Thread: Why do some Japanese stones cost so much more than others of the same size?

Originally Posted by gugi

Well, you are running the exact same business, so may be you could start by explaining your pricing structure.
Why are you charging for some stones many times what you are charging for other stones?

It seems to me that asking people to speculate on why somebody does something, while not explaining why are you doing that thing is rather peculiar.

Or am I missing something here and your question is not really a question?

I was working with the assumption that Alex wanted to start the topic, so as to get people educated. I bet he gets lots and lots of people asking "why is THIS stone so much more money than THAT stone?"
I get the same thing with my wine. Sure, you can buy cheaper, but just because its the same style of wine, doesnt mean its the same quality!

Originally Posted by Magpie

I was working with the assumption that Alex wanted to start the topic, so as to get people educated.

Yes, but the way he's started it doesn't really fit that. He is asking for people to speculate about something, instead of offering his knowledge on the subject.

There are many threads on this forum where people ask these same questions because they want to know the answer. Answering them with the knowledge you have seems to me like far more simple, straightforward and effective, than starting another one by asking a question you should have a decent answer for.

Imagine if all the vendors of shaving equipment start threads of the same sort:

'There are so many razors out there and some cost 20-30 times what others do - why?' -- mr razor seller
'There are so many strops - some cost as little as $5 others $500 - why?' -- mr stropmaker
'There are so many creams and soaps - some are just $0.99, others are $50 - why?' -- mr wonder shaving cream

Hello Gugi

I started the topic because I simply am truly interested in what other members percieve to be the reason why two stones of the same size can vary so much in price at the retail level. There is no mystery in my intentions here, I am just curious.

As a simple member here I have been hesitant to add to the post much further because of the protocol regarding self-advertising. My question, and it did end with a question mark, was really just that, a question.

What the other members have posted follows much of my understanding as to how stones are marked-up along the way from miner to user, it is a lot like the Safeway grocery selling you cabbages, they don't grow them themselves they are just a cog in the wheel.

There are physical characteristics in stones that everyone in Japan follows along the path when grading stones, and I would not mind chiming in regarding those if you like.

I hope this helps some how. with best regards, Alx