WIX Archives

Over-priced?

Posted by Steve Young on Wed Dec 05, 2001 08:51:27 AM

In reply top You got my vote Tony!!! posted by Will Fowler on Tue Dec 04, 2001 07:42:38 PM

: Well I voice my opinion on this subject three times over t
: he last year or so, so I am not going to say it again, onl
: y that Tony's comments have my support, prices are well ov
: er the top and in my heart I think this is what is really
: causing a big problem for the antique aircraft hobby, high
: prices bring lots of 'down sides' to it, which we all kno
: w about.
:
: Will


Will,

I can't directly address your point about prices being over the top, as admittedly I don't have a great deal of experience of the warbird market. Maybe there are a whole host of unscrupulous owners out there. It wouldn't surprise me - why should the warbird industry be any different to all others?

However, please bear in mind that aircraft restoration companies are essentially no different to your local garage in that they have to charge enough to cover their costs and (in an ideal world) try to make their operation profitable in order to continue in their chosen business. The costs will always be high, as work has to be of the highest standards, and must be certified at every stage. I may be muddying the waters here and detracting from Paul's original question (for which I apologise), but I know for a fact that there are restoration outfits out there who have difficulty making ends meet, and frequently lose money on jobs, especially in the current economic climate. Try telling these guys that their product is over-priced!

To go back to the "what do we call the project" question, maybe I'm being niaive (sp?), but not all restorers / owners are interested in how much they can get for their bird. For some, these aircraft and their histories have significant value to the individual which is worth more than money.

Follow Ups: