FIRST Choice Product Question

[Saberbot]

I have an email in with NI about the module prices. Does anyone have an idea as to why it is cheaper to but the complete package with a new cRIO ($525.00) than it is to buy the three modules ($782.00) separately?

At this point we'll probably just skip the 7 slot unless we have extra points.

[dcarr]

Originally Posted by Saberbot

I have an email in with NI about the module prices. Does anyone have an idea as to why it is cheaper to but the complete package with a new cRIO ($525.00) than it is to buy the three modules ($782.00) separately?

At this point we'll probably just skip the 7 slot unless we have extra points.

This is highly puzzling to me as well. There's no way that makes economically. Hopefully with all of these teams purchasing new bare 8-slots they can put together an affordable package. Please post any response here on the forums.

[gyroscopeRaptor]

The prices on modules appear to have tripled since this spring. I'm wondering why they have changed as well, even though we weren't fast enough to get a cRIO.

[ebarker]

Originally Posted by Saberbot

I have an email in with NI about the module prices. Does anyone have an idea as to why it is cheaper to but the complete package with a new cRIO ($525.00) than it is to buy the three modules ($782.00) separately?

At this point we'll probably just skip the 7 slot unless we have extra points.

Here is probably a clue. The whole cRIO system was graciously provided to FIRST at a significant discount. Somewhere along the way they probably determined that the package deal was going to a FRC team and they would allow that at a deep discount.

Discounting just the modules would not be smart on their part because most of the sales is not to FRC, but to their normal customer base. It isn't proper for there deep discount relationship to FIRST cause a negative impact on their normal business relationships.

While I'm typing this I just went back and looked at their price sheet and it does say "FIRST" pricing just for the modules. So my theory may be wrong.

What the heck do I know ?