Timbuk2 is a San Francisco company that makes a variety of messenger , cyclist laptop bag and face mask. The company,s website (Timbuk2.com ) allows customers to design their own size, color and fabric bags and face masks with specific features and accessories; then the company sews the bags and face masks to the customers specifications.

a. Visit the company, web site and custom-design a bag. Compare quoted price with a bag of similar quality and features at a local store. Explain whether you think the Timbuk2 bag is a good value.

b. Why would Timbuk2 be able to produce custom-messenger bags for almost the same cost as mass-produced ones?

c. Would you expect the quality of the custom - produced messenger bags to be higher or lower than the mass -produced ones ? Discuss the rationale for answer.

d. Why would the custom-made messenger bags show a high profit margin ?