What Would You Buy "Made/Manufactured in Australia" ?

L100000000A0000000001 on 16/06/2017 - 02:13

Hi OzBargain Kingdom!

I have an Australian Dream of building things just like the old days, right here on the continent with sweat and tears(probably a lot of tears).

No huge factory, Small but power-full manufacturing.

My dream is build products with sustainable materials. Preferably, Wood and Metal.

I have a motto of manufacturing things which will last,not get obsolete,will not break easily…

Rules:

  • No electronics. (At least, in the beginning… )
  • No toxic junk.
  • Things which will last.
  • No plastics (yes,no plastics.).

Things like Desks, Chairs, Tables, Toys etc are all welcome.

Example :
-Can cast and manufacture brass-bronze-aluminium door knobs or valves handles.

What would you buy if you'd know that it is Made in Australia?

Thanks a lot And A Big Warm Welcome to All Again! (:

General Discussion

Comments

  • airal3rt on 16/06/2017 - 03:06
    +41

    Literally everything I currently purchase I would buy Australian made if it was available.

    • gimli on 16/06/2017 - 22:28
      +8

      Fidget spinner

      • syousef on 19/06/2017 - 11:07
        +2

        Aussie Spinner!

        • Munki on 19/06/2017 - 14:24
          +3

          Endorsed by Warnie?

        • syousef on 19/06/2017 - 15:07
          +1

          @Munki:

          New and improved. Now shunned by Liz Hurley!

    • SeVeN11 on 17/06/2017 - 00:47
      +8

      How much more are you willing to pay?
      * 10%?
      * 25%?
      * 50%?

      • waps on 18/06/2017 - 19:54
        +9

        This is ozbargain. Is this a trick question ?

        -15% sounds about right.

    • jaypick on 17/06/2017 - 21:55
      +3

      Aussie iPhone?

      • syousef on 19/06/2017 - 11:06
        +14

        OiPhone!

      • 2ndeffort on 20/06/2017 - 16:56
        +1

        OzPhone

    • easternculture on 18/06/2017 - 19:32
      +1

      Eneloops

      • syousef on 19/06/2017 - 11:06
        +2

        Aussieloops!

  • D C on 16/06/2017 - 03:19
    +23

    So… basically stuff the average OzBargainer won't buy?

    (Unless heavily discounted + CashRewards)

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 19/06/2017 - 04:33

      Some people in the topic stated they'd buy(Like Dinner table,Wallets,Toys) so there is a tiny light at the end of the tunnel maybe? (:

      • D C on 20/06/2017 - 12:42
        +1

        That tiny light is probably one of those 5 cent LEDs from GearBest.

        But yeah, on the whole OzBargain is the wrong forum - it's right there in the name! You're trying to sell something like a Lexus while people here are waiting for a sale on the Yaris.

        You can't compete with most of the existing stuff on the market. For example Aldi is selling a 95 piece wooden train set for $30. That's astounding when you think about it. As an example, sit down and work out what it would cost you to make that, taking into account volume levels (raw materials are cheaper in bulk), productions rates, equipment depreciation, labour etc.

        If it higher, what makes yours better so that people would want to buy it? Can you sell enough of them?

        At least you are willing to make it here, which is much better that the likes of Gerry Harvey whining that we are importing direct rather that buying of him after he imports exactly the same item.

        • 100000000A0000000001 on 21/06/2017 - 05:32

          I am here to manufacture Tesla+Lexus grade things(hopefully) for Yaris price..(Yaris is awesome btw)

          It's not about competition,it is about difference. Aldi train set will be in everyone's home but I can manufacture the same train set with less toxic stuff with customised stuff(like custom names on maybe?). In the end,would you pay same for better-safer and more quality one?

          If it is higher in price, it will be better train set. No toxic paint and durable. Time will tell only i believe after i manufacture.

          Thanks a lot. Well, i know i'm a dying breed but i dedicated my life into this.
          Their store sucks big time anyway especially with after-sale service.Ask me how i know.. (:

        • D C on 21/06/2017 - 13:41

          @100000000A0000000001: You can make a Lexus at Lexus prices in Australia. You can't make a Lexus for a Yaris price.

          Higher price doesn't mean better quality. If you make the exact same train set Aldi is selling for $30, you will not be able to make it for that price.

          Do the exercise, sit down and work out how to make that train set.

          Say it's triple the price, so you're still in Yaris vs Lexus pricing. The secret of manufacturing is that your material costs are a minor portion of the total, so your strategy is then to use better materials (nicer wood, oil finish etc) to provide a better product than Aldi, while your costs only go up slightly.

