there’s a lesson in world economics here too.
It’s very likely that, given the scale of the Chinese vs. US economy, yes, the true value of the unit IS $150. Ladder markets it for America on OUR economic scale.
I know, I know, it sounds bizarre, but I had this happen once when stationed in Cambodia in 1992. I wanted to buy a pair of Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses in the central market and spent a good 20 minutes haggling, finally paying the man $36 (he turned and handed $1 USD to a buddhist monk standing by - for good karma… we’d call it tithing). I thouight I got SUCH a great deal as the EXACT same glasses back in Honolulu were selling at $175+.
Years later I showed these to an optician (B&L seller) who verified that yes, they were B&L Ray-Bans (I still had my doubts), optically flawless. My son wears them now.
But why so cheap? $36 in Cambodia at the time wasn’t cheap, it was like a month’s wages for some folks. B&L cranked out product, distributed it worldwide, their income averaged out to a net gain. If they were priced everywhere at the Honolulu (or Beverly Hills) price, they wouldn’t sell ANY and their workers would go hungry.
OH, and thanks for bringing this up. Ladder WAS on my list for consideration until I read your post.