Requesting feedback for ESB R & D

[ESBguy]

The subtitle for this thread should be "Why it's getting so hard to buy American".

A number of Crappie.com members (not as many as I'd like, but we're working on that ) use my bobbers. Even if you don't, I'd like your feedback on a problem I'm having.

I have always prided myself on sourcing American. All of the components of the ESB are made in the USA, except the glass bead, which is Japanese. I just wasn't able to find a good American source for glass beads. Anyway, the brass grommet in the distal end of the ESB has always been made by a US company that claims to be the largest eyelet maker in the world. On 2 occasions I have purchased large quantities of a specific brass eyelet from them. They now tell me that my eyelet is no longer a stock item and, if I want them, I have to pay for a production run of half a million at considerable cost.

It turns out that they have a good quantity of another, more common, eyelet that will work size wise. This eyelet, however, is made of aluminum alloy. Assuming that the alloy has a hardness comparable with the brass I'm using now (or I won't use it), here are the questions. What would be your preferred material? Which metal would corrode less in salt water?

And here's another thing. A trip through Alibaba has shown me that Chinese companies will line up to sell me brass eyelets. I don't want to but I may not have a choice.

All opinions are welcome, and thanks.

[skiptomylu]

Man I don't know and would have to research that some. I souls think the alloy in the aluminum would make a big difference depending on what it is, but I have no proof of anything about this issue. Maybe I would ask them if this aluminum with alloy will hold up as well as brass in saltwater, lay it back on them to help you decide. They should have guys that work for them and specialize in metallurgy or at least I would think that??

Skip

[kickingback]

I buy and use your bobbers. Excellent product. I fish freshwater and do not have any issues with the metal change. As long as it does not corrode or ruin my line (braid and mono) I am happy with it.
Sorry for all your issues. Hope this will not make the prices go up.

[ESBguy]

Thanks, kickingback, I wasn't considering a price increase this year.

[short grub]

I to use your product, I say stick with what works, If that means a cost increase for a good reliable product then so be it.

That's my feelings

[justcameslabdaddy]

I think Ford just come out with the aluminum alloy pickup 2015 said it should get lot better gas mpg as the aluminum alloy suppose to be as hard as steel if so I think it should work for you. But check in too it.

[Badgerloader]

Copper is a component element in speciality alloys for use in saltwater. Brass is mostly copper. Make certain your offshore supplier is providing solid brass, not brass-plated. I suggest avoiding aluminum for this application.

[ESBguy]

UPDATE.

First, thanks to everyone who's viewed, and double to those who have replied. Special thanks to Badgerloader, that's the kind of hard data I need.

My research of the past few days has convinced me that aluminum is not a suitable material for my bobbers. It has a frictional coefficient twice as high (it's not as slippery) as brass. I think it would be even worse once the inevitable coating of aluminum oxide forms. So, brass it is and brass it will stay.

This has never been about me raising prices. The per piece cost of my bobbers is not high, I have more than enough profit margin built in. It's about my American supplier deciding that I need to special order a part they've always sold me before, a part that they have listed in their catalog right now. I designed around it, for crying out loud. The only piece that I have any real control over is the tube, because extruded plastics can be made to fit anything, cheaply. So my tubes are custom made to fit my glass beads, bobber bodies, and brass grommets all at the same time. At my current production levels, they want me to buy a fifty year supply of brass eyelets, at a cost of nearly a year's profit!

So, as I said, brass it is. I have already obtained a quote from a Chinese company (for a quantity of 100K) that is about 1/4 what the American company would charge, if they would actually sell me 100k. I just have to get a couple more answers from them (like copper to zinc ratio, Badgerloader), and I'll be ready to go.

So, a couple more questions.

1) Given what I've related above, does anyone have a problem with me outsourcing to China? Free market and all that considered?
2) Or, should I contact the American company, tell them what I'm going to do, and give them another chance to sell me 100k? This may sound crazy, but I would probably pay far more just to say I bought American.

Again, thanks for the feedback. Also, I hope that this has been enlightening for anyone else thinking of bringing a product to market.

[Badgerloader]

There are likely other sources outside of China - India comes to mind. I sent a PM to you.

[fliesforall]

I would let them know you plan on switching to another manufacturer that is willing to give you a smaller minimum quantity. The only reason a company would give up business is if it is going to cost them money. Also if they actually are discontinuing the item see if you can purchase all of their back-stock at a discounted price.