          The other reason (aside from economies of scale) the Aldi's of the world have lower production costs is they have better production methods. So you mentioned waterjet cutting which is cheap to run, but waterjet isn't used all that much - punching the parts out is so much faster and so much cheaper.

  • Sage on 16/06/2017 - 06:00
    +17

    it'd cost more, so no.

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 19/06/2017 - 04:38
      +7

      Don't you think it is better to pay a little extra and buy something which will last and made locally? As an example,brass hose fittings last ages compared to plastic(even the best of the best) ones. Poor man pays twice is spot on,for cheapo hose fittings especially. :)

      • spb on 19/06/2017 - 10:40
        +1

        Not necessarily. If the rest of the hose is likely to fail before the brass hose fitting anyway then what's the point of spending more?

        Also upgrade\replacement cycle might mean that people are more inclined to buy cheaper anyway.

        I would say IKEA furniture is an example of that. It doesn't matter that IKEA furniture doesn't last as long as hand made custom furniture since it is so much cheaper. By the time the furniture is falling apart most people will want to change their decor, or be in a position where they are moving and want to save the hassle of moving it with them.

        Think of students renting interstate for 3-5 years, couples who will move from an apartment to a house to start a family in 3-5 years, or an employee who has a fair idea they will get moved interstate or overseas.

        • 100000000A0000000001 on 19/06/2017 - 19:50
          +1

          If you buy kevlar-braided UV Stabilised hose,it will last in the harshest conditions more than 5+ years..

          That is correct and it needs to change in my opinion.The big problem within that situation is we are trashing more and more stuff daily.
          Buy cheap, use it and if it fails,buy another one. Who needs fixing. in the end we just place them into magical bins which ends-up "somewhere".

          http://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2017-02-27/plastic-and-pl…
          http://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2017-02-14/earths-deep-oc…

          There are many more examples out there.

          The problem you don't know is, when you buy IKEA Furniture, they are usually made with tons of toxic materials that they don't tell you.Not to mention material depletion,which is another serious issue.

          What about the left-over furniture by all those people? Council collections,illegal dumping etc.

          For the moment this is the trend and i believe it needs to change as fast as possible.

        • eug on 20/06/2017 - 11:23
          +2

          @100000000A0000000001:

          For the moment this is the trend and i believe it needs to change as fast as possible.

          Sure, but things are always easier for people with lots of money. Not everyone can afford to buy locally-made hardwood/long-lasting furniture to go with their high rent.

          What car do you drive every day? Why isn't it a Tesla, recharged from your home solar panel array, PowerWall, and 100% green energy? Burning fuel releases tons of toxic materials, not to mention oil depletion which will become a serious issue.

          Is it because a Tesla is too expensive?

          A Tesla might be too expensive as a daily driver for you, just like how long-lasting furniture might be too expensive for many people. It's all relative.

          We are all killing the environment by driving fuel-burning cars, but right now most of us can't afford to buy a fully-electric car, so we do what we can afford.

        • 100000000A0000000001 on 21/06/2017 - 06:18

          @eug:
          Good comment.

          But How about manufacturing for everyone's budget? Bottom to top class,different designs.
          Might be something you like and want durability or can be even a wallet maybe? Custom designs,not cheap-not expensive but affordable preferably for everyone.

          I drive a twin-hump camel. (: Joke aside,i have 15+ year oldie-but a goodie Toyota which goes around 500+kms for around 30litres of fuel. I only drive when i need to carry things bigger than my arms can carry and i drive for long distances. Tesla is my dream due to it's zero emissions and sustainability but as you guessed lacking money.. Absolutely correct about oil reserves, the clock is ticking and i think we got 39 years or so left for the whole depletion.There was a clock in the Power House museum about it 4-5 years ago counting down and showing whole usage of fuel-pollution etc. Don't know it is still there but it was very dramatic…

          For your information, my whole workshop will run with 100% on sustainable power.So that is a start for the environment.

          I hope we don't wreck the planet before that transition(if ever) happens to full sustainability.

      • 2ndeffort on 20/06/2017 - 17:02

        That argument stands up right up until I go to the webpage and the brass fitting is $300. No amount of local jobs, aussie craftsmanship and lasting through to the next ice age will get me to spend a thousand times more than a cheapo plastic one I can pickup from Bunnings for $5. There is a premium I could cop for 'Straya' but most of the time that premium is much less than the real cost.

