$155 for new Chinese imports

[Surfdad]

I frequent a website called swaylocks.com. It's focused on board building. To the point, they have a classifieds section and there was a post from a Chinese manufacturer of surfboards. So I sent them an email and go this response back (direct cut n' paste)

Hello Jeff,

Thanks for your inquiry in Swaylocks.com It is only USD 155 for a short board in our factory. Would you like to get one? We are surfboards manufacturer in China. We offer to make any size of surfboards using the PU blanks, EPS foams and IXPS foams. All of them are with high quality and excellent price. If you have interests in ordering one, please provide the specs for the board that you like, as well as the designs and logos. We will arrange to make one for you. Looking forward to hear from you soon.

Thanks & Best regards



Jessica



UCSports Co.,Ltd.
Tell: +86-755-2716-4085
Fax: +86-755-2716-4085
Mobile: +86-132-6657-6905
www.ucsport.cn
skype:ucsports755

[Surfdad]

So what do folks think? $155 is 1/2 the cost of even the big three folks. They'll custom make the board at that cost, I think! I'm still trying to tie down if there is a minimum order quantity, but if not...would you opt for that over say a $300 Hyperlite?

[G-MONEY]

Holey crap my own custom board for $155.:eek: :eek: :eek:

[G-MONEY]

So what do folks think? $155 is 1/2 the cost of even the big three folks. They'll custom make the board at that cost, I think! I'm still trying to tie down if there is a minimum order quantity, but if not...would you opt for that over say a $300 Hyperlite?

Does a bear chit in the woods????:p :D

[Surfdad]

Yeah we still have to factor in shipping and that might be the deal breaker - but...want to open up your own wakesurf line for retail? That's pretty cheap cost to manufacture.

[da.bell]

Do you have to send the money to some company in the United Kingdom???? :D

Would be interesting so see how well they are put together. How much lead paint there is in the board also. ;)

IMO, I would be alittle reluctant on this "deal"... :02:

[da.bell]

Yeah we still have to factor in shipping and that might be the deal breaker - but...want to open up your own wakesurf line for retail? That's pretty cheap cost to manufacture.

And get some high returns on this side. :ro: :ro:

[Surfdad]

I don't know - the quality sounds like it might be ok, they claim to use Dion Blanks and chemicals - they're mostly in Australia:

http://www.dionchemicals.com/blanks/blanks.html

and FCS fin system - pretty prominent here in the states.

[ragboy]

I frequent a website called swaylocks.com. It's focused on board building. To the point, they have a classifieds section and there was a post from a Chinese manufacturer of surfboards. So I sent them an email and go this response back (direct cut n' paste)

Hello Jeff,

Thanks for your inquiry in Swaylocks.com It is only USD 155 for a short board in our factory. Would you like to get one? We are surfboards manufacturer in China. We offer to make any size of surfboards using the PU blanks, EPS foams and IXPS foams. All of them are with high quality and excellent price. If you have interests in ordering one, please provide the specs for the board that you like, as well as the designs and logos. We will arrange to make one for you. Looking forward to hear from you soon.

Thanks & Best regards



Jessica



UCSports Co.,Ltd.
Tell: +86-755-2716-4085
Fax: +86-755-2716-4085
Mobile: +86-132-6657-6905
www.ucsport.cn
skype:ucsports755


I am going to throw in an opinion here, and you may disregard. Of course there is always the issue with quality that may arise. I have got a couple of chinese ATVs, and the quality is poor. But there is another issue.

When Inland Surfer, or ShredStixx or even Hyperlite create a board, you are not paying for the cost of manufacturing and a profit. You are paying for the R&D. These guys spend tons of time designing and working out shapes and such, then some chinese company reverse engineers a board for nothing, manufactures it for nothing and sells it.

IMO, by doing this, you hurt those inland surfers and such.

Sorry, do whatever you guys want, I just wanted to throw that in for thought. I get emails and calls all the time, at least weekly, trying to get me to outsource my software development work to india. They are relentless. They are MUCH cheaper, but I don't do it. For as long as I can, I want to put food on the table inside this country.

Anyway, food for thought.

[Timmy!]

I don't think Jeff is implying that you buy one of their "copies" but rather design your own shape and have them produce it and for $155....it sure is tempting!

