Rapha by George

don simon wrote:

You want it explaining again?  FFS!

If you don't even understand the point from a very, very, very simple title then I ain't going to do it for you.

Chao!

Wow, calm down Simon.  If anyone needs to grow up here, it's you.  I also could do with some clarification about what you actually mean by your original statement, although I'm guessing that even you don't know what you're arguing about.

don simon wrote:

VeloUSA wrote:

Last quarter Walmart's total revenue was $118.8 (£ 91.2866) billion. Just think if RZC Investments took 1% of that money and put into expanding Ralpha, lower mfg cost, and maintain product quality how it would make Ralpha accessible for many.

I suspect that lowering the manufacturing costs won't actually maintain product quality (it never does in the long run) and making Rapha accessible for many is exactly my point and glad you got it.

Rapha is an expensive and relatively exclusive brand which is about to be made cheaply for the masses. Current customer base will move onto the next exclusive brand.

Don, I don't know why you keep digging a hole for yourself. The people who bought Rapha are not Walmart or Asda, it won't change Rapha's market positioning. Your OP said it had to 'smart' as in to hurt, as if the owner/founder was hurt by being given millions of pounds because the money might be associated with 'downmarket' brands. No amount of post-rationalisation is going to change your sneering opening comment.

don simon wrote:

quack, quack. 

Nice back pedalling. Fine, you said so little in the first place, you can say you meant something else. It just seems other people agree with me, you are a snob, own it.

don simon wrote:

VeloUSA wrote:

Last quarter Walmart's total revenue was $118.8 (£ 91.2866) billion. Just think if RZC Investments took 1% of that money and put into expanding Ralpha, lower mfg cost, and maintain product quality how it would make Ralpha accessible for many.

I suspect that lowering the manufacturing costs won't actually maintain product quality (it never does in the long run) and making Rapha accessible for many is exactly my point and glad you got it.

Rapha is an expensive and relatively exclusive brand which is about to be made cheaply for the masses. Current customer base will move onto the next exclusive brand.

Worldwide, manufacturers have moved to overseas production to lower manufacturing costs whether it be bike frames, parts, accessories, or clothing. Product quality has not diminished, that is, unless you're buying the lower end of their line where quality is second nature to pricing.

Whether current customer base moves onto the next exclusive brand is up for speculation as we don't know if RZC will leave Rapha alone as an exclusive brand run by their management team, or chose the path of mass market.

We can speculate all we want, the proof will be in the pudding in the next couple of years when we, as consumers, see what Rapha is producing. Until then I wait and not speculate.

don simon wrote:

Nick T wrote:

Is this like when everyone laughed at Lamborghini drivers because VW bought them

Yes, a little bit. Lambo used to be a marque of distinction and seldom seen except on posters. For the love of god, we've even got them up north.  So yes, another devalued brand.

The tractor manufacturer

Nick T wrote:

Is this like when everyone laughed at Lamborghini drivers because VW bought them

It's just like that. I bought a Hyundai instead of the Lambo.