Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Companies => Custom companies => B3 Cricket => Topic started by: potzy248 on February 15, 2015, 07:41:30 AM
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I was wondering why the crown bats have increased £100 in less than a year? No disrespect intended but to me the same process and craftsmanship that has always been a hallmark of B3 would not have changed much. I'm assuming same machine is being used as is the finishing by human hands.
Most of the other forum sponsors offer amazing deals (Hunts £165 custom G1 for example) where as B3 seem to keep getting more expensive.
I am a very big fan and hope you guys don't head down the GN/GM road where the top bats are over £550.
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Controversial much....and really do they or any business owe an explanation? Price is dictated by market and I got a feeling this thread will be locked very soon.
That said B3 are not forcing anyone to buy their expensive clefts just offering.
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I think one of the major contributors would be rarity of beautiful looking low density willow. IMHO I would never buy a bat that expensive in my current salary grade and playing standard but there'll always be buyers for top 0.5-1% willow.
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If people are willing to pay that price then why not sell them for that.
I don't truly expect an explanation just I don't expect my bank to tell my why my fees keep going up even though their profits could sustain life on earth for the next 10 years.
I suppose I asked as I really don't think anyone can justify a £100 increase over a few months.
Saying that they are becoming more and more popular, which must mean they are doing a lot of things right.
Can't wait for my 2nd hand B3 to arrive.
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I completely agree with you, thats a huge hike in price in a short duration. I am still waiting to try a B3 in my slightly limited budget.
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Read an article stating it's because the best clefts are getting rarer and more expensive also what clefts any batmaker recieve are governed by ratios.
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A very good question.
Well lets look at from this point of view.
Research costs have gone up, we have had to take on extra staff because we are busy, cost of willow has gone up all contributing.
As for what the forum offers we do 98 per cent of our business away from the forum we try to keep prices down across the range for instance our butterfly was and and i suspect will be the cheapest again when they role out again.
Our 1 stripe is one of the cheapest on the market too so we look to cater for everybody so is our best seller the 3 stripe bespoke.
Whilst i agree it is expensive i can guarantee you one thing the crown is the best willow we can supply even better than our sponsored players bats.
I hope this answers everything for you we have prices to suit all pockets people who are owners at B3 are not rich people and making millions mate trust me on this there working class people.
There are some good offers out there some not so i can't comment on others i rate the crown bats but then again i rate 1 stripes too.
If it helps you i can tell you one of the directors yesterday bought himself a new car it was not something flash it was a mid range family car around 8 years old people and this is a person who is a world leader in his field.
People aslo on the forum do get access at times to lower density lower grade that you wouldn't normally see but hey i try my best
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And as for forum offer we have one currently a 350 density very cheap we also will be doing butterfly and i will be doing a live day there very soon with some trial and demo bats.
I have two bats which will be up very soon all sub 100 quid which had defects on the machine so we have and will keep running these offers i hope people like what we are doing and keep doing.
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As Dave points out
Bills are going up (elec, gas, banks, tax, rates etc etc)
Cleft prices have gone up (not by loads but a few quid each)
Machinery costs
maintenance costs
I'd imagine labour costs have gone up in a small company as they can't afford to not to and retain decent staff (fine if you are a mcdonalds type but if you actually want competence you have to pay more than peanuts)
Because companies can - simple really, they'll keep raising the prices until people stop buying.. why not!!
Because directors want to earn more and more and have to finance their trips, cars, houses etc
Because they can..
Ummm, because it seems business now is about making max profit rather than just earning a living. Just look at the ECB, selling out for the buck and employing money men over people are less qualified so to speak in business and more qualified in the love of cricket.
it's the way of the world, accept it. No point fighting it as you will lose. It's simply not possible now for someone wanting to enter any market and keep prices down, you are basically either forced to sell for more than you need to OR you might as well sell for what others do.. oh, he's selling his top bat for 350.. mines only 250.. humm, I'm 'losing' out on 100... I'll sell for 330 then.. rather than 'actually, I only want to make x%, so I'll leavea it at 250. I could make more but I don't want/need to'
still, all opinion, not aimed at B3 in anyway, meerly generalist
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An interesting topic and one which I feel can never be truly addressed. I know the cost of willow has increased, but surely the cost of extra staff is addressed by the increase in sales which brought about their recruitment in the first place. Sure, there is a bat for every price point but that wasn't the question.
