Quoted from sbmania:It seems to me that Stern runs the risk of heavy cancellations as they continue to push out production dates. I have an EHOH Premium on order which I am excited for. But it was originally scheduled to be produced end of 2021. Now it looks like 12/22. I may well still be excited for it a year from now. But there may also be any number of new CGI or JJP or someone else's offerings between then and now that might change my (and possibly other peoples') priorities. If someone else comes up with the next great pin, Stern could lose out big. I would be a little worried about that if I was in Stern management. Then again, if all manufacturers are in the same boat, maybe it's no big deal.
I think they've got enough business at this point that the loss would have to be pretty significant to matter.
I'm pretty new to the pinball world but it's clear to me Stern has found a formula that works for the majority of players in this hobby. Their machines get a ton of hype, they have access to exciting licenses and they have a dedicated core fanbase.
I think their biggest loss is opportunity cost in that they could be selling more units per year. Things would have to slide considerably before they lose their core customer base. It sounds like parts really are holding them back though. With the amount of business they have you'd think they would have expanded their line more, but maybe it's just not possible at this point?