Selling Speakers?

[dod996]

I have someone interested in a set of diy speakers and I’m not sure what to ask for them. I built using Usher 8945 woofer rand Usher T-9950 tweeter. The crossover uses decent components the cabinet is 1 ½” mdf front 3/4” mdf sides put together with biscuits and glue. The finish is Makore veneer.
I have around 650.00 in parts.

Here are some pictures.

[Nebuchadnazzar]

You should consider how long it too you to make them. You could multiply your time but how much your time should be worth like $20 on hour or something, then add on the price of parts.

[polkymon]

Originally posted by dod996
I have someone interested in a set of diy speakers and I’m not sure what to ask for them. I built using Usher 8945 woofer rand Usher T-9950 tweeter. The crossover uses decent components the cabinet is 1 ½” mdf front 3/4” mdf sides put together with biscuits and glue. The finish is Makore veneer.
I have around 650.00 in parts.

Here are some pictures.

A good way to get to a selling price is 2x the parts costs. This would put you @ $1300 for the pair and gives you something for your time.

Before you give out a price ask them if twice the parts cost would be fair. If they agree show him/her your invoice of parts costs and add it up with them. Dividing the number of hours you put into it will show that you were working for a meager wage.

The person must like the way they sound already so that's one hurdle. Dollar for dollar if you have a good design your speakers should hold their own. Another selling point to convey to them is that they are getting a custom made product that it is unique to any other speaker.

Now this puts you in competition with many commercially made speakers which also come with warranties. Although very few things happen to speakers most people are concerned they might blow a driver ... alright a speaker You could offer driver replacements for the first year with the limit on one occurrance per driver. This should help calm any fear of being left high and dry. If possible keep one each of the drivers around for the first year in case of being discontinued and/or watch for sales.

[sdclc126]

Nice work by the way - beautiful finish.

[phn]

I don't think you can charge for time on a DIY project. That's the reason there's no money in handmade broidery and such.

As for actual price, I don't know.

Forgot, nice, professional looking speakers.

[tinitus]

Price....It depends on the buyer......but around 500 USD, I guess....if they are good

On theese parts its almost impossible to sell anything homebrewed - often you may not even get the parts payed

They do look nice though

[dod996]

phn, sdclc126 Thanks for the kind words.


I will give him a price of two times my parts cost.
I guess I should be happy if I get my parts cost back but if thats the case I think i will just keep them for a future home theater system.

Tony

[cfbuck]

dod996

Is the design your own or did you utilize a published project?

[dod996]

It's Dennis Murphy's Usher Two-Way design.

[Zaph]

Originally posted by dod996
I have someone interested in a set of diy speakers and I’m not sure what to ask for them. I built using Usher 8945 woofer rand Usher T-9950 tweeter. The crossover uses decent components the cabinet is 1 ½” mdf front 3/4” mdf sides put together with biscuits and glue. The finish is Makore veneer.
I have around 650.00 in parts.

Here are some pictures.

Those look great, nice work!

I've sold speakers to quite a few people on Ebay, and I've got a grasp on how DIY speakers are valued there. Most people are in for a letdown on what their projects are worth. The last system I sold also had roughly $650 worth of parts (including damping, crossover, veneer and everything) and it sold for a whopping $665. That's actually on the high side of what I expected to get. Normally I lose money. Of course if I were to charge for my time, my cost would have been about $2000 but I assure you that time spent DIY'ing is worth nothing to anyone.

I've seen some people put DIY systems on ebay for a huge reserve price. I sometimes set Ebay to watch these auctions. They might start at $1600 and get no bids. Next week they are back at $1200, "Price reduced! Act now!" Next week they are back at $900. No bids. $600 is next, no bids. Then they disappear and never come back to Ebay.

Originally posted by dod996
It's Dennis Murphy's Usher Two-Way design.

Dropping Dennis' name and providing a response curve should add value though, at least as far as an Ebay sale. Now, if you can find someone local to buy your speakers for more than their ebay value, consider yourself far ahead of the game. Personally, I've found that selling local nets even less money than ebay. People expect "rummage sale" pricing.