[Surfdad]

I'm not invested in this one way or the other, so it's no problem to me. I think that Rag makes a valid point, with one concern - all of the manufacturers that Rag mentions, outsource to China for their manufacture.
Should we engage in a form of consumer protectionism and favor USA manufacturers?

That price tag is so appealing!!!!!!!!!!!! Especially after $4 / gal gas!!!! :)

[ragboy]

I don't think Jeff is implying that you buy one of their "copies" but rather design your own shape and have them produce it and for $155....it sure is tempting!

Then in the spirit of Roseanne Rosanna Danna, NEVERMIND. ;-)

[Surfdad]

Right Timmy, and I think Rag's concern is that they'll steal a design and do a knock off.

I just think the $155 price tag, if you can get the shipping reasonable makes that sort of purchase VERY ATTRACTIVE.

[G-MONEY]

At that price if the board sucks who cares at least it will look good and you can hang in on your wall.

[Surfdad]

LOLOLOL! I've spent as much on boards that I made and they were crap! :) I'd be better off drawing something on a napkin and shipping THAT to these folks. :)

[ragboy]

I'm not invested in this one way or the other, so it's no problem to me. I think that Rag makes a valid point, with one concern - all of the manufacturers that Rag mentions, outsource to China for their manufacture.
Should we engage in a form of consumer protectionism and favor USA manufacturers?

That price tag is so appealing!!!!!!!!!!!! Especially after $4 / gal gas!!!! :)

The way I look at that, if all things are equal, or very close, I would choose the USA manuf over the other.

I try to do the same thing all the time with all of my purchases. Lets say I want to buy a new TV or something. Before I go online, I try some of the local dealers. Not circuit city, but like Dave's Video or something. If he can come close to the deals I can get, I buy local. Even if it is a bit more. If he can't come close, I buy online. I try to do this all the time, and teach my kids. I go to the local ace hardware, and not lowes down the road, unless there is some smoking deal that saves me a lot of coin.

If we don't do this, those local places go away. Unfortunately, everything is manufactured in china now, hard to find much made here.

[Surfdad]

I should probably be more aware like you are Dog, but honestly I shop value. Who/what gives me the most for the least dollars. I'll bet being more selective would save me a ton of headaches reading those stupid instructions! :)

[eks]

What about buying a Custom Surf Post Whore board for Domsz?

I think we could create a cool design graph for him.

[Jason B]

I learned a long time ago, "if it sounds too good to be true, it is."

Sounds intriguing though. Will they send a sample?:D

[Surfdad]

I've talked with shapers/retailers and the price is in the ball park for folks buying wholesale and in bulk. I think the $155 USD is the sample price. :) I'm tempted to buy one just to see. I was in a Costco, of all places, down in SoCal and they had this huge display of Chinese made surfboards. From what I could see through the shrinkwrap the boards look as good as anything I had seen available elsewhere. It might be after you rode one it would delaminate...so who knows, looks can be decieving.

[G-MONEY]

What about buying a Custom Surf Post Whore board for Domsz?

I think we could create a cool design graph for him.

I was thinking the same thing, if we raise enough money we should do it......

[b/w05]

I'll go out on a limb,,,,

So if we keep buying this stuff that's made by other countries that pay their help pennies compared to the USA, how does that effect our local companies?

Would you wish for your son or daughter to go to work for Inland, LF or ??? for $1.50 and hour and have them pay $4.00 a gallon for gas and have to continue to live at home with you with their family?

Two of my sons work together as carpenters, so so pay. Very little benefits. They make barely enough to really start a family. They have co workers that will work for 40% less. So what's the incentive for the company owner to keep my sons on the payroll? I see that supporting the overseas production as the same.

While I don't like the price of fuel and a board for $150.00 sounds better than $450.00 I have to keep in mind what it REALLY cost to live in a society with all of the freedoms we have.

So let the bashing start. I can handle it and welcome your thoughts.

[Matt Garcia]

Sorry, do whatever you guys want, I just wanted to throw that in for thought. I get emails and calls all the time, at least weekly, trying to get me to outsource my software development work to india. They are relentless. They are MUCH cheaper, but I don't do it. For as long as I can, I want to put food on the table inside this country.

Anyway, food for thought.

NAIL=HIT ON HEAD.

[Greg Mallek]

Shipping cost for a single board: $550.00 U.S.D.
Why do this when you can get a hand shaped, R&D proven board from S.S., Inland, or any other american small buisness trying to keep it here.

