sleeoffroad said:
There is definitely satisfaction to do your own sliders and projects, however you have a small piece left out from the above, and that is the time in between the steps to do all those. Unfortunately time is not free.
You have to compare apples to apples. This is not to criticism on you, just pointing out some things.
How long did it take you to prep the frame, weld them on etc.
Did you take them over to the coating place? Did you add that time.
Did you pick up the aluminum from the store. How long to cut that shape, drill the holes, put in the nutsets etc (Nice job on those btw).
Then those sliders are not close to the same design on uses the same material. Also hardware for install is missing etc etc.
When I was young, I always wanted to mod a 4x4 vehicle. I never had the time or money. Now, I have both. I chose to do my own slider project because I could not find a product that met my needs. Your are right, this is not apples to apples. But it is a sense of satisfaction to me and it was worth it.
Personally, I don't have a problem with your price point, in fact, it might make business sense to charge even more...There is always a market for exceptional quality, seamless installation, and product support. It is up to the buyer to consider all these issues and crunch the numbers.
Based upon your product line, I don't think that your market is 'the masses' rather, it is the discriminating ones, with the eye for quality, who have discretionary income,and are willing to part with it. There will always be a market for Mercedes Benz, Tag Heuer, and Pinarello.
I bet you get calls all the time about your 'short bus' bumpers and how they can fab it for half the price. I ran into that when I posted about my front and rear bumpers from Armorology. Some just don't get it, and some never will. I chose to do this project after hours of thinking and planning, it was a form of relaxation for me. That is how I am wired. During the fabrication process, I presented a binder, to Jed, on what I wanted, he had the skills and insight to make it a reality...After everything was said and done, I feel as though I got a great set of bumpers and made a friend as well.
By the way, if I lived out in Colorado, I would take my rig to Slee to install an ARB locker in my 4runner. Heck, I might do it anyway. I know the I-70 route to Colorado rather well....