Im tired of spending so much $$$ on hockey wheels

[river]

Hey man whats the deal with wheel prices. We're being charged $6-$8 per wheel. Is this
material that expensive? I don't think so i just think that these companies are money
hungry. The only thing it does for me is get me angry at the retailers
for ripping us off. They would sell a whole lot more if they lowered their prices
don't u think. Let me know how you guys feel about this.....

[Jim_A]

Perception
Yep, those retailers who are driving away in their limo's and sports cars, courtesy of you. It's a big scam, heck I actually retired last March and am living the life of luxury in the West Indies.

Reality:
driving away in the '92 Honda with 130k miles and looking in the seat cushions for toll money

so a wheel costs $8 at most retailers..guess what? they likely paid $5-6 per wheel..so they are making 25-30% profit, which as any businessperson will tell you, is not a recipe for success..wheels, bearings,etc are an area where a retailer tries to increase their business and profits..because the bottom line on skates and equipment can be even less...

As for trying to sell them at a lesser markup, well they already are..as that $8 wheel is supposed to retail for $9 or $10 each..and we've tried the experiment multiple times at places i've worked where we've taken a popular wheel..marked it down..and guess what..we sold the same # of wheels..so all we did was lose money..

Besides you give someone a cheap wheel or a deal, and the large majority are still disappointed they didn't get it for free...

jaded and sarcastic as always

[Mike_D]

Perception
If most retailers and shops sell wheels for $5+ a wheel then everyone should just accept it as reality and suck it up.

Reality
Bull Sh*t, When I started playing a decade ago I played on an outdoor rink with very ruff asphalt. The surface was so ruff that I went through a set of wheels every 5 games. Since at the time I wasn?t concerned about quality wheels, I combed the net and local stores for some cheap buys. Try out this link out for starters.

http://www.in-lineskatestore.com/

You can get a set of 8 wheels for under 20$ with shipping and handling (~2$ a wheel). I buy wheels from them all the time. They have some pretty cheap bearings as well. However for tourneys and better skilled leagues I will use a more expensive wheel, but they last me more than 5 games on a those quality surfaces. There?s that, and the fact that I?m rich, just like every other inline hockey, bush league playing bum.

God bless the United States of America! Where one can enjoy all the benefits of a free market society. Competition sure sucks for the guys that just can?t compete. Almost brings a tear to your eye.

Sorry to hear about the ?92 Honda though. I?ll tell you what, I will set up an altar with my old overpriced inline hockey wheels in my Mclaren F1/LM and I will pray to the hockey gods on your behalf.

Now that?s sarcasm!

[Jim_A]

Well I wasn't discussing outdoor wheels Mike, the post was more regarding Indoor wheels..as I don't know many people who shell out $8 per to play on asphalt...

Anyway..the company is likely making the same $ on the closeouts,etc as they are the $8 wheel anyway...

That was a pretty commercial message...are you the Mike in Mike and Associates that runs the website you promoted? And since its that company just selling direct...they are making more than the retailer anyway...

As for the Honda guy, I'll tell him you have him in your prayers..