Folks' reaction to the price.

[BruceWright]

Motleyorc writes on his Segwayceleb site that he's tiring of having people ask the price while he's out gliding, only to have them laugh upon hearing it.

I imagine that's some folks' reaction, as it is a significant chunk of change.

I'm thinking of what I'll say instead of the price, if the question is merely casual and I don't want to deal with the chuckles.


"More than a Scooter, less than a Harley."

"About the price of a Sea-doo that people use 3 weekends a year."

"About the price of a good big-screen TV."

Here's one just for Celebration residents:
"About the price of that new Macintosh Powerbook."

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[motleyorc]

The trouble is, the majority of the people that ask are 55+, so they probably wouldn't know what a Sea-Doo or a Powerbook are. I like the "more than a scooter, less than a Harley" response. I think I am going to try that.

Even at the Celebration reduced price I see jaws dropping every day. What are you going to do, they're not for everybody. We early adopters are the Segway Corporation's bread and butter (at least for now).



http://www.segwayceleb.com

[Karamozov]

How about equating the cost to an SUV, including operating and maintenance costs?

"Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell" - Edward Abbey (Western Author)

[n/a]

If u want to be a Segway ambassador, I suggest before answering the question about price, u tell them more about all those computers in Segway, tell them, as pt has done, how much u save as compared to using a car and tell them u have to ride it to appreciate it. Then tell them that the eary adapter price is... "About the price of a Sea-doo that people use 3 weekends a year." etc.

Dont forget to mention that less expensive models are on the way.

[theeagle]

Hmm, that's quite interesting. De Beers suggests that all men should spend 2 month's salary on a diamond engagement ring. One that doesn't walk, doesn't talk. I say value is relative. Any of those guys that balked at the price must have bought diamonds for their wives at any given point. The average price of a 1 ct diamond is $2000 to $6,000. And if any women thinks the Segway is too expensive, that will be quite funny! I bet they won't consider turning down a diamond ring that costs $5000?!

[pam]

quote:Originally posted by theeagle

Hmm, that's quite interesting. De Beers suggests that all men should spend 2 month's salary on a diamond engagement ring. One that doesn't walk, doesn't talk. I say value is relative. Any of those guys that balked at the price must have bought diamonds for their wives at any given point. The average price of a 1 ct diamond is $2000 to $6,000. And if any women thinks the Segway is too expensive, that will be quite funny! I bet they won't consider turning down a diamond ring that costs $5000?!

You bet your sweet bippy! And with the cost of houses in Celebration, you can probably say "less than your wife's engagement ring" <G>.
Pam

[BruceWright]

Yes, by all means explain about all the computer power inside. Explain with all the bells and whistles about duel onboard computers and 5 piezo-electric gyroscopes and mutliple backup systems.

Then explain that it costs a great deal less than a speedboat, about 1/5th to 1/20th the cost of an SUV, or about 1/3rd the cost of a Harley Davidson.

New Harley's range from the $5975 XLH sportster to the $27,995 Screamin' Eagle Road King. But the majority of them about about $15,000. Here's a link to the MSRP's of the 2003 Harleys.

http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/enthusiasts/new_vehicle_list.asp?VehicleCategoryCode=1&ManufacturerCode=5&ModelYear=2003

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[BruceWright]

Also, about half the price of a Snowmobile.

Half the price of a Sea-doo.

Just under the price of your average ATV.

About 1/3rd the price of the Corbin Sparrow.











-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[Jameskk]

I've had this happen a few times and I laugh back even harder and ask "oh, you mean $5K is a LOT of money to you?? I bought two!"

[axiotek]

quote:Originally posted by BruceWright

Yes, by all means explain about all the computer power inside. Explain with all the bells and whistles about duel onboard computers and 5 piezo-electric gyroscopes and mutliple backup systems.

Then explain that it costs a great deal less than a speedboat, about 1/5th to 1/20th the cost of an SUV, or about 1/3rd the cost of a Harley Davidson.

