Manufacturing, the expensive way!

[Harachte]

It might be just a calculation error on my part,
but I think some manufacturing needs and/or resource prices aren't properly balanced...

I just researched the first step of the cargo module to be able to produce it;
when checking the necessary resources it showed:

20m³ Iron-nickel + 5m³ Aluminum + 16m³ Nitrogen

Current prices for these resources are (resp.): $24, $80 and $24/m³
This adds up to:

20m³*$24/m³ + 5m³*$80/m³ + 16m³*$24/m³ = $480 + $400 + $384 = $1264

While I can buy the same module for $1000 at the SOL Ship Maintenance;
so I lose $264 by producing it myself?!? 

Or have I overlooked something? 

[SirEmi]

The SOL prices for minerals / gases when buying in Earth orbit are more then when selling the resources.

Taking the default prices, the production cost should be equal to the value listed. It's not worth it to produce Mk I modules that you find in SOL orbit, but mark II and up and advanced modules should be profitable once the auction is in place and you may be able to get good markup prices for high-tech modules.

[Harachte]

Taking the default prices, the production cost should be equal to the value listed.

Al do respect, but that just doesn't make sense...

One of the basic rules of economics: selling price = [(cost of resources) + (labour cost)] + 50% (or so) profit margin
If not applied you'll go bankrupt within a year...

In any case; producing a (high tech) product yourself should always be cheaper than buying it from someone else!


P.S.: on hinesight this might not have been the best place to put this topic; perhaps move it to 'general'? (not a real bug)

[Lovelace]

I actually think it IS a real 'problem'. But I also think it has been coded like that deliberately; and also, therefor (also when looking at the other games siremi made) think our beloved developer has no clue whatsoever about economics. (but do correct me if i'm wrong siremi!).

[Sheb]

Well, it could represent the fact that Earth-based factories are much more efficient than your ship's shop.