        A good example is the 'Fly6' bike light. A rear flashing red light with a camera built in. Great for both flashing and for catching the number plate of the guy that runs you down. Made by a couple of blokes from Perth via a Kickstarter campaign and going great guns I think. Costs about $180 for a red flashing light for the back of your bike! You can pickup a decent flashing light without the camera on wiggle for a lot less. I like the idea of the Fly6 and I would love to support Cycliq the Ausie company that makes them but I reckon it is way overpriced.

        • BartholemewH on 21/06/2017 - 02:38

          It's after 2am and I'm too lazy to research, but this 'Australian' bike light would almost certainly be manufactured in China?

        • 100000000A0000000001 on 21/06/2017 - 06:23

          http://www.99bikes.com.au/camera-fly6-hd-camera-and-tail-lig…
          Seems like a very good invention. I'll noted to my Wish list…Now got to wait for bargains.. (:

        • 2ndeffort on 21/06/2017 - 12:39

          @BartholemewH: Yes they would be made in a factory in China for a fraction of the price. I can only imagine how cheap they'd be if the folks over at Baqngood or Aliexpress got hold of the designs. Without the camera here is a pretty good flashing light at a massive price difference http://www.wiggle.com.au/lezyne-strip-drive-pro-rear-light-y…

          $40 vs $180 so do i really need a camera and a 'support Oz' sticker?

        • BartholemewH on 21/06/2017 - 14:15
          +1

          @2ndeffort:

          I guess I was vaguely making a point that even when designed in Australia, marketed to Australians, etc the manufacturing is still being done in the asian powerhouse. All it takes is someone to make a knock off at 70% the looks/functionality and 30% the price and you are in the hole again. Australia has backed itself into this position over a very long period.

  • EightImmortals on 16/06/2017 - 08:30
    +15

    Yeah I'd buy it if the quality is there. I don;t mind paying extra for something if it's going to me last me a very long time. But if your $1200 washing machine is not going to be any better than the $800 Chinese one then I don't see the benefit. That being said we do by Dickymite instead of vegemite and Dickysauce instead of Heinz etc. The products are fine and I know the money is employing Aussies (and they haven't 'submitted' to Halal fees either so that's a plus).

    • D C on 16/06/2017 - 15:12
      +15

      Don't forget Dick Smith made his fortune from importing cheap crap.

      As the man himself says about halfway through - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbCr15KkBxY - "because he imports direct he's lots cheaper". Onya Dick, thanks for supporting the local industry.

      • EightImmortals on 16/06/2017 - 15:15
        +4

        I thought he did it with Dick Smith electronics which was really good before woolies bought them out? Either way if he had to import stuff that couldn't be made locally then I have no problem with that. But NOW I buy his branded products that are made locally and employ local people. :)

        Sometimes I guess you have to make short term compromises in order to produce a long term good?

        • D C on 16/06/2017 - 15:48
          +2

          This is late 70's / early 80's era. A lot of what Dick Smith was selling could have been made in Australia, and in many cases was but he chose to 'import cheap Taiwanese / Hong Kong crap' (as it was called back then) instead.

          So yeah, his "Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi!" spiel has changed a bit over the years. I guess you could say he's trying to redeem himself by helping farmers after helping kill off electronics manufacturing.

        • EightImmortals on 16/06/2017 - 16:01
          +1

          @D C: Oh well, at least he's learning from his mistakes. :)

        • ronnknee on 17/06/2017 - 12:00

          But NOW I buy his branded products that are made locally and employ local people. :)

          Umm… Dick Smith closed down though? It is now only a facade of Kogan which mainly imports goods from overseas.

        • EightImmortals on 17/06/2017 - 12:02
          +2

          @ronnknee: Yes. But I was talking about his food products business which is till run by him whereas the closed down electronics stores were actually bought out by woolies back in the 80's or so.

        • syousef on 19/06/2017 - 11:09
          +3

          @D C:

          Don't be so naive. The only thing he's helping is the size of his wallet.

        • EightImmortals on 19/06/2017 - 16:05
          +1

          @syousef: So what? Unless he's ripping off his workforce then I say good on him. Do you think non-aussie manufacturers are doing it out of the goodness of their hearts?

        • syousef on 19/06/2017 - 17:39

          @EightImmortals:

          He actually claims to be doing it all for "satisfaction" and that as of 2012 he had never profited from Dick Smith Foods.
          http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/dick-smith-row-boils-over-a…

          When is the last time you heard of anyone working hard "for satisfaction" and no pay. Why the man must be a saint.

          Patron saint of Pauline Hanson supporters perhaps?
          http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/dick-smith-…
          https://www.crikey.com.au/2012/05/09/dick-smith%E2%80%99s-fo…

          it's difficult to find information about his food business' wage practices because searches are dominated by Dick Smith Electronics.