[Jason B]

I'll go out on a limb,,,,

So if we keep buying this stuff that's made by other countries that pay their help pennies compared to the USA, how does that effect our local companies?

Would you wish for your son or daughter to go to work for Inland, LF or ??? for $1.50 and hour and have them pay $4.00 a gallon for gas and have to continue to live at home with you with their family?

Two of my sons work together as carpenters, so so pay. Very little benefits. They make barely enough to really start a family. They have co workers that will work for 40% less. So what's the incentive for the company owner to keep my sons on the payroll? I see that supporting the overseas production as the same.

While I don't like the price of fuel and a board for $150.00 sounds better than $450.00 I have to keep in mind what it REALLY cost to live in a society with all of the freedoms we have.

So let the bashing start. I can handle it and welcome your thoughts.

In reality everybody wins in this scenario (although your sons may not agree:o ) Specialization with import/export makes everything less expensive and aggregate productivity is much higher.
So I don't have to type too much read this article....they explain it better than I could anyway
http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/competitive-advantage/

Yes, it sucks when you get the fuzzy end of the lollipop, I agree with that. It's easy to blame the exporting of our work to other countries when in fact that is a symptom and not the cause. The cause is a Free Market Economy--and we wouldn't have it any other way....Communism anybody?:o

[da.bell]

In reality everybody wins in this scenario (although your sons may not agree:o ) Specialization with import/export makes everything less expensive and aggregate productivity is much higher.
So I don't have to type too much read this article....they explain it better than I could anyway
http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/competitive-advantage/

Yes, it sucks when you get the fuzzy end of the lollipop, I agree with that. It's easy to blame the exporting of our work to other countries when in fact that is a symptom and not the cause. The cause is a Free Market Economy--and we wouldn't have it any other way....Communism anybody?:o

No, I would hate to have a checkpoint on the local lake just to make sure that we have papers. ;)

[G-MONEY]

Shipping cost for a single board: $550.00 U.S.D.
Why do this when you can get a hand shaped, R&D proven board from S.S., Inland, or any other american small buisness trying to keep it here.

Well that changes things a little...:eek:

How many do you have to order to get the price down???

[Greg Mallek]

From what I understand, you need a hundred or more. Group buy anyone??

[eks]

I was thinking the same thing, if we raise enough money we should do it......

Talk with Andrew and let's come up with a cool design for his custom board.

[Surfdad]

Actually if you don't mind driving to an international seaport and doing the customs nonsense you can get it shipped, including insurance on the $150 for less than $100. It's a pain, but beats $550. And they'll let one go for the $155. But Greg is correct, after that initial buy, you need minimum orders - they are a wholesaler/manufacturer.

But Dog, b/w05 Greg make a point, roundabout - Jerry wouldn't sell me a board with ding in it. He'd make it good and and I know where he lives! :) You can get the Chienese board insured, but what if it just comes "wrong". I can't even imagine what the customer service would be...the return on that email was around 4 weeks. :)

Jason B makes a good point.

Isn't there a grey area here? I've seen the boards manufactured in China and the quality is pretty good. I don't think that anyone would say an Inland Surfer had quality issues...the way that I see it is there are distinct types of manufactures or sellers. 1) Overseas 2) American interest with manufacturing overseas and 3) American interest and American manufacturing.

Buying direct...I don't know, if I sit and think about it...it feels like I'm spitting on Jerry and that sure seems distasteful to me. Yet, I seem to be OK with the manufacturing being done overseas and that sure doesn't seem logical...I mean shouldn't I feel that it has to be 100% American? I don't.

[eks]

Shipping cost for a single board: $550.00 U.S.D.
Why do this when you can get a hand shaped, R&D proven board from S.S., Inland, or any other american small buisness trying to keep it here.

How much would it cost to make one here in the US? Perhaps the guys from Inland would give us a break if they know the situation with Domsz

[Surfdad]

What's the situation with Domsz?

[da.bell]

http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6506

:(

[da.bell]

Better yet, why can't we have Surfdad use one of his old boards???? :ro: :ro: :ro: Just one of those experimental ones that is..... :D

[Greg Mallek]

Actually if you don't mind driving to an international seaport and doing the customs nonsense you can get it shipped, including insurance on the $150 for less than $100. It's a pain, but beats $550. And they'll let one go for the $155. But Greg is correct, after that initial buy, you need minimum orders - they are a wholesaler/manufacturer.

