Confused about K3 to K3S Migration service

[Don Wilhelm]

Nick,

Notice the "-F" on the K3S/100 for all 3 bundles.  That says Factory built.

Whether similar discounts will be offered for a kit version of the same
package remains to be seen.

I get the feeling that Elecraft is selling more factory assembled units
than kits.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/29/2017 3:39 PM, Nicklas Johnson wrote:

> Are the bundles fully assembled units, or is it possible to get a bundle in
> kit form? I really enjoyed the assembly of my KX3, and I really like the
> idea of bundling common options too.
>
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[Barry Baines]

Don:

Your points are spot on.  I can recall back in 2014 when I first started to think seriously about acquiring a K3, it took a significant amount of time to try to figure what options were “important” vs. “desirable” and understanding how options interfaced with each other.  It wasn’t until I was at the Huntsville Hamfest in August of that year and could ask questions of the Elecraft Team that I was able to determine what to order. Eric subsequently took my order (K3 w/selected options, KPA500, KAT500 and K3/0-Mini) at the hamfest and it wasn’t long after that I had my ‘goodies’ in hand.  I subsequently had my remote station in SE Georgia up and running and have been happy with the setup ever since.

What’s interesting about Elecraft’s approach is that this isn’t much different from ordering other ‘high end’ products from manufacturers that offer variations to their product line.  Apple offers their computers with variations in CPU, storage capacity, memory capacity, graphics capacity, screen size, etc.  based upon ‘common’ consumer interest and price points.  Dell and others do the same thing.  Automobile Manufacturers offer vehicles starting a basic model, then variations based what ‘packages’ are offered as bundles.  Example:  Ford offers the base model, then “XLT, then “Limited” then “Sport.”  Of course, there are numerous color combinations (exterior and interior) not to mention different interior materials (leather, vinyl, etc.).  

My point is as consumers, we’re familiar with the idea of ’tailoring’ products based upon common packages that ‘consumers’ (or “amateurs” in this case) would typically order.  That doesn’t prevent us from ’special order’  tailored to our specific needs when purchasing automobiles, computers, or now Elecraft gear.  In this case, Elecraft offers both ‘packages’ to provide some insight into what ’typical’ purchasers based upon areas of interest (contesting, DX, casual operating) are typically looking for to give potential purchasers an idea of configurations (and price) that meet their preferences while also fulfilling special orders as the purchaser wants to see in their equipment. (not to mention both factory and kit form).      

Congratulations to Elecraft for providing another product differentiation that focuses on the needs of the purchaser.  Along with this approach, I’m also impressed by their ‘upgrade’ pathways for K3 owners wishing to incorporate K3s features which addresses not only enhancing performance but also simplifies the upgrade process while verifying that what leaves the factory is up to spec.  This flexibility is somewhat unique to Elecraft within the amateur radio marketplace and reflects well their focus on meeting the needs of the customer which in turn reinforces brand loyalty.  We all appreciate the company that stands behind their product.

FWIW,

Barry  Baines, WD4ASW
(Currently in Columbia, SC)

> On Jul 29, 2017, at 12:12 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> On the contrary, I think the decision to offer "standard configuration packages" is a result of customer questions resulting from confusion about "what options do I need" and much time devoted to pre-sale communication with prospective customers.
>
> Other manufacturers offer an "all or nothing" package that is their current model/configuration.
>
> I have witnessed the confusion of many prospective buyers at the Elecraft booth at many hamfests - there is a lot of confusion about which options they should include.  We endeavor to provide assistance to customize the option mix to the wants and needs of the customer.
>
> These "standard" packages is a way to allow customers to purchase a K3S for the type of operating that they will be doing while minimizing that pre-sale activity.
>
> One can still order additional options even with the pre-defined packages (and I assume also delete some options).  But for the customer who is not familiar with what each Elecraft option will do for their operating experience, I believe it is a step in the right direction.
>
> If Elecraft were to follow other manufacturer's footsteps, there would be a K3S-I, K3S-II and K3S-III designation for each of those bundles, but note that Elecraft has chosen not to do that.  You do not have to sell your K3S-I to get a K3S-III, just add the options needed to upgrade it.
>
> That "upgradability" has always been unique at Elecraft.  Any K2 can be upgraded to the electrical equal of a new one, the same goes for the K3 with the addition of the modules included in the K3S (with only a few minor exceptions).
>
> This is part of the Elecraft customer support philosophy.  Note that the K2 is a 1998 design and is still going strong, and still fully supported.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 7/29/2017 11:17 AM, WILLIE BABER wrote:
>> I imagine that many persons wanting K3/K3s have one, and so sales may not be as robust as a result. The many improvements over time have created a mature radio--and all essential improvements can be made to an early K3 (same with the K2).  I appreciate Elecraft for this approach to building radios.  However, this does mean that many of us are using aging K3s that work just as well as the new K3s.  I have two K3 radios (so2r), one is about nine years older than the other one but they are both essentially the same.
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[Raymond Sills]

And, that can be an important feature for those on a tight budget...  start with the base rig, and then add features/options as finances permit.  Better than waiting who knows how long to save up to buy the fully tricked-out version.


73 de Ray
K2ULR
KX3 #211





-----Original Message-----
From: Clay Autery <[hidden email]>
To: elecraft <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sat, Jul 29, 2017 3:19 pm
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts

Just because they OFFER bundles doesn't mean you can't order a base unit
and a la carte.

After all...  they ain't blowing out IC-7300s here.  <ear to ear grin>

73,

______________________
Clay Autery, KY5G

On 7/29/2017 6:50 AM, Bill W4ZV wrote:

> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3.htm#K3SPkg
>
> I still question the wisdom of bundling the the preamp, USB, 630m
> capabilities, etc into the K3S.  This went against Elecraft's original
> philosophy of keeping base price low and choosing only the options we really
> wanted.  This resulted in inflating the base price which put it out of reach
> for many folks and further away from competing products (IC-7300, Kenwood
> 590 and Flex 6300).  That must be hurting sales resulting in discounting.
>
> A viable option is to buy a recent used K3 and sell/purchase options to
> configure it as you want.  Basic K3 prices are in the $1500 making this a
> viable alternative IMHO.
>
> 73,  Bill  W4ZV

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[Bill Frantz]

Since Elecraft got its start in the kit world, many of the early
customers were kit builders. As the reputation of the radios has
grown, more hams that just want a top of the line radio that
works have become customers. These people are much more likely
to buy factory built, and not trust a used radio that was not
factory built or recently aligned by the factory.

I'm glad I got a minimum K3 kit and had the opportunity to add
features over the years. I have learned a lot about the radio's
construction and use via this route.

When I ordered my K3, the big dilemma was K2 or K3. K2 pluses:
real kit. Cheaper. K3 pluses: Better radio. When my XYL, after a
1/2 hour user interface conversation at an Elecraft booth, said
to get the K3, i ordered the K3. I still dream of building a K2,
and the 20th anniversary would be a nice excuse. However, with a
K3, KX3, and my wife's KX2, I don't know that I would actually
use it.

I hope that Elecraft will continue to encourage kit building, as
it is the gateway toward electronic experimentation for many
people. Offering package discounts on kits would be nice.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 7/29/17 at 1:17 PM, [hidden email] (Don Wilhelm) wrote:

>I get the feeling that Elecraft is selling more factory assembled units than kits.

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