Tirade About Molle Panel Cost

[GN4HIR]

Before you start.. I know I'm being a whinner with a first world problem but I'm going to do it anyway. And, I'm sure someone will say, if you feel like that.. just don't buy it. But at some point you have to push back.

I've accessorized my IG with quality products from the name brands, Bison, Leitner, Owl etc. Some of it required the manufacturer to invest in costly development and testing and for that they should be compensated. However, I'm drawing the line at molle side panels. There is no way they should cost $500 to $600 per side for what they are. I understand and support capitalism but I feel the companies selling molle panels are gouging us because we drive IGs.

I hate to use Bison as an example because they are a great company but the problem is well illustrated on their website. Compare what a molle panel for a Jeep costs compared to the IG. The IG mount is stainless and a bit more complicated but not $300 more. So.. talk among yourselves, appoint a spokesman, and reply with the alternative point of view. I will go find some frozen margaritas with salt and come back when I'm slurring my words when I type.

 

[Cheshire cat]

Well done for bringing this topic up again. Bison may be a great company but as they are based in Poland, surely their manufacturing costs would be much lower than the US, or definitely Germany and Switzerland. Doesn't make sense to me.

 

[AWo]

That part is most probably done by a machine. Some bends only, no weldings from what I can see. These costs are nearly the same everywhere.

However, I already mentioned another example here somewhere else of this price politics, the lightbar. Ineos takes roughly about 10 times more than than the same lightbar is sold under different brand names.

However...if you use Apple you're charged more sometimes, as well. We saw that with the Eurotunnel and some online shops, already.

AWo

 

[DenisM]

Where sales are concerned in business, it's never been about what's reasonable or fair. It's about what the "market" will bear....

 

[AWo]

Exactly...but you can achieve higher prices when there are no cheaper alternatives are available.
When it is obvious that you get ripped off it becomes difficult....

My company produces parts for cars/trucks, also metall parts, so I'm somewhat into that business.

AWo

 

[landmannnn]

If you have signed up for Bison's newsletter the current discount on molle panels gets you much nearer the Jeep price.

 

[Jiman01]

If you have signed up for Bison's newsletter the current discount on molle panels gets you much nearer the Jeep price.

Which kinda reenforces @GN4HIR point, if they can discount that much and still make a profit….I’m assuming they’re still making a profit

 

[Tom D]

I think there’s a couple of reasons.
Firstly( the kind explanation) the grenadier is not as common as other vehicles. And most owners won’t accessorise. So the market is small. Therefore development costs are a higher percentage of overall cost.
Secondly ( the cynical explanation) the grenadier is an expensive vehicle, owners have plenty of money……..

 

[Commodore]

Before you start.. I know I'm being a whinner with a first world problem but I'm going to do it anyway. And, I'm sure someone will say, if you feel like that.. just don't buy it. But at some point you have to push back.

I've accessorized my IG with quality products from the name brands, Bison, Leitner, Owl etc. Some of it required the manufacturer to invest in costly development and testing and for that they should be compensated. However, I'm drawing the line at molle side panels. There is no way they should cost $500 to $600 per side for what they are. I understand and support capitalism but I feel the companies selling molle panels are gouging us because we drive IGs.

I hate to use Bison as an example because they are a great company but the problem is well illustrated on their website. Compare what a molle panel for a Jeep costs compared to the IG. The IG mount is stainless and a bit more complicated but not $300 more. So.. talk among yourselves, appoint a spokesman, and reply with the alternative point of view. I will go find some frozen margaritas with salt and come back when I'm slurring my words when I type.

View attachment 7876930View attachment 7876931

I had one the earlier "new broncos" and we called this the "Bronco Tax". Everything was twice the cost of the same thing for a Jeep. The Bronco accessories are finally coming down to Jeep accessory prices. I suspect the same will happen with the "Grenadier Tax" but it will take a few years.

 

[Tom109]

TBH, I can think of at least five places I would put gear, more secure and better located than a mole panel. I think they are 100% a money grab.

 

[Tazzieman]

Secondly ( the cynical explanation) the grenadier is an expensive vehicle, owners have plenty of money……..

A rich fool and his money are easily parted.

 

[Cheshire cat]

A rich fool and his money are easily parted.

Fool and Money, I can identify with. The Rich bit is the sticking point.

 

[Clark Kent]

Fool and Money, I can identify with. The Rich bit is the sticking point.

This is not you?

 

[Tazzieman]

Fool and Money, I can identify with. The Rich bit is the sticking point.

You man you didn't heavily invest in bitcoin last century?
Rich people aren't ever really happy.
What is it that every rich man wants, but no rich man wants to lose?
- a lawsuit

 

[GN4HIR]

I'm still trying to figure out how a fool gets money to begin with.

As AWo noted, the molle panel isn't a labor intensive part. I have a desk job, so I'm going to reach out to a friend with a metal fabrication shop to find out what is really involved and get a quote from him.

I assume it is a matter of 1.) creating a design in CAD, 2.) sourcing the 3/16 aluminum plate, 3.) cutting it on a plasma table, 4.) a bit of time at the bending brake 5.) possibly some polishing/buffing to smooth edges, 6.) send it out for powder coat.

Anyone have thought about layout/design. I assume it should have not only a molle design but also holes for mounting rotopax carrier. Might leave a corner for vehicle name, or some phrase. I don't know how fine a cutout the plasma cutter can do.

 

[Tazzieman]

I'm still trying to figure out how a fool gets money to begin with.

It's called the lucky sperm club. And there are <other ways> for people who don't try very hard at school, etc.

 

[landmannnn]

I'm still trying to figure out how a fool gets money to begin with.

As AWo noted, the molle panel isn't a labor intensive part. I have a desk job, so I'm going to reach out to a friend with a metal fabrication shop to find out what is really involved and get a quote from him.

I assume it is a matter of 1.) creating a design in CAD, 2.) sourcing the 3/16 aluminum plate, 3.) cutting it on a plasma table, 4.) a bit of time at the bending brake 5.) possibly some polishing/buffing to smooth edges, 6.) send it out for powder coat.

Anyone have thought about layout/design. I assume it should have not only a molle design but also holes for mounting rotopax carrier. Might leave a corner for vehicle name, or some phrase. I don't know how fine a cutout the plasma cutter can do.

I think it is likely that a CNC water jet cutter is used to cut the squares, much neater than a plasma and intricate designs can made.

 

[trobex]

I am not investing 1c in anything that can otherwise be made in China eventually, for 1/4 the price. I am done with Europeans (and their colonies) taking the piss on costs.

Here is another example, a 16 foot tinny (a small aluminium boat/punt basically) sells for $25K in Oz, new. What... with a 40hp Tohatso - you got to be kidding.

 

[trobex]

I think it is likely that a CNC water jet cutter is used to cut the squares, much neater than a plasma and intricate designs can made.

Some shop metal work associates are going to cut me a panel for a project, custom design (nature scape) - CNC/Laser cut ally being 3.0m long x 1.5m high x 3mm plate, - powder coated black = $790 inc GST - total cost. These vehicle ally accessories are for cashed up tradies, doctores, real estate agents and Aussie small business owners if you ask me... just saying.

 

[Zimm]

Its harder to get appropriate size boxes for shipping made, than to design, send out the sheet to the shop, and start production on these idiotic things. I wish IKEA would get into the market. The cost would be 200 buck plus bad swedish meatballs.