But Dog, b/w05 Greg make a point, roundabout - Jerry wouldn't sell me a board with ding in it. He'd make it good and and I know where he lives! :) You can get the Chienese board insured, but what if it just comes "wrong". I can't even imagine what the customer service would be...the return on that email was around 4 weeks. :)

Jason B makes a good point.

Isn't there a grey area here? I've seen the boards manufactured in China and the quality is pretty good. I don't think that anyone would say an Inland Surfer had quality issues...the way that I see it is there are distinct types of manufactures or sellers. 1) Overseas 2) American interest with manufacturing overseas and 3) American interest and American manufacturing.

Buying direct...I don't know, if I sit and think about it...it feels like I'm spitting on Jerry and that sure seems distasteful to me. Yet, I seem to be OK with the manufacturing being done overseas and that sure doesn't seem logical...I mean shouldn't I feel that it has to be 100% American? I don't.

I guess it's kinda like buying a Toyota that was made in the U.S. or a V.W. made in Mexico. But in reverse (?)

[eks]

Better yet, why can't we have Surfdad use one of his old boards???? :ro: :ro: :ro: Just one of those experimental ones that is..... :D

SurfDad, can you add a design such as "TigeOwners" or "Post Champion" to a board and make it look new?

I am sure we can all collect enough money to pay for your work.

[Surfdad]

I can't do artwork, at all guys. If someone can do the graphic and print it on rice paper I can laminate over it. Another option and the one I'd recommend is to have Mike Walker do the artwork. He is an amazing artist.

http://www.thewalkerproject.com/category_s/86.htm

I can hook you up with Mike.

[eks]

I can't do artwork, at all guys. If someone can do the graphic and print it on rice paper I can laminate over it. Another option and the one I'd recommend is to have Mike Walker do the artwork. He is an amazing artist.

http://www.thewalkerproject.com/category_s/86.htm

I can hook you up with Mike.

How much would the board cost on your side, without the art work?

[bolsonAA]

IMO, this is the stuff that takes the respect and soul out of a sport. The surf industry has always had a hard time respecting the waterski industry because of the lack of "soul". It is really difficult to break into the surf industry as I'm sure Walker could attest to. He has made many boards and is probably doing well in his niche but has some more time to put in until he is at the next level. The wakesurf side of the sport could be really cool but unfortunately, stuff like this turns people off. There is so much technology that goes into bottom concaves, outlines, fin foils, fin placement etc... I feel that my buying power is way too important not to know who is shaping my board as well as how they do business. Companies like Inland Surfer are probably hoping you get a board from some random because if they are horrible you have to go back to them and pay their premium. If you want to get involved in the shaping process find a surfboard shaper and start working on your own r&d because every person who surfs will want something just a bit different. This sport is way to cool to be ruined from companies in China. Know what your buying and who your buying it from, the ride will be much better.

[Surfdad]

Oh, I wouldn't take any money for something like this. I also have some boards that are in good shape that I'd be willing to donate...maybe just cover the cost of shipping and encouragement because I HATE to ship boards! :)

[Surfdad]

bolsonAA,

I can appreciate your perspective, but I don't know that it's accurate for wakesurfers. The VAST majority, IMO, are buying what they are exposed to at their local pro shop - HL, LF and CWB. Those folks have the distribution channels, thos boards are made in China. You can find a HL Broadcast in Madison, WI; Waukegan, IL; etc.

I honestly believe that the vast majority of folks in this market segment don't care about how it works, and I think the vast majority also wakeboard or wakeskate or something else behind the boat...as well as surf.

I don't know...I don't think that cheaper prices for entry level boards would hurt the sport. Then, like bolsonAA points out high end boards will no doubt always be the realm of a one-off shape and in my opinion, folks should be willing to pay for that service/skill.

[bolsonAA]

Thats a good point Surfdad, It would be great if people could ride a Walker or Props or some other hand shaped board and feel the difference. This is a great sport and I would hate to see people miss out on the whole experience. But, your right the vast majority might not care, but I guess what bothers me is that I don't think the top 3 brands care about the vast majority. They seem to be putting a premium price tag on sub par product. They don't seem to have any real knowledge of surfboard shapes and are just trying to make a buck instead of further the sport. But hey, I guess to each his own.

[dogbert]

I'll go out on a limb,,,,

So if we keep buying this stuff that's made by other countries that pay their help pennies compared to the USA, how does that effect our local companies?

Would you wish for your son or daughter to go to work for Inland, LF or ??? for $1.50 and hour and have them pay $4.00 a gallon for gas and have to continue to live at home with you with their family?

Two of my sons work together as carpenters, so so pay. Very little benefits. They make barely enough to really start a family. They have co workers that will work for 40% less. So what's the incentive for the company owner to keep my sons on the payroll? I see that supporting the overseas production as the same.

While I don't like the price of fuel and a board for $150.00 sounds better than $450.00 I have to keep in mind what it REALLY cost to live in a society with all of the freedoms we have.

So let the bashing start. I can handle it and welcome your thoughts.

Well, there is the old saying that you get what you pay for. Let's face it, we're in a global economy. You can't control the flow of jobs and products through protectionist measures because that hurts you in the end. It's been tried (just look at the automotive and steel industries). Companies have to find a way to be competitive or be eliminated. Propping them up is a bad idea. We see with many of our customers, who are among the world's most respected companies.

Contrary to what Ragboy and Matt think, I do think there's value in outsourcing. I've outsourced work overseas because I can't find anyone here either qualified or willing to do it. There's also plenty of work I don't outsource because the only people I can find to do it are here in the states. It's helped my company to remain competitive and provide the services to our customers that they demand.

I think you have to leave emotion out of it and treat it like a business. Let the best ideas win. I remember when the argument was internet vs bricks/mortar. Now it's outsourcing vs. domestic. There's always a bunch of people who don't want things to change. Ultimately, it's the source of most of the conflict around the world. Perhaps everyone should read the book "Who moved my cheese?".

:02:

[Jason B]

Realistically there is no such thing as a purely American Made board. The resin, foam, hardener, glass, scrapers, stir-sticks........ who knows where all that comes from. The world is getting smaller and smaller :D


I buy Thor gear for MX because my buddy reps for them. It costs more but I buy it anyway to help out my boy. So I can understand buying from someone you like for sure. It probably doesn't help them a whole lot in the long run but it makes us feel like we're "doing the right thing" and sometimes that's more important than a price point.

[ragboy]

Well, there is the old saying that you get what you pay for. Let's face it, we're in a global economy. You can't control the flow of jobs and products through protectionist measures because that hurts you in the end. It's been tried (just look at the automotive and steel industries). Companies have to find a way to be competitive or be eliminated. Propping them up is a bad idea. We see with many of our customers, who are among the world's most respected companies.

Contrary to what Ragboy and Matt think, I do think there's value in outsourcing. I've outsourced work overseas because I can't find anyone here either qualified or willing to do it. There's also plenty of work I don't outsource because the only people I can find to do it are here in the states. It's helped my company to remain competitive and provide the services to our customers that they demand.

I think you have to leave emotion out of it and treat it like a business. Let the best ideas win. I remember when the argument was internet vs bricks/mortar. Now it's outsourcing vs. domestic. There's always a bunch of people who don't want things to change. Ultimately, it's the source of most of the conflict around the world. Perhaps everyone should read the book "Who moved my cheese?".

:02:

I didn't say I wouldn't outsource, but I will always choose to NOT, as long as I can. I will always buy local, when I can, etc. Its a matter of preference, not conviction.

[dogbert]

I didn't say I wouldn't outsource, but I will always choose to NOT, as long as I can. I will always buy local, when I can, etc. Its a matter of preference, not conviction.

Sorry, didn't mean to imply that you wouldn't. I try to support my local economies wherever I can. It's a preference thing.

I just don't understand the whole knee-jerk reaction to outsourcing. :02:

[ragboy]

Sorry, didn't mean to imply that you wouldn't. I try to support my local economies wherever I can. It's a preference thing.

I just don't understand the whole knee-jerk reaction to outsourcing. :02:

It wasn't outsourcing they were referring to. It is the theft of intellectual property. When a chinese manufacturer steals a design from another company that spent all the time and money on R & D, then just stamps them out at lower quality, I don't like it. Outsourcing is like what surfdad said inland surfer is doing. They design and do r & d, and outsource manufacturing. I am ok with that, but I would hope that any company would first weigh their US options first. If outsourcing is by far the best choice, good choice.

