are most detectors overpriced?

[MI-AuAg]

Although the original post is 8 yrs old, it is a question many detectorist's will always think about.

As to if any, or all, detectors are "overpriced"? That question is generally answered by whether consumers are willing to pay the price. I think it would be fair to say that most detectors are sold with a VERY HIGH profit margin.

An example: the F75 price reduction. Prior to it's (very welcome) substantial price reduction, it retailed in the $950.00 range. The current list price is $599.00, with most purchasers paying less.

I read a suggestion in a past thread about the reason for the price reduction, as an attempt to get rid of warehoused stockpiles of that model.

At the current reduced price, I considered it a very good price/performance value and bought one. I purchased mine in mid August '16. The mid July '16 manufacture date on the serial # indicates it is a newly manufactured unit. It has all the latest model improvements, and included weather covers for the control housing and battery compartment.

With overhead costs of R&D, production, promotion, distribution, etc., there still appears to be plenty of meat on the bone for profit to the manufacturer and retailers at it's current $599.00 list price.

The current $350.00 - $450.00 consumer savings per unit, it appears, prior to the price reduction, would simply have been that much more profit per unit.

 

[bigtim1973]

I think first Texas lowered the prices on their flagship model is due to them releasing something new shortly. The same thing happened when the 8500 omega was introduced. I am curious as I have recently purchased a slightly used f75 se at a very great price. I can only imagine and cannot wait to see what will be released

 

[Dancer]

Some of my detectors have paid for themselves in one swing. Like a real nice ring. And I'm no barn burner. In the end the hunter takes the machine to the find, the machine just sniffs it.

 

[nam1969]

yes

 

[hairymonsterman]

https://youtu.be/PO4NFUM_ot0

Some are very overpriced, mine wasn't, it was a bargain!
I use the GM5, came with 2 coils, wireless headphones, recharable batteries and charger, covers etc etc
It's light, got a straight carbon shaft, lightening fast, go's deeper with better TID using a smaller coil than my more expensive Racer2, that's in my medium to high mineralised soil.
Take a look at the video above i done with the 9" coil, it's a relic machine or coin hunter in ancient sites, not your first choice for a park or tot lot.
Cost me £395 at the time, but now the £ has dropped, but would have been around $450.

 

[slingshot]

It's just like buying a car. Are you looking for transportation or do you need every luxury you can get? If you're a limo service, get it all. If you hunt mostly parks, schools, playgrounds why would you spend $5,000 for one? On the flip side, some models in the $100-$300 price range offer advantages we only dreamed about 30 years ago. I feel we have Charles Garrett to thank when he came out with the Ace models. Soon there was an industry wide change in prices for models with extra features. IMHO. There are some bargains out there, when you figure they have the equipment, facilities,utilities, and designers to turn these out.

 

[volpe]

Over priced?? How mucdh is fun, the satisfaction on finding something useful, wonderful, as in I don't know what it is, and getting out and about?

 

[copper kidd]

I have 3 Gibson guitars that are over 2k each. I wish they only cost 150.00 dollars...LOL.
But to answer the question , yes I think they maybe somewhat over pricey considering the make up, but remember the saying " you get what you pay for ".