I have a theory about the declining market for kits - some people would build a high end, super premium kit if it was the best available, with the best support from their manufacturer, and not because it was attractively priced.

Consider this. Would you build a top end, specialist, low circulation kit if it was $500 or more, rather than the $200 or $300 it is selling for now (or in the past - many have gone out of business), so long as it had all the best wood, hardware and support available? Maybe a limited run of very special kits, supported by a forum that was well moderated and exclusive to people building that run of airframes? How about $600? Maybe even a guarantee that if you ran out of time / interest someone would finish it for you for some extra$? You might be able to scratch build one but why bother with all that work when someone with better suppliers than you could do it, while providing you with the support you need to get the best result. Perhaps they might even provide a few options on top hardware packages? Who knows. Post your thoughts here.

If this thread picks up momentum and someone with a better understanding of this site wants to turn it into some sort of an informal market survey I'd be interested in the results.

Please note - This is something I've been musing about - I don't own and shares in Great Planes or Tower Hobbies or anything like that. By day I'm a management consultant and I just can't help myself when it comes to thinking about business problems (I love my work).

All the best,

Joel

P.S.: If a supplier decides to take up this challenge I expect to be invited to 'build along' with the group :-) !!!