New Harley's range from the $5975 XLH sportster to the $27,995 Screamin' Eagle Road King. But the majority of them about about $15,000. Here's a link to the MSRP's of the 2003 Harleys.

http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/enthusiasts/new_vehicle_list.asp?VehicleCategoryCode=1&ManufacturerCode=5&ModelYear=2003

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream


Funny you should mention Harley's. One of the most common questions I get of course is "how much?" I have determined the best answer is, "fourty-nine-fifty." This causes people to stop and think for a minute before reacting. I then do the inevitable comparisons telling them that I don't own a car and value is in the beholder. The other day a guy said, "is that it?" I said, "That's four-thousand..." He said, "Yea, I've got two bikes (meaning motorcycles, presumably one was a Harley), I might have to get one of those." That man knew the value of two-wheeled transportation modes.

www.segwayboston.org

[Jameskk]

quote:Originally posted by Jameskk

I've had this happen a few times and I laugh back even harder and ask "oh, you mean $5K is a LOT of money to you?? I bought two!"


What bugs me most is people saying.. "they banned those things in SF".. like the heck I don't already know that or implying that the Segway must really be dumb for a major city to ban it. My usual comeback (especially if they are wearing a cell phone) is.. "yeah, and New York banned Cell phone" hehe well, it's partially true.. they banned them while driving, but SF banning Segways is partially true as well... they banned them on sidewalks ;)

[Deviant]

But NY only banned cell phones after allowing them for quite some time, not preemptively based on ignorance. You can't have anything but ignorance if there is no track record.

[muckle]

In the interest of fairness, the highest priced PowerBook I could find is the new 17" model at $3300 - or about 33% LESS than a Segway...

[Sailor]

First off, let me say that this is a fantastically refreshing thread on a truly frustrating subject. I've really enjoyed reading everyones comments!

quote:Originally posted by theeagle

I bet they won't consider turning down a diamond ring that costs $5000?!

I'm so glad you brought this up theeagle! My family (including my wife) made such a stink about the issue of the price, especially in relation to the possibility of it being jacked (a valid concern due to the city I live in). My flat response that finally hushed them up about it was to point out that my wifes ring was more and we don't worry about it at all.....

I long for the times when it used to be rude to ask how much things cost. I'm only 27 but can still remember that when I was a child it was rude to ask how much cars, houses, boats, etc. cost. Now for some reason it's completely acceptable, people even ask how much money I make and personal questions about my retirement and stock portfolio. Whatever happened?

quote:Originally posted by Jamessk

"yeah, and New York banned Cell phone"

That's an excellent comeback Jamessk! I'll have to start using that one.

[drucilla]

I am perparing to tell people that"the cost was not important to me but what it could do. I just gave them my credit card and said charge it"....let's roll,roll,roll,roll.....

mind if my segway and i pass?

[emanresu]

If it's a woman say, "about as much as those implants!" A man "As much as your hairpiece"...

[mario-ramos]

Hey, guys, don't forget to say that this "scooter" took 10 years and one hundred million dollars to be developed. This will shut any mouth.
Mario

[wayne]

The ones that say something about what you paid for the Segway will be the first to ask you for a ride.



Chariot riders ride Segway

[BruceWright]

quote:Originally posted by muckle

In the interest of fairness, the highest priced PowerBook I could find is the new 17" model at $3300 - or about 33% LESS than a Segway...


That quote was only for Celebration residents, who are getting $2000 taken off of the price as compensation for taking part in the study.



(Oh, and lest anyone think I'm anti-mac, I want one of those too!)

[Homer]

How much does it cost? much less than a hip replacement a fraction of the cost of the monorail, and almost as much fun to drive less than 1/1000th of the bonus that Michael Eisner just paid himself, yet far more useful about the same as a 10 night stay at the Grand Floridian, but you get to take it home with you

http://www.bookcase.com/library/icons/cartoons/simpsons/homer.gif

[MrTechno]

When someone asks me I simply say "5 grand at Amazon.com....and it's worth every penny."

When their eye's bulge out and their eyebrows go higher than their hairline I add..."you know how technology is, my first fax machine was $1,500. The price will come down and I think Segway will come out with a cheaper model"

[Deviant]

I say "5 grand - much less than a car." And they generally nod their heads. I sometimes add that lesser units will be coming out at a cheaper price.

