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We're Not Selling Out
by Aaron Smith on Wednesday, May 16 2007I just wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone that we're not up for sale. We've never been sold, we're not being sold, and I don't expect that we ever will be sold. It's just not how we do things. That's not a slam against anyone else, mind you -- this is a very competitive market, and everyone has different ideas on how to be successful. For example, we believe that high quality products and services result in satisfied and successful customers, resulting in positive business growth. But we're crazy that way. So far, our model is working well (although convincing the befuddled, self-proclaimed "experts" in charge of purchasing AT products who believe that the cost of a product is relative to its usefulness -- if it's more expensive, it must be better -- of their ignorance can be challenging. But I digress).
Recently, several AT companies have indicated they aren't where they think they should be financially, and are selling out to the highest bidder. I've seen posts from concerned customers asking, "What is this going to do to the AT market?" No one knows for sure. But I put forward this curious thought: when was the last time you saw a company go through buyout after buyout, and still produce quality, customer oriented products?
Don't get me wrong; I'm not against publicly traded businesses. But business decisions for the benefit of stock holders rarely have the customer's best interest in mind. That goes against our core beliefs, and it's probably the first of many good reasons why we aren't publicly traded. Once product development decisions start being made for the almighty dollar, a philosophy shift occurs. I won't compare to selling your soul. Well, ok, yeah I will. It's like selling your soul: exchanging your morals and principles for something much less valuable.
But, as I stated earlier, the AT market is very competitive, and that's a good thing for consumers. And these buyouts aren't necessairly a bad thing. If they increase capital to promote development of products that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, then that's terriffic. Time will tell whether these buyouts benefit anyone other than the people profiting from the sales.
