Prefab a 4 letter word?

[Flastrongman 10+ year member]

So I'm very seriously thinking about starting a prefab box company. I know prefab is considered a 4 letter word around the forums, but what if a "prefab" could actually deliver high quality and proven output?

I would like everyone's input on what you would want out of a prefab that might actually make you consider buying one.

Now I realize some would never buy a prefab no matter what, but many on here don't have access to the tools to build a good box and would like an alternative. Not to mention some of the "custom"

box builds I've seen on here lately look to be barely better than prefab.

So if I could make a prefab at a reasonable cost and it would outperform many custom boxes, what do you guys think would be a fair price?

And please keep if fairly reasonable, if you're going to say "it has to do a guaranteed 140db and I only want to pay $100 shipped", than maybe you should reevaluate what someones time is worth.

I'm really looking for honest feedback to see if this venture would be a waste of time or not.

Click to read more...

 

[rebelfromva 10+ year member]

Cool idea. May be hard to create a model that would work on a great variety of woofers though .

 

[Chriszle 10+ year member]

The problem is, a prefab cannot guarantee a certain output. It will vary based on the sub(s) and vehicle.

 

[Flastrongman 10+ year member]

very true, but I have design in the works already that will perform very well with a huge variety of common subs band some not so common subs. I'll be testing with at least 5 different brands.

 

[West]

I honestly think that most of the box designers on this forum can produce great boxes at reasonable prices. Shipping is the deal-breaker.

The only way to get around that is shipping the box in pieces to reduce volume. I just don't see that working out...

 

[Flastrongman 10+ year member]

The problem is, a prefab cannot guarantee a certain output. It will vary based on the sub(s) and vehicle.

true to a point, but I can test in a variety of vehicles and power ranges so the consumer can get a general idea of output. Clearly, I cannot guarantee any specific number in a specific vehicle. That would be asking for trouble.

 

---------- Post added at 01:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:53 PM ----------

 

I honestly think that most of the box designers on this forum can produce great boxes at reasonable prices. Shipping is the deal-breaker.The only way to get around that is shipping the box in pieces to reduce volume. I just don't see that working out...

I have this worked out already too.

 

[Flastrongman 10+ year member]

great input so far guys, I really appreciate this. Can you please start throwing some numbers out there so I can get an idea of a starting price range.

 

[infamous_e46 5,000+ posts]

answer yo **** messages

 

[pro-rabbit 5,000+ posts]

There is a reason why over all the years I have done this but never made "prefab" enclosures. You need to have a CNC or the whole idea will fail right away from not being able to keep up.

Easiest and simple answer is, you can not make a magic enclosure. You could make a basic prefab with better build quality. However, that will not sell it on it's own. You also have to come in at a price cheaper then having one custom built.

In all honesty, if you are in a position to work with various distributors around the country that is your better option. That way they purchase pallet loads off setting shipping costs. ebay or direct will simply not work out very well.

 

[CHEMMINS 10+ year member]

Prefab = Junk

No matter how you market it.....it will be classified as junk.

You need to do....."Custom Fit to Vehicle and Sub Box - Builder" Even if it is a prefab, you modify to accommodate the sub.

 

[Flastrongman 10+ year member]

There is a reason why over all the years I have done this but never made "prefab" enclosures.
Easiest and simple answer is, you can not make a magic enclosure. You could make a basic prefab with better build quality. However, that will not sell it on it's own. You also have to come in at a price cheaper then having one custom built.

In all honesty, if you are in a position to work with various distributors around the country that is your better option. That way they purchase pallet loads off setting shipping costs. ebay or direct will simply not work out very well.

good advice sir. I actually already make a good amount of these boxes for local dealers. I've thought expanding to more dealers is the way to go, but I'd still like to see if I could offer these on some of the forums and ebay too.

 

[CHEMMINS 10+ year member]

Could always do preloaded enclosures that are vehicle specific though....they would be new (other than JL or MTX).

 

[Flastrongman 10+ year member]

Prefab = Junk
No matter how you market it.....it will be classified as junk.

You need to do....."Custom Fit to Vehicle and Sub Box - Builder" Even if it is a prefab, you modify to accommodate the sub.

I think I can destroy that sterotype sir.

 

[CHEMMINS 10+ year member]

Most people will quit listening as soon as they hear prefab though. Everyone wants custom. You can be drug down by association with people who make generic enclosures.

I do like the preloaded idea though, or offer a small selection of drivers that would work optimal in the enclosure.

 

[Flastrongman 10+ year member]

Most people will quit listening as soon as they hear prefab though. Everyone wants custom. You can be drug down by association with people who make generic enclosures.
I do like the preloaded idea though, or offer a small selection of drivers that would work optimal in the enclosure.

yeah, that's kinda what I was thinking. NOW give me a good price point! lol