To be honest I’m not sure on the chain, it was a service that my Dad arranged as a gift. Having unwrapped the saw a few weeks ago for the first time since the service it did look like new but I can’t be sure. I do know that it’s razor sharp.
Anyway, the point I was trying to make at the time was that a service (with/without a new chain) is the same cost as a whole new electric chainsaw (motor, guide etc) - where is the incentive to maintain, let alone repair or re-use?
I recently took a pair of Clarks shoes to be re-soled and guess what, the re-heel and re-sole cost as much as it did to buy the shoes in the first place! It’s only worth it because they are a) very comfortable and b) I particularly like the leather on the uppers.
What Trevor has raised is a very valid point that Mark Rimmer has also spotted,
the high labour costs in Southern England (required by the housing costs) mean that even if you think you have a good salary, the higher housing costs and servicing costs (anything you spend that has a labour cost) mean you are churning money very quickly just to stand still.
Could be why I want to get to France ASAP!!!