Model 3 Availability

[old sarge]

Absolutely correct Tony.  As for the shipping, I reckon Steve could roll the cost into the price of the smoker and offer 'free' shipping and fool the majority of the worlds population, or even just 2/3 of the shipping cost and thus lower the perceived shipping cost. Call it the placebo effect.  And that would not be very honest and upfront, two attributes that Steve values highly.

 

[DivotMaker]

Absolutely correct Tony.  As for the shipping, I reckon Steve could roll the cost into the price of the smoker and offer 'free' shipping and fool the majority of the worlds population, or even just 2/3 of the shipping cost and thus lower the perceived shipping cost. Call it the placebo effect.  And that would not be very honest and upfront, two attributes that Steve values highly.

Hmmm...I have a feeling we might just see that in the near future. ???

 

[RG]

It's what Amazon does with Prime. Charge a little more but then throw in the shipping.

 

[old sarge]

I fired up the Wayback Machine again, no Peabody or Sherman to help.  A year ago, (see the link) this was the cost of the Model 4.Please note the price, and you had to pay shipping.  Compare that to today's listing with free shipping.  It is still a bargain. But ask yourself, which is the more attractive offer initially?

https://web.archive.org/web/20140426124756/http://www.smokin-it.com/product_p/smkmdl4.htm

 

[DivotMaker]

Compare that to today's listing with free shipping.  It is still a bargain. But ask yourself, which is the more attractive offer initially?

What do you think, Dave?  If I didn't know anything about the SI #4, a year ago, and saw this, I would think that was a bargain; especially compared to the competition.  Personally, I love to see "free shipping" when I order something.  I'm an Amazon Prime member, and they have definitely lost money on me, with the "free" 2-day shipping!  Most of the time, they make money.  But, with oversize/heavy items, they probably lose.  I never checked what it cost to ship a #4 from MI to, say, Florida, but I bet $300 is probably pretty close.  Maybe some #4 owners will chime in with their thoughts.

 

[old sarge]

Tony,
Free shipping is the hook. Initially, if one were shopping for a smoker and saw $1400 for one of this size, they might look elsewhere (you know what the other analog site is) for similar size at a better price. And they would come up empty handed, and may go so far as to equate a similarly priced but smaller unit as better quality.  And we both know that isn't true either. Checking on shipping costs might delay the purchase, or even negate it.  But bump the price and charge zero for shipping and that sets the hook (for you non-fishing types, you are all played out, no resistance left, you are definitely buying). The trick is to keep the item's total cost, with free shipping, at or below the competition, and offer more amenities in the bargain. Not always easy.  Steve has found a way. And that is why he is successful and his customer base very happy.  The busy forum attests to that.

As for model 4 users chiming in, they don't post much.  Probably too busy smoking and enjoying the good life. Here's hoping!
Dave

 

[Twancho]

Ordered my number 3 on April 12. Received it on April 16. I was looking at the forums during that week and saw that they were now sold out! Whew! Ordered it just in time! Looking forward to putting the cart together and starting it up next weekend!

 

[DivotMaker]

Lucky you, twancho!  While waiting for your smoker, head over to the Introductions section and let us get to know you.  A first name and town in the signature helps, too!

 

[DivotMaker]

Dave - astute observations, as usual!  I totally agree.