          Let's just say I'm skeptical of his claims and that he's yet to win my trust.

        • D C on 20/06/2017 - 13:04

          @syousef: I'm not sure how I feel about Dick Smith. This is an interesting talk by him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1eivQNtulE for a amateur radio group.

          He is certainly an excellent business man and marketer, and is really the sort of person the OP should be talking to.

          His getting into bed with the Hanson crowd makes my skin crawl, I can't believe that lot are back or he'd want to be associated with them. They were bad enough the first time around (~20 years ago). (As a disclaimer a company I worked for did some stuff for them, they were truly awful people. Just because you down believe in their politics doesn't mean you can deny them service, but you can triple the rates!)

          You don't need Pauline Hanson if you want to be seen as 'patriotic'.

          I dislike nationalism and jingoistic crap. I like to horrify Americans by telling them true Australians don't know the words to the national anthem and we refuse to learn it, and that flag waving is generally a bogan (redneck) thing.

    • gilbarc on 19/06/2017 - 01:45
      +1

      Vegemite is now Australian owned.

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 19/06/2017 - 04:41

      Noted! Thanks. I am a distant galaxy away from manufacturing a washing machine yet but i will drop you a huge coupon(maybe a freebie one ha?) if i ever achieve that. (:

  • mskeggs on 16/06/2017 - 08:43
    +38

    You need to target things that are price elastic, that is, things people don't mind paying more for if it is exactly what they want.
    That is a simple fact, because the metal and wood items you could plausibly make will have labour as their highest cost, and labour is costly in Australia compared to poorer nations (and some unequal rich ones) due to our high quality lifestyle and heritage of egalitarianism.

    For wood and metal this means either high quality products, or high design. High quality speaks for itself, being finely crafted from premium materials with premium finishes. But that direction results in timber dining tables costing $8000 etc. A limited market.
    The other option is high design. This is when the creator uses their creativity, intelligence, taste and style to produce an item that is appealing because it is so well designed, as opposed to luxury materials etc. An every day example of this is IKEA.

    I think there is a substantial untapped market for high design wood and metal products that are attuned to modern tastes.
    To be blunt, if I walk around a Sunday craft market or tourist district, the locally made wood and metal stuff is ugly, homespun or country craft stuff. It may be OK in grandma's cottage, but looks out of place in a CBD apartment. A lot of it has ornamentation and stuff that is added to show off the maker's skill and looks like a stunt.
    An example:
    https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/22/fd/cc/22fdccee6…

    I think there are plenty of cashed up people who will pay high prices for locally made quality stuff it is is beautifully designed. And it doesn't have to be complex.
    Take a look at Pinterest for images of fashionable and trendy design. Here are some examples mirrors, that could be made locally, that typically feature clean lines, reduced ornamentation, but look very good:
    https://au.pinterest.com/explore/wall-mirrors/?lp=true
    https://au.pinterest.com/explore/modern-mirrors/?lp=true

    If you look at the cheap stuff coming out of China, it is often out of style, or at best, has only a few mass produced stylish options. The classic example I see is if I go to buy a canvas backpack, they all have gold metal "labels" that are ugly. These cost something to dd, but their poor design devalues the item.

    If you are making a range of high design simple items you can capture the market space that wants an alternative to IKEA, and something nicer than cheap Chinese. The trick you will find is getting a path to your market (I suggest you start by offering some items on consignment to a funky boutique shop in your city's trendy shopping area).

    Good luck, it will be a lot of work, but all dreams are!

    • carwashhair on 16/06/2017 - 09:10
      +5

      You should be in business on that stuff mskeggs, great suggestions!

      I think there is a substantial untapped market for high design wood and metal products that are attuned to modern tastes.

      I can absolutely vouch for this - a couple of years ago we spent about $4500 on a custom Aus-made tassie oak bedhead/frame, precisely because the design elements for other options made overseas were woeful. Interestingly, the price came out lineball with the same item being made in indonesia when ordered through the same company. So it was a no-brainer.

      The other part of the bed make my wife insisted on was environment and allergy-friendly wood finishes (i.e. non toxic lacquers and treatments). This just wasn't an option with an OS made product. This niche aspect of manufacturing will become important as wealthier consumers are increasingly interested in product safety standards, as we learn more about just HOW things are produced in areas without the same health & saftey standards as at home in Australia.

      • mskeggs on 16/06/2017 - 09:21
        +13

        Thanks.

