This business is just getting down and dirty
OK, so here's a story of two different control solutions
providers:
Provider #1 buys his software and hardware off eBay, and
during startup, has a problem with either or both, and
says to the customer: "Gee, I don't know what to do...
I don't have anybody to call." Or - he calls the original
manufacturer, and complains when the original manufacturer
charges him for tech. support.
Provider #2 buys his software and hardware from normal
distributors, and, when faced with a problem, can resolve
it fairly easily using those distributors. He also sometimes
has to call the orignial manufacturer, and also complains
when he has to pay for tech. support.
Reality:
Provider #1 gets every project he bids, since he is always
the low cost bid. The end user does not know at bid time
which type of provider he is dealing with...the end user is
only concerned with one thing: low price.
Please note: I hate the high price of control hardware
and software, and applaud automationdirect (and others)
for realistic sales price setting. Also, I think eBay
is a wonderful sales channel for lots of stuff, even
control stuff.