I've noticed that HOG has raised their prices, and are now close enough in price to the established name brands, that customers would rather spend the few extra dollars and get the name brand item.
For example: Their complete back plate wing rig used to be very cheap. Now it is the exact same price as a Deep Sea Supply complete rig. They have raised their price to exactly match a competitors price. Can a HOG branded BP/W ever go higher in price? I don't think so. HOG came out with the implied message that you don't have to pay the industry pricing for good gear. But when they raise their prices to come close, or in some cases, be the same, customers won't buy it.
Businesses will only stock what customers buy. Why did DGX stop carrying HOG? Perhaps not many were buying.
Not bashing HOG, it's just my personal observation.
HOG played a tricky game when they first came out and were priced VERY low compared to their competitors. That in itself isn't necessarily such a bad thing.
The problem comes in when you then try to raise prices and be on par with the other brands.
Now it will never happen, because you have painted your brand into a corner.....forever labeled as a "discount" brand.
This is why big name brands come out with a cheaper brand when they want to offer products at lower price points without tarnishing the main brand with that "discount" label.
Example: Henderson wetsuits are the high end brand, and the sell cheaper products under the Neosport label.
HOG can't really move up. Their brand is already very well established as the good/serviceable/very affordable brand.
If they try and raise their prices too close to the name brands, they will lose sales, customers, and representation from retailers.
Nothing wrong with HOG, but they created their corner, and painted themselves into it......in my opinion.
They chummed the waters with a TON of cheap priced products and created a feeding frenzy. Retailers sold a lot of gear....good for them, and GREAT for the customers that bought those great deals.
What now?:cool2: