Auger Caddy

[Sinnian]

So my neighbor is looking to produce what was formerly know as the Auger Caddy.  In fact he borrowed an IS member's to reverse engineer it.  The maker applied for a patent, but never fell through.

Problem is exactly why the original manufacturer stopped making them.  They are expensive to make AND ship.

So I am trying to gauge what the interest still may be for this.  It is looking like $400 to make with materials and labor (which could go down depending on how many they make), plus around $100 to ship.  There are some modifications to make this better based on what he knows about engineering, and what the IS member has described of his use.

Of course they would sell for more than the $400, because let's face it they want to make money.  At what price do you think the auger caddy goes from need to niche?

Thanks for any feedback!

[mazak730]

I would move on to the next idea...
that takes up more trailer/ truck bed space unless removed, and it looks heavy to maneuver around. I do see it has a flipper hitch on it to haul shanty.

[Sinnian]

I would move on to the next idea...

Thanks!

FWIW it isn't just an auger holder.  You drill your holes with it mounted (bearings so it slides up and down).  Just drive from hole to hole with it running.  Makes drilling 30 holes for you and all your friends quick and easy.

[EatenByLimestone]

I think you'd have to find your niche market.  I'm guessing older guys who have lots of disposable income and have trouble operating their auger... And no fabrication skills.  It doesn't look hard to copy.  Add in a pair of gas struts from a hatchback and it'll lift itself back out of the hole.

[FG Steve]

At what price do you think the auger caddy goes from need to niche?

$200. And even with that it would be very niche=small market.

Be a good friend and ask you buddy why he thinks he can make it go when the former manufacturer couldn't.

IMO

My opinion worth every penny you didn't pay.

[SmellsLikeFishNH]

I think you guys are being a bit short sighted, maybe by the price, but every time I am out with mine or my buddy Jim is out with his we get asked if we are willing to sell ours. If you already have all the other gear and an ATV it just turned your morning from taking 30 minutes to drill all your holes for you and your buddies to all the holes being done and traps set in mere minutes. I never leave home without mine anymore, well that is unless Jeff doesn't return mine ;-) haha

[Vex-Um]

With traditional augers going "out of style" I don't think this would be a lucrative idea.  Not to mention, operating it would require getting on and off the ATV constantly to drill holes.   For a guys that drill 40+ a day, that sounds like a hassle.  It would also be a pain to line up holes for a portable shelter (I can get particular about my ice hole placement in my shack).  Definitely a great idea though. It would definitely help out O.G.s.  Just my .02.

[CrappieGuy]

I will guarantee I can drill holes faster by walking, unless you have 2 people running it.  Too expensive and extra weight/space to carry it.   There is a reason the original company quit making them, poor seller period.

The only market I can see is for old or disabled people.