[Homer]

in 1981 I paid $1,000 for an answering machine in 1987 I paid $5,000 for an IBM AT (8MHz, 20MB, amber monitor) - described as "the most computing power anyone will ever need on a desktop" or something like that In 1998 I paid $40/share for Lucent in 2002 I paid $5.2B for Fox Family Channel Oops, sorry, that last one wasn't me.

Don't all of those buys look foolish today. But, unlike the last 2, a Segway isn't an investment, so price isn't the issue. It's something that you can enjoy today and tell your grandchildren about in 40 years.

Life isn't a destination to be reached, but a journey to be experienced.

http://www.bookcase.com/library/icons/cartoons/simpsons/homer.gif

[mzokc]

Another answer: "The first 3 were auctioned at over $100,000 each, but you can purchase one for under 5,000."

My favorite comeback might be, "The money was sitting in the bank with little interest, but there is a lot of interest with this investment."

But I am expecting the standard complaint here in Oklahoma, "But that money could have been spent for educating our students in the schools." My response will be clear:

"The Segway HT is education! When students see the Segway HT in person they will have questions about how it works. Their natural engineering talent will grow as they research the design on the web and be inspired by the invention and the inventor."

Mark

[pt]

mzokc--

you could tell them that the money was for the nonprofit educational organization, called first-- since that is where it went.

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/GMA/GoodMorningAmerica/GMA020219_SegwayAuction.html

there have been tons of stories about first and what it has done. the one i liked was a fellow who was a gang leader, somehow got talked in to attending first and now is an engineer at berkley and i also think works for nasa now.

cheers,
pt


http://www.bookofseg.com

[mzokc]

pt,

Yes, of course. I knew the auction proceeds went to FIRST, but I forgot to mention it in the post. Thanks for the reminder!

Mark

[Peter iNova]

quote:Originally posted by muckle

In the interest of fairness, the highest priced PowerBook I could find is the new 17" model at $3300 - or about 33% LESS than a Segway...

Memory, carry case, Airport transceiver, software, external drive. I know. My last non-17 incher was over 5 grand, all tolled.
-iNova
http://www.digitalsecrets.net/glidewalk/Home.html

[PoloAk]

My Segway is tangible, ridable, and moves. I dont think my laptop will spark an interest in engineering. That's the difference for me.

And in Alaska, if my $5k can help raise $50k to get kids involved in FIRST (which will be happening all summer long!) then my investment is completely worth it.



Kelsey

[mzokc]

There are several at work who use mountain bikes. Just one look at the catalogs and magazines will give a person "sticker shock." Considering what goes into a Segway HT, we got a bargain!

When I am riding on two wheels, I am willing to pay any price for the quality that keeps the ride safe! The HT is worth every penny!

Mark

[pkradd]

I'd tell people that the average desktop computer was in the range of $5000 when they first came out, and no doubt the Segway - as have computer prices, will go down in the future.

[BruceWright]

I like that one, Jeff!

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[Linc2000]

Hey Folks! The response to price that gets me the most chuckles is "More than a scooter but less than a Harley". But I will often say about 5. After they respond I often say "Add a zero". Some are shocked by the price others respond that's quite reasonable. I often go into the gyros, computers and precision motors and/or the research. A lot of people have seen it on TV or the internet and already know they cost $5000. Some say, "Is that really it". Lincoln [8D]

<center>http://www.wwwebhosting.com/tm3wwwlogo.gif</center>

[pam]

The ones that always surprise me are the ones who nod, purse their lips and say, "not bad." or "that's reasonable." - Takes the wind right out of my sails &lt;G&gt;. Had *2* of those today, one at K-Mart, one at the PO.
Pam


quote:Originally posted by Linc2000

Hey Folks! The response to price that gets me the most chuckles is "More than a scooter but less than a Harley". But I will often say about 5. After they respond I often say "Add a zero". Some are shocked by the price others respond that's quite reasonable. I often go into the gyros, computers and precision motors and/or the research. A lot of people have seen it on TV or the internet and already know they cost $5000. Some say, "Is that really it". Lincoln [8D]

[nocanfly]

My responses if I had a segway.

1) If you have to ask, then you can't afford it.

2) I never checked the price. I'm filthy rich.

[PoloAk]

nocanfly- that's perfect!

