Folding wheel chair seats

[sofadoc]

I seldom do these, since you can order them so cheaply online.

But I have recently established a new relationship with a nearby healthcare facility. And unlike most, the project manager isn't so cheap-ass.

He has a ton of work for me, and he hasn't attempted to negotiate any of my pricing so far.

He has always ordered the replacement seats for folding wheel chairs online. But they tear easily. He said with each passing year, the average patient is creeping closer to 300 lbs.

I have no problem with making him some replacement seats that will certainly hold a lot more weight than the $20 ones you can buy from places like Amazon.

What I'm asking is...........where do I draw the line? If I make them TOO good, they will cost over twice as much as the Amazon seats.

On a product like this, is there a fine line between quality at a reasonable price, and price at reasonable quality?

I have made one prototype. For the liner, I used a 16 oz. mesh vinyl (similar to "Tuff-stuff"), and 1/4" sew foam sewn in to heavy black vinyl cover.

I figure I can fill his order of 50 at a price of $30 each. There is about $10 worth of vinyl and foam in each one, and once I get rolling, they shouldn't take more than 15 minutes apiece to make.

Does this sound reasonable?

[gene]

You could make two prototypes and give him a choice. Better quality than what he is paying now at a higher price. Even better quality at an even higher price than what he is paying now.

I would keep it to only two choices.

If you give him a choice, be prepared for him choosing both - one for skinny asses and one for fat asses.

gene

[SteveA]

If my name was on it - I do it the best way I know how. 
SA

[Bob T]

50 at $30 each is small change in the healthcare industry.  For him, the seats are a maintenance headache that he wants to go away.  I like the two choice idea.  Don't be surprised if he chooses the more expensive option.

[sofadoc]

I like the two choice idea.

So do I.
Sometimes, Gene uses his head for something besides a hat rack.

[Mike]

my dad was in a wheelchair he used to get a geltype cushion so no preasure point to create a skin sore. they were not cheap as I recall