        The 'green' and 'ethical' element carwashhair mentioned is another huge selling point where you can massively outpace the international mass market competition.
        List all your suppliers. If you are making a mirror frame, list the varnish you use, and where you source the glass. Give people masses of information.
        If you have a website with photos of you and your helpers at work showing your good working conditions, and maybe having a beer round the BBQ on a Friday arvo, you reassure purchasers researching your product that you are a stand-up, ethical business.
        Add a 20 year 'repair or replace' warranty if the customer returns defective items to you.
        Add a photo of the kid you and your team sponsor via WorldVision.
        Stamp each item with a unique serial number and keep a log book recording when it was made and by whom.
        Actively seek out local kids to come do work experience in year 10 and add a pic of them at work with you.

        Do these kind of things and people want to spend more with you than the shadowy foreign factory.

        • Kangal on 17/06/2017 - 19:26
          +6

          Mskeggs you're not wrong, but humanity will prove you are not right on this matter.

          We are scum afterall, and the people and the market will usually look towards either the cheapest product, best value product, or the product which people can brag about (eg/ iPhone vs Huawei).

          So you the points you list won't be detrimental/negative, but in general, they don't make much of a positive impact that you expect. You need to find your niche, or be big enough to steer with the market.

    • D C on 16/06/2017 - 14:57
      +2

      There's two kinds of 'Chinese cheap crap'.

      The first is where they'll substitute in order to bring the price down or simply not finish it properly. This is what people complain about.

      The second is where they simply make so many of them it becomes hard to make a bad one - this is the fully automated stuff often with specialised equipment. You see a lot of this in gift stores, if you look closely some of it is extremely well made, but since every store you go to has exactly the same item its ubiquity makes it 'cheap'.

      Automation introduced a niche - the custom item. This is like kitchen cabinets, computer design and CNC means you can get something tailored specifically for you with the price being comparable to a generic kit.

      This is probably where you want to be, with a range of base products that can be customised. This is going mainstream as well, eg the ability to make custom clothing almost as cheap as 'off the rack' stuff.

      And most importantly, you need marketing. No one ever thinks of that.

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 16/06/2017 - 21:00
      +1

      Very detailed beautiful answer. Thanks a lot!
      If that dinner table was between 800-1500 range, would you consider buying it?

      Here are some samples,may i ask how much would you prefer to pay to designs like these :

      https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8c/d0/7f/8cd07fdec…
      https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d5/3e/19/d53e19a73…
      https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/16/d0/27/16d027467…
      https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/45/c2/25/45c225db1…
      http://www.barkfurniture.com/assets/Uploads/contemporary-woo…
      http://www.potterybarn.com.au/core/media/media.nl?id=1938120…

      Simple to build, made from sustainable materials and durable.

      It does not have to be a table as well..

      Thanks again :)

      • mskeggs on 16/06/2017 - 21:16

        I think some of those are on the right track, but I'm neither tasteful or stylish!
        I wouldn't worry bout the price too much. The unique nature of the design means you can ask whatever you want, and will either find some people prepared to pay, or not. You aren't likely to need to reach 10,000 lots sold, so mass appeal isn't the critical issue for you it might be for Freedom or OzDesign.

    • Omitsukasa on 18/06/2017 - 04:22
      +5

      You need to target things that are price elastic, that is, things people don't mind paying more for if it is exactly what they want.

      It's been a while since I studied economics… but don't you mean inelastic?
      Price elastic products would be those that have a big change in demand when there's a change in price.

      • mskeggs on 18/06/2017 - 09:50

        Ha!
        Something had been bugging me about that, and you are right, I think.
        Products that are price insensitive might be a better way to say it, where people are happy to pay whatever is asked if it is what they want.

  • ihbh on 16/06/2017 - 09:09

    Leather goods - such as RM Williams boots. Can you add a design element to the products so you can charge a premium price to be sustainable - e.g. Toffee cases and bags (I realise they're made in India)?

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 16/06/2017 - 21:08

      I had an idea of manufacturing type of moccasins but unfortunately it is very hard due Ergonomics(shoe sizes) and lack of experience on leather chucked the plans down the drain. Bags might be a better option thou,don't know how much experience they will need! Thanks a lot.

  • Looking4Bargians on 16/06/2017 - 09:23

    Created account to just ask what you buy ?

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 16/06/2017 - 21:05
      +1

      Contribute positively maybe?
      To cure your curiosity,i did NOT create an account to just ask what you buy.
      I have aims and plans to open a company which will manufacture things and i want to know what will sell.
      If i build a bilge pump,cast,machined and manufactured right at my backyard(which i can) and couldn't sell, it would be no good eh?
      Thanks!

