Hi Guys
First post here although I have been reading this forum for a few years now. I was sad to hear about RF's problems, I seem to be rather unlucky. A few years back I was in discussions with GT40NZ (I am a New Zealander), I confirmed with them what I wanted, they put my name to a chassis, sent me photos, I sent e-mail to arrange payment, then never heard back. They closed down of course. Next I was about to place an order with RF and the put their prices up. So I remained in China to earn a bit more dollar to cover the increase, then this trouble. I am happy say I did not confirm or pay a deposit. The RCR product is now looking mighty attractive.
I saw a comment in the RF thread that high quality, low margin is what is hurting these manufactures. I know in NZ and Aus that skilled tradesmen are getting harder to come by hence wages are increasing. My question is, why is this type of work still carried out in these countries? Welding and fibreglass work I mean. I am based in China and everyday I see people and factories that can do this type of work as good as anyone back home and for 1/10th the wage (sometimes less!). Materials are cheap, rent is nothing. Companies here are happy to CNC, cast for low quantity orders. It seems that maybe a GT40 company can gain an advantage but shifting production out of developed countries and into developing ones.
I am of course just thinking aloud here. I have no idea what red tape would be involved in doing this. And more importantly I have no idea how fellow enthusiasts looking to purchase in the near future would feel about buying a Chinese product.
I would welcome any opinion on this.
Cheers Neil
BTW if anyone in NZ is looking at the RCR product I would like to make contact.
First post here although I have been reading this forum for a few years now. I was sad to hear about RF's problems, I seem to be rather unlucky. A few years back I was in discussions with GT40NZ (I am a New Zealander), I confirmed with them what I wanted, they put my name to a chassis, sent me photos, I sent e-mail to arrange payment, then never heard back. They closed down of course. Next I was about to place an order with RF and the put their prices up. So I remained in China to earn a bit more dollar to cover the increase, then this trouble. I am happy say I did not confirm or pay a deposit. The RCR product is now looking mighty attractive.
I saw a comment in the RF thread that high quality, low margin is what is hurting these manufactures. I know in NZ and Aus that skilled tradesmen are getting harder to come by hence wages are increasing. My question is, why is this type of work still carried out in these countries? Welding and fibreglass work I mean. I am based in China and everyday I see people and factories that can do this type of work as good as anyone back home and for 1/10th the wage (sometimes less!). Materials are cheap, rent is nothing. Companies here are happy to CNC, cast for low quantity orders. It seems that maybe a GT40 company can gain an advantage but shifting production out of developed countries and into developing ones.
I am of course just thinking aloud here. I have no idea what red tape would be involved in doing this. And more importantly I have no idea how fellow enthusiasts looking to purchase in the near future would feel about buying a Chinese product.
I would welcome any opinion on this.
Cheers Neil
BTW if anyone in NZ is looking at the RCR product I would like to make contact.