AMZ Site Update

A few days ago I paid the hosting service for the next 2 years for this site, so the info will be available at least that long. Almost certainly I will renew it in the future so there is no need to wonder about the long-term availability of the info here.

OTOH, the income from this site pays for the hosting and for equipment for me to do testing, or to make prototype pedals, and it is now practically non-existent. The profits from the sales of parts on this site for the entire year 2023 were less than one week of my monthly Social Security benefit (yes, I'm that old).

In fact, at least half of that income was from my commercial accounts like Analogman, Robert Keeley, and a few others (thanks guys!). I made more money on my books on Amazon than I made in profit on selling PC boards and parts from the site.

What prompted me to post this update was when I saw that BYOC was closing down. I do not know anything about the reasons for the BYOC closure but I can tell you a few facts about my experience selling boards and parts:

1. International sales used to be a substantial part of my online shipments. The changes in postage rates have made it too expensive for anyone outside the US to order from me unless they really need the item. This was a major loss.
2. Interest in DIY is decreasing. Electronics has more of a learning curve than most arts and crafts hobbies, so that is a high barrier to entry into the field.
3. Cheap pedals from China. Why build when you can buy a ready-to-use pedal from Amazon for less than $20?
4. 500 TV channels, all begging for your attention! These days, it is easy to have your attention divided among the hundreds, if not thousands, of video programs available all day and night. When I first started, there was no Internet and only 3 TV channels, and they signed off at midnight! One of the best things I ever did recently was to cut the cord on my cable TV subscription.
5. Amazon. Need I say more? Besides cheap goods, most people think you get free shipping at Amazon, but actually, you paid $139 for that shipping with your Prime membership. Pay me $139 and I'll ship to you free too! Anywhere in the world! (lol)
6. The pedal market is saturated. Many small pedal makers have gone out of business in recent years, and more will close down before the end of 2024.
7. Through-hole parts are disappearing. I can solder SMT parts but I don't like it. Beginners, people with unsteady hands, or those with improper soldering tools will have difficulties with the tiny parts.
8. Fake parts. It is a shame that some people will sell fakes of a common part that is available brand new for 50 cents from a reliable dealer. I can test parts to discern if they are real (most of the time) but beginners without test equipment will get burned, and they may not be able to afford that.
9. And so on... you've probably heard it all before.

The DIY scene is much different than it was back at the start of this century. Some of that is good, and some is not. I'm not really complaining because I like to build pedals, and would like more people to try it out as a pastime. However, I will need to look for a way to boost sales so I can keep things going here.

Now, I think I will practice my guitar, and then go outside to yell at some clouds.

Thanks for reading this far!

September 2024