  • apple2016 on 16/06/2017 - 09:24
    +3

    Holden commodore.

  • DarthAntz on 16/06/2017 - 09:52
    +3

    Do you find yourself late at night watching videos on youtube of tiny house builds? Because australia has a plethora of wood and materials and recyclables, how about making a lego kit (wood and some metal construction kits) for building everything from art pieces (inspired from 3D lego or shape models), huts and storage? Australia has plenty of BS laws for building dwellings etc, so if you made something constructable that fits within the parameters of building code, i think it would appeal to enough people to make a business out of.
    Id love a tiny build myself, something to solar up and keep as a simple living space. I see plenty of these kits overseas and built for different climates, but havent found any australian specific, probably due to the audience.
    Even if you just made roof kits or simple structures for foundations. Perhaps with the solar boom, create an attractive outdoor patio for solar and battery storage.
    Good luck and let me know if you want to partner up for the project.

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 16/06/2017 - 21:19
      +1

      Nice idea! There are some companies already manufacturing and selling mini houses here already. I met with them in an Expo in 2016(Sydney Home show).No offence but they charge a fortune but inside were looking really nice & neat. Sadly, too big for me to take on,it needs a lot of power.I can start and finish a mini house solo in 3 years but it will be way more expensive than theirs :) Thanks a lot! I'll keep that in mind. (:

  • shaiguy on 16/06/2017 - 09:59

    Non-flammable/non-toxic/non-dangerous building materials, toys, furniture etc.

    In saying that - as mentioned above I think there would be strong demand for customized products rather than mass made products (even to the wealthier class in Asia)… my favourite piece of furniture at home is my solid Tasmanian oak dining table that I purchased and arranged with the store to have a toughened painted white glass on top (owner's husband worked in glass fabrication). It beats the quality of my Brescia couch (which they custom make in China - not having a go at Chinese materials or make but the quality of materials (outside i.e. leather is good) - but inside and workmanship is very poor)).

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 16/06/2017 - 21:24

      May i ask how much you paid for it? And what made you choose it? Shape,finish,the price?

  • supnigs super skids on 16/06/2017 - 10:09

    cow bells, the chinese ones only go 'ding' 'ding'

    • BuyoTheCat on 16/06/2017 - 11:03
      +5

      Were you expecting the chinese ones to go "Andrew Andrew"

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 16/06/2017 - 21:26

      Cast or Formed? Brass you are after i assume? (: And how much would you prefer to pay? Don't know any market out there buying a lot of cow bells,farmers? The hard part is probably Chinese cast ones will kick me out of business less than couple months. They have crazy low prices on cast stuff.. :/

  • mooney on 16/06/2017 - 10:11
    +4

    'Made is Australia' is a nice position but it comes with an incredible amount of additional cost- Rent and Labour being some of the highest in the world. Therefore I think you also need to stand for something more- for example 'superior quality' as the only way you are going to be able to make ends meet is by charging a premium vs imported, lower cost, goods.

    IMO given the choice between two identical items and RRP people would always choose Aussie made, but identical items with a different RRP and people will almost always gravitate to cheapest option. You may find some who disagree but they will be exceptions.

    If you personally have a skill you can exploit to deliver a product of great quality then go for your life, if you are going to be reliant on expertise of others to execute then I hope you have deep pockets.

    Good luck.

  • inherentchoice on 16/06/2017 - 10:14

    Donor sperm.

  • boomramada on 16/06/2017 - 10:36
    +5

    Aussie Flag

  • captobvious on 16/06/2017 - 10:43
    -5

    A trublu Australian made woman would get my tick.

    • John Kimble on 16/06/2017 - 13:13
      +2

      What about "Made in Australia with imported ingredients"?

  • sane on 16/06/2017 - 10:45
    +1

    OK, reality check here.

    I knew someone who made high quality furniture in australia, and he bemoaned that chinese/indonesian companies would come, copy his designs, and then manufacture and sell them using cheap labour, undercutting him.

    You need to be first and foremost a business, and you need to take that into account.

    If you really want to keep to the 'wood' vibe, then I would suggest bespoke coffins. There's a LOT of profit in those; don't last that well though …

    However, what I would more suggest is to integrate electronics with what you sell, such the combination has value. That is a significantly untapped market - smart furniture. You won't really find electronics companies doing it (excepting the wood cases on moto phones), but integrating smarts is relatively easy to do IoTwise.

