5 replies to this topic

[srockman]

I have repaired my own dryer many times, and several washing machines, as well. It seems that the washers are much more complicated than the dryers, but the purchase price of them is fairly close. In other words, the dryer costs about 90% as much as the washer, but has 30% of the complexity.

Other than liability issues, I can't think of a reason why this is so.

Any ideas?

[nickfixit]

I'm positive they make better profit margins on the dryers. They just charge what they think they can get. I don't think they want the dryer prices to fall too far behind the washer price. Maybe it makes it easier to sell matched sets.

Nick

[longtimer]

Your first mistake is to infer manufacturing cost determines selling price. They are not linked like you think and seldom are. Market determines selling price and profitability determines selection and availability. Simple econ 101

[azasadny]

I think most customers buy both washer and dryer at the same time, so making a bigger profit on the dryer makes sense (to the manufacturer/retailer), I guess...

[RegUS_PatOff]

nowdays the Dryer "list" is about the same price as the Washer.

maybe so they can "discount" the Dryer "if purchased at the same time".

Years ago, the Dryer didn't "list" as high and they stil discounted it "if purchased at the same time".


And then there's the Pedestals ...
 

[Jimi]

Prices are determed by supply and demand. If they sell it for to much nobody buys it. They find the correct price eventually