I'm confused.
A flat-pack system would be smaller in dimensions. Not knowing the exacts, but from what I can see, there's 6 sides + shelving. Stacked on top what would that be? My guess (I'm no good with this sorta stuff), would be it'd be around 70mm thick?
Your max piece would is 700x500mm, the weight would be the same, granted you'd have a few brackets in it, so slightly more (but not TOO much more).
If companies use weight over dimensions then yeah, could be a problem.
You mentioned twice to three times as long to construct, which would reflect the cost, wouldnt it reflect the costs in a positive way? You wouldnt be required to construct the cabinet, only cut the pieces, supply materials, and pack/ship out which would cut costs.
Flat-packing also reduces chance of breakage.
Try not to get upset I'm just trying to give a few suggestions.
$400 for a 700x500mm cabinet sounds reasonably hefty IMO.
For a 175cm H, 40 W, 34 D glass cabinet,
IKEA have a cabinet (glass) for $189 + freight, which wouldnt amount to $100 postage.
EDITED: IKEA Don't offer delivery service, but the www says to contact local stores?
Sure it doesnt have the pre-cut shelving (which is a cool idea), but it's competitive, and IMO I would go with that one.
Ok Taz - don't take this the wrong way as I am not getting upset, but I will try and spell it out for you so that you better understand why what you are saying can't be done. I will start from the top...
A flat-pack system would be smaller in dimensions. Not knowing the exacts, but from what I can see, there's 6 sides + shelving. Stacked on top what would that be? My guess (I'm no good with this sorta stuff), would be it'd be around 70mm thick?
Thats where you are wrong unfortunately. Sure, I COULD cut all the pieces and lay them all flat, supply members with glue and hope to god they can glue it all together without making a mess of it all. In theory yes that could be done. I hear what you are saying, you are trying to suggest ideas to make it cheaper and easier for both members and myself, but you have to remember mate, we are not talking timber here, and we are not talking screws or nails, we are talking acrylic, with acrylic cement to bond it all together correctly and safely. I have worked with acrylic for over 5 years now, and I am still no pro at it (compared to others in the industry that I know).
I don't expect you to understand the ins and outs of it, but what you need to realise is that it is an EXACT technique and method that is used to glue these pieces together, with the correct tools and equipment that the average person does not own. All the pieces are clear to start with, then once glued together, and ONLY then, can they be cleaned, finished professionally on all edges and then painted LAST. I just can't begin to tell you how bad the unit would look if I cut all the pieces, painted and flat packed them all in the hope that members out there with no acrylic experience or necessary tools could put it all together correctly, cleanly and safely (the glue is quite harsh on anything it comes into contact with other than acrylic - whats more, acrylic glue will eat away at any paint it comes into contact with when it is wet).
You mentioned twice to three times as long to construct, which would reflect the cost, wouldnt it reflect the costs in a positive way? You wouldnt be required to construct the cabinet, only cut the pieces, supply materials, and pack/ship out which would cut costs.
No it would not reflect the costs in a positive way, as the cutting, finishing, cleaning, and manipulation of the acrylic is what is time consuming, the glueing of it all together is the quickest part.
Flat-packing also reduces chance of breakage.
Yes it does, thats true. But there is no substitute for good packaging techniques, even when a unit like this is sent out fully constructed. I am so confident in my ability to safely package a unit like this that I would be willing to guarantee the unit will not break in transit. If it ever happened I would make a new unit for the member free.
$400 for a 700x500mm cabinet sounds reasonably hefty IMO.
Mate, I haven't even sat down and figured out prices yet. If you like I can show you a list of how long it takes to do each step and what materials are used, then you might understand how quickly the costs amount.
Without being personal or offensive, if you don't want one don't order one (when it comes time that I make them!)
The fact that you went to the trouble to go and search on the IKEA website suggests that you think I am trying to rip people off. All I am doing is trying to provide members of this forum with a quality, and unique product like I have made for myself. All I am doing is covering costs of some materials and some labour (not all mind you).
When I saw the IKEA unit you linked to, I was LMAO, as it is NOTHING like the unit I have made in any respect. Its like comparing apples with oranges.
It is a stell frame, welded together and then powdercoated, with glass shelves in it.
Sure it doesnt have the pre-cut shelving (which is a cool idea), but it's competitive, and IMO I would go with that one
Go buy it then champ, then when you see the pics of sexy acrylic card display units in other members houses and offices give me a holler!
Hope that makes sense and answers alot of your queries! :v:
Oh, and just to let you know - I looked into shipping a unit with Startack Express today, and the most shipping will cost is around $15 - $20.
Im definately interested in one.