Do you see the difference?

[dogbert]

It wasn't outsourcing they were referring to. It is the theft of intellectual property. When a chinese manufacturer steals a design from another company that spent all the time and money on R & D, then just stamps them out at lower quality, I don't like it. Outsourcing is like what surfdad said inland surfer is doing. They design and do r & d, and outsource manufacturing. I am ok with that, but I would hope that any company would first weigh their US options first. If outsourcing is by far the best choice, good choice.

Do you see the difference?

Well, theft of IP is a different story. You have to know what you're doing if you're going to do it. I'd be very concerned about sending stuff to China. Less so, India or parts of Eastern Europe.

[Surfdad]

So an update on this. I may get ripped off, but I think it's worth the risk trying. I got a quote for $155 a board and I asked if they could do a sub 5' board and that wasn't a problem. I asked for the shipping quote and it came back $180 to my door. I wasn't real interested in pursuing it so I just fired back - that's a bunch of crap, you can do 2 boards in the same box for that price.

And they said - yes, two board shipping for 180 and 155 each. For a total of $490. My favorite question in the broken english: How you think? :)

I wasn't going to follow thru so I thought what the heck, I just told them no..that is too expensive, I couldn't justify more than $400 for the two boards shipped to my door. They said ok!!!!!!

You have to figure the 180 shipping is pretty much out of their pocket, which brings two boards down to 220 or $110 per unit. I may just be burning 4 bills, but I have to see if they can deliver. I build a ton of boards and I can't buy the MATERIALS at retail to build one that cheap. I have a number of Asian clients and they have an expectation of negotiation on any price - even for my CPA services. It makes sense that they would negotiate on the price of product.

Anyone want to take bets? Will I get ripped off for the 4 bills or not?

[Timmy!]

I think you'll get the boards....by August! LOL!

[Surfdad]

What year? :) I know it's going to be something freakish, I can feel it.

[larryueckert]

400.00 is a big chunk of change i would blow the whole contry up for 400.00 bucks.:D :D :D :D :ro: :ro: :ro: :ro:

[Jason B]

400.00 is a big chunk of change i would blow the whole contry up for 400.00 bucks.:D :D :D :D :ro: :ro: :ro: :ro:

That makes a bunch of sense :rolleyes:
Go ahead and do that..then where do we get our children's toys with lead based paint from? Not to mention all those awesome products in roadside souvenier (sp?) stands-- who'd make those if you blew them up??:D

[larryueckert]

the U.S.A:) :)

[Dan and Christy]

What year? :) I know it's going to be something freakish, I can feel it.

Surfdad, I am wrapping up a big project and we were forced to use a Chinese supplier for our exterior metal panels and glass. The upfront work, shop drawings and samples were a huge pain but the actual material that showed up to the jobsite was high quality. When you are in the design process just know that they will agree and say yes to anything if they think that is what you want but in reality that information will likely not get back to the factory accurately. Take your time upfront with them and I would expect a quality product. One last note, everything shuts down for an entire month for Chinese New Year, if things get dragged out that long. Good luck. :02:

[matte]

Jeff

Matt E here. I got the same quote however, I got the quote of one board including shipping of $370. You and I must have seen that site on swaylocks about the same time. I too responded with I can shape the board alot cheaper than that. They offered to throw in a "sample board" in the same box for a total of $400.

[whitlock87]

I frequent a website called swaylocks.com. It's focused on board building. To the point, they have a classifieds section and there was a post from a Chinese manufacturer of surfboards. So I sent them an email and go this response back (direct cut n' paste)

Hello Jeff,

Thanks for your inquiry in Swaylocks.com It is only USD 155 for a short board in our factory. Would you like to get one? We are surfboards manufacturer in China. We offer to make any size of surfboards using the PU blanks, EPS foams and IXPS foams. All of them are with high quality and excellent price. If you have interests in ordering one, please provide the specs for the board that you like, as well as the designs and logos. We will arrange to make one for you. Looking forward to hear from you soon.

Thanks & Best regards



Jessica



UCSports Co.,Ltd.
Tell: +86-755-2716-4085
Fax: +86-755-2716-4085
Mobile: +86-132-6657-6905
www.ucsport.cn
skype:ucsports755

I happen to be in Huizhou China, (1.5 hours north of Hong Kong). I will give them a call and see if i can get a tour of there factory. If it works out i will take some pics and post them.
David

[whitlock87]

Ok i found out that they are about 2 hours from us, We are going to see if they will let us stop by on Monday.