Kelsey

[BruceWright]

Yes MZokc,

You could always say "about the same as a top of the line mountain bike." If they don't know how much mountain bikes cost, they're out of touch anyway!

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[god1138]

Bruce - you're dead on! One of my co-workers has a mountainbike that he paid 5 G's for...

Me personally, I'd never spend five grand on bicycle.... but the HT on the other hand is worth every penny!

-rmo

My other car is a Segway!

[pkradd]

$5000 for a mountain bike? I think you can BUY a mountain for that amount.

[tomamil]

nocanfly's "If you have to ask, you can't afford it" comes from Commodore Vanderbilt (or was it John D. Rockefeller -- I can't recall)responding to a question about how much it cost to have a yacht. Funny then, funny now.

How's this: "In a few years, we'll all be wondering how we could afford NOT to have them!"


Tom A. Milstein

[nocanfly]

I think it's rude to ask people how much they make and how much they spend on things. With friends and family I have no problem discussing how much I spend on a item but for a stranger, I find the question is ultimately couched to try to make you feel bad for spending more money they can afford. Yes you can say the Segway costs a lot of money but I used to spend 4000-5000 for my computers not a long time ago. People used to wonder what use a computer was. Today many of them are my clients. :)

Another approach is to reply with a question.

How much did you pay for your car? How about your insurance, gas, repairs, etc. Let them realize that compared to a car it's quite a bargain. Then you could say if it was a monthly plan, it would cost $200/month for 24 month which in that context is like buying a really souped up top of the line computer.

[2totango]

Someone obviously updated this to see what maturity hath wrought what with all the new owners.

Anyhow I hope new users keep it alive. Its entertaining.

[emanresu]

I told someone today that i was expecting my Seg any day now, and they had seen it on TV. They shocked me by saying they thought the price would be closer to $10,000. That's a first. Someone else asked how much, I held up the five fingers, and they mouthed "Hundred?". Everybody's different.

[JT]

quote:Originally posted by BruceWright

Motleyorc writes on his Segwayceleb site that he's tiring of having people ask the price while he's out gliding, only to have them laugh upon hearing it.

"More than a Scooter, less than a Harley."
"About the price of a Sea-doo that people use 3 weekends a year."
"About the price of a good big-screen TV."
"About the price of that new Macintosh Powerbook."


About the cost of a 2 week trip for the family to Hawaii.
About 2 years of downtown parking costs.
About 1000 Burritos...

[Stan671]

I was out riding around today and got asked about the price. I really do feel wierd admitting to spending $5,000 on the Segway and I think it puts some people off hearing that I can afford to spend so much money on such a silly thing.

So, I don't think I will mention the exact price much any more. I have been saying more than a bicycle and less than a car. One guy guessed $500 and then $1,000 and I just said it was a little more than that.

Also, to be honest, I am a little reluctant to tell perfect strangers that I have a $5,000 object just sitting in my house with wheels on it so that it would be easy to take. Most $5,000 objects in the house are not nearly so easily moved. I just don't want to give anyone any bad ideas, if you know what I mean.

Stan Dobrowski

[numenaster]

How about "Half the price of a Geo Metro, and carries nearly as much! Plus you can park it for free--it's a bargain!"

Practicing responses for when my honey lets me borrow it!

[Peter iNova]

Stan671 is right.

Think about the revealing-the-price issue: You are disclosing aspects of your personal financial situation you would NEVER broadcast in public if you give a dollar answer. But a fun answer avoids this.

People ask the question expecting a dollar sum, but everybody likes it if the answer reveals something more. They don't want a dollar sum as much as they want to be included "in the know" about this thing.

"I know a guy who saves the entire cost of his second car," does it for many. "Let me put it this way; about the cost of 100 really nice dinners for you and your sweetie," does it for couples. Followed by, "And that's not counting parking savings..."

-iNova
http://www.digitalsecrets.net/glidewalk/Home.html

[toybuilder]

I've been answering the price question with something like:

Well, it's new technology so it's still a bit expensive. There's an equivalent of two Pentium 4 computers, five fighter aircraft gyroscopes, and essentially four motors, all for $5,000; but they are working on a smaller $3,000 model now - that might come out in another year or so.

