I like your post Pete(Gorgar).
But I am seeing sooo many negative assumptions about Sterns business model and what they should or shouldn't do.
It's almost as though profit is a dirty word.
Stern are allowed to make a profit but not too much of a profit according to some.
Sending Stern the occassional email gets you polite and factual answers back.
A factory visit in 2015 and 2016 would be a great idea for those open to that type of trip and education.
You are missing the main point being made... of course they can make a profit, its what business is about. But there is a point where too much profit kills your market as sales will slump.
The machine price announced is just too damn expensive, people don't like it and will refuse to buy.
Stern can do what they like... but if they want to continue their success then there is a plateau above which the customer base falls away.
Stern aren't kings of the market... the customers are.. without them there is no Stern
