healthy demand and interest in them. Had I been so inclined, I might have tried to exploit this situation by artificially limiting my offerings as well as bumping up the prices. I didn't because it is against my principles and a game I am not interested in playing. I want to build lights for as long as I can and as long as there is interest in them. I will offer them at prices I feel are reasonable and let the chips fall where they may.
The reason I am posting and commenting here is because I am being effected by the soft market at present and I want to share my perceptions as well as attitude about it. I didn't ride the higher demand by increasing my prices and by the same token, I have no intention of discounting or dropping my prices in these lean times or as might be influenced by sales in B/S/T.
Whether the demand is great or weak, my ability to supply and offer lights is definitely limited. I will be holding to my prices and riding this storm out best I can. If the storm lasts long enough, I may be forced to put my efforts elsewhere which will in a way put more premium or limitations on these lights. :shrug:
As I said above, I believe perception trumps reality. I have confidence in the reality and can only hope that perceptions clear. I say this for all of us and my concern goes well beyond these lights and my personal lot in life.
My home here on Maui is worth a lot more to me than I could presently sell it for and the good news is I have no plans or desire to sell it. The same can be said for other items and their real value VS today's market price.
