They are expensive because idiots like you and me...pay for them.
I have paid nearly 3K for an RTT, and I am not likely to do so again. Anyone that tells you that a fiberglass shell with a tent in it justifiably costs four thousand dollars is lying to you. ANYONE.
Dude one builds the tent at a cost of $1500.00 U.S. He tacks on $500.00 U.S. (as well he should). Dude 2 imports some of these tents to the U.S. and sells them for $3800.00 each.
Bunch of ******************** doing business if you ask me.
I must be one of those ********************. I have been importing and selling RTTs for over 15 years... You are a consumer and are free to buy, build, innovate, or whatever, as you like. You make your choices.
Customers (quite reasonably) demand some reasonable level of services. They want to know that you have the product offered on the shelf, ready to ship. They want exactly the model they specify. They want to know that you have accessories and spare parts. They want to know that you will be in business to honor product warranties and provide spare parts when needed. This requires a some business acumen and a solid business plan.
So you can quite easily get into this 'rip off', highly profitable business. Just find a producer who is trustworthy as a business partner and who will, likewise, be there for you to build your business on. Then commit to buying some hundreds of units a year, and sign a contract committing you to some millions of dollars over a term of years. Next, get a few hundred thousand dollars together and order the inventory (with international container shipping, import duties and domestic trucking) that is needed to have all the product on hand - ready to ship - when the phone rings.
But first you need a warehouse, warehouse equipment, funds to pay people to answer the phone and take orders, and people in the warehouse to crate and ship product efficiently. And a business license, banking relationships, website, catalogs, advertising, press relations, legal and accounting assistance, phone and internet communications, insurance, funds for attending trade shows, etc. About half a million ought to do to get you started.
Now you can start selling. Or, if you prefer, ripping people off. And since you now have revenue you can begin to pay state and federal taxes, the rent on your warehouse, your clerical, sales and warehouse people, your shipping and advertising bills, merchant banking fees, office costs, and warranty claims. And, of course, buy more inventory. Simple. You might even make a profit that you can re-invest in growing your business or spend feeding your family, paying you rent/mortage, or saving for retirement.
As I have said, I have been in this business for more than 15 years. I know very well the costs and risks involved. You are not being ripped off and you are perfectly free to buy what you like, from whom you like, in any way you like.
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