For info to all committee members
Hi Eric, Chris and Nick
I hope you are keeping well.
As you may know I just sent 40 Live Drive kits to Nick as well as 25 x 3m extension cables.
Sadly availability of certain parts has been really difficult because of the pandemic and prices of some items through the roof, especially relays, metal case and resistors - a lot don't seem to have come down either and I had to import one of the parts this time (the resistor which is now discontinued so no UK stock around except at mad ebay prices!).
There were supply chain problems/price hikes last time we supplied in December 2021, but I already had many key items in stock so it was minimal but I have to pass on for this batch as I didn’t have much stock and the current cost is £22.40+ vat = £26.88.
Obviously its up to you what the club charges its members, but even if it doubles the cost and Nick throws an extension cable in its still under £60 for a control system, which looking at todays prices for stuff seems relatively cheap. (In fact I think I will get my unused double tender OOLS flying scotsman specially insured judging by its value!)
What I have done is also order most parts for the next batch of 30 so that will mean they will be at a similar price and buy us time to start buying the next batch.
I mentioned the resistor which is now discontinued so I am going to have to change the design slightly and issue a 25 watt version for most of the next batch (the current one is 15 watt) but this is a ’safe’ change and just means its a bit longer (10mm) and a bit more expensive, but should stay in production much longer. JPR are my oldest supplier and still support me so its largely thanks to them we can still get many key items at good prices.
I cannot give you an official invoice or charge VAT separately now as I am no longer VAT registered so all prices I quote here will be inclusive as I am just passing them on.
40 x Live Drive kits of parts £26.88
25 x 3m extension cables £0.98 each
DPD Delivery £9.40
Total £1109.10
Thank you David. That's great news.