This is a marketing program, if this had any real impact on development this wound be offered at "cost" which would be around $1k or less. Additionally this is a cast not CNCd part.
Remember your systems engineering training- verification is the most critical part of development.
If this was truly part of verification process there wouldn't be a post in a vehicle specific forum promoting a 9% sale price. This is a joke.
A joke huh? Sounds like it is not for you maybe. Also, think you got it all wrong, they are not trying to sell superchargers at a discount. They don't need to sell more... This is not a bumper, rack... this is something where there is 0 competition at the moment (and most likely in the future).
I'll admit, we are all talking out of are asses with speculation. Imagine that speculation in a supercharger thread LOL.
I can tell you this. I've been involved in several of these types of programs in the past related to engine modifications (supercharger, turbos....) It is pretty standard verification practice. You don't want to offer a really deep discount to the general public for the simple fact that it will attract the wrong type of user. You don't want bargain shoppers, you want early adopters who are true enthusiast with a bit of knowledge and a willingness to deal with small issues and not go off the handle at the first bolt that does not line up.. (OMG my truck has been sitting for 5 days while they address the issue).
This is not an early beta test.. You do that with partners where you have existing relationships. The reason for this is to get a sample of years, makes and configurations.... against your release candidate. They should all basically be the same, but there could be some minor unknowns in the field....especially with all the different bumpers, accessories.. people install on these trucks.
They want to stamp out 10 kits, not 1k+ and find out there is some part missing or tweak needed for it to work on all 5th gens. Simple as that. Makes good business sense.
Remember, it is a free market. You are not entitled to anything nor are they entitled to any sales. Somehow I think they will be successful with this product in the end. I have a feeling it is not their first rodeo...
A better discount would be nice for sure, but in the end... this old quote trumps all.
The bitterness of poor quality will remain long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten
I'm 100% convinced that 5th gen owners are a very difficult crowed to please. They want it all.. with no give and take... I'm not sure what it is, but I've owned a lot of different vehicles and still see more cake and eat it too here than anywhere.... Like anything.. this kit will have some negatives. The 5k+ price tag is the first one. The loss of guarantees on the lifetime of your drive-train is the next. It's really not for everyone. You have to be the right customer. I've done things like this several times and I'm still spooked by it on a Toyota. That does not mean I won't do it..... It's just a risk/reward calculation that each person has to do for themselves. A few hundred bucks should be low within that calculation. Someone doing this under the excitement that they will save 1500 or whatever... is most likely making a rash decision.
op2:
