Why are TT tables so expensive?

[Sine]

Hi guys!
As the topic says I was wondering how come that tables are so expensive,and the nets to.
I was looking for tables because I want to have one in my office. But If I should buy a little better one
they cost like 1000$ and up. I know there is for about 400-600 euros, but you know what i'm talking about,
Stiga better tables, donic etc.
I'ts metal, wood and paint(bolts and 4 wheels). How is the price explained. fx The Donic champion costs about 1200-1400 euro.

I hope someone could explain

 

[Kobe02]

A big chunk is retailer margin, manufacturer margin, brand company overheads and margin, raw materials company overheads and their margin, logistics from manufacturing to warehouse to customer.. leaves a few euros for the actual materials you mention.


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[Sine]

I wonder if i could use someone to make me a table, and imitade the colour and size, and of course bounce etc. its a playwood with paint. I will look this up
Alot of margins, is there any table that is best value for money?

 

[Der_Echte]

Some people have actually tried to make their own tables, but you really spend a lot of time making one right... and you have to have a shop and a lot of time... and it isnt cheap.

 

[UpSideDownCarl]

So I looked at the weight on the top of the line Butterfly table which is really good and the bottom of the barrel table from Butterfly which is basically shite; here is some info:

Top of the line: Butterfly Centerfold 25 Rollaway: $2099.99 (USD), 280 lbs.

Bottom of the barrel: Butterfly Sport Rollaway: $449.99, 139 lbs.

Without needing to explain anything else, the top of the line table has 2x more material and weight. If you look at the photos you can see the difference pretty easily.

Next thing worth knowing, one of those $249.99 Kettler tin drum tables are not worth getting even if it is to play dominos. The bounce on a less expensive table is just plain and simple, not so good.

Yet another thing to know, the better tables are made with a certain amount of grip that makes the bounce truer. The tables are not made of just wood. I believe the top is composite board and the cheaper ones are made of cheap composite board. And the better ones are specifically designed for the bounce of the ball. That top of the line table might cost a lot but it plays so good it is not funny.

Those tin all weather tables are not worth playing on. The $449.99 table would be playable but you would be able to feel and tell the difference of the bounce. And if you see the photos of each, even with them being little thumbnail photos, you can tell how cheaply made the $449.99 table is.

Should they be less? Yeah. Everything in table tennis seems to be over priced. A sheet of rubber for $80.00? A blade for $375.00? You get the Zhang Jike Super ZLC and Tenergy rubbers for $510.00 (USD). That is more than that table. How about table tennis shoes for $125.00.

But the difference between a good table and a cheapo table is pretty big in terms of quality.

 

[Der_Echte]

Your points are true, but I was trying to say that to do it RIGHT Urself, one would need a good shop, I lot of time and rthe right materials... AND a lot of time and MONEY.

 

[UpSideDownCarl]

Your points are true, but I was trying to say that to do it RIGHT Urself, one would need a good shop, I lot of time and rthe right materials... AND a lot of time and MONEY.

Yep. To make your own may cost 2x more in time and labor and you would probably mess it up.

 

[UpSideDownCarl]

But I want this table:

http://vistasport.ru/RAINBOW LED SHOW COURT-DHS.id4720.html

Only $8,000.00 used.

 

[Der_Echte]

It comes with a models posing on each end of the table, keep away from wifey.

 

[UpSideDownCarl]

It comes with a models posing on each end of the table, keep away from wifey.

Aha, perhaps it is the models that are slightly used.

 

[TT4Life]

U can also find out those slightly used TT after big tournaments. 30% off or more. Here in the US, we have mostly Joola table and Butterfly tables. Instead of spending a 1500$ to 2000$ a brand new table u can get it used for 1000$ to 1200$ and free delivery to your house here also check your local newspaper for it.

 

[mahomedy13]

I am 1 of those that built my own table(not really,I just replaced the board after it got water damaged.)

My advice:if you have a solid frame,them it won't be difficult to make a good table for yourself.

You would require a mininmum of 3.5cm(around 1 and half inch) board(chipboard or fiberboard) to get a good consistent bounce.most people that sell board sell it in sheets,and are prepared to cut it to the size you require(in this case 2740mm by 1525mm)

The paint is difficult to get,but a normal paint for wood can do.its not ideal,but it does the job.f you leave it unpainted,the table tends to 'grab' the ball,making the game a bit slower.and if painted with a spray paint that is not matt texture,it makes it fast.(The ball leaves the table faster).

This might cost you around half of what a proper table costs,but it does take time.

And the satisfaction of making your own table is unparalled,if you are a DIY person.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

Its no brainer - shipping a table, storing a table etc will cost more than say of equal value in rubbers.
Cost must include freight, storage, return on investment-profit margin, marketing etc and this is only the retailer part.

ITTF approved tables are mostly 25mm, and cheap tables are 19mm or even lower.
The frame of an expensive and cheap table is also easily noticeable - and will interfere big time with the bounce and the longevity of the table (top)

Imo, it will be unfair to measure material cost vs retail price. There is too much factors pushing the price up, and I would say, most of those factors seems reasonable to me

Good luck in making your own table

 

[UpSideDownCarl]

Its no brainer - shipping a table, storing a table etc will cost more than say of equal value in rubbers.
Cost must include freight, storage, return on investment-profit margin, marketing etc and this is only the retailer part.

ITTF approved tables are mostly 25mm, and cheap tables are 19mm or even lower.
The frame of an expensive and cheap table is also easily noticeable - and will interfere big time with the bounce and the longevity of the table (top)

Imo, it will be unfair to measure material cost vs retail price. There is too much factors pushing the price up, and I would say, most of those factors seems reasonable to me

Good luck in making your own table

I agree 100%. Nice post Tony.


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