At the end of the day it's none of our business what a company charges for a bat and how the cost is arrived at. A young company starting out will often produce competitively priced goods, as they become more successful they can charge more. My gut feeling is that is what is happening here. It's just a fact of life.
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starting out will often produce competitively priced goods, as they become more successful they can charge more.
This.. GN didn't start by charging OTT prices.. they would have started realistically priced and since they 'made it' will have raised their price purely because they can. same with Kook, GM etc etc
It's simply just what brands do, start small, offer value/service etc.. then as they get big they market the same values but the value actually isn't as good as prices soar. It's not limited to any one company, it's just what happens for lots of reasons.
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An interesting topic and one which I feel can never be truly addressed. I know the cost of willow has increased, but surely the cost of extra staff is addressed by the increase in sales which brought about their recruitment in the first place. Sure, there is a bat for every price point but that wasn't the question.
At the end of the day it's none of our business what a company charges for a bat and how the cost is arrived at. A young company starting out will often produce competitively priced goods, as they become more successful they can charge more. My gut feeling is that is what is happening here. It's just a fact of life.
We do not mind mate sharing our thoughts.
Recruitment was not done due to increased custom (however it has worked out that way) but to improve the process so Streaky could refine and improve what we do.
As for not the question asked bit like politics lets not go to source and find the answer but look at the background to the question . Which is people have asked why they have gone up but nobody asked why our butterfly where the cheapest on here and our 1 stripe is still one of the cheapest.
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We do not mind mate sharing our thoughts.
Recruitment was not done due to increased custom (however it has worked out that way) but to improve the process so Streaky could refine and improve what we do.
As for not the question asked bit like politics lets not go to source and find the answer but look at the background to the question . Which is people have asked why they have gone up but nobody asked why our butterfly where the cheapest on here and our 1 stripe is still one of the cheapest.
Nothing to hide and don't mind sharing the reasons. Got my hands full at the minute (literally) 4 month old sleeping baby and keeping a 4 and 6 year old entertained.... Makes making bats seem easy.
Will hopefully get back on tonight, this will postpone my a post that I was going to do on Pressing.
What do people want to learn about pressing or prices?
Streaky
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Nothing to hide and don't mind sharing the reasons. Got my hands full at the minute (literally) 4 month old sleeping baby and keeping a 4 and 6 year old entertained.... Makes making bats seem easy.
Will hopefully get back on tonight, this will postpone my a post that I was going to do on Pressing.
What do people want to learn about pressing or prices?
Streaky
Pressing of course!
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And as for forum offer we have one currently a 350 density very cheap
your product your prices mate but 350quid is not very cheap for Joe Public.
This is no comment on quality just the perception of "very cheap" from an average punters point of view.
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your product your prices mate but 350quid is not very cheap for Joe Public.
This is no comment on quality just the perception of "very cheap" from an average punters point of view.
Ok in context cheap for the quality of willow i find it very cheap for a cricket bat of that quality made to your EXACT spec yes i find it rather good value.
We could talk about our USP and go round in circles i hope people like what we do.
Is 100 pound butterfly for a bespoke UK made cricket bat cheap for the Uk market??
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Nothing to hide and don't mind sharing the reasons. Got my hands full at the minute (literally) 4 month old sleeping baby and keeping a 4 and 6 year old entertained.... Makes making bats seem easy.
Will hopefully get back on tonight, this will postpone my a post that I was going to do on Pressing.
What do people want to learn about pressing or prices?
Streaky
I stocked up on bats when willow was cheap last year. Let's hear about pressing. Also, are you guys thinking about a performance index like the pick up index based on performance grading you mentioned in previous thread?
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(http://i59.tinypic.com/11m8em8.jpg)
(http://i61.tinypic.com/2nv3sxj.jpg)
(http://i58.tinypic.com/29o0tbo.jpg)
(http://i59.tinypic.com/2eec682.jpg)
(http://i59.tinypic.com/rlx1zr.jpg)
Top looking ,Low density willow very hard to find!!
2-7 40mm edges mmmm
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Ok in context cheap for the quality of willow i find it very cheap for a cricket bat of that quality made to your EXACT spec yes i find it rather good value.
We could talk about our USP and go round in circles i hope people like what we do.
Is 100 pound butterfly for a bespoke UK made cricket bat cheap for the Uk market??
What do people want to learn about pressing or prices?
I believe Crown in an exclusive edition, a limited run and hence expensive, Joe Public like me can buyer cheaper grade. I'll only be concerned about a company if they are unable to offer options (which still perform well) in lower grades. Dave I am waiting for that Butterfly option eagerly.
