MAS Alternative?

[ReaderScars]

Seeing as the Manufacturing Advisory Service isn't taking enquiries, are there any alternatives/services that can be approached to discuss component costs of an item I'm considering making up. Rather than business start up agencies, I'd like to speak to someone impartial with a background in machining metals, costing them - that sort of thing.

All of the components I'm using are off the shelf but some aren't available at any sort of wholesale price and therefore drive the potential end retail price up.

Basically I want to see which components can be fabricated easily and cheaply in the event my prototypes prove a market.

[BGARK]

ReaderScars said:

Seeing as the Manufacturing Advisory Service isn't taking enquiries, are there any alternatives/services that can be approached to discuss component costs of an item I'm considering making up. Rather than business start up agencies, I'd like to speak to someone impartial with a background in machining metals, costing them - that sort of thing.

All of the components I'm using are off the shelf but some aren't available at any sort of wholesale price and therefore drive the potential end retail price up.

Basically I want to see which components can be fabricated easily and cheaply in the event my prototypes prove a market.

I am not clear how MAS would help on this, my experiences were always poor with them.

Why don't you send a part drawing to a suitable company and simply ask for a quote on say 50, 500, 1000pcs and see what they say, at least you would have a guideline to start from?

If you get stuck I have a lot of contacts in this area.

[ReaderScars]

Thanks, that would be a way forward. If I can't get a seasoned pro from the metal fabricating industry to give a rough guide I'll start getting individual quotes in of the different parts as you suggest.