Quote:
Originally Posted by Taylor
We picked some key items we may use, got what we thought was a fair amount (2 batteries, 2 Anderson connectors, 1 classmate, 1 compressor, 2 gearmotors, 2 more gearmotors, 1 compressor, 1 cRIO), and got out of the way.
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This is exactly what most teams think. They are not hoarding, they are just trying to get the best value for items they MAY use. This "fair amount" comes out to about $1000 worth of items. (And some teams were able to order over twice that value for the same number of credits.) Right now, however, looking at what remains available, I think teams would be hard pressed to find a value of $300 of items that they will actually use this year. (Baring the offhand chance you need to outfit a computer lab with video cards...) Far less than those who were able to order early.
I'm not suggesting that ANYONE should have done anything different in terms of ordering what they thought they needed or was valuable - the system was set up to encourage that. The problem is that it leaves many, many teams out in.
My suggestion is this:
1. Make the credit value reflect street price/value to FRC teams (discounts are great, but no need to make a $200 Classmate the same credits as a $15 wire stripper)
2. Let the system "go live" one week after ship date. This is to discourage teams from ordering stuff on spec.
3. Include the cost of the items in the BOM (and raise the total allowance if necessary).
- Mr. Van
Coach, Roboox