Pressing offcourse, Price is very subjective and depends on what an individual wants to pay or how much a company wants to charge for an item after calculating all their costs and a %age of profit.
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Please don't use the term Joe Public I'm a working class lad from a council estate mate I'm about as joe public as you can get.
A few crown have sold to all kinds of people from millionaire to a lad I personally know who saved up for over a year to buy one.
I'm trying to sort a package deal out with a net bat offer because of course 500 pound for a cricket ha is expensive and last thing I would hate is old water damaged ball at nets breaking my bat.
I like butterfly and at our price are a very good option hopefully this season we will have a few more in lower densities.
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Don't like the shape myself but that is a lovely looking bat Dave. Find me a gem please :)
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(http://i59.tinypic.com/2k0ute.jpg)
How about this shape Adrian 2-8
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([url]http://i59.tinypic.com/2k0ute.jpg[/url])
How about this shape Adrian 2-8
That's similar, bit more in the toe for the slog sweep needed for me. Is it yours?
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Yes mate made from a 350 with a slight butterfly in the back pal.
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Yes mate made from a 350 with a slight butterfly in the back pal.
mark on the back is fine :)
Looks huge
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Thats what you get from a 350 cleft mate i keep telling people there massive for the weight this was downgraded too to a 3 stripe due to the mark on the back.
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Joe Public refers average or common or not so rich. Nothing wrong with the term. Good looking bats those crowns and similar specimens are on offer from others. As I said your products your pricing but I just can't agree with the whole value bit with top if the range bats. I guess the margins are better which then allows for bargains on the lower end which for joe public can only be a good thing.
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Sent those pics of the bat I'd like copied. 2.8 is the weight. I could post it off to you guys if needed as the season is ages away still.
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Joe Public refers average or common or not so rich. Nothing wrong with the term. Good looking bats those crowns and similar specimens are on offer from others. As I said your products your pricing but I just can't agree with the whole value bit with top if the range bats. I guess the margins are better which then allows for bargains on the lower end which for joe public can only be a good thing.
I know what the term is i just don't like the term !!!
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([url]http://i59.tinypic.com/2k0ute.jpg[/url])
How about this shape Adrian 2-8
I have first dibs on that bad boy mate ;)
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I have purchased 3 crownes since Oct 2014 and the last one arrived a week back. I dont have any issue in the price hike which could consists of several reasons which I dont want to get in detail. These crownes regardless of price are of exceptional quality and I have got big bats in lower weights and Dave is aware about it. I have paid 1100$ for a l&w signature and its no where performs to the crownes I got.
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It's like buying acferrari you pay more for it
If it's out of your price range accept that and move on.
Cricket bat prices in General are too high but so are a lit of other things ... 70p for a snickers!
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It's like buying acferrari you pay more for it
If it's out of your price range accept that and move on.
Cricket bat prices in General are too high but so are a lit of other things ... 70p for a snickers!
ooh but those Ferraris are rare, guarantee performance and are super good value for money. As per snickers let's get Osborne on the forum.
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I have purchased 3 crownes since Oct 2014 and the last one arrived a week back. I dont have any issue in the price hike which could consists of several reasons which I dont want to get in detail. These crownes regardless of price are of exceptional quality and I have got big bats in lower weights and Dave is aware about it. I have paid 1100$ for a l&w signature and its no where performs to the crownes I got.
Get some pictures of your collection mate for us all to ogle! Second thing, do you actually use all these bats or are they hung on the wall to stare / drool at?! :-[
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Hi Ams4287..I use them mate but b3 more..Will try and get some pics later..
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Joy has some collection he has a super ss he and his mates have access not just to mine but some very special bats from India.
His 3 crowns are all different he like me wants a 2-7 pound bat that is powerful yet picks up light.
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Surely this is just supply and demand?
Supply of this quality of willow is lessening which in turn will put up the price. Additionally, if there was no demand at this price then B3 wouldn't make any sales and have to re-evaluate their pricing points. As it stands, if sales are made they clearly know their target market and offer ranges of willow to match each consumer.
Why would they sell these at £300 if they are likely to make the same sales at £350.
At no point have I ever seen B3 as money grabbers and I for one enjoy the contribution that all associated with B3 make to the forum.
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Let's put this another way .......
