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@thepodge
Right, there are a couple of different issues here, I'll keep its short or I'll end up ranting for weeks, this is by far not a comprehensive list of all things that go on there.
OO branded products are cheap because they made cheaply. The early Inbred (26 & 29) had notoriously thin paint because suppliers original prices wouldn't be met, this led to rust marks under the gussets straight out of the box & the 853 frames rusted through at the seat stay wishbone. They also go through minimal revisions, known errors or problems are addressed when its economical to do so, not every year or even ever repeat order like many other companies. Its also economies of scale, smaller companies cannot afford to order the volume that OO can and hence get a higher supply price.
A chunk of none OO branded products are grey imports from the EU, this was most evident when a shipment of brakes turned up and were all the wrong (EU) way round. Actually this was most evident when I gave the go-ahead to order them. Some are even used products, case in point: the RS SID world cup forks that came with cut carbon steerers, crown races fitted and in non standard colours. Interestingly a number of suppliers and distributors will not service or warranty any grey imports.
OO saves money in the general company by missing out the middle man in shops and using Netto style "stock them high / sell them cheap" policies. They also save money by making everyone self employed which means no sick / holiday pay, no tax / national insurance no workers rights and in my case no pay for the last 2 weeks I worked there because "I didn't do anything" despite many customer emails & packed boxes to the contrary. While I worked there, we didn't even have enough desks let alone enough computers (I was told to bring my own from home). They also treat their staff like poop knowing that there will be another eager but naive person who'll jump at the opportunity to work in the bike industry.
What annoys me most (other than not being paid) is that people bum them to high heaven but any other company with similar business and working practices (Tesco comes to mind) is shouted down.
I doubt Brant / Shedfire / Ragley / CRC are concerned with sales of 50 units, they have much bigger projects to be dealing with, OO used to order double that quantity per size each time.
I could however recreate a pomp perfectly, with added polo tweaks, if anyone wants more info PM me.