[Surfdad]

Hey Matt,

Good to see you posting here. So you got the same deal that did. That's interesting - I think we are probably at the bottom end of the negotiation for them. Did you pull the trigger?

David/Whitloc87 - that would be great! Keep us posted on what you find, please.

Dan and Christy - I've seen some of the Chinese made boards and it's not like it used to be 5 years ago when the quality was crap. The current crop of boards is as good as anything manufactured here. Like you say - the final product is good, it's getting the details TO THEM so that you can get the desired board back. It sure seems that they are anxious and they have pretty much said OK to everything I ask for. What concerns me is delivery later - I can't imagine that I would front them the money, so that will be a hurdle, I'm sure.

I wonder if having a rep, like David, in country would be the way to go? Even $250 for a custom board is pretty cheap.

[matte]

Jeff, I found this site when I was researching different boats. I did not pull the trigger yet. They offered to send me one of their samples in addition to the one shape I've sent them. I'd do it if they would do 2 boards for 400 bucks shipped. Let's see what she says.

[whitlock87]

Ok this is what I saw.
There factory is very small, Only 4 employees.
(Due to this make payment with caution,)

Now with that being said, the materials that they are using are of very high quality.
(This is rare in China.)
They are using a really nice 4 and 6 oz cloth, and they only use epoxy resin.
(Most glass shop in china use polyester resin.)
All the boards are made by hand, and they have 3 different types of foam.
(Pay the extra few bucks and get the IXPS foam, it is much stronger and more flexible then the rest)

Here are a few picks.

[whitlock87]

More pics

[Timmy!]

Wow! I can't believe you were over there and went and took pics of the factory!! From the pictures they look pretty decent...

[whitlock87]

I am stuck in Huizhou China 8 times a year.
Each trip is about 2 weeks. (so i am here about every 6 weeks)

The company i work for was in Lakeforest Ca, but we moved 90% of our manufacturing to china in 2002.

[Surfdad]

Whitlock87 thanks so much 'bro! That is a clean looking factory, FCS plugs done right. It also looks like the have Futures and Probox. Very nice. I have an order form, I think I'll pull the trigger and see what I wind up with.

Thanks again!

[Jason B]

I have an aquaintance who owns a high end line of office furniture he has manufactured in China. He says if you go over there and get in thier face they WILL make great stuff, conversely, if you send a check and a basket of hope you recieve garbage. His stuff is really nice and he's been doing it it for years now so I have to imagine there is some truth in his statements. Maybe with Whitlock over there you'll have a bulldog :p

Place looks nice, I would order a board from them. They appear to be on the level at least.

[bolsonAA]

From the pictures the factory looks huge for only 4 employees. Did you see any of the shaping bays? Looks a little too clean for a shaping factory to me, it looks a little off. Maybe they just changed the glassing bay floors but the way it looks they have glassed a total of maybe 10 boards. Some of the racks have 0 resin around them. You said hand shaped? Or cnc'd? If you have ever been in a surfboard factory I think you would agree these pictures just don't feel right. How many finished boards did they have? Did you see the shipping area?

[whitlock87]

From the pictures the factory looks huge for only 4 employees. Did you see any of the shaping bays? Looks a little too clean for a shaping factory to me, it looks a little off. Maybe they just changed the glassing bay floors but the way it looks they have glassed a total of maybe 10 boards. Some of the racks have 0 resin around them. You said hand shaped? Or cnc'd? If you have ever been in a surfboard factory I think you would agree these pictures just don't feel right. How many finished boards did they have? Did you see the shipping area?

They did have a shaping ROOM. but only big enough to do one board at a time. (They have it in a room to help control the dust). There factory is only on one floor of the 4 stories building. Around 3500 square feet. (Very small for a china factory) or about 50 USD per month. (Rent cheep in China). I did see 3 boards in the shaping process. And another 4 being glassed. ( this all seams small to me, as our factory has over 500 workers and , we turn out around 22,000 parts per day).

