So what kind of production run are the manufacturers proposing? Would it be enough units that the chainsaw enthusiast forum would absorb them? ie, maybe someone needs one but would maybe buy a couple just so they could get the one and might need another in the future?
If the run is 1000 units, that seems doable. If it is 50,000 units, that would be a show stopper. There are a lot of individuals looking for parts besides those on AS, FF, CSR, hogs, etc.
Let's hear some numbers...eh?
$50,000 worth... And that's the first run..... now what happens when that run doesn't work? There to big, not tall enough and then what.... we try again? There isn't anything that say's the run will be 100 or 1000 or 1. They need to build a mold, then test it a bunch, fix the mold and test again. There are "A", B" and "C" quality from that run and most suppliers buy B or C as those make the most money in the profit % between purchasing and selling. We like "A" because they're nearly perfect, but cost more. I can't sell "A" for much more but I paid more for it. Most suppliers buy the cheaper ones so "A" gets squeezed out pretty fast. I can buy 6 "B" runs for the price I buy 3 "A" runs, I make $5 of profit per piston while Joe floods the market with "B" at $30 profit. He replaces anything that comes back with another "B" and it runs. He's still ahead, he sells them cheaper and still crushes the market. I can't compete, you get crap and everybody gets a bad name for selling aftermarket junk.
And yes, I have two cylinders and a piston. The replacement was an open port 50/51/55 kit because the CP was going extinct and with that kit, one size fits all.
It's a huge risk at best, could take years to recover the cost, could take 5 years to get right. Look where we are today with a popular saw, the 066.
ONE kit works out of the box,that kit runs well...... it only took 6 aftermarket makers 5-10 years to get right.
What are the chances.... I've already said I was in,
anybody else?