Criticized for overpriced parts, company gives away 3d schematics instead

Re:Criticized for overpriced parts, company gives away 3d sc... by voltagex_ on Monday September 24, 2012 @11:29PM (#4568420)

Now if only I could convince the wheelchair industry to do the same.

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Re:Criticized for overpriced parts, company gives away 3d sc... by dcaldwell on Monday September 24, 2012 @11:57PM (#4568495)

Can you explain what your problems are with the wheelchair industry in regards to parts? I'm actually very curious.

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Re:Criticized for overpriced parts, company gives away 3d sc... by voltagex_ on Tuesday September 25, 2012 @12:42AM (#4568611)

Just off the top of my head:

* One manufacturer and one manufacturer only of the parts for my particular wheelchair (A Quickie GTX by Sunrise Medical)

* High prices as customers often don't have any other options

* Occasionally the company won't deal with me as I'm only ordering 1 or 2 parts at a time, not hundreds

* Proprietary parts requiring complicated installation - unfortunately I can't direct link but have a look at any of the front brace/fork assemblies on http://www.sunparts.us/

* Slow shipping times from the US to Australia, requiring me to plan ahead for any future damage/repairs!

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Re:Criticized for overpriced parts, company gives away 3d sc... by alexchamberlain on Tuesday September 25, 2012 @02:57AM (#4569026)

You need an open source wheelchair.

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Re:Criticized for overpriced parts, company gives away 3d sc... by bobbles on Tuesday September 25, 2012 @03:08AM (#4569051)

Theres a startup idea if I ever heard one

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