That seems to do the trick.

http://www.pasadenasegway.com

[jgassor]

One young boy asked me how much they cost, I tried the response of "Well lets put it this way, its cheaper than a Harley", his response "What's a Harley?", my response "Never mind, it costs $5000!"

Jim

Live life to the full, get Tivo and get a Segway! http://segway.gassor.com

[emanresu]

Five thousand bucks is nothing anymore for those of us that have earned it. And it's really nothing for most people to borrow 5,000 on their credit cards. So I don't think anyone reveals much about their personal financial situation by revealing the cost of a Segway. There are plenty of paupers driving fancier cars than me, and plenty more well-heeled types who squeak like rusty springs. Every man of my age I know has more toys than me, and most of their's require frequent oil changes.

[jgassor]

Great post emanresu! it is true, this is a credit friendly country! I also know plenty of people who would rather lease a $600/month car than buy it. These people ave balked at the price. I just tell them that its cheaper than a Jetski and for me it is going to defer the need to replace my car. They soon understand that perspective.

Jim

Live life to the full, get Tivo and get a Segway! http://segway.gassor.com

[opti6600]

I've been asked a bunch about the price. There are a number of responses I've given, all of which give a real insight into how I feel about the HT. I tell them the real number, but I make a point of saying that while it's a large sum of money to anyone, the benefits far outweigh the costs.

After all, how often do people, especially in suburban heck, get the opportunity to really get out in their neighborhood? I can't wait to see what Miami is really like from the POV of a Seg, I feel that it'll be quite different than even what I've thought it to be. So yes, while $5k is a tidy sum to anyone, it's well worth it for any Early Adopter.

And for humorous comparison...I've answered some of my friends with this...

"Still less than my laptop."
"Think five ipaqs."
"A Kia." (old joke with us, we used to give amounts of things in Kias, heh)
"Brand spanking new Laser Radial."
"Remember that annoying relative? About the same amount as Vinny cost ya!" (no, no one used Vinny, just yet another American teenager piece of humor)

[pam]

My Segway actually *was* less than my laptop! The funniest comeback was when I told a man, probably less than his wife's engagement ring, and he said he doubted that, they'd been married a very long time &lt;G&gt;.
Pam

[Stan671]

I think we are a more affluent group than average. Or just more apt to run up our charge cards. &lt;grin&gt;

Most of the people I know would not even consider for a second spending $5,000 on anything, except for a new car or house. $5,000 is a _lot_ of money to the vast majority of people out there.

We have had people visit this forum that said they would not buy a Segway until the price comes down to $500.

Keep in mind that we are not normal people, we are Early Adopters! But I mean that in a good way. &lt;grin&gt;

Stan Dobrowski

[BruceWright]

Stan,

I think that is more a function of the fact that it IS new technology, and nothing that people have been doing without all their lives is seen as a necessity at first.

But look at all the people who consider a $12,000 automobile a necessity. Okay, you say, we're affluent. I know how I was able to afford a car. How does everyone else afford it?

Why isn't owning an automobile seen as extravagant? Or what about TWO automobiles. Hands up all the families in America with TWO or more cars.

Surely THAT is extravagant! Are all those people affluent? Or have they just been sold on the idea that a car is more than just a necessity, it's a way of life -- it's an expression of how macho they are, or how refined their tastes, or how dynamic, how strong, how sexy, how safe, how loving...

People who wouldn't buy a Segway unless it is $500 have already built their life around the automobile until it fits them. I know a guy at work who says that all the time. "If it was $500, I'd get one."

I tell him to get one and ride it to work. He tells me he can't because his commute is 40 miles round trip.

He built his life in such a way so that a car is the only possible solution, so the only use he has for a Segway is a toy. He expects it to have a toy's price.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[Stan671]

quote:Originally posted by BruceWright
But look at all the people who consider a $12,000 automobile a necessity
Only $12K? I guess you have not bought a car in a while. &lt;grin&gt;

quote:Okay, you say, we're affluent. I know how I was able to afford a car. How does everyone else afford it?

My wife drives a 3.5 year old Subaru Outback that we paid over $20K for and I drive a beat-up 1991 Toyota Corolla. We leased both of these cards because be needed the lower monthly payment. I see people driving around in very expensive cars and I have no clue how they afford them.

