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“Secrets” about the consumer audio business you may find interesting (audiosciencereview.com)

593 points by jensgk · 1457 days ago · 329 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses the consumer audio business, revealing that the cost of building a product is generally no more than 30% of the retail price, and that marketing expenses do not significantly impact product quality. Many audio brands outsource manufacturing to overseas factories, and big retailers prioritize selling products that are likely to be popular rather than focusing on sound quality. The article also touches on the importance of economies of scale, packaging costs, and shipping costs in the consumer audio industry. Overall, the article provides insight into the business side of the consumer audio industry, highlighting the factors that influence product pricing and quality.

Main themes

  • consumer audio business
  • manufacturing and outsourcing
  • marketing and product quality
  • economies of scale
  • packaging and shipping costs
  • business fundamentals
  • retail margins and pricing

What commenters say

  • The concepts discussed in the article are basic business principles that apply to many industries, not just consumer audio.
  • A business degree can provide valuable knowledge about business fundamentals, but it is not necessary to understand these concepts.
  • The retail margin for consumer electronics is often lower than 50%, with some products having margins as low as 10-15%.
  • The article's discussion of marketing expenses and product quality is overly simplistic, as the relationship between these factors can be complex.
  • Outsourcing manufacturing to overseas factories is a common practice in the consumer audio industry, but it can also lead to quality control issues.
  • The importance of economies of scale and packaging costs in the consumer audio industry cannot be overstated, as they significantly impact product pricing.
  • Some commenters believe that the article's discussion of business principles is common sense, while others argue that it requires specific knowledge or experience to understand.
  • The article's revelations about the consumer audio industry are not unique to that industry, but rather reflect broader trends in consumer electronics and manufacturing.