Victor Smith said:
Translation from the American perspective.
"....Mr. Schöntag mentioned that [EUROPEAN] customers would often put the "Made in China" product back on the shelf and would buy more if it were "Made in Germany". At least that's how I do it [a EUROPEAN Speaking]. How do you react?..."
How do I react?..I read “Eurocentricy” and “Chinapobia”
I react thru my pocketbook, I dont give a fig if its made in Germany, China, Korea, or MARS for that matter, if its good and it works and I CAN AFFORD IT… WhooHoo!
This doesnt surprise me, same old- same old is what I now expect. Only with an increasingly Myopic focus on Europe for ELP, and dont count on any lower prices.
Interesting thing will be to see what LGBofA does…will they be truely independant and continue to offer more lower price MIC offerings that compete directly with B’mann or AC, or will they fall in line with the MIG mindset, raise prices, and continue to take it in the pants in the USA.
Hey Vic,
Remember I just do the translating and perhaps comment on the respective sources.
OTOH you have a point ; now the three handed lawyer would say OTTH “remember the howling from certain corners regarding the “Made in China” stuff from LGB”.
Some people thought that the stuff needed to be boycotted at all costs, while they were sitting down on a “Made in China” chair in front of the “Made in China” monitor, typing on a “Made in China” keyboard, while sipping whatever out of a “Made in China” cup.
What those “highly pragmatic and rational” people forget: the Chinese have proven that they can produce any number of fine items provided the company that orders the stuff establishes a tightly controlled QC protocol which is followed to the “T”.
Of course the other thought regarding the LGBoA possibility is:
Supposedly EPL unloaded LGBoA because it was a drain on the bottom line. At least that’s how it was spun in Europe!
Now that company has to buy whatever from EPLehmann at whatever price level EPLehmann sets or they can start their own supply line; from track all the way through to spareparts, accessories etc. etc. or they can acquire the distributor ship for a number of different lines, which will require tons of effort in the marketing department.
As Tony keeps pointing out “Follow the money”; that’s what it will come down to.
From my perspective LGB (as a product name) on either side of the pond will need deep pockets to retain market share! If you can’t supply product, you’re dinned!