I'll play.
From corresponding with AB, this is how the system works, as near as I can figure.
So, AB, Coors, Miller has X number of kegs built by Company A. After some period of time, presuming they aren't wrecked during normal service, they are inspected. At some point, someone decides that it is time to replace the keg. They sell it to a third party vendor, (e.g. Sabco). Said Vendor refurbishes the keg, makes the mods and sells them used ~$130.00.
I've read a lot of threads around this and most of the people say that it cost much more than $30.00 for AB to buy the keg. But, I've never seen anyone that really knows, post a price. Is this a fact or an opinion? Let's do the math.
I was paying $1.00 a pound for scrap 300 series steel. (I realize that they don't use scrap I am only using that for a starting point). So, a keg weighs ~ 27 - 30lbs
The Welders on here vary the price a lot but the quotes I got said from $20 to $70.
Couplings off eBay for 10, $15, so for 2 $3.00.
For a rough total of $75
Now, everyone in the chain has to make a living, so what's the mark up? I would like for someone "in the business" of dealing with the keg industry step in and give us a price. I am not advocating keeping kegs. I just want to know the facts. That will give us all a better bargaining position.
As we are all aware, this board is notorious for stating belief as fact and on occasion, attacking different/new ideas. If someone has posted a price, I appologize for missing it, but apparently, several others did too, and maybe it can be reposted. Let's frolic - Dwain