Originally Posted By: billt460
Originally Posted By: Astro14
I don't think of Glock as low cost. So, for a G19 at $499, that's medium cost, but with exceptional reliability... If you're looking for value, which in this instance I'll define as reliability vs. cost, Glock represents good value.
Good point. Glock represents an interesting example of very successful marketing, as opposed to Ruger's marketing concept. Glock's sell at steady prices regardless of market conditions. Yes, you can find them somewhat discounted, but nowhere near as much as Ruger's semi auto Polymer line. They regulate prices much more carefully. I read somewhere that it costs Glock approximately $75.00 in materials and production cost to manufacture one. That is from the start of molding the frame, to taping the box shut. The profitability is very high, along with production numbers. Glock manages to keep both that way through very skillful production and marketing. Along with fewer changes, and or new additions over the years. (Only 4 generations in the last 3 decades). Where as Ruger seems to discontinue one model, and introduce another every 15 minutes.
As was pointed out, Ruger chooses to make their money in the first year or so of production. Once that is covered, they'll usually either flood the market, (back to build em' cheap, and stack em' deep, like with the current LCP lineup), or else discontinue them and move on to the next model. Both are successful marketing options for both companies. As both Ruger and Glock have proven to be very financially viable over the years. Let's face it, you don't fly around globetrotting in aircraft like this if you're not turning a healthy profit on a good product. (Bombardier GLEX Global Express.... Around $50 Million).
Glock has been successful at really building their own market based on the polymer pistol. They are the absolute premier manufacturer and have making them cheap and high volume without compromising quality and reliability down to a science. Then add on their acceptance by Law Enforcement globally and you have a recipe for success. That is why all Glocks look alike and pretty much function the same way. They have created a really high performance design and been able to market it successfully to a very broad range of people. Think about it...Law enforcement, military, gun enthusiasts, firearms experts, drug dealers, gang bangers and most other criminals prefer glocks.
Who else markets to such a wide variety of people?
Originally Posted By: Astro14
I don't think of Glock as low cost. So, for a G19 at $499, that's medium cost, but with exceptional reliability... If you're looking for value, which in this instance I'll define as reliability vs. cost, Glock represents good value.
Good point. Glock represents an interesting example of very successful marketing, as opposed to Ruger's marketing concept. Glock's sell at steady prices regardless of market conditions. Yes, you can find them somewhat discounted, but nowhere near as much as Ruger's semi auto Polymer line. They regulate prices much more carefully. I read somewhere that it costs Glock approximately $75.00 in materials and production cost to manufacture one. That is from the start of molding the frame, to taping the box shut. The profitability is very high, along with production numbers. Glock manages to keep both that way through very skillful production and marketing. Along with fewer changes, and or new additions over the years. (Only 4 generations in the last 3 decades). Where as Ruger seems to discontinue one model, and introduce another every 15 minutes.
As was pointed out, Ruger chooses to make their money in the first year or so of production. Once that is covered, they'll usually either flood the market, (back to build em' cheap, and stack em' deep, like with the current LCP lineup), or else discontinue them and move on to the next model. Both are successful marketing options for both companies. As both Ruger and Glock have proven to be very financially viable over the years. Let's face it, you don't fly around globetrotting in aircraft like this if you're not turning a healthy profit on a good product. (Bombardier GLEX Global Express.... Around $50 Million).
Glock has been successful at really building their own market based on the polymer pistol. They are the absolute premier manufacturer and have making them cheap and high volume without compromising quality and reliability down to a science. Then add on their acceptance by Law Enforcement globally and you have a recipe for success. That is why all Glocks look alike and pretty much function the same way. They have created a really high performance design and been able to market it successfully to a very broad range of people. Think about it...Law enforcement, military, gun enthusiasts, firearms experts, drug dealers, gang bangers and most other criminals prefer glocks.
Who else markets to such a wide variety of people?