Maybe I have a crappy car BECAUSE I have 4 computers in the house and a DVD home theatre system, a Segway, lots of gadgets, and, etc. I am spending the same money as someone with a Hummer H2, but just not on a car. I consider the car to be a necessary thing to have, but only for practical reasons. I don't put any prestige into it. Functionality means more to me than form. Except for the new Red Mini Cooper with white bonnet stripes. &lt;grin&gt;

quote:Why isn't owning an automobile seen as extravagant? Or what about TWO automobiles. Hands up all the families in America with TWO or more cars. Surely THAT is extravagant! Are all those people affluent?

I don't see how we could live with only one car - even with a Segway. Between both my wife and I working and the kids doing all kinds of activities, it is a big pain when one car needs to go into the shop for a couple of days.

quote:Or have they just been sold on the idea that a car is more than just a necessity, it's a way of life -- it's an expression of how macho they are, or how refined their tastes, or how dynamic, how strong, how sexy, how safe, how loving...

I am sure that is true for some people and not for others. If my heap of a car is a reflection of anything about my personality, then I am in trouble. &lt;grin&gt;

quote:People who wouldn't buy a Segway unless it is $500 have already built their life around the automobile until it fits them. I know a guy at work who says that all the time. "If it was $500, I'd get one." ... He built his life in such a way so that a car is the only possible solution, so the only use he has for a Segway is a toy. He expects it to have a toy's price

I certainly agree with that. Most people, at first glance, see the Segway as a fancy toy scooter. They don't realize that this is the first scooter that can actually be of practical value as a car replacement for some people. I will probably use my Segway to commute some days, but I will be able to get rid of my car.

Stan Dobrowski

[BruceWright]

Sorry, that 12k for a car was my wife's new Chevy Cavalier, a couple of years ago. Are they more now?

You paid 20k for a Subaru outback, which I wouldn't call extravagant, but you certainly could have bought a Cavalier and used the rest of the money to buy a Segway or two.

Since most of the cars I see on the road are more expensive than the Cavalier, I can plainly see that people aren't too broke to buy a Segway.

Now considering I am going to use my Segway in an attempt to put off the purchase of my next new car, I consider it a partial car-replacement, to be offset in price by future savings.

And the mini cooper..... DROOOL! First place I'm going with my Segway is the Cooper dealership in Universal City, and glide about on the one vehicle in the world cooler than a Mini! Then We'll see if it fits in the boot!

Then I'm going to the Vespa dealership on Ventura and stick out my toungue!

Then I'm going to the Hummer dealership and moon 'em.

(I probably won't do the last one.)

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

[pam]

Oh, why not, Bruce! &lt;G&gt; At 12.5 MPH, you'd still be faster than the fastest streaker that has gone past a television camera. Course, working out the logistics might be .... dicey. &lt;G&gt;
Pam

[numenaster]

Funny that Stan mentions what a pain it is when a car is in the shop--I was just retrieving my car from the shop yesterday and thinking how nice it will be to get the Segway. See, I have to ask my son to give me a lift to drop it off and pick it up, and his '70 Mustang has a leaky sunroof. In Oregon. In winter. My butt was REAL damp when we got to the shop last night. But when the Segway arrives, ah, then! I can stick it in the back seat, drive to the shop, and glide home! I can glide back to the shop the next day and stick it in the back seat to drive home! Even if it rains on me I won't be as damp as I was from riding in that *&@ Mustang.

Numenaster, contemplating a replacement roof gasket for her son's birthday present Friday

[stevew]

After 2 weeks of riding the HT around town with mostly positive impressions from people I got my most 'snarky' comment to date from a dad with his family carrying out a pizza from the local Round Table( in an envious disapproving tone: "It must be nice to have 5 grand!" Bear in mind I live in a county where the median house price is over $600K, and every third car is a Mercedes or luxury SUV so this hit me right out of left field. I politely said "you have to spend your money on something". I later thought of some better responses, feel free to add your own.
(5) Since you know the price, what else can you tell me about the Segway?


(4) How many cars/ motorcycles/ jet skis/ big screen TVs/ season tickets do you own? how much did they cost? Must be nice.

(3) yes it cost 5G, and I earned every penny of it!

(2) Yeah it's great being rich, you should try it!

