The Crane Stand : A Day In The Life

[Dave Dj]

how long is the "foot" of the stand ?

[theCraneStand]

Thanks all for all of the comments, concerns, and support. We have been in this debate many times about the pricing, margins, quality, location of manufacturing, etc. It is excruciating to say the least.

On one hand, you have the people that want products to be made here in the US. On the other, you have people that want inexpensive product. The fact of the matter is that we can never win the debate. This is a Macro Economical, global logistical, international material, labor, and general all encompassing issue. When we started the company, we wanted NOTHING to do with it, so tried to make these stands by our selves. We hit a strong reality after we almost went out of business. It is nearly impossible to make metal items in this country. The US is based in tech and IP. That is our strong suite. Sure there are some niche companies out there that scratch out a living, but we are an international manufacturing and distribution company. There are also some companies that figure out how to keep production here because they can demand the price like Rane. We cannot demand the price. People will not pay what it really cost to make our products in the US. Please see this interesting article related to this issue. http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn....ury/?hpt=hp_c1

Now, we are a company with strong social and environmental concerns. That is why we still make the Crane Stand Signature Edition here. For all of you out there that feel as strong as we do about keeping manufacturing in the USA, this is product for you. It is available from a few store here and there for $199.
http://www.cranehardware.com/product...products_id/39

For the products that are made outside of the US, my partner and I have strong convictions. That is why before we start to even tool up for a new product, Morgan physically inspects EVERY COMPONENT of the manufacturing line to ensure that the workers are treated fairly, the work is done in accordance with the highest of environmental standards, and the quality is able to meet our high standards. For example, anodizing is one of the most toxic processes in manufacturing. It is our job to ensure that we are using an anodizer that is not dumping waste into a storm drain, so Morgan goes to the anodizing shop to put his eyeballs on the disposal process.

As for pricing international manufacturing jobs, we see a lot of "it only costs 30 bucks" out there. It is simply not true. The price of metal, machines, finishing, and other raw items internationally is the SAME. There are savings in the Labor and that is it. That's not to say though that outsourcing takes advantage of foreign workers. NOT AT ALL! This is a myth. In fact, the workers sometimes enjoy a higher quality of life than Americans.

The bottom line here is that we continue to produce product here and people don't want to spend the money for what that REALLY costs. Even Brock turned down a credit on his Crane Stand Pro and spend another $50 for the Signature. Dealers don't want to pay, distributors don't want to pay, and DJ certainly don't want to pay. Who pays? Should we sell you guys Laptop Stands at a loss?

As for the changes on the website to provide the proper message of origin, that is being worked on right now. If anyone feels wronged in any way contact Garett directly at 866-581-4522.

Thanks for reading and all of your support!

[Fatlimey]

Thanks for the full and frank reply. The only Path I can see is to offer choice and keep educating users about their options. That's what Green and Organic industries have had to to do from day 1, and boutique niche products offer cachet and performance (see the Swiss wristwatch industry for extreme examples of that in the Luxury end of the market)

From what I hear DJTT is in the same boat, struggling to keep it local.

Love your stand, use it daily. Keep on keeping on.

[JonathanBlake]

Thanks for reading and all of your support!

Kudos for your transparency. I'm a South African, and have just ordered a stand from DJTT (as I did my S4, USB cables etc) and I can only compliment you guys on the way in which you conduct yourselves. I make no excuses for being a 'preferencial' consumer, and none of these products are available locally, so the internet is my only option. Its both refreshing and a confidence-booster to see such open debate.

[brocklambert]

The bottom line here is that we continue to produce product here and people don't want to spend the money for what that REALLY costs. Even Brock turned down a credit on his Crane Stand Pro and spend another $50 for the Signature. Dealers don't want to pay, distributors don't want to pay, and DJ certainly don't want to pay. Who pays? Should we sell you guys Laptop Stands at a loss?

I thought I was buying a premium stand made in the USA the first time. It shouldn't cost me (or anyone else) another $50 to get what they were supposed to when they originally purchased the Crane Stand.

Up until I called the company on Monday and demanded they remove the "Made in USA" claims on their website, it read the following:

"Made in the USA"

"THE CRANE LAPTOP STAND is the highest quality adjustable stand on the market and the only dj laptop stand made in the USA."

"We make our stand right here in Seattle, WA, utilizing sustainable manufacturing practices and all Pacific Northwest companies for our product, from construction to shipping to feedback from the many local DJs who have adopted the CRANE Stand as part of their music performance."

"Manufactured by master craftsmen using the highest quality materials in their facility in nearby Everett, WA, The Crane Stand is now the most well-built and versatile portable notebook stand on the market."

"Using the highest quality materials, our laptop stand is hand-welded by our expert craftsmen in our facility just outside of Seattle. We use local suppliers and sustainable business practices to create a product that will stand the test of time."

So before you accuse me or anyone else of not being willing to pay... don't forget that WE ALREADY DID... and didn't get what we were supposed to.

[willinfluence]

When did Crane stop manufacturing the laptop stand in America,
Is there any difference between the two kinds?

[Jester]

The new model is manufactued O/S. The original Crane is still made in the US i believe

[willinfluence]

I wonder where my stand was made?
doesn't really matter to me anyway it's still an awesome stand

[willinfluence]

how long is the "foot" of the stand ?

277mm

[theCraneStand]

I would like to point out to anyone out there that is not happy with their Crane Stand, we have a 30 day money back guarantee. If someone is not happy with their product in any way, please send it back. A side note to this is that out of nearly 10,000 Crane Stands out there, not one has been returned to us. But, you can't make everyone happy. If someone does not like the fact that we must make stands overseas, please contact us and send your stand back. If it is that important, please support your local manufacturing by picking up a Signature Series for just $50 more in select stores.

I would also like to ask you guys to take a look at your setup at home and count the number of items made in the US. I know Rane still produces in the US, any others?