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 16/06/2017 - 21:34

      Another great answer. Thanks. I'm not worried about design copy,i know it will happen eventually and i need to change my designs and make multiple roots-branches of products in time,therefore i am not aiming for only furniture. Coffins seem like a little depressing for me but i appreciate the support. (:
      I can integrate very simple electronics but i have to outsource to a sparky or someone who is good with Arduino or PICs but not at the beginning.

    • cwongtech on 16/06/2017 - 23:00

      If you really want to keep to the 'wood' vibe, then I would suggest bespoke coffins.

      Against behemoths like costco?

      • sane on 17/06/2017 - 10:14

        Hence 'bespoke'.

        I can see a market for, say, inlaying some veneer to make an illustration of the deceased favourite thing in the lid of the coffin. Would have to be done fast, but would have a marketable barrier to entry for anyone competing from overseas.

  • bobbified on 16/06/2017 - 11:24
    +6

    Simply being "Australian Made" won't get you sales.

    There's got to be a balance between a number of things such as quality, price, availability, compatibility and sustainability.

    Sustainability, being in the business sense (not the environmental one).

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 16/06/2017 - 21:37

      Correct. Let me rewind so; "What would you prefer to buy which is made out of wood and metal and how much you'd pay to it?"

  • loke on 16/06/2017 - 11:30

    fidget spinners… heh

    (well maybe wood or cnc'ed metal original designs etsy style)

  • JIMB0 on 16/06/2017 - 12:31
    +2

    What about using recycled plastic?

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 16/06/2017 - 21:41

      I can recycle and manufacture HDPE products so can count it but it is very tough to work with and may not look good(sometimes,faults occur and may lead to failure and colour problems etc). Also,can manufacture small injection-formed plastic items but prefer not to. Due to the damage they do to environment, i count them out.

  • dcep on 16/06/2017 - 13:04
    +3

    Made in AU = high cost = premium price = less competitive

    You can be competitive by:

    1) Create own designer brand / specialty (but subject to market acceptance & niche market)
    2) Something that is huge or requires assembly - which defies the logistics cost of importing from China.

    For 1) , very unlikely to be successful unless you're very talented & requires luck too for not facing plagiarism competition.
    For 2) , you can try kitted container house and make it a trend since OZ housing is so unaffordable at the moment. People might want to buy a land for $800k and put a house on it for another $50k. The only issue is council building approval.

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 16/06/2017 - 21:44

      I'm taking on both 1&2. The only problem is,with number 2, you need a lot of resources(which is very hard for small companies) and takes a lot of time so i am aiming to start with 1,grow, and shift to 2.Just like gear box. :)

      • D C on 17/06/2017 - 09:00
        +1

        Making cheap stuff is expensive.

        The old joke for plastic parts was the first one costs $50,000 (mould price) and the rest are free.

        Like those mirrors mskeggs linked to; to make those you need a waterjet cutter and they start at $100,000. They're cheap to make once you have the gear.

        • 100000000A0000000001 on 19/06/2017 - 06:29

          Actually, Water jet cutting is now available for very affordable price and you don't need 100K. Check Wazer Water Jet ( www.wazer.com ) for example,they revolutionised the whole market now and it will be available soon everywhere like 3d printers.. Annoying thing is they still don't send to AU. Hopefully in the future. :/ Meanwhile if you want a little bit of Bush-bash grade dangerous DIY stuff and if you have DIY CNC knowledge, here you can make yourself for under couple of dollars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg__B6Ca3jc :)

        • D C on 19/06/2017 - 06:55

          @100000000A0000000001: The Waser is slower than a wet weekend.

          Sure it's better than nothing, or maybe not as you might find it'd be cheaper to outsource the cutting rather than do it in-house with something like a Waser. Remember, time is money - waiting for the Waser to finish is expensive. YMMV.

          (I've been following the DIY stuff for a while.)

        • 100000000A0000000001 on 19/06/2017 - 20:00

          @D C: For Mass production it might be slow but i believe for small volume production it is really a good start.
          Cutting steel with this high precision for this price was never available. Here is how Diresta from US did a test of it; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJdf3pyMfpo .It is also the first design, others will follow and speed and other bits may get better in time just like 3d printers.

          You are correct on outsourcing, i already found couple of people in NSW,there a few problems such I.P. protection,additional price due to outsourcing,if they can't finish order in time etc etc. Anyone you know who does affordable Jet cutting, let me know maybe? Happier with Mate's rates. :)

        • D C on 20/06/2017 - 12:06

          @100000000A0000000001: Here you go, build your own Wazer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg__B6Ca3jc

          That's all it is with a bit of hipster wank marketing added - which is the biggest thing that you are missing, by the way.