(1) 5 grand, that's nothing, you should see the upkeep on my jet!

Be prepared with your favorite response, you will certainly get at least one drive-by comment like this!

[cstull]

Honestly, I don't see why HT owners feel bad about the price. It is just a little odd for a perfect stranger to walk up and ask what you paid for something, but I see this as a positive. When is the last time a stranger came up to you and asked ANYTHING?

The HT is a real social animal and people feel really comfortable around you and your HT. Enjoy the social event while it lasts! I have no problem telling people that I paid $5000 for it. If they wince, I tell them that it will go down in price when mass production kicks in like... and they fill in the blank, DVD players, VCR's, etc.

I tell them I bought one of the first VCR's in 1976, a one hour Sony Betamax for $1200. I also bought six one-hour tapes for $50 each. I had to finance the whole thing.

They get it. And they don't feel bad that they might not be able to afford one now, but someday...:)

I like the "more than a scooter and less than a Harley" answer. I told one kid who asked, "forty-nine fifty... and you can decide where the decimal point goes." His eyes got big, and then his dad told him it was a lot more than $50.

Actually, most people I meet already know what it costs.

Craig

[pam]

SteveW: I guess I'd probably say "yes, I had to give up Pizzas for lent for 2 years to get this!"
Pam

[lipinsky]

I tell them that it costs less than the IBM XT when it was announced -- and it has more than 1,000x the compute capacity. I also say that it costs $15,000 less than he average automobile.

[AtlSeg]

Craig,I really agree with your response. I, too, have found that the "less than a Harley" answer puts things into perspective fast. And, I will also look someone in the eye and tell them that "it is all a matter of priorities". I guess the problem is that almost everyone who sees it wants one, but sticker shock sets in for a moment or two.

**** (Richard) in Atlanta

[fredkap]

Richard in Atlanta is exactly correct...it is a matter of priorities, some people will spend 5K on jewelry, some on clothes, some want to keep their money n the bank and some people like the guy stevew saw leaving the pizza parlor will simply be jealous. There is no one correct way for any of us to spend our money. Simply stating that it was our priority to buy a Segway and that we are absolutely happy to be among the first to have one should say it all.

Happy gliding,

Fred

[toybuilder]

quote:Originally posted by fredkap

Richard in Atlanta is exactly correct...it is a matter of priorities, some people will spend 5K on jewelry, some on clothes, some want to keep their money n the bank and some people like the guy stevew saw leaving the pizza parlor will simply be jealous. There is no one correct way for any of us to spend our money. Simply stating that it was our priority to buy a Segway and that we are absolutely happy to be among the first to have one should say it all.

Happy gliding,

Fred

LOL. I told some ladies that asked me about the price that I had the money to spend because I didn't have a family or a girlfriend -- one of them then asked me if I wanted to giver her $20 because she was short some money that night... They must think I'm rich...

http://www.pasadenasegway.com

Do not let yourself be forced into doing anything before you are ready.
— Wilbur Wright

[GarySailor]

With a Segway on order, all my friends ask "How much"
I give the same answer as for my age...
49.95 plus shipping and handling.

[terryp]

Welcome, Gary. Another early adopter from WA! Are you scheduled for orientation next weekend, or are you already gliding?

My HT arrived this morning, and I started charging it a couple hours ago. But I may interrupt the recommended 12 hour initial charge to take advantage of the sunshine today (rain predicted for the next week).

Hope you'll plan on joining us for a group glide in a couple of weeks!

Terry in Kenmore

[cstull]

I was demoing the HT at my daughter's school "science project night" and thought the HT was a good fit. The most popular question at this session was "How much?"

I tried a new answer that seems to work for everyone. I said, "They were just released so they are $5000 right now, but like all technology, they will come down. In a few months they should be, oh, about $12." They giggle and don't feel awkward at all. Some say "I thought they would be even more than $5000" and others would say "I'll wait until they come down."

This answer allows everyone to gracefully react to the price and explains why they are "expensive" right now.

Craig

[Linc2000]

Hey toybuilder! censored reply. Lincoln [8D]

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[Linc2000]

Hey toybuilder! P.S. The censored remark goes to the lady and her $20 remark. Lincoln [8D]

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