Actually 175 isn't too bad compared to the Baracuta nonsense. It isn't cheap to make here..
But what if they were mass produced in the UK (or US)? It would be more expensive maybe than China, but would it be double or triple the price retail?
I'm always wondering about this, I know brands like FP are owned by big conglomerates, who want to maximize profit, but at what point is it just price gouging...
I'm no expert on China as we don't make anything there but I would expect a jacket like that to be maybe half to two thirds the cost to make in China than the UK. Although this would be on a very large production. I don't think you would get such a good deal from China if you were only making 1000 jackets. Also, even though there is quality from china it still doesn't often match european production.
You need to almost double retail price on low production, made in uk products that look similar to mass produced chinese stuff due to the manufacturing cost, but long term the items are often worth the extra cash. Smedley is probably a good example.
So the FP jacket is not really too bad, considering their overheads etc. If it said JTG on it instead of the FP logo I would still struggle to get half the money, even if it was the same jacket. Power of branding eh. The Baracuta for nearly 300 quid is in my opinion just overpriced hipster stuff. They have done a great job of making a basic jacket very desirable to a trendy crowd, well done them. Don't get me wrong though. the Baracuta is a lovely well made , great looking jacket but overpriced, in my humble opinion.
