Various shops release original parts and reproduction products.
Of course, many of them are “commercial products,” but “things like this would be nice, right?” It seems they’re developed, manufactured, and sold from the perspective of a genuine bike rider.
If you frequent that shop and feel their passion, “please support them.” That’s what I think every day.
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Sales volume and target market size are basically small
No matter how versatile something is, you can’t expect sales of 1,000 or 10,000 units per model. At best, selling 50-100 units would be considered a success.
In such circumstances, “manufacturing costs, prototyping, testing, packaging materials, advertising” and other costs make it difficult to simply add everything to the selling price. That’s the reality. When determining the selling price, it’s based on a general market price, and then “we’d like to make about this much profit per unit,” or something like that, I’d guess.
For example, “if the cost rate is 50% and you make 50 sets of a 100,000 yen step kit,” let’s say. Just like that, 2.5 million yen goes out in inventory. It’s quite a large purchase, so if you don’t steer carefully, it’s quite risky.
If the cost is 50%, you only break even after selling 25 units at list price. Only from the 26th unit onward do you start making profit—it’s a tough system.
It’s rare for one person to buy two
Bike parts generally seem to have high durability. It’s basically rare for one person to buy two. Even if it happens once, it doesn’t happen twice—that’s the impression. When you narrow it down to a specific model, it gets even tougher. The Kawasaki Z is a legendary bike, isn’t it?
Products don’t sell vaguely. Basically, “I want to buy when I want it” is what consumers feel.
Limited editions and pre-order-only methods also exist
Selling out at the same time as a new product release or making the first batch available only to pre-order customers or including special bonuses is also a good strategy.
If sales turnover and speed increase, there’s more room for developing the next product. I think if we can expand sales while minimizing risk, it creates a better environment for everyone.
If the shop you frequent releases an original product and you’re interested and the timing works out, please support them.
With fewer expected sales and higher unit prices than before, I’m amazed at how many shops are putting passion into their specific models these days.
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