David,
I have to disagree with your first sentence. I'm not exactly sure what you mean by outdated, as BVM jets are well designed and engineered products.
Of any manufacturer of RC Jets BV and his field reps put more stick time on their models than any other I know of. This allows them to constantly update and improve their product. Pricing is consistent with a quality product. David as the owner of some rather expensive models yourself I find it hard to believe that consider BVM Jets overpriced. BVM jets has both Top quality ARF and kits. The addition of the Skymaster line fills in voids in the offerings.
Regards,
Bob Belluomini
ORIGINAL: David Searles
My BUSINESS observation:
BVM's products are outdated & overpriced for current market conditions. In order to keep his doors open he needed to produce or acquire another line of products that can compete. Producing or adapting his current line to today's pricing would be too expensive with little profit potential. How to best use his reputation for quality products? Simple: Acquire, or become a dealer for, the best quality ARF mfg in the current market. SkyMaster. In order to make the $$$ work, he needed to be a sole source provider, without competition of "local" dealers.
RCI owns exclusive rights to USA market for distribution of SkyMaster products. A heavy financial commitment in a slow economy. Answer: Sell half the responsibility to BVM, end all dealership agreements and become combination distributor/dealer for greater control and higher profit margins.
Except for the previous bad blood between Anton & Bob V, it makes perfect business sense for both parties.
David S