16 Dec 2015

Bargains - really?

Many of the larger dealers are offering special deals in the lead up to Christmas. But, are you really getting a bargain? For example, MLS have the FT1200 at less than £1000 after cash back. Maybe this radio is over-stocked as people prefer the IC7300 or the FT991?

Call me a cynic, but I think we are being offered discounts on radios that have not sold. As they say, "beware of Greeks bearing gifts". If something looks too good there is probably a catch. Of course, if you really want one of the discounted rigs then now is as good a time to buy as any.

See www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/beware-of-greeks-bearing-gifts.html .
at 10:07
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6 comments:

G1KQH said...

The FT-1200 represents better value than the new FT-991, but I still don't think Father christmas will bring me one?

What it's like to dream.


73 Steve

Wed Dec 16, 10:24:00 am GMT
Roger G3XBM said...

No 2m or 70cm Steve?

Wed Dec 16, 10:49:00 am GMT
G1KQH said...

They don't really bother me these days Roger, very few on those bands around here these days, I still have my 30 year old FT-736 should some VHF/UHF DX surface..

I guess though I may wait until the 991 is at the right price, or could the Icom 7300 tempt me, but Mrs KQH could scupper the whole idea?


73 Steve

Wed Dec 16, 12:12:00 pm GMT
Roger G3XBM said...

If you use the new rig for 10 years this is less than £100 a year, so MUCH less than playing golf. You could try this on the XYL.

Wed Dec 16, 01:15:00 pm GMT
G1KQH said...

Yes the FT-736 was New 30 years ago, at a cost of around £1300 with the extra 50MHz module thrown in the deal, so work that out.


Bought from Arrow Electronics but came via SMC..

I had two problems with this rig from new,70cm was off lock, and the VFO encoder bust. Both time's it had to be returned to the dealer, shortly after the last repair they went bust mid 80s.. Today she still works fine, but the electrolytics are getting tired in the power supply most have had problems with this, I guess I will have to get my soldering iron and change with low ESR replacements.

73 Steve..

Wed Dec 16, 04:20:00 pm GMT
Mike Crownover AD5A said...

Roger,

You are exactly correct. Yaesu is reducing the price to move these radios. For whatever reason their inventory exceeds their desired level and the best way to reduce inventory is to have a sale. This is a fundamental dynamic of the retail business. More amateurs want an FTDX-1200 at $1,000 (US Price) than at $1,300. Its just basic economics. As another commenter said, the price reduction says nothing about the radio, just the unsold stocks. If you're in the market for an FTDX-1200, it is a bargain. In the states they've similarly discounted the FTDX-3000. That tells me these radios may be discontinued or they merge the two models into one. Too many offerings. From the promo materials, it's hard to tell the difference between the 3000 and the 1200, confused buyers usually hang to their money. Don't be surprised to see a different Yaesu model to replace these two.

73,

Mike AD5A

Sun Dec 20, 01:47:00 am GMT

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