Why are you disappointed because a company with a factory, providing employment to a few people, paying overheads, contributing to local clubs and cricket and trying to move forward cricket bat science. Yes they charge £450 but I can guarantee it's no where near the % profit margin of those those who buy machined clefts and sand them down or those those that sticker up bats and charge £300.
It's the best willow, it comes at a price and is less than the big companies charge.
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Sort of got a bit off topic.
I will say this. If Paul Aldred suddenly added £100 pounds onto his top bat in less than a year or any of the smaller bat makers what would people say if they stated the same reasons as B3?
Like I said, if people are paying that then why not, everyone's out to make money. I hope B3 continue to do well and one day the Old mate can buy a new Jaguar for his family.
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I was wondering why the crown bats have increased £100 in less than a year? No disrespect intended but to me the same process and craftsmanship that has always been a hallmark of B3 would not have changed much. I'm assuming same machine is being used as is the finishing by human hands.
Most of the other forum sponsors offer amazing deals (Hunts £165 custom G1 for example) where as B3 seem to keep getting more expensive.
I am a very big fan and hope you guys don't head down the GN/GM road where the top bats are over £550.
The topic and responses have morphed a little into questioning the price. it seems to me like the original question focused on the price rise.
I think as a consumer its a valid and natural question but in reality not one that can really ever be answered.
The price is the price and its not dictated by any one factor.. just look at oil. Through a global economic down turn it remained strong, There is now a generally accepted improvement in most economies and oil falls through the floor.
We already heard from the Doctor that willow has not gone up by such numbers and tbh if you are asking your existing customer base to carry the cost of your planned expansion through increased price then you probably have a floored business model. Thats not the case here, B3 are clearly offering competitive products at all price points, their business model has resilience because unless i am mistaken they are producing for other brands.
To me crown willow is the equivalent of a mont blanc pen. In essence there are many other similar products that will do exactly the same job, there is no particular added value in the way they are made and although they look nice (usually) its not going to make my handwriting any neater.
Of all the pens made mont blancs represent a small percentage (like crown willow) and as a result are priced to appeal to the minority that can either afford it or place personal value in having one. Just like bats pens perform at all grades. Therefore the pretty ones can attract a higher price.
That higher price can rise and fall (its not based on costs plus margin) and as its essentially a vanity product then the reason for that rise and fall is not tied to any normal economic logic. As they are rare then the price will always be higher but a change in that higher price does not have to have logic.
Any company that spans the the market in its product offering has to distinguish its premium product in one way or another and price is a pretty clear cut way of doing that, especially when you pride yourself on your attention to customer service at all levels. Reassuringly expensive works because of the basic phycology in our behaviour, its exploited by many companies but in many others (like B3 in my opinion) its an appropriate mechanism to offer a product to those that are willing to spend the money, spend i with themt. In this model the price will always be linked to what people are willing to spend, it has very little to do with the true cost of producing it.
I'm personally unlikely to ever buy a crown bat mainly because i can't justify the cost v my ability to use it but if i was either much richer or a far better batman then i would get one... the price would be the price. Like a great piece of art... if you want it you have to pay the artist what they think its worth, its got nothing to do with the price of fish
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Thanks Sir Richard Branson. ;)
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I will put this to bed I hope
The willow is limited very limited we set the price and if you want it that's the price.
I have to admit something that we do not have that many left and crown sales are up.
We do care about customer thoughts very seriously and regard this forum with the upmost respect.
And potzy pal I have asked the gold doctors re your request yesterday sorry no further discounts will be allowed on offers.
Once there gone there gone there not like others limited editions which never run out!!!!
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Nothing to hide and don't mind sharing the reasons. Got my hands full at the minute (literally) 4 month old sleeping baby and keeping a 4 and 6 year old entertained.... Makes making bats seem easy.
Will hopefully get back on tonight, this will postpone my a post that I was going to do on Pressing.
What do people want to learn about pressing or prices?
Streaky
Congratulations on getting a 4 month old baby to sleep!!!
And pressing please
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Excellent, Boondougal!!! well presented. Must have spent some time thinking about the topic and then typing it on an iPad!!! This explains why some of the premium products seem to be priced (un)reasonably. If you have money to spare then spend it on premium products, otherwise go for something less expensive but will do the same job. The company in question is very capable in the second department as well, the 2 one stripe bats I have are very very good. And I know that Doc has spent quite a lot of time on perfecting my designs for me.
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Excellent, Boondougal!!! well presented. Must have spent some time thinking about the topic and then typing it on an iPad!!!
Cheers. I have a keyboard in my case so it's just like using a small laptop.