          I still wouldn't use it for production, it's too slow. One off arty stuff is fine. I make laser cut stuff as hobby, and I brought bigger machines simply because while the Waser-like toys are fine, they just become an irritant for being too slow, too small etc.

        • 100000000A0000000001 on 21/06/2017 - 05:51

          @D C:

          What Model/Brand laser you got and how much you paid? I'm planning to get http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/60W-USB-DIY-Laser-Engraver-Cutter… as a starter model for small jobs like perspex and plywood.

        • D C on 21/06/2017 - 13:45

          @100000000A0000000001: I had a couple of those, they're ok. Tube is bit under powered.

          You know you need to spend another $1000 on a water chiller, right?

  • luffyex2010 on 16/06/2017 - 13:17

    I would usually look at the label first, especially for food products as electronic stuff its 100% if not close made in China anyway.

    My Food / Drink Preference
    1) Made in Australia 100%

    2) Made from local and imported oversea ingredients.

    3) Made in Japan, korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Europe and USA are fine with me.

    Food that I will Avoid (my own personal reasons)
    1) Made/manufactured in China, Indonesia, India

    • luffyex2010 on 16/06/2017 - 15:55

      Opps off topic..don't necessary need to make in Australia as it will be too expensive.

      The big company are doing something right (in cost wise)

      E.g. Microsoft, Design in Seattle…made in china (xbox consoles)

      or

      Design in (first world country) made in China

      or

      Design in Australia, made in China….assembled in Australia.

      Most importantly as long as you have considered the 6 Ps' of marketing you should be ok :)

  • iridiumstem on 16/06/2017 - 13:35
    +7

    I personally think the advantage that Australia has over other countries is in its enviornment. People associate Australia with clean environment and I think anything requiring that kind of image would be nice.

    Baby toys and furnitures that babies will be in contact with would probably be a good bet. Parents would likely be willing to pay extra for that assurance that it's from Australia (not somewhere unknown or somewhere where they have little regulations) and it's not toxic.

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 16/06/2017 - 21:48
      +1

      Good idea. And how much would you prefer to pay them? Like zero VOC paint,no glue,no sharp corners etc. sort of designs like in the 40s(without toxic stuff on/in). Would you pay 25 dollars for a wooden toy car?

      • decr on 17/06/2017 - 08:36
        +3

        I'm sure a lot of people would, baby stuff has insane markups in Oz it seems. I'd second this. I'm not loaded and try not to spend, usually pick the cheapest/best value, but then again I would consider paying $25 for a wooden toy car if it came with the company ethics you've mentioned and no small parts etc. It's also an emotional choice for the customer so that helps selling it.

      • iridiumstem on 17/06/2017 - 10:26
        +1

        It really depends? I don't have a child, so I don't know what's the going rate for those toys. I've kinda mentioned baby toys as they were the first thing that popped in my head when I thought of "non toxic products from somewhere I can trust at a premium price" that people would pay for.

        Babies put everything in their mouth, that's part of how they learn about things. If what you are asking isn't more expensive than other toys with simliar properties (as in non-toxic, no small parts etc etc), I think a lot of parents would pay the premium for something like that.

      • frewer on 18/06/2017 - 14:14

        We were looking into buy toys exactly like what you described there. But there wasn't much option around

      • D C on 21/06/2017 - 14:05

        This: http://www.melissaanddoug.com/our-toys/vehicles/cars-and-tru… is probably the best known in that area. Dunno what they cost in Australia.

  • try2bhelpful on 16/06/2017 - 15:00
    +1

    I agree that the high end quality is the way to go. We paid good, but not exorbitant money, for a Nicholas Datner dining table and chairs and I, presume, I will never replace them. Jewellery might also be an interesting one - I saw some really interesting work that had been done using 3D printers and metals. I've bought a couple of custom made bookcases. If you can make them interesting and different there will probably be a market out there. I'm currently looking at a wrought iron door for my alcove, and that will be made out here. Creating custom made wooden doors, with some interesting carving, might be a market as well. Good quality cat climbing trees would be another, people are potty about their pets and if you can advertise that the material used is non toxic, even better. There are places like ETSY you can advertise products on. However, you do have to watch the undercutters if something can be mass produced. The number of places that are copying designers outfits and then trying to pretend they haven't is awful. Best of Luck and remember to put stuff up here, with mates rates discount, when you have worked it out.

    • 100000000A0000000001 on 16/06/2017 - 21:55

      Great ideas. ETSY Used to take a big chunk before(around 20% i think) and now it seems it is do-able. Noted,thanks.

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