Dear Srajan, you pulled another one out of your magic cap with the latest review on the Laiv DAC. But I've got one concern. Given the price/performance ratio you laid out and talk of an eventual dealer network coming, do you think that they can support the current pricing because there's enough of a margin left to attract brick-and-mortar dealers to take them on? I ask because shopping by mail order from Singapore still leaves me hesitant. I'd want to hear this first. Seeing what the gear costs you compared it to, the $2'700 price seems a bit of an early-bird special. From your experience, do you think it's sustainable by the time dealer inquires come along? With best wishes, Detlef
Fair question only Laiv management could answer; and at this early stage, I doubt even they could. Opening with pricing that ends up not sustainable wouldn't have been the first time should this also happen to them. Been there, done that, tossed the cigar. I was told that their dealer margins are rather slim to make the current sell price happen. Denafrips too offer dealers far less than normal. It's why many dealers have looked at more profitable brands instead. I think it will really depend on how successful Laiv can be with predominantly direct sales where Vinshine/Beatechnik have shown the way; versus how big/quick they grow to need more sales than direct can supply. Perhaps buy now and sidestep the what if of future price increases? And yes, some risk is involved. No risk, no reward. Srajan
I just came across Detlef's feedback regarding shipping concerns from Singapore and the sustainability of our relatively low pricing. Regarding delivery, I'm in the process of setting up fulfilment centres in the US and EU. Here's how they'll work:
1. Fulfilment centres will collect our products from the factory, ship them in bulk to the US and EU, handle customs clearance and store them locally.
2. They'll be ready to deliver orders to local customers upon receipt.
3. Once we receive an order, we'll notify the fulfilment centre to handle delivery.
Our goal is to provide faster delivery and better service to customers in the US and EU, along with a return policy. Weng Fai Hoh, Laiv Audio
