At first glance it is easy to agree with Ezmaralda, but I agree with Jfrech. Most high end is a 60% business. So a $20,000 pair of speakers is $12,000 to the dealer. The dealer will discount them and has to cover his expenses so not a great deal is made on that end.
To make any money, the manufacturer has to be able to get the speaker out the door for way under half of what he sells to the dealer. The cost of raw materials is a small portion of the manufacturer's total expense. Raw materials, research and development, real estate, test equipment, tools for assembly, salaries, taxes, warranty repairs, shipping, marketing and advertising, sales reps, and other costs. Then you hope to make enough profit to afford a decent standard of living. I applaud any manufacturer of high end equipment who can survive in this enviroment. I don't see how anyone can build speakers to Wilson's high standards and sell them for any less.
To make any money, the manufacturer has to be able to get the speaker out the door for way under half of what he sells to the dealer. The cost of raw materials is a small portion of the manufacturer's total expense. Raw materials, research and development, real estate, test equipment, tools for assembly, salaries, taxes, warranty repairs, shipping, marketing and advertising, sales reps, and other costs. Then you hope to make enough profit to afford a decent standard of living. I applaud any manufacturer of high end equipment who can survive in this enviroment. I don't see how anyone can build speakers to Wilson's high standards and sell them for any less.