Well, we received a csv list of our products.
Appearently we have a very different approach of our webshops. All unique geometries we sell were printed by us at least in scale 1/160. We use identical geometry in various sets. So, we do care that all designs get sold, because we invested in all designs first. This is needed because we want to check our models and paint them before putting them on sale. We believe it is very important to show the actual products.
Because we invest we want to earn money back of course. (Don't worry, we manage). For this reason we sell many sets containing multiple items. By this we can offer our models for a lower price and also increase the margin. This allows us to work the way we do.
For this reason we don't use a standard margin, but carefully determine our customer prices. We strongly believe that this is one of the success factors here.
We checked the csv list with all the price changes and discovered that in general the majority of our models would become cheaper. This is nice, but there is a big but:
-As expected the larger sets become (a lot more) expensive. These sets happen to be our bestsellers. A fine example is this set:
https://shpws.me/D1eJ
This set becomes a lot more expensive. So anyone who is interested in this set: buy it before May 22nd!
-Also almost all of our Bonus Sets (link:
https://www.shapeways.com/shops/rail-n-scale?section=Bonus+Sets&s=0 ) will become quite a bit more expensive. So, anyone who fancies one of our bonus sets should buy them before May 22nd!
So in our case if you can't individual models, the SW numbers are about correct. If we look to the actiual sales figures, these equations are less favourable.
Yes indeed, we could redesign all models (adding sprues, getting the First-to-Try gamble and likely a lower print success rate) but that will take a lot of time.
By this you will change the print quality of your products. SW is going into the wrong direction if they tell designers to alter their designs in a way it will become cheaper. The end customers may be confronted with quite some nasty surprises.
Also we have to change our price setting of the 800 models, because the 'trick' SW will use will result in idiotic prices. We have to iron all the strange prices out in a smart way. That means that some margins will go up, and others will go down.
Regards,
Maurice