New Product: Meguiar's Pad Washer!

[C. Charles Hahn]

You're not thinking fourth dimensionally, Marty! How could it undercut their sales when they are making it??

If I came to you and said, hey that's a nice product, but you don't sell nearly as many of them as you could--who's ever heard of Grit Guard?? I put my product in every big box store and auto parts chain there is, everyone has heard of us. If I take this pad washer and put my name on it, I can double or triple your sales, I have reps visiting every body shop and dealer in the country...but I need it at a slightly lower price point, you can do that if you're selling 3 times as many, right?

True; I was only thinking about the extra party in the middle getting a cut of the profits, without taking into account the volume potential that would more than make up for it.

[Bunky]

True; I was only thinking about the extra party in the middle getting a cut of the profits, without taking into account the volume potential that would more than make up for it.

Grit Guard said they liked the Meg's relabeling (like with the yellow grit guard) due to the sale opportunities through Meg's distribution network. The profit margin is pretty high anyway so I doubt they are really taking a hit.

[BobbyG]

I'm not implying these washers don't work.

The HIGH cost of these washers is the driving force behind me not ordering one. This is molded plastic and at $140.00 I just can't see the expenditure... Even if this was 1/2 the price, the profit to manufacturing ratio is obscene......

[truckbutt]

I'm not implying these washers don't work.

The HIGH cost of these washers is the driving force behind me not ordering one. This is molded plastic and at $140.00 I just can't see the expenditure... Even if this was 1/2 the price, the profit to manufacturing ratio is obscene......

You're absolutely right. I was able to get a GG branded one with pad cleaning solution for $100. Thats's still obscene for how much they cost to make. They do however work well, and we all know that sometimes you just have to buy it even though you know it's too expensive.

[IID]

I think Megs coming out with their version of the pad washer is great for added sales of their product line.
Why would a detailer pick on over another?
@ $134.99
@ $134.99

Maybe color I suppose

I'm wondering if it is the same build quality as the original GGPW,or is there any added features/functions?
I would think since Meg's came out with their version,they would at least minimally differentiate theirs from the original.

BTW,I do like the color scheme.

[truckbutt]

The GG version is on sale at AG: Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer Special, buffer pad washer, dual action pad washer LOL.

[C. Charles Hahn]

You're absolutely right. I was able to get a GG branded one with pad cleaning solution for $100. Thats's still obscene for how much they cost to make. They do however work well, and we all know that sometimes you just have to buy it even though you know it's too expensive.

Indeed. I got lucky and won mine over on AutopiaForums during one of the Wednesday night chats they used to have. Chris Lamb was the "featured guest" that night.

I'm wondering if it is the same build quality as the original GGPW,or is there any added features/functions?
I would think since Meg's came out with their version,they would at least minimally differentiate theirs from the original.

BTW,I do like the color scheme.

I think the Meg's ones are still manufactured by Grit Guard, hence why they're identical.

[Hoytman]

I can tell you this much, BobbyG is dead on with his comments. The price park-up is pathetic.

My Dad works for the worlds largest drain tile manufacturer (I spent 8 years there myself). These little 4" 90 degree elbows, t-fittings, 45's, and such that you see at Lowe's sell for $5-$10 a piece, depending on the fittine...and cost about $0.10 to make, regardless of fitting. It's one thing to make a descent profit, it's entirely another to rape people.

I'm sure GG has sold plenty at this price, but they could clearly make a descent profit even if AG sold them for half price, even one quarter of the price. Sales would be through the roof, and IMO those large margins would be made up in volume sales...and still not be made in China. Resin prices have went down over all since mid90's price hike. Off-rant!

[Setec Astronomy]

I can tell you this much, BobbyG is dead on with his comments. The price park-up is pathetic.

My Dad works for the worlds largest drain tile manufacturer (I spent 8 years there myself). These little 4" 90 degree elbows, t-fittings, 45's, and such that you see at Lowe's sell for $5-$10 a piece, depending on the fittine...and cost about $0.10 to make, regardless of fitting. It's one thing to make a descent profit, it's entirely another to rape people.

I'm sure GG has sold plenty at this price, but they could clearly make a descent profit even if AG sold them for half price, even one quarter of the price. Sales would be through the roof, and IMO those large margins would be made up in volume sales...and still not be made in China. Off-rant!

We have discussed this before on other plastic products, like the storage bins we all have...it's what the market will bear, what it's worth to be "organized". I have two words for you, Benjamin....PLASTICS.

[Mike Moore]

There are car waxes out there that are $8,500 to $25,000 a jar.
I don't knock them just because I personally can't afford them.

"Any product is only worth what you are willing to pay for it."

The Pad Washer is a good tool. It makes cleanup much easier.
Do you hate life when your washing all your pads by hand?
It works, is a value added product and makes your life better.

Until competition or technology drive the price down then
I would bet it's going to be stuck at the current price point.

I wish I had invented it. Don't you wish you had invented it?
Want a better, cheaper mouse trap? Don't complain, make one!