Let me know if any body has more question, I will fly home on Friday. But I will be returning either the first week of June, or the last week of July. (Mid June Lake Powell trip :ro: )

[Surfdad]

So I got an unrealted email, but it has to be some sort of email exchange:

The subject line promised 3 day turn around. I would presume you fire off a DWG file and they create the cut file and produce the end product? I tried to get a local foam shop to give me a QUOTE on producing a rocker bed that had an inverse concave machined in and it took them over a week just to return my call! :)

Are you behind of the schedule or have a very tight delivery deadline?

We can help!

We focus on 1-1000 lot size.

Since 2001, our machining shop proudly serves precision CNC-machined works
in Shenzhen, Guangdong province of China mainland for around the world, especially
United States. Each year, 120 qualified employees work with CNC machining centers,
CNC lathes, CNC mills, grinders, wire cut machine and laser cut machine in our
facility of 10,000 square ft. to create over one million pieces of gorgeous parts
from material of aluminum, bronze, cooper, SS, Ti, Zinc, etc., some of which meet
the tolerance of up to 0.0004". Our annul revenue was about 2 million US$ in 2006.

We serve high gauge industries such as robots, automation, instruments, equipment,
machine making, engine & motors, dentists, product design & engineering, hard-to-find
parts, etc. To accomplish customer satisfaction, we developed the capability in assembly,
fabrication, the surface engineering and electronic engineering. Our finishing is the
best in around China mainland. We pay special attention on handling and material PPAP.

Serious buyers please write to us for a quotation and details.

Contact: Mr. Ling (direct line: 86 755 88832548)
Email: m4671@tom.com

[Timmy!]

Man- I can't believe you actually opened the email... I never open the spam!

[Surfdad]

I hear you, my virus software scans everything I swear it scans me! :) and this one came directly to my inbox.

[xpjim1]

Surfdad

Did you ever order a board from China. Just curious

[Surfdad]

Yeah I did. The quality of the product is, without question top notch. Both Inland Surfer and Shred Stixx have boards manufactured in Asia, and this rivaled those. Only a few small issues, but that would be associated with a large scale production facility. The downside was that what I ordered wasn't too close to what I got :)

I think that for a single board order, like I was playing with...it's a great way to throw away $155 :) If you were thinking of manufacturing and you could get on top of those folks, so that what you order is delivered, you could get your costs down relatively low for a good quality product.

I won't pursue it any more.

[Moki]

I agree with Ragboy, I bought a chinese motorcycle and it is a piece of Shitake!!! Everything that I have ever purchased from China that has been cheap, I have regretted it. I know that there are some quality product that are coming from China, but they also cost more. OF course I haven't seen the boards and don't know for sure; but I am of the opinion that you get what you pay for. However, it is promising that it is a small factory and not being produced in the same factory as McDonald Happy Meal Toys - even more compelling that a Tigeowner has toured the factory

[chpthril]

^^^^ Yeah, I know what ya mean, I bought some Fortune Cookies, and every one of them broke when I tried to open them :rolleyes: ;) :p :D :ro:





J/K, Thanks for the time to order, do the wright-up, and spending the money, Surfdad :ro:

[ragboy]

I got one of these surfboards, which I believe is made in same place.

http://www.islesurfboards.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=480

So far, very happy with it. And since its epoxy, its very light for an 8 ft board, yet strong.

[xpjim1]

Yeah I did. The quality of the product is, without question top notch. Both Inland Surfer and Shred Stixx have boards manufactured in Asia, and this rivaled those. Only a few small issues, but that would be associated with a large scale production facility. The downside was that what I ordered wasn't too close to what I got :)

I think that for a single board order, like I was playing with...it's a great way to throw away $155 :) If you were thinking of manufacturing and you could get on top of those folks, so that what you order is delivered, you could get your costs down relatively low for a good quality product.

I won't pursue it any more.

Got any pictures of the board? Did you surf it?

[Surfdad]

I think I may have taken pictures of it, I'm not sure. I'll check at home. It was pretty nondescript as I didn't ask for any artwork. It was basically just their effort to send me a sample. I ordered a 4'6" board and got a 6'2" board :) Only off by 20 inches, so dang close. :) I didn't ride it, I tried to get a refund and return the board and they said sure, send it back and we'll refund your $155. So, for a shipping fee of $250 bucks I could get my $155 back. :)

I sold it to a buddy down in Santa Cruz for a C note, he's the one that made the killing. :)