4 ms·
If "DRM'ing" cups was anti-competitive why haven't there been any third-party making cheap keurig-like machines for use with the cups on which the patent expire
by cududa 12y ago
If "DRM'ing" cups was anti-competitive why haven't there been any third-party making cheap keurig-like machines for use with the cups on which the patent expired?
- Vendan 12y agoThere's tons. My wife found one for about $20 that also has a fancy basket thing, so we don't even need the "reusable coffee pod" junk for normal coffee
- colinbartlett 12y agoBecause there's no money in the machine. The profit comes entitely from the coffee pods.
- FollowSteph3 12y agoThen the price for "standard" or "compatible" machines need to increase. A company who offered this could potentially make some good money...
- dllthomas 12y agoOnly if they are able to convince people that paying more up front is worth while for cheaper cups. That's always been a tough sell, even if it's correct.
- colinbartlett 12y agoIt seems like American consumers especially, have a hard time with the "higher upfront for cheaper in the long run" way of thinking. Look at all these cell phone companies that lock consumers into a two year contract with a much higher monthly premium than an alternative prepaid service. $200 phone + $100/month is somehow much more palatable than $800 phone + $50/month.
- jaak 12y agoThere are some K-cup compatible machines available (like http://www.amazon.com/MCU-Single-Multi-Use-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B009PLQ5H2 http://www.amazon.com/MCU-Single-Multi-Use-Coffee-Brewer/dp/... ). I think the reason you don't hear about them much is Keurig really dominates the market.
- girvo 12y agoHere in Australia, there is, at least we have one at home. No idea what brand it is, but the cups are different to a regular